JPH04200181A - Printer built-in camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To surely print recording images by a selected printing system by constituting the above camera in such a manner that several kinds of ink ribbons and several kinds of recording paper corresponding to the ink ribbons can be loaded and the combinations of the ink ribbon and the recording paper are fitted in. CONSTITUTION:This camera is so constituted that various kinds of the ink ribbons and the recording paper can be attached and detached to and from the camera. The kind of the mounted ink ribbon and the kind of the mounted recording paper are discriminated by an ink ribbon feed block 405 and a paper feed block 404. Whether the combination of the discriminated kind of the ink ribbon and the kind of the recording paper is adaptable as one printing system or not is discriminated by a sensor input circuit 402. If the combination of the ink ribbon and the recording paper is judged to be inadequate, this effect is displayed and is announced to an operator.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a camera capable of printing out captured images, and particularly to a camera with a built-in printer that can be applied to various printing methods.

[Conventional technology]

Images taken with a camera need to be developed or played back on a TV, but these methods have the disadvantage that the images cannot be viewed on the spot.

For this reason, cameras with built-in printers have now been devised and are even commercially available.

For example, once an image obtained with an electronic camera is recorded,
A camera with a printer has been proposed in which the recorded image is printed on a built-in recording paper, thereby making it possible to print out the image after the photograph has been taken (Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 189785/1983). Furthermore, there are commercially available thermal cameras with built-in printers that can print out captured images on the spot.

Furthermore, a thermal recording apparatus for printing color images in which two printing methods, sublimation printing and melting printing, can be switched has been proposed (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-26771).

[Problem to be solved by the invention]

In the camera with a printer described in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 61-189785 and the camera with a built-in printer on the market, one type of printing method, for example, a thermal transfer type, is adopted, but it is possible to switch from this printing method to another method. It has no concept, and therefore no structure for it.

゛Also, the thermal recording device described in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2-26771 is capable of switching between two printing methods, sublimation type and melting type, but this is because the recording paper corresponding to the attached ink ribbon is It is only used to display a paper out display when the corresponding recording paper is selected or when the corresponding recording paper is not loaded, and is not intended to judge the compatibility between the ink ribbon and the recording paper.

Further, this thermal recording device mainly prints out color images from a computer, and is not directly related to a camera, and therefore does not have a structure that can be built into a camera.

The present invention has been made in view of the above, and it determines whether or not an ink ribbon and recording paper are compatible with various printing methods selected from an image photographed by a camera, and the ink ribbon and recording paper are compatible. An object of the present invention is to provide a camera with a built-in printer that can suitably print out photographed images under the following conditions.

[Means to solve the problem]

The present invention is a camera with a built-in printer that can be loaded with several types of ink ribbons and several types of recording paper, and includes a first discriminating means for discriminating the type of ink ribbon, and a second discriminating means for discriminating the type of recording paper. The apparatus includes a determining means and a third determining means for determining whether or not the combination of the ink ribbon and the recording paper is appropriate based on the determination results of the first and second determining means.

Further, a display means may be provided that displays a message to that effect when the combination of the ink ribbon and the recording paper is determined to be incompatible by the third determination means.

[Effect]

According to the present invention, various ink ribbons and recording papers can be removed from the camera.

First, the type of ink ribbon attached and the type of recording paper attached are determined. Then, the combination of the above-determined ink ribbon type and recording paper type is 1.
It is determined whether or not the printing method is suitable as one of the two printing methods.

Furthermore, if the combination of the ink ribbon and recording paper is determined to be incompatible, a display to that effect is displayed and the operator is notified.

〔Example〕

FIG. 3 is an overall perspective view of a camera with a built-in printer according to the present invention.

In the figure, 1 is a camera body, and 2 is a printer case that is detachably attached to the camera body 1 and has built-in components necessary for print operations, as will be described later.

The front part of the camera body 1 includes a photographing lens 3, a finder window 4, and an AF for automatic focus detection (hereinafter referred to as AF).
A light projector 5, a flash 6, and a release/print start button 7 are provided.

Furthermore, the following various operating members are arranged on the top surface of the camera body 1. That is, the mode changeover switch 8 is used to change over the rOFFJ, "record", "playback", and "print" modes.

The protect switch 9 prevents the recorded image once recorded from being erased by careless operation. The multi-switch 10 outputs a recorded image as a multi-image. The flash emission mode selector switch 11 sets the flash 6 to “non-emission (OFF)” and “automatic emission (AUT)”.
O)J and [forced light emission (ON)j] modes. The date setting switch 12 is used to enable setting of the photographing date and time. Each time the photographing mode changeover switch 13 is turned on, the photographing mode can be changed to single photographing, self-portrait photographing, or continuous photographing.

Access buttons 14 and 15 are for accessing recorded images, and each time you access them, the recorded images advance (UP).
), or reversed (DOWN). The macro/binarization mode switching switch 16 is used to switch between a macro photography mode and a binarization mode by sliding the switch in the left and right directions. The display 17 is composed of, for example, an LCD or the like, and displays the date, the frame number at the time of photographing or printing, and other setting mode contents. Memory card slot 1
8 is an insertion port formed in a slit shape, and is inserted into the camera body 1.
This is for inserting an external recording medium (hereinafter referred to as a memory card) into the memory card. TV specific output terminal 19 This terminal is provided at a suitable position on the front surface of the camera body 1 and enables connection to a TV. 11 The release button 20 is operated when the print case 2 is attached or removed. The recording paper insertion slot 21 is for introducing cut sheet type recording paper into the printer in the printer case 2.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the entire camera.

A system controller (hereinafter referred to as CPU) 100 controls the entire operation of the camera including printing operations. A subject image formed through the photographing lens 3 is captured by a solid-state III image device (hereinafter referred to as COD) 101, and an output image signal from the CCD 101 is processed by a signal processing section 102. Details of this signal processing section 102 will be described later. The photographing lens 3 is driven and controlled by the lens driving section 103 so as to be in focus based on the distance measurement result. The distance measuring section 104 determines the distance to the subject using, for example, a phase difference detection method, and the amount of driving of the photographing lens 3 by the lens driving section 103 is calculated from this distance measurement data. . The photometry unit 105 measures 11 degrees of the subject and sends the photometry data to the CPU.
100. The exposure control unit 106 receives data on exposure time (shutter speed) TV and aperture IAV from the CPU 100, which are obtained based on distance measurement and photometry results, and controls the exposure of the camera. Display section 10
7 consists of the display 17 and a part for driving the display 17. The flash unit 108 is controlled by the promotion control for charging and light emission control signals from the CPU 100, and causes the flash 6 to emit light. Power supply part 1
09 is a predetermined high voltage to the CCD 101, and the CPU 10
0 and other circuit sections are supplied with power at a predetermined level of voltage. Details of this power supply section 109 will be described later.

Battery check circuit (hereinafter referred to as 80 circuit) 110
is connected to the main power battery FB in the power supply unit 109, and detects the capacity of the main power battery EB. This detection result is output to cpuioo. The printer section 111 is driven by the CPU 100 and prints out the output image signal from the signal processing section 102 onto recording paper, and the details will be described later. The memory card 112 is detachable from the camera body 1, e.g.
It is a recording medium that can record a plurality of screens consisting of M or the like. Note that vou''r corresponds to the TV specific output terminal 9.

Next, the switches SOFF-8MODE will be explained.

5OFF: Turns on when the mode selector switch 8 is in the [○FFJ position, disabling the camera.

5REC: Turns on when the mode selector switch 8 is in the "record" position, enabling the camera to take pictures.

5REP: Turns on when the mode selector switch 8 is in the "playback" position, enabling playback on a TV or the like.

5PRI: Turns on when the mode selector switch 8 is in the "print" position and enables printing out of recorded images.

SL Nirreise/Print start button 7 is turned on by pressing the first step and the image preparation operation is performed.

S2 Turns on by pressing the Nirerise/print start button 7 two times, and performs exposure operation in recording mode.

Note that the switches S+ and S2 perform a printing operation in the print mode.

Sup: Turns on every time the access button 14 is pressed, and sequentially advances and reproduces recorded images.

5DOWN: Turns on every time the access button 15 is pressed, and performs reverse playback of recorded images.

5pRo: The recorded image is alternately protected and unprotected every time the protect switch 9 is pressed.

SMAL: Corresponds to the multi-switch 10, which enables multiple outputs when turned on.SMAC: A macro switch that turns on when the macro/binarization mode selector switch 16 is pressed, and a macro lens (not shown) is inserted on the optical axis. and enables macro photography.

5M0NO: Turns on when the macro/binarization mode selector switch 16 is pressed and slid to enable text shooting, etc. 5CARD: Turns on when a memory card is inserted. .

SFL: Turns on when the flash mode changeover switch 11 is pressed, and cyclically switches between non-flash, automatic flash, and forced flash modes. 5ADJ: Corresponds to the date setting switch 12.

5M0DE: Turns on every time the shadow mode changeover switch 13 is pressed, and the modes of single shooting, selfie, and continuous shooting are switched cyclically.

FIGS. 2(A), (B), and (C) are diagrams showing the power supply relationship of the camera with a built-in printer, and FIG.
A diagram showing the configuration of 09 and its power supply relationship, (B)
is a diagram showing a control line between the CPU 100 and the DC/DC converter 200, and (C) is a diagram showing the power supply relationship within the camera unit 203.

In FIGS. 2(A) and (B), EB is the main power battery, EC is the camera unit 203, and the memory 204 in the camera body 1 (corresponding to the memory 311 and 312 in FIG. 4(B)).
and a battery for backing up the memory card 112. 200 is a DC/DC converter, and the CPU
Printer unit 111 by control signal DCON from 100
High voltage E1 (e.g. 24v) for head drive, l
Voltage E for driving CCD 101 in image section 202
2 (for example, 15 V) and a voltage E3 for driving the photographing lens 3 and the like in the camera unit 203 are generated and supplied respectively. The control signal DCON consists of a 2-bit signal,
As shown in FIG. 3B, the signal is sent from CPLllol to the DC/DC converter 202 via two control lines. Table 1 shows the command contents of the control signal DCON. "00" stops the operation of the DC/DC converter 202, and applies the driving voltage to all of the printer section 111, image pickup section 202, and camera section 203. is not supplied. Further, "01" causes voltage E3 to be generated and supplied only to the camera unit 203, "10" causes voltages E2 and EB to be generated,
are supplied to the imaging unit 202 and camera unit 203, respectively, and
11'' generates a voltage E1°EB and supplies it to the printer section 111 and camera section 203, respectively.

(Hereinafter, blank spaces) Table 1 Returning to FIG. 2 (A>), 201 is a 5V regulator, for example, which supplies driving voltage to the CPU 101, display unit 107, etc. in the camera unit 203, and also supplies power to the camera body 1. Voltage is supplied to the memory 204 and memory card 112 of the memory 204 and the memory card 112.The flash unit 108 also has a main power supply battery E.
Power is directly supplied from B, and main capacitor C is charged.

Each part constituting the camera unit 203 is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2, power is supplied from the regulator 201 to the liquid crystal display section of the display section 107 and the CPLlloo, which have low power consumption and can be driven at low voltage. Photometry section 105
, a part of the exposure control section 106 and the display section 107 has DC/
Power is supplied from the DC converter 200, and power is directly supplied from the power source battery EB to the lens driving section 103, which has a large load current.

FIGS. 4(A) and 4(B) are block diagrams showing details of the signal processing section 102.

In the same figure (A>), CCD10I is R,G.

It is a color image sensor having a B stripe filter, and is driven by a COD driver 301.

C0D-TG302 is a timing generator that supplies control signals and control pulses to each circuit in this block based on the control signal from cpuioo.
The OD driver 301 has an image signal readout driving clock φ.
Outputs V and φH.

The COD driver 301 controls the amount of charge accumulated in the CCD 101 by controlling the start of charge accumulation in the CCD 101 and the readout of the accumulated charges based on the clocks φ■ and φH. In addition, C0D-TG302 is the CD530 described later.
3, and a clock pulse GK to other circuits.

The CD5303 performs sampling for double correlation on the output image signal from the CCD 101.

GC 304 is a gain controller, and the gain-controlled image signal is converted from an analog signal to a digital signal by an A/D converter 305. WB processing circuit 30
6 performs data conversion on the image signal using a predetermined conversion table based on color temperature information from a white balance (WB) sensor (not shown). γ correction circuit 307
The above-mentioned color-converted image signal is further subjected to data conversion for gradation correction using a predetermined conversion table. The process circuit 308 and matrix circuit 309 are for creating image signals for each color of R, G, and B from the image signals.

Next, in the same figure (B), a memory 311 and a memory 312 are used to store each of the R, G, and B image signals from the matrix circuit 309, and have a storage capacity for at least one screen. .

The address generation circuit 310 takes in image signals from the CCD 101 to the memories 311 and 312, and the memory 311.
312, writing the image signal to the memory card 112, and outputting the control signal necessary for the chip select signal and writing and read address writing and reading operations at the time of reading. .

The data selector and compression/expansion unit 313 performs data compression when writing an image signal to the memory card 112 and data expansion when reading an image signal from the memory card 112, and also selects data to be written or read. It is something.

Further, the CPU 100. Data input/output between the address generation circuit 310, data selector/compression/expansion section 313, and memory card 112 is provided via an interface (hereinafter referred to as
This is done via a card I/F) 314. TVV
The power signal processing circuit 315 converts the image signal taken in by the reproduction write clock from the address generation circuit 310 into a TV signal.
It performs image processing for reproduction, and the processed video signal is stored in an internal video memory (not shown). This T
The VV power signal processing unit 315 generates a low-band luminance signal Y and a color difference signal C from each of the R, G, and B image signals.

The D/A converters 316 and 317 convert the digital low-range luminance signal Y and color difference signal C read out from the video memory in the TVV power signal processing section 315 into analog low-range brightness signal YouT and color difference signal C0UT, respectively. The signal is outputted to a TV (not shown) via a TV output terminal 19. The oscillator 318 generates a read clock for reproduction and also sends an output clock signal to the D/A converters 316 and 317.

The multi-playback controller 319 generates a playback image for multi-playback, and the generated multi-image is temporarily stored in the multi-playback video memory 320.

Next, the operations of the above-mentioned blocks will be explained separately for photographic recording, recording on a memory card, TV playback, printout, and multi-processing.

(1) When the release/print start button 7 is pressed with the shooting/recording mode selector switch 8 set to recording mode,
The CPU 101 outputs a control signal to the CCD-TG 302 to control the storage time of the CCD 101. That is, the CPU 100 drives the photometry unit 105 to perform photometry, controls the aperture based on the aperture value AV obtained from the photometry result, and further outputs a shutter control signal to the C0D-TG 302 in accordance with the exposure time Tv. . In addition,
CCD101 to increase light utilization and obtain high resolution
In the case where two consecutive exposures are performed using an electronic shutter and a mechanical shutter by swinging the shutter, the CPU 100 controls each exposure time.

During the exposure, the CPLJ 100 outputs a memory select signal to the address generation circuit 310 to select a memory to capture the image signal. The address generation circuit 310 is
In response to the memory select signal from PU 100, chip select signals C8I and C82 are sent to each memory 311 and 312.
Send out. In addition, CPLlloo is connected to the address generation circuit 31 so that the image signal from the CCD 101 can be written.
The R/W signal from 0 is output to the memories 311 and 312.

Thereafter, when the exposure is completed, reading of an image signal is started from the CCV 101, and this read image signal is selected by a write address generated based on a capture start signal and a write clock WCK. are sequentially written to memory. When writing of the image signal is completed, the address generation circuit 310 sends a capture end signal to the CPLI 10.
0, and the CPU 100 receives this capture end signal and stops the write operation to the selected memory.

Also, when importing the image signal stored in the memory card 112 into one of the memories 311 and 312, the C
The PLI 100 selects the memory from which the image signal is to be taken in, from the address generation circuit 310 to the memories 311 and 3.
12 to send out chip select signals C81 and C82. In this way, the image signal is captured from the memory card 112 into the selected memory. Then, when the capture of the image signal is completed, the CPU 100 receives the capture completion signal from the address generation circuit 310 and stops the write operation to the selected memory, as described above.

In addition, if there is a manual instruction after image signal acquisition is complete,
As will be described later, the captured image signal can be outputted as output light based on the above instruction content.

(2) Recording to memory card The image signal written to the memory as described above can be transferred and stored in the memory card 112 as necessary. C
PLJloo uses the memory card 1 as the output light of the image signal.
12 is selected, data management/search information such as the number of frames used is read out from the memory card 112, and a write start address to the memory card 112 is determined from this content. Then, depending on the output start signal,
The image signal is read from one of the memories 311 and 312 and guided to the data selector and compression/expansion section 313.

The data selector and compression/expansion unit 313 converts the input image signal into a low-range luminance signal Y1 and a color difference signal C, and then
For example, ADCT
Compression processing is performed using a method such as TE Co51ne Transform). The compressed image signal is sent to the address generation circuit 310 via the card I/F 314.
is written to the memory card 112 based on the write 7 address from. When writing is completed, address generation circuit 3
An output end signal is input from 10 to the CPU 100. C
Every time Pu1oo receives this output end signal, it updates the data management/search information in the memory card 112.

(3) When the release/print start button 7 is pressed with the TV playback mode selector switch 8 set to playback mode,
The CPU 100 selects the TV output signal processing section 315 as the output light of the image signal, reads out the image signal stored in the memory 311, 312 or the memory card 112, and uses the reproduced write clock from the address generation circuit 310. The TV output signal processing unit 315 writes the written R, G, and B image signals into a video memory (not shown) in the TV output signal processing unit 315, and converts the written R, G, and B image signals into a low-range luminance signal Y and a color difference signal C. At the same time, a burst signal, a horizontal/vertical synchronizing signal, etc. are added to the low-range luminance signal Y and color difference signal C, and the signal is converted into a standard television signal such as an NTSC signal and written into the video memory in the TVV power signal processing unit 315 again. . When this writing is completed, the image signal in the video memory is repeatedly read out at a predetermined period based on the reproduced clock from the oscillator 318, and the D/A converter 318
, 317, the signal is converted into an analog video signal and outputted to a TV (not shown) via the TV output terminal 19. Therefore, the shadow image is displayed as a still image on the TV.

(4) Printout The stored image signal is printed out by the printer section 111 shown in FIG.

When the release/print start button 7 is pressed with the mode selector switch 8 set to print mode, the CPU 100 transfers the image signal stored in the memories 311 and 312 or the memory card 112 from the address generation circuit 310. The data is read out using the read clock and output to the printer data conversion circuit 321. At this time, C
The PU 100 confirms the state of the printer section 111 shown in FIG. 5 by receiving control data input via the system bus SB, and controls the printer section 111. Thereafter, the image signal is data-converted according to a desired printing method as described later, and is guided to the thermal head 410 and printed out.

Note that a detailed explanation of the operation will be given later.

(5) Multi-processing Further, the CPU 100 is programmed to perform multi-processing on the image signals stored in the memory 311, 312 or the memory card 112, which enables multi-screen TV playback and multi-image printout. .

In multi-screen TV playback, first, the number of screens to be multi-displayed is set by the multi-playback controller 319. Each multi-displayed image is stored in the memory 31.
1.312 or the memory card 312 in the order of the display positions, and are sequentially written into the corresponding storage areas in the multi-use video memory 320. At this time, the selected image signal is subjected to signal thinning and filtering according to the display size, and can be taken into the predetermined storage area as appropriate.

When the image signals of the set number of screens are written to the multi-image video memory 320, the CPU 100 outputs the output light of the multi-image signal to the playback circuit section (TV ratio output terminal 19).
connected TV), and transmits the multi-image signal to T by the read clock from the multi-playback controller 319.
It is written to the video memory in the VV force signal processing section 315. After the multi-image signal is written to this video memory,
R9G, B by the regenerated write clock as described above.
The image signal is converted into a low-range luminance signal Y and a color difference signal C, and is also converted into an NTSC signal as described above and sent to the TV again.
The signal is written to the video memory in the V-force signal processing section 315. When this writing is completed, the stored contents of the video memory are repeatedly read out at a predetermined cycle based on the reproduced clock from the oscillator 318, converted into analog signals by the D/'A converters 316 and 317, and sent to the TV (not shown). is output to. In this way, the multi-image is displayed as a still image on the TV.

In addition, when printing out a multi-image, the multi-image signal written in the multi-image video memory 320 as described above is transferred to the printer data conversion circuit 32 shown in FIG.
1, and after data conversion, the thermal head 4
10 and printed out.

FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of the printer section 111.

In the figure, a thermal head control circuit 400 controls the operation of a thermal head block 403. The thermal pad block 403 includes a thermal head 410 that prints one line or several lines at a time, and a thermal head pressure contact solenoid 411 that switches the thermal head 410 between a printing position and a rest position.

The solenoid/motor drive circuit 401 includes the full head pressure welding solenoid 411 and the DC servo motor 42.
This controls the drive of 0.

The DC servo motor 420 includes a platen roller 421 provided opposite the thermal head 410 and grip rollers 42 provided at both ends of the platen roller 421.
5 (see Fig. 6).

The paper feed block 404 is a block that feeds recording paper, and includes a pair of nip rollers 412 rotatably provided in contact with the grip roller 425, and a rotation detection sensor 41 that detects the rotation of the nip rollers 412.
3, and recording paper detection sensors A414 and B415 for detecting different types of recording paper.

The ink ribbon feed block 405 is a block that winds up the ink ribbon, and has an ink ribbon 416, a ribbon cue sensor A417. B418 and a ribbon set detection sensor 419. In addition, ink ribbon 4
16, the rotation of the nip roller 412 is transmitted to the ink ribbon take-up shaft via a clutch or gear (not shown);
The film is wound up in synchronization with the rotation of the nip roller 412.

The sensor input circuit 402 is connected to the paper feed block 4
Rotation detection sensor 413 provided in 04, recording paper detection sensor A414, 8415, ribbon cue sensor A417 provided in ink ribbon feed block 405
, 8.418 and the ribbon set detection sensor 419, etc., to the CPLll and OO.

Next, the internal mechanism of the printer section 111 will be explained = FIG. 6 is a front sectional view of the printer section 111, and FIG.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line ■--■ in FIG. 6.

In FIG. 6, a platen roller 421 and a DC servo motor 420 for driving the platen roller 421 are disposed inside the printer case 2. As shown in FIG. The platen roller 421 is disposed at a position facing the thermal head 410 when mounted on the camera body 1. Grip rollers 425 and 425 having a large number of minute protrusions formed on the outer circumferential surface are fixed to the upper and lower ends of the platen row 5421, and are designed to rotate integrally with the platen roller 421. Further, a gear 422 is attached to the lowermost end of the platen row 5421, and the gear 422
is the gear 4 of the DC servo motor 420 via the gear 424.
It is connected to 23.

The platen roller 421 is connected to the DC servo motor 4.
20 through the gears 422 to 424.

On the other hand, other mechanisms necessary for printing are arranged inside the case of the camera body 1.

The thermal head 410 is held slidably in the direction of arrow a within a storage case 426 so as to face a platen roller 421. In addition, this storage case 42
A thermal head pressure contact solenoid 411 is fixed to 6, and a plunger 427 of the thermal head pressure contact solenoid 411 is connected to the thermal head 410 via a lever 428 and a shaft 429. The thermal head 410 is made slidable in the a direction by a thermal head pressure contact solenoid 411 and a spring coil (not shown) attached around the fulcrum 430 of the lever 427, and is moved between a pressure contact position and a release position with respect to the platen row 5421. (rest position). That is, the thermal head 410 is held at the pressure contact position when the thermal head pressure contact solenoid 411 is turned on, and conversely held at the separated position when the thermal head pressure contact solenoid 411 is turned off. Further, a bearing structure is formed at the upper and lower right ends of the storage case 426, and the nip rollers 412, 412 are rotatably attached to sandwich the thermal head 410. The nip roller 412 is pressed against the grip row 5425, and the rotational force between the grip roller 425 and the nip roller 412 allows the recording paper to be fed accurately.

As shown in FIG. 7, the ink ribbon 416 is stretched between the supply roller 431 and the take-up roller 5432B, and is attached so as to pass through the thermal head 410 and the platen roller 421 on the way, and is detected by the ribbon set detection sensor 419. The presence or absence of the attachment is determined.

Returning to FIG. 6, a gear C is attached to the lower end of the take-up roller 432 on which the ink ribbon 416 is mounted via a slip clutch 433, and the gear C is connected to the nip roller 412 at the lower end via a gear B. Attached gear A1.
:l! tied together. The dip clutch 433 always rotates the take-up roller 432 at an appropriate speed regardless of the rotation speed of the nip roller 412, and maintains a stable ink ribbon 41.
6 winding operation is performed. Further, the gear B is
In FIG. 8, when rotating in the f direction, the nip roller 412 meshes with the gear C, and when rotating in the e direction, it does not mesh with the gear C, and only when the nip roller 412 rotates in the Q direction, the rotational force is applied to the gear C. It is configured to be transmitted to a take-up roller 432. That is, when the recording paper is conveyed in the b direction by the nip rollers 412, 412 to set the recording paper at a predetermined position, printing is not performed, so the rotational force of the nip roller 416 is applied to prevent the ink ribbon 416 from being wound up. When the recording paper is conveyed in the direction opposite to the b direction by the nip rollers 412, 412 without being transmitted to the take-up roller 432, printing is performed, so the rotational force of the nip roller 412 is transferred to the take-up roller so that the ink ribbon 416 is taken up. 432.

Further, a gear E of a slit plate 434 is connected to the gear A via a gear D, so that the slit plate 434 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the nip roller 412. As a result, the rotational movement of the slit plate 434, that is, the rotational movement of the nip roller 412, is detected by the rotation detection sensor 41.
3, and based on this detection signal, printing by the thermal head 410 and winding of the ink ribbon 416 are performed appropriately in accordance with the conveyance speed as well as the conveyance amount of the recording paper.

The ink ribbon 416 used has the same width as the thermal head 410, and FIG. 9 shows an example of the sublimation ink ribbon, and FIG. 10 shows an example of the melting ink ribbon.

The ink ribbon for sublimation and the ink ribbon for melting each have a predetermined length and are repeatedly colored in three colors: yellow, magenta, and cyan in this order from the take-up roller 432 side, and ink is placed between cyan and yellow. A transparent portion 416a is provided to indicate the beginning of the ribbon. Furthermore, a black marker m indicating the type of ink ribbon is attached to this transparent portion 416a. For example, for sublimation ink ribbon,
A marker m is provided at the right end with respect to the winding direction (FIG. 9), and a marker m is provided on the left end of the melting ink ribbon with respect to the winding direction (FIG. 10). The marker m on the left end side with respect to the winding direction of the ink ribbon 416 is detected by the ribbon cue sensor A417, and the marker m on the right end side with respect to the winding direction of the ink ribbon 416 is detected by the ribbon cue sensor B418. The type of the attached ink ribbon 416 is determined based on the detection signals of these ribbon cue sensors A417 and B418, and the ink ribbon 416 is cued during printing. That is, when the marker m is detected only by the ribbon cue sensor A417, the ink ribbon 416 is determined to be an ink ribbon for melting, and when it is detected only by the ribbon cue sensor B418, it is determined to be an ink ribbon for sublimation. .

Note that the position of the marker m is not limited to both ends of the transparent portion 416a, but may be provided shifted left and right with respect to the center line of the ink ribbon 416. Furthermore, the correspondence between the position of the marker m and the type of ink ribbon 416 is not limited to the above, and can be arbitrarily established. The ink ribbon shown in FIG. 13 will be described later.

On the other hand, the recording paper is also provided with a square marker M for identifying the type of recording paper. FIG. 11 shows an example of sublimation recording paper, and FIG. 12 shows an example of gradation thermosensitive recording paper. Markers M are provided on the back side of the recording paper Pa, and on the sublimation recording paper, they are provided on both diagonally opposite corners, and on the gradation thermosensitive recording paper, they are provided 17-1 inch inside from both corners. It is provided. In this example, the recording paper for melting is marked.
Force M is not provided. In addition to the paper type, the recording paper pa may also be one with adhesive on the back side.

The markers M provided at both diagonally opposite corners are detected by a recording paper detection sensor A414, and the markers M provided 171 inches inside from both corners are detected by a recording paper detection sensor B415. The recording paper pa is detected by the detection signals of these recording paper detection sensors A414 and B415.
The type of is determined.

Note that the position of the marker M is not limited to the above-mentioned position, but may be provided at an arbitrary position on the back surface of the recording paper pa. Furthermore, the correspondence between the position of the marker M and the type of recording paper Pa is not limited to the above, and can be arbitrarily associated.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the internal mechanism of the printer unit when performing monochrome printing on cut sheet type recording paper.
FIG. 7 is a sectional view corresponding to FIG. 7;

The monochrome printer section is constructed by removing the ink ribbon 416 from the color printer section 111 (see FIG. 7). That is, in the monochrome type, printing is possible by directly pressing the thermal head 410 against the gradation thermal recording paper, so the ink ribbon 41
Printing is possible by simply removing 6. For monochrome type printing, O-le type thermal recording paper can also be used. In this case, as shown in FIG. 16, instead of the ink ribbon 416, roll type gradation thermal recording paper Printing becomes possible by attaching paper 436.

FIG. 15 shows a hand scan type printer section 111.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 7, showing the internal mechanism of the device.

Since the hand scan type does not require a drive source (DC servo motor) for the nip roller 412, the printer unit 111 is configured by removing the printer case 2 from the camera body 1.

Furthermore, since monochrome printing is performed in hand scanning, a solid black melting ink ribbon 416 shown in FIG. 13 is used as the ink ribbon.

Since the entire surface of the melting ink ribbon 416 is solid black, a detection signal of the marker M is outputted from the ribbon cue sensors A417 and B418, thereby determining that the melting ink ribbon 416 is a black melting ink ribbon 416.

Next, regarding the printing operation of the printer section 111,
Color printing on cut sheet type recording paper, monochrome printing on cut sheet type recording paper, and printing by hand scanning will be explained separately.

(1) Color printing on cut sheet type recording paper In FIG.
When the recording paper pa is inserted (from the front side to the rear side) of the camera body 1, the recording paper detection sensor A414.8415 detects the insertion of the recording paper pa and its type, and upon receiving this detection signal, the DC servo motor 420 is activated. Rotationally driven in the i direction. As a result, the grip row 5425 rotates in the C direction, and the inserted recording paper pa is held between the grip roller 425 and the nip roller 412, and further conveyed in the b direction. On the other hand, at this time, the thermal head pressure contact solenoid 411 is in an OFF state, and the thermal head 410 is held at a position separated from the platen roller 421. Further, when the grip roller 425 rotates in the C direction, the nip roller 412 rotates in the h direction, this rotational force is transmitted to gear B via gear A, and gear B rotates in the C direction. However, since gear B is not connected to gear C, the take-up roller 432 does not rotate and the ink ribbon 416
No winding is performed.

When the rotation detection sensor 413 detects that the recording paper Pa has been conveyed to a predetermined position, the DC servo motor 4
20 is stopped, and then the thermal head pressure contact solenoid 411 is turned on, and the thermal head 410 is moved to the platen row 54 via the ink ribbon 416 and the recording paper Pa.
21. Thereafter, the DC servo motor 420 is rotationally driven in the j direction, thereby rotating the platen row 542.
1 rotates in the d direction to feed the recording paper pa, and in synchronization with this paper feeding speed, the thermal head 410
Accordingly, yellow image data is printed line by line. During printing, the rotational force of the nip roller 412 is transmitted to the gear B, which rotates in the f direction. As a result, gear B is connected to gear C, the take-up roller 432 rotates, and the ink ribbon 416 is taken up.

When yellow printing is completed, the thermal head pressure contact solenoid 411 is turned off, and the thermal head 41
0 is switched to a position away from the platen roller 421. Thereafter, when the DC servo motor 420 is rotated in one direction again and the recording paper Pa is fed in the b direction to the predetermined position, magenta image data is printed by the same operation as described above. And magenta,
Cyan printing is performed sequentially, and when these printings are completed, the thermal head pressure contact solenoid 411 is turned off, and the thermal head 410 is switched to a position away from the platen roller 421. Thereafter, the DC servo motor 420 is driven to rotate in the j direction, and the printed recording paper Pa is conveyed toward the recording paper insertion slot 21 and ejected.

(2) Monochrome printing on cut-sheet type recording paper Monochrome printing on cut-sheet type recording paper is performed in the same way as color printing on cut-sheet type recording paper, and black printing is performed only once. Then, the recording paper pa is ejected from the recording paper insertion slot 21.

(3) Printing by hand scan To print by hand scan, remove the printer case 2 from the camera body 1, and place the thermal head 410 on the recording paper.
This is carried out by moving the camera body 1 in the direction shown in FIG. 15 with the hand scan print switch (not shown) turned on. When the camera body 1 is moved in the 0 direction, the nip roller 412 rotates in the 0 direction. This rotation is detected by the rotation detection sensor 413, and based on this detection signal, the thermal head 41
The printing timing and printing speed of 0 are controlled, and the printing paper p
One line of image data is printed on a in synchronization with the rotational speed of the nip roller 412, that is, the paper feeding speed.

Note that when printing is performed using a melting ink ribbon, plain paper can be used as the recording paper pa. In this case, the insertion part of the recording paper pa can be inserted a predetermined distance in the horizontal direction of the camera body 1, as shown in FIG. For example, a photographed image can be freely printed out on the edge of not only a dedicated recording paper Pa of a predetermined size but also a regular recording paper pa of any size. This makes it easy to check captured images and record simple information, as well as save recording paper.
It is possible to reduce costs. The groove-shaped recording paper feeding section is not limited to the front side of the camera body 1, but can be provided at any position on the rear, top and bottom, or left and right sides.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the circuit configuration of the thermal head 410.

The thermal head 410 includes an output control unit 500 that controls serial output of print data, a head driver 504 that controls print timing, a heat generating unit 505 that is provided with heat generating resistors R1 to R496 corresponding to each print head, and a heat generating temperature. It is composed of a thermistor 506 that detects.

The output control section 500 includes shift registers 501 and 502 each having 2481i D flip-flops (hereinafter referred to as DFF) connected in series, and a latch circuit 503 that latches each of 496 pieces of print data. Print data is serially input to the D input of W4OFF of the shift registers 501 and 502, and the shift register 501
The Q outputs of each DFF are sequentially input to odd-numbered latch circuits in the latch circuit 503, and are input to the shift register 5゜2.
The Q outputs of each DFF are sequentially input to even-numbered latch circuits in the latch circuit 503.

In addition, the CK large input of the shift register 501 is CLOC
A K signal is input, and an inverted CLOCK signal obtained by inverting the CLOCK signal by an inverter 507 is input to the CK large input of the shift register 502 .

4 in each leading DFF of shift register 501.50'2
96 pieces of print data are serially input, and each DFF of the shift register 501 sequentially outputs odd-numbered print data to the corresponding latch circuit in the latch circuit 503 at the rising edge of the CLOCK signal, and each DFF of the shift register 502 outputs the odd-numbered print data to the corresponding latch circuit in the latch circuit 503. At the rising edge of the inverted CLOCK signal, even-numbered print data is sequentially output to the corresponding launch circuit in the latch circuit 503. Then, when all print data is output to the latch circuit 503, a latch signal is input to the latch circuit 503, and print data for one line is determined.

19 and 20 are time charts showing the operation of the output control section 500. FIG. 19 shows the case of melting type or hand scan mode, and FIG. 20 shows the case of sublimation type or gradation heat-sensitive mode.

4 pieces (2 x 2 pieces) in melting type or hand scan mode
Since area gradation is performed using the dot data, one line of print data consists of 496 pieces, and the 4961
Print data 1 is output to the latch circuit 503 in synchronization with the CLOCK signal and the inverted CLOCK signal. On the other hand, in the sublimation type or gradation heat-sensitive mode, density gradation is performed by modulating printing energy using 411 (2 x 2) dot data as one surface element. , 3.4th, ...495.496
The adjacent data items are the same data. Therefore, both D at the same position in shift registers 501 and 502
The same print data will be input to FF,
On the time chart, as shown in FIG. 20, 248 pieces of print data are sent to the latch circuit 5 in synchronization with the CLOCK signal.
02.

Table 2 shows the relationship between the number of pixels, dot density, and image size in the sublimation mode and melting mode.

The difference between the sublimation mode and the melting mode is that the dot density in the sublimation mode is half that of the melting mode, and this is based on the above-mentioned difference in gradation method. The number of pixels and image size are the same for both, approximately 370,000 pixels, and the image size is approximately the size of a business card.

Note that while the thermal head 410 is composed of 496 heating resistors, as shown in Table 2, the print data for one line of the photographed image is composed of 494 pieces, so there is a shortage of print data for 2 pieces. However, when inputting print data to the serial output control section 500, the two pieces of data are data without printing, for example, rooJ.
is input.

Returning to FIG. 18, the head driver 504 has 496 N
It consists of an AND circuit, and each NANO circuit has a latch circuit 5.
Print data output from each latch circuit of 03 is input. In addition, the 4961 NAND circuits are divided into 8 blocks of 62 each, the 1st to 62nd NAND circuit groups are the first block, the 63rd to 125th NAND circuit groups are the second block, and so on. th NAN
If the D circuit group is the 8th block, each NAND circuit in the 1st to 8th blocks receives control signals 5TB1 to 5T.
B8 is input. Further, the output end of each NAND circuit is connected to a corresponding dot heating resistor Ri (i-
1, 2, . . . , 496), and the other end of the heating resistor R1 is always connected to a common terminal to which a driving voltage (for example, 24 V) is applied.

In the above configuration, for example, when a high control signal 5TB1 is input, a NAND signal of the control signal 5TB1 and print data is output to the output terminal of each NAND circuit in the first block, and the 1st to 62nd print data are output. is printed.

In this case, the output terminal of only the NAND circuit to which high print data is input becomes low level, the heating resistor R1 connected to the output terminal generates heat, and the dot is printed on the recording paper Pa.
will be printed on. Similarly, the control signal 5TB2-5
When TB8 is input, each NA in the second to eighth blocks
The ND circuit operates and print data is printed in block units.

FIG. 21 shows a time chart of the s+m signals 5TB1 to 5TB8. Control signal 5TB1~5T
B8 is input in a time-division manner, and print data is printed 6211 times at a time. In this case, each heating resistor R1 of the heating section 505
The heating time is controlled by the pulse widths T1 to T8 of the control signals 5TB1 to 5TB8, and the printing energy is determined by the pulse widths T1 to T8. Since the magnitude of this printing energy is proportional to the heat generation temperature of the thermal head 410, the printing energy can be maintained appropriately by monitoring the temperature of the thermal head 410 using the thermistor 506 and controlling the pulse width according to changes in temperature. Ru. That is, each pulse width T1 to T of the control signals 5TB1 to 5TB8
8 is shortened as the temperature rises and lengthened as the temperature falls.

Further, in the melting type mode or the hand scan mode, the gradation is not controlled by the magnitude of the printing energy, but in the sublimation type or the gradation thermosensitive mode, the gradation is controlled by the magnitude of the printing energy.

n1li tone control in sublimation type or gradation thermosensitive mode,
This is done by converting the image data of each dot into a gradation level and printing with a predetermined pulse width a number of times according to the gradation level. That is, one line of image data is converted into n lines of print data based on the gradation level data of each dot.

For example, for a dot having image data of gradation level, print data is output for lines 1 to k+1.
It is converted so that non-print data is output for ~n lines. Each of these print data is printed on the same line using control signals 5TB1 to 5TB8 each having a pulse width corresponding to printing energy for one gradation. Therefore, printing operations are performed n times on the same line, but the image data of each dot is printed a number of times according to the gradation level. Image data will be printed according to the level.

Next, the operation of the camera will be explained using flowcharts shown in FIGS. 22 to 26. First, the main flow will be explained using FIG. 22.

When the main power battery EB is installed, the contents of various flags and registers are reset to initial values (#5), and the main routine for camera operation is executed.

First, a control signal DCON of "OO" is sent from the CPU i oo to the D C/DC converter 200, and the
Driving of the C/DC converter 200 is stopped (#
10). Next, if the main capacitor C of the flash unit 108 is being boosted (charged), the boost is stopped (
#15). Next, it is determined whether the switch 5REC is on or not (#20), and if the switch 5REC is off (not in recording mode) (N in #20).
o), it is further determined whether the switch 5OFF is on (#25), and if the switch 5OFF is off (the camera is in operating state III) (NO in #25), the process moves to the "playback" routine described later. do. Also, switch 5O
If FF is on (YES in #25), the type of camera lens 3 is determined (#30), and if it is set to the standard lens (NO in #30), the process returns to #5. If it is set as a macro lens (YES in #30)
), switch to the standard lens and return to #5 to disable the camera.

If switch 5REC is on at #20 (recording mode)
If so (YES in #20), it is determined whether switch 5REC was turned on after switching from switch 5OFF (#40), and if switch 5REC was switched from switch 5OFF to switch 5REC (YES in #40).
), sets the flag FCHG to 1 to instruct boosting of the main capacitor C, and moves to #50 (#45
).

If the switch 5REC continues to be on (NO in #40), the process jumps to #50.

Next, it is determined whether the switch 5CARD is on (#50), and the switch SCARD is in the off state I!
! (Memory card 112 is not installed) (N in #50)
o) The flag FIC is reset to 0 and the process moves to #85 (#55). Flag FIG is memory card 112
A flag indicating the attachment state of the device.If it is reset to "0," it indicates that the device is not attached, and if it is set to "1," it indicates that it is attached. If the switch 5CARD is on (YES in #50)
Further, it is determined whether the switch 5CARD has been switched from OFF to ON (#60), and the switch 5CARD is switched from OFF to OFF.
If it is switched to N (YES in #60), the flag FIC is reset to O, and if the switch 5CARD continues to be on, then No in #60, #
Jump to 70. In #70, the flag FIC is determined, and if it is FIC-1 (No in #70), the process moves to #85, and if it is FIC-0 (YES in #70), the flag FIC should be set to 1. 75), and after the management information of the recorded data is further read out from the memory card 112 to the CPU 100 (#80), the process moves to #85. continue,
In #85, it is determined whether all the image data in the memory card 112 is protected (#85), and if it is not protected (No in #85), it is determined that shooting is possible, and whether the switch S1 is on or not. If the switch S1 is on (YES in #90), it is further determined whether the switch S1 has been switched from OFF to ON (#95).
, if it has been switched from OFF to ON (YES in #95), the process moves to the "Sl" routine described later to prepare for photographing.

On the other hand, when all image data is protected at #85 (YES at #85), when switch S1 is off at #90 (NO at #90), or when switch S1 remains on at #95 (No in #95)
), transition to #100 to #125, switch 5M0DE
, S.F.L.

It is determined whether 5M0NO, SMACI 5PRO, and 5ADJ are turned on in this order, and if any switch is turned on, switching to the mode or set value selected by that switch is performed.

In other words, if switch 5M0DE is on (#1
00: YES), the shooting mode is switched to the set mode ($130), and if the switch SFL is on (#105: YES), the flash mode is switched to the set mode (#135), switch 5M0
If NO is on (YES in #110), the mode is switched to binary mode (#140), and if switch SMAC is on (YES in #115), all shadow lens 3
is switched to the macro lens (#145), and if switch 5PRO is on (YES in #120), the protected status of the recorded image is switched to the set status (protected or unprotected status W) ( #150)
, if switch 5ADJ is on (YES in #125)
S), the date is changed to the set value (#155),
Return to #10. If any switch is off in #100 to #125, it is determined whether the flag FCHG is set to 1 (#160), and the FC
If it is HG-0 (No in #160), the flash does not fire, so immediately return to #10. #160
If FCHG = 1 (YES in #160), it is further determined whether the main capacitor C has been boosted (charged) or not (#165), and if charging has been completed (
If charging is not completed (NO in #165), the process starts boosting the main capacitor C (#175) and returns to #10.

Next, the "Sl" routine will be explained using FIG.

When the switch S1 is turned on, if the voltage of the main capacitor C is increasing, the voltage increase is stopped (#180), and a battery check of the main power supply battery EB is performed (#185).
. As a result of the battery check, if the main power battery EB is defective (insufficient capacity) (No in #190), a warning will be displayed on the display 17 and the shooting operation will end (#195), indicating that the main power battery EB is good. If (YES in #190), C
“00” from PU100 to DC/DC converter 200
After the control signal @DCON is sent and the driving of the D C/DC converter 200 is stopped (#200), distance measurement is performed by the distance measuring section 104 (#205>, and further, photometry is performed by the photometry section 105. is performed (#210).Next, it is determined whether the subject brightness is low based on the photometry data (#215>, and if it is low brightness (YES in #215).
S), it is further determined whether the flash mode is a non-emission mode (#225). If the flash mode is a non-emission mode (YES in #225), the process moves to #260, and if the flash mode is a light emission mode (#2
25 (NO), it is determined whether the main capacitor C has been fully charged to fire the flash 6 (#2
30), if charging is completed (YES in #230),
The boosting operation is stopped and the process moves to #260. If charging is not completed in #230 (NO in #230), the main capacitor C is boosted while determining whether the switches 5REC and SL change to the OFF state (#2
30. #240-#250 loop).

Then, when charging is completed without switches 5REC and SL turning off (YES in #230)
, the boosting operation is stopped and the process moves to #260. On the other hand, during this boost period, either switch 5REC or Sl changes to the off state 6,! : (#245rNO or #2
5OrNO), II cancels the shadow preparation operation and returns to #10.

If the subject brightness is not low in #215 (NO in #215), it is further determined whether the flash mode is the forced flash mode (#220), and if the flash mode is not the forced flash mode (#220T- No>,
Move to #260, if forced flash mode (#220
YES), move to #230 and perform the above-mentioned boost operation (#2
30. A loop of #240 to #250) is performed.

In #260, it is determined whether the switch S2 is on, and if it is on, it is further determined whether the shooting mode is the selfie mode (#265), and if the II shadow mode is the selfie mode ( YES in #265), known self-photography control is performed (#267). If the shooting mode is not self mode (NO in #265), C
From PU10o to DC/DC:]] To converter 20 “10
The control signal DCON of J is sent out, and power is supplied from the DC/DC converter 200 to the ** unit 202 and camera unit 203 (#270>. As a result, the imaging unit 202 and camera unit 203 are activated.

Subsequently, the process moves to the "II output" routine, and exposure control is performed (#280).

Exposure control is performed according to the "I! output" routine shown in FIG. 24. First, it is determined whether the flag FIC is set to 1 (#281), and if FIC-1 is set (#
281: YES), memory card 112 as a recording medium
is selected (#282), and if it is FIC-○, after internal memory 311 and 312 are selected as the recording medium (
#283), and exposure control m (imaging by CCD 101) is performed (#284). After the imaging signal is subjected to the above-described predetermined signal processing, it is recorded on the selected recording medium (#285), the frame number displayed on the display 17 is updated, and the process returns (#286> .

Returning to FIG. 23, when the exposure system is finished, the CPU 100
to the DC/DC converter 200.

A control signal DCON of "0" is sent out, and the driving of the DC/DC converter 200 is stopped (#290). Next, it is determined whether the shooting mode is continuous shooting mode (#31
0), -If Akira mode is not continuous shooting mode (NO in #310), #10km! Make a J turn, and if the continuous shooting mode is selected (YES in #310), return to #185 to perform the next shooting.

If switch S2 is off in #260 (#260
(No), it is determined whether the shooting mode is continuous shooting mode (#295), and if the shooting mode is continuous shooting mode (#295).
295: YES), return to #10, and if it is not continuous shooting mode (#295: No>, switch 5 REC and S
It is determined whether l changes to the off state (#300
．． #305), when either switch 5REC or SL turns off (No in #300 or No in #305),
), cancels the preparation operation and returns to #10, and if both switches 5RFC and Sl are on (
YES in #300 and #305), return to #260.

Next, the "reproduction" routine will be explained using FIG. 25.

When entering the regeneration mode, first, if the main capacitor C is being boosted, the boost is stopped (#400), the flags FIC and FRBN are reset to O, and the routine shifts to the SMAIN routine (#405). Flag FRBN is a flag indicating whether or not the ink ribbon is in a printable state. If FRBN-0, it indicates a printable state, and F
If RBN-1, it indicates a non-printing state, that is, the end of winding.

In the SMIN routine, switch 5REP or 5PRI
It is determined whether or not it is on (#410), and both are off (TV playback and printout prohibited).
If (NO in #410), return to #10, and if any switch is on (#4107-YE)
S) Furthermore, it is determined whether the switch 5CARD is on (#415). Switch 5CARD is in the off state (memory card 112 not installed @) #41
5, No>, the flag FIC is reset to O, and #4
50 (#420). Switch 5C with #415
If ARD is on (YES in #415), it is further determined whether switch 5CARD has been switched from OFF to ON (#425), and if it has been switched from OFF to ON (YES in #425). ), flag FI
C is reset to O (#430) and switch 5CA
If the RD continues to be on (NO in #425), the process jumps to #435. In #435, the flag FIC is determined, and if it is FIC-1 (N in #435).
o), move to #450, and if FIC=O (#43
5: YES), and the corresponding flag FIG is set to 1 (#4
40), and after the management information of the recorded data is read out from the memory card 112 to the CPU 100 (#445)
, moves to #450. In #450, it is determined whether there is a recorded image, and if there is no recorded image (No in #450),
“No Recording” is displayed on the display 17, and #410
Return to.

#450r record jl is not valid (#4507-YES),
It is determined whether the switch SUP or 5DOWN is on (#460), and if both are off (#4
60: No), the process moves to #485, and if any switch is on (#460: YES), it is further determined whether that switch has been switched from OFF to ON (#465). Unless the switch Sup or 5DOWN was switched from OFF to ON (#465
(No), move to #485 and switch Sup or SD
If owN7 was switched from OFF to ON (YES in #465), it is determined which switch was turned on (#470), and if the switch Sup was turned on (YES in #4-70). , the next recorded image is accessed (#475), and if the switch 5DOWN is turned on (NO in #470), the previous recorded image is accessed (#475), and the process returns to #410.

In #485, it is determined whether the switch SMAL is on (#485), and if the switch SMAL is on (YES in #485), "multi display" is lit on the display 17 (#490). , if the switch SMAL is in the off state (No in #485), "Multiple display J" on the display 17 is turned off (#495), and then the display 17
The piece number is displayed (#500). Next, it is determined whether switch 5PRO is on (#505).
), if the switch 5PRO is on (YES in #505), after the recorded image is protected (#5
10), the process moves to #515, and if the switch 5PRO is in the off state (No in #505), the process jumps to #515. In #515, it is determined whether the switches SRE, P are on, and if the switch 5urp is on (YES in #515), TV playback processing of the recorded image is performed (a520), and the switch 5REP is turned on. If it is in the off state (No in #515), the recorded image is printed out (#525), and then the process returns to #410.

Next, the print-1 routine will be explained using FIGS. 26A, 26B, 2C, and 26D.

When entering print mode, it is first determined whether the ink ribbon 416 is set (#530), and if the ink ribbon 416 is not set (#530).
(No), it is determined that the mode is gradation heat-sensitive mode, that mode is stored (#535), and the process moves to #600.

If the ink ribbon 416 is set (YES in #530), the ribbon cue sensors A417 and B41
8, it is determined whether black is detected (#540
), if black is not detected by both cylinder head position sensors A417.8418 (YES in #540), it is determined that the hand scan mode is in effect, and printing processing by hand scan, which will be described later, is performed. #540 is both cylinder head position sensor A417. If black is not detected by B418 (#
540: NO), it is determined whether the flag FRBN has been reset to O (#545), and FRBN=1F.
If there is (#545rNO), it is determined that the ink ribbon 416 has finished winding, the process moves to #580, and the ink ribbon 41
6 is stopped. If FRBN-0 is determined in #545 (YES in #545), it is determined that the ink ribbon 416 has a remaining amount, and the DC servo motor 420 is rotated in the j direction (see Fig. 8) to wind the ink ribbon 416. In other words, cueing is started (#550). Next, it is determined whether the black marker m is detected only by the ribbon cue sensor A417 (#555), and if the black marker m is not detected by the ribbon cue sensor A417 only (No in #555), the ribbon is further detected. Cue sensor B41
It is determined whether the black marker m is detected only in 8 (
#565), black marker m only with cue sensor B418
is not detected (No in #565), that is, if the black marker m is not detected by either ribbon cue sensor A417 or B418, a timer (not shown) detects the black marker m for a predetermined period of time. After (loop of #555° #565.#585), D
The C servo motor 420 is stopped to stop winding the ink ribbon 416 (#590), and an error message is displayed on the display 17 (#595). On the other hand, if the black marker m is detected only by the ribbon cue sensor A417 (#555
(YES at ca565), the melting type mode is determined and the mode is memorized (#560), and if the black marker m is detected only by the ribbon cue sensor B418, YES at ca565).
It is determined that it is sublimation mode, and that mode is memorized (#5
70), move to #575. In #575, flag F
RBN is set to 1 (#575), then the winding operation of the ink ribbon 416 is stopped and cueing is completed (
#580). Next, it is determined whether the switch s2 is turned on (#600), and the switch S2 is turned off (r-att [(#600T-No)), the process returns to #410, and the switch S2 is turned on. Ba(#6
00″cYEs), recording paper detection sensor A414.84
15, the type of recording paper Pa is detected. That is,
It is determined whether the black marker M is detected by the recording paper detection sensor A414 or Bi12 (#605);
If the black marker M is not detected by any of the sensors A414.8415 (No in #605), the process returns to #410. Recording paper detection sensor A414. Bi12
If black marker M is detected (YES in #605)
Further, it is determined whether or not the black marker M is detected only by the recording paper detection sensor A414 (#610), and if the black marker M is detected only by the recording paper detection sensor A414 (
(YES in #610), it is further determined whether the printing mode is sublimation mode (#615). If the printing mode is sublimation mode (YES in #615), #65
If the printing mode is not sublimation mode (#
615: No), since the ink ribbon 416 and the recording paper Pa do not match, a media mismatch error is displayed on the display 17 (#635). Then, until black is detected by the recording paper detection sensors A414 and B415, that is, until the mismatched recording paper Pa is removed, the media mismatch error display is performed (loop of #635 and #640). ), when the recording paper Pa is removed, the mismatch error display is turned off (#645) and the process returns to a410.

If the black marker M is not detected only by the recording paper detection sensor A414 in #610 (No in #610), it is further determined whether the black marker M is detected only by the recording paper detection sensor B415 (#620). , recording paper detection sensor B
If black marker M is detected only in 415 (Y in #620)
ES>, it is further determined whether the printing mode is the gradation thermal mode (#620). If the printing mode is the gradation thermal mode (YES in #625), the process moves to #650, and if the printing mode is not the WaS thermal mode (No in #625), the process moves to #635 to #645, and the above A mismatch error is displayed.

If the black marker M is not detected by only the recording paper detection sensor B415 in #620, that is, if the black marker M is not detected by either of the recording paper detection sensors A414 and B415 (No in #620). Furthermore, it is determined whether the printing mode is the melting type mode (#630).

If the printing mode is melting type mode (YES in #630)
), the process moves to #650, and if the printing mode is not the melting type mode (No in #630), the process moves to #635 to #645, and the above-mentioned mismatch error display is performed.

At #650, a battery check of the main power battery EB is performed, and if the main power battery EB is defective (insufficient capacity) (#6
55), a warning is displayed on the display 17, and the operation is ended (#660). As a result of the battery check, if the main power battery EB is good (YES in #655), the DC
The recording paper Pa is moved in the insertion direction (seventh direction) by the servo motor 420.
(in the direction shown in the figure) by a predetermined amount (#665). Next, it is determined whether the printing mode is the 11ml thermal mode (#670), and if the printing mode is not the gradation thermal mode (NO in #670), the number of printing times 3 is set in the color counter (#675). ), if the print mode is the gradation thermal mode (YES in #670), after the number of prints is set to 1 in the color counter (1680), the thermal head 410 prints onto the recording paper Pa via the ink ribbon 4°16. It is pressed (#685). Next, the recording paper p is moved by the DC servo motor 420 to set the printing start position.
a is conveyed by a predetermined amount to the recording paper insertion slot 21 side (#69
0), and the total number of lines on one screen (for example, 768 lines)
is set (#695). Next, cpu io
M'l of "11" from o to DC/DC converter 200
l signal Dcow is sent out, and the DC/DCC/equation-ta 2
Power is supplied from 00 to the printer unit 111 and camera unit 203 (#700). As a result, the printer section 111
And the camera unit 203 is activated. Next, print one line of yellow and insert the recording paper Pa into the recording paper insertion slot 21.
Paper feeding to the side is repeated alternately (#705.#7
10 loops), and when printing for llii sides is completed (#
710 (YES), CPLlloo to D C, /D
A control signal DCON of "00" is sent to the C converter 200, and the driving of the DC/DCC converter 200 is stopped (#715). Subsequently, the color counter value is decremented by 1 (#720), and it is determined whether the color counter value has become 0 (#725). If the color counter value is not O (NO in #725), the thermal head 410 is switched to the rest position (#7
30), the recording paper Pa is again conveyed in the insertion direction (direction shown in Figure 7) by a predetermined amount (run-up amount + total number of lines on one screen) (
In steps #735) and #685 to #725, one screen worth of printing is performed for the next color.

and 1j each for magenta and cyan colors.
The printing for one side is completed, and the color counter value becomes 0 at #725.
When it does (YES at #725), printing is complete, so
The recording paper pa is ejected to the recording paper insertion slot 21 side (#740
), after the thermal head 410 is switched to the rest position (#730), the flag FRBN is reset to O and #
Return to 410 (#750).

If black is detected by both ribbon cue sensors A417 and B418 in #540 (YES in #540), it is determined that the mode is hand scan mode, and that mode is stored (#755). Next, it is determined whether the switch S2 is turned on (#760), and if the switch S2 is off (#760rNO), the process returns to #410, and if the switch S2 is on (YES in #760).
), a battery check of the main power battery EB is performed (#
765). As a result of the battery check, if the main power battery EB is defective (insufficient capacity) (No in #770), a warning will be displayed on the display 17 and the operation will end (#775).
. On the other hand, if the main power battery EB is in good condition (Y in #770)
ES), when the nip roller 412 starts rotating due to the detection signal of the rotation detection sensor 413 (YES in #780)
), the thermal head 410 is pressed against the recording paper Pa (#785). Next, enter the total number of lines on one screen (for example, 7
68 line) is set (#790), CPU1
A control signal DCON of "111" is sent from 00 to the DC/DC converter 200, and the DC/DC converter 20
Power is supplied to the printer unit 111 and camera unit 203 from 0 (#795). Subsequently, in synchronization with the rotational speed of the nip roller 412, that is, the thermal head 410
Printing for one line and feeding the recording paper Pa are alternately repeated in synchronization with the paper feeding speed of the recording paper Pa toward the recording paper insertion slot 21 side (#800, #805, #81
0 loop), printing for one screen is performed. And 1
When printing for the screen is completed (YES in #805), the CP
A control signal DCON of "00" is sent from U100 to the DC/DC converter 200, and the driving of the DC/DC converter 200 is stopped (#815). Subsequently, after the thermal head 410 is switched to the rest position (#82
0), return to #410.

Now, FIG. 27 shows a second embodiment of a camera with a built-in printer according to the present invention. The same members as in FIG. 3 are given the same numbers. In this embodiment, a step is provided at the connection between the camera body 1 and the printer case 2 on the subject side, and a recording paper insertion guide 21a is provided on the side surface of the camera body 1 forming the step. This recording paper insertion guide 21a allows the cut sheet type recording paper pa to be easily and accurately inserted into the printer head 100, thereby further improving printout operability. In the above embodiment, the recording paper insertion slot 21 is provided on the front surface of the camera (the surface facing the subject), but it may be provided on the rear surface.

By the way, in a camera with a built-in printer, the printer section 111
The CCD 101 and the like of the imaging unit 202 are adversely affected by the heat generated by the printing operation.

Therefore, the printer section 111 and the imaging section 202 are arranged in the camera body 1 apart from each other, and the printer section 111
It is desirable to prevent the heat generated from the imaging unit 202 from having an adverse effect on the imaging unit 202. Printer section 1 that takes this into consideration
11. The arrangement relationship between the mounting section of the memory card 112 and the imaging section 202 is shown in FIGS. 28 to 30.

In each of the three types of arrangement relationships shown in FIGS. 28 to 30, the printer section 111 is disposed on one side surface in the longitudinal direction of the camera body 1, and the imaging section 202 is disposed on the other side surface. The printer section 111 and the image carrier section 202 are provided with a mounting section for the memory card 112, and only the location of the imaging lens 3 is provided. This arrangement allows for effective use of space and prevents adverse effects on the Ill group section 202 due to heat generated from the printer section 111.

Further, in the above embodiment, the printer section 11 is provided in the camera body 1.
1 is built-in, but as cameras become more multifunctional, each part may be made into a unit and the units of each part may be combined depending on the purpose of use.

FIG. 31 to FIG. 34 show an embodiment in which each part is formed into a unit. Figure 31 shows the imaging system including the m-image lens 3, the finder, the flash 6, and the main power battery E.
This is a camera unit 22 that includes a memory card 112 and a memory card 112. An electrical and mechanical connection portion 22a with other units is provided on the side surface of the unit. Also, Fig. 32 shows a TV that processes recorded images for signal processing for TV playback.
The reproduction unit 23 is shown in FIG. 33, which performs signal processing on a recorded image for monitor reproduction, and displays the reproduction signal on a display unit 2 such as an LCD.
4a shows a monitor unit 24 for displaying images, and FIG. 34 shows a printer section unit 25 which has a printer inside and prints out recorded images on recording paper.

The TV playback unit 23, monitor unit 24, and printer unit 25 are also provided with electrical and mechanical connections similar to those of the camera unit 22, so that these units can be connected to each other.

35 to 37 show that the camera unit 22 is connected to the TV above.
The state in which the playback unit 23, monitor unit 24, and printer unit 25 are connected is shown in the third
FIG. 8 shows an example of a state in which a monitor unit 24 and a printer unit 25 are connected to the camera unit 22. As shown in FIG.

In FIG. 38, the printer section unit 22 may be connected and the monitor unit 24 may be further connected to the printer section unit 22, or the camera section unit 22 may be connected to the monitor unit 24.
0 Monitor unit 24 and printer unit 2 on both sides
5 may be connected. Furthermore, the TV playback unit 23 and the printer unit 25 can also be connected to the camera unit 22 using a similar method.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 38, when only printing a recorded image, it is preferable that the image signal from the camera section unit 22 is directly guided to the printer section unit 25. Taking this into consideration, for example, the m-image signal from the camera section unit 22 is transferred into the monitor unit 24.
A signal line leading directly to the camera unit 22 and a through line leading directly to the printer unit 25 are provided.
The monitor unit 24 is controlled by the control signal from the PU 100.
It is preferable to control switching between the signal line and the through line within. Alternatively, when the operation switch of the printer section unit 25 is turned on, the signal line may be controlled to be switched to a through line.

In this embodiment, a memory card for recording digital data is used as the external recording medium, but it may also be a floppy disk for recording analog data, an optical disk, or an optical card.

〔Effect of the invention〕

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to load several types of ink ribbons and several types of recording paper corresponding to the ink ribbons, so a plurality of loading methods can be used depending on the purpose. In addition, the type of ink ribbon and the type of recording paper are determined separately, and the combination of ink ribbon and recording paper is matched, so there is no mismatch between the ink ribbon and recording paper, and it is possible to Recorded images can be printed reliably.

In addition, if the combination of ink ribbon and recording paper is incompatible, a message to that effect is displayed, making it easy to confirm the mismatch between the ink ribbon and recording paper and preventing incorrect printing operations. I can do it.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a camera with a built-in printer according to the present invention, Fig. 2 (A) is a diagram showing the power supply relationship of the power supply section of the camera, and Fig. 2 (B) is a control line between the CPU and the DC/DC converter. FIG. 3 is an overall perspective view of the camera with a built-in printer according to the present invention, and FIG. 4 (A) and FIG. A detailed block diagram of the signal processing section, FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the printer section, FIG. 6 is a front sectional view of the printer section, and FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the printer section.
FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along the line ■-■ in FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a marker for sublimation recording paper, FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a marker for gradation thermal recording paper, and FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an ink ribbon for hand scan type. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the configuration of a printer section for cut sheet type recording paper, FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the configuration of a hand scan type printer section, and FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a printer section for roll type gradation thermal recording paper. 17 is a diagram showing another embodiment of the recording paper insertion section, FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the circuit configuration of the thermal head, and FIG. 19 is a diagram showing print data in melting type or hand scan mode. Figure 20 shows the input timing chart of sublimation type or floor I! 21 is a time chart showing divided driving of the thermal head; FIGS. 22A and 22B are main flowcharts for explaining camera operation; FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an input timing chart of print data in thermal mode; The figure is rs+
Flowchart of J subroutine, Figure 24 is "Exposure"
Flowchart of the subroutine, Figure 25 is a flowchart of the "playback" subroutine, Figures 26 (A) and (B)
. (C) and (D) are flowcharts of the "print" subroutine, FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a second embodiment of the camera with a built-in printer according to the present invention, and FIGS. 31 is a perspective view showing the camera section unit; FIG. 32 is a perspective view showing the TV replay unit; FIG. 33 is a perspective view showing the monitor unit; FIG. Figure 35 is a perspective view showing the printer unit, Figure 35 is a perspective view showing the camera unit and printer unit connected, and Figure 36 is a perspective view showing the camera unit and monitor unit connected. , FIG. 37 is a perspective view showing a state in which the power processing unit and the TVV raw unit are connected, and FIG. 38 is a perspective view showing a state in which the camera unit, monitor unit, and printer unit are connected. 1...Camera body, 2...Printer case, 3...
- Photographing lens, 4... Finder window, 5... AF emitter, 6... Flash, 7... Release/Print start button, 8... Mode selection switch, 9...
Protect switch, 10...Multi switch, 11
...Flash emission mode selection switch, 12...
Date setting switch, 13... Shooting mode switch, 14° 15... Access button, 16... Macro/binarization mode switch, 17... Display, 1
D...Memory card insertion slot, 19...TV specific output terminal 20...Detachment button, 21...Recording paper insertion slot,
21a... Recording paper insertion guide, 22... Connection section, 2
3... TVV raw unit, 24... Monitor unit, 24a... Display unit, 25... Printer unit, 100... CPU <system controller), 1
01... Solid-state imaging device (CCD), 102... Signal processing section, 103... Lens driving section, 104... Distance measuring section, 105... Photometry section, 106... Exposure control mw, 1
07...Display section, 108...Flash section, 109
...Power supply section, 110...BC (battery check)
Circuit, 111... Printer section, 112... Memory card, 200... DC/DC converter, 201...
・Regulator, 202... Image carrying unit, 203... Camera unit, 204... Internal memory, 301... COD
Driver, 302...CCD-TG, 303...C
DS, 304...GC (gain controller), 30
5... A/D converter, 306... WB processing circuit, 307... γ correction circuit, 308... Process circuit, 309... Matrix circuit, 310... Address generation circuit, 311.312 ...Memory, 313...
Data selector and compression/expansion unit, 314...interface (car)'I/F), 315-TVV power signal processing circuit, 316.317...D/Δ converter,
318...Resonator, 319...Multi playback controller, 320...Multi video memory, 321...
...Data conversion circuit for printer, 400... Thermal head control circuit, 401... Solenoid/motor drive circuit, 402... Sensor input circuit, 403... Thermal head block, 404... Paper feed block , 405... ink ribbon feed block,
410...Thermal head, 411...Thermal head pressure contact solenoid, 412...Nip roller, 4
13... Rotation detection sensor, A414°B415...
・Recording paper detection sensor, 416... Ink ribbon, 4
16 a-... Transparent part, A417.8418... Ribbon cue sensor, 419... Ribbon set detection sensor, 420... DC servo motor, 421... Platen roller, 422, 423, 424. A. B, C, D, E... Gear, 425... Grip roller, 426... Storage case, 427... Plunger, 428... Lever, 429... Shaft, 430...
Fulcrum, 431... Supply roller, 432... Take-up roller, 433... Slip clutch, 434... Slit plate, 500... Output control unit, 501.502... Shift register, 503... ...Latch circuit, 504...
Head driver, 505... Heat generating unit, 506... Thermistor, 507... Inverter, EB... Main power battery, S+, S2. 5OFF, 5REC, 5REP, 5PRI. Sup, 5DOWN, 5PRO, SMAC. 5M0NO, 5CARD, SFL, 5ADJ. 5M0DE...Switch, m2M...Marker, Pa
···Recording paper. Patent applicant Minolta Camera Co., Ltd. Representative
Patent Attorney Etsu Kotani Chief Patent Attorney Kawamukai 1) Masamukai Patent Attorney Takao Ito Figure 8 Figure 16 Figure 26 (C) Figure 26 (D) Figure 27

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. A camera with a built-in printer that can be loaded with several types of ink ribbons and several types of recording paper, comprising a first discrimination means for discriminating the type of ink ribbon, and a first discriminating means for discriminating the type of recording paper. Second to do
and a third determining means for determining whether or not the combination of the ink ribbon and the recording paper is compatible based on the determination results of the first and second determining means. camera. 2. The camera with a built-in printer according to claim 1, further comprising display means for displaying when the combination of the ink ribbon and the recording paper is determined to be incompatible by the third determining means. Built-in camera.