JPWO2014049829A1 - Printing apparatus, information processing apparatus, printing method, information processing program, and information recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is a printing apparatus capable of performing printing while maintaining a balance with printing quality even when movement control of the entire printing system is not highly accurate due to simplification of the configuration. A range index indicating a print scheduled range in which printing is performed within the imaging range of the camera, and a relative positional relationship with the print head 25 provides a predetermined range index and should be printed in the print planned range Print control data including print information is acquired, and based on the print control data, the print head 25 that performs printing in the scheduled print range, and the print system PS is moved after printing in the planned print range is performed, and the next printing is performed. It is used for printing in the planned area. At this time, the print control data is printed using the relative positional relationship between the imaging range of the camera and the printing paper P and the relative positional relationship between the imaging range and the range index. The print control data is generated by recognizing the position on the paper P.

Description

  The present invention belongs to the technical fields of a printing apparatus, an information processing apparatus, a printing method, an information processing program, and an information recording medium. More specifically, a technical field of a printing apparatus and a printing method for printing on a printing medium such as paper, an information processing apparatus mounted on the printing apparatus, a program for the information processing apparatus, and an information recording medium on which the program is recorded Belonging to.

  In the information-oriented society in recent years, there is an increasing need for printing even in various scenes such as scenes where there is no personal computer that is the output source of information to be printed. Printers are needed. In such a flow, in addition to the type of printer that prints an image corresponding to, for example, image data output from the personal computer, a technique related to a printer that directly prints an image captured by a digital still camera or the like is also available. Various developments have been made. As prior art documents describing techniques related to such a printer, for example, there are those disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 3 listed below.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-141837 (paragraph numbers [0021], [0023], [0032], [0034], [0035], [0045], [0050], and [0060], etc.) JP 2006-229583 A (paragraph numbers [0002], [0017] and [0026]) Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2003-266772 (first page and paragraph [0038])

  However, the composite printers disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 3 are generally expensive, heavy, structurally complex, and often fragile. On the other hand, even when the structure is simplified, a predetermined print quality needs to be maintained.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above demands and problems, and an example of the problem is due to the simplification of the configuration, for example, when the accuracy of some components is low, etc. Printing apparatus and printing method capable of performing printing in balance with print quality, information processing apparatus mounted on the printing apparatus, program for the information processing apparatus, and information recording medium on which the program is recorded It is to provide.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the invention according to claim 1 is a printing apparatus that performs printing on a printing medium such as printing paper, and is a printing schedule that is a range on the printing medium in which the printing is performed by a printing unit. A range index indicating a range directly or indirectly within the imaging range of an imaging unit such as a camera having at least a part of the print medium as an imaging range, and a relative position with respect to the printing unit Providing means such as a projection unit that provides a range index for which a relationship is set in advance, acquisition means such as a connection unit that acquires print control information including print information to be printed in the scheduled print range, and the acquired Based on the print control information, the printing unit such as a print head that performs the printing in the scheduled printing range and the moving unit such as a wheel that moves the printing apparatus are included in the scheduled printing range. Control means such as an apparatus drive unit that controls the apparatus so that the printing apparatus is moved after the printing is finished and used for the printing in the next scheduled printing range, and is acquired by the acquisition means The control information is first positional relationship information and second positional relationship information included in imaging information obtained by imaging the imaging range provided with the range index by the imaging unit, and the imaging range First positional relationship information indicating a relative positional relationship between the print medium and the print medium, and second positional relationship information indicating a relative positional relationship between the planned printing range and the imaging range. The print control information is generated by recognizing the position of the scheduled print area on the print medium.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the invention described in claim 22 is a printing method executed by a printing apparatus that performs printing on a printing medium such as printing paper, on the printing medium on which the printing is performed by a printing unit. Is a range index that directly or indirectly indicates the scheduled print range, which is a range of the print medium, within the imaging range of an imaging unit such as a camera whose imaging range is at least a part of the print medium, A providing step for providing a range index in which a relative positional relationship is set in advance; an obtaining step for obtaining print control information including print information to be printed in the scheduled print range; and the obtained printing Based on the control information, a printing process in which the printing unit performs the printing in the scheduled printing range and a moving unit such as a wheel for moving the printing apparatus are included in the scheduled printing range. A control step of moving the printing apparatus after completion of the printing to control the printing device to be used for the next printing scheduled range, and the printing control information acquired in the acquisition step includes First positional relationship information and second positional relationship information included in imaging information obtained by imaging the imaging range provided with a range index by the imaging means, the imaging range, the print medium, Using the first positional relationship information indicating the relative positional relationship between and the second positional relationship information indicating the relative positional relationship between the scheduled printing range and the imaging range. The print control information is generated by recognizing the position on the print medium.

  According to the invention described in claim 1 or claim 22, printing is performed by acquiring the print control information generated by recognizing the position of the scheduled print range using the first positional relationship information and the second positional relationship information. Then, the printing apparatus is moved to perform printing in the next scheduled printing range. Therefore, printing is performed on the scheduled print area while moving using the print control information generated using the first positional relationship information and the second positional relationship information included in the imaging information, so that the printing apparatus can be simplified by simplifying the configuration. Even when the movement control is not highly accurate, printing can be performed in balance with the print quality.

  In order to solve the above problems, the invention according to claim 2 is the information processing apparatus such as a smartphone that is portable and includes the processing means and the imaging means in the printing apparatus according to claim 1, The apparatus further includes a mounting unit capable of mounting an information processing apparatus in which the imaging range of the imaging unit is at least a part, and the printing control information acquired by the acquiring unit is obtained when the printing apparatus is stopped. Using the first positional relationship information and the second positional relationship information included in the imaging information obtained by imaging the imaging range by the imaging unit of the information processing device mounted on the mounting unit. The print control information is generated by recognizing the position by the processing means.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the invention described in claim 23 is a computer included in the information processing apparatus that is mounted on the mounting unit of the printing apparatus according to claim 2 and includes the imaging unit. It functions as a processing means.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, in the invention described in claim 24, the information processing program described in claim 23 is recorded so as to be readable by the computer.

  In order to solve the above problem, an invention according to claim 25 is the information processing apparatus that can be mounted on the mounting portion of the printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the imaging unit and the processing unit are provided. Prepare.

  According to the invention described in claim 2 or 23 to 25, in addition to the operation of the invention described in claim 1, imaging in which the imaging range is at least part of the print medium The print control information generated by recognizing the position of the print scheduled range on the print medium by the processing means of the information processing apparatus including the means is used for printing. At this time, in the position recognition, imaging information obtained from the imaging means of the information processing apparatus mounted on the mounting unit when the printing apparatus is stopped is used. Therefore, the entire printing apparatus can be reduced in size / portability while maintaining a balance with the print quality. Further, by utilizing the imaging means provided in the portable information processing apparatus, it is possible to substantially reduce the cost and improve the reliability of the entire printing apparatus, and separate from the printing apparatus. By using the processing means in the information processing apparatus, security for print information can be improved. Furthermore, by acquiring the print control information and using it for printing, the print information can be printed with high quality even when the accuracy of mounting the information processing apparatus on the mounting portion is low.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 3 is the printing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the print control information includes a printed portion of the print medium in the imaging range. The print control information is generated using the imaging information obtained as described above.

  According to the invention described in claim 3, in addition to the operation of the invention described in claim 1 or 2, print control information is generated using imaging information obtained by using a printed part as an imaging range. ing. Therefore, high-precision and high-quality printing can be performed. In addition, when the print quality of the printed part is insufficient, printing for correction can be performed, or the print result from the middle of the print medium can be improved.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the printing apparatus according to the third aspect, the print control information is the imaging information obtained by imaging the printed portion. The printing control information is generated based on the printing specifications of the printing determined based on the printed portion included.

  According to the invention described in claim 4, in addition to the operation of the invention described in claim 3, the print control information based on the printing specifications determined based on the printed portion included in the imaging information. Is generated, so higher quality printing can be performed.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the invention according to claim 5 is the printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit is configured according to a preset timing and distance. The moving unit is configured to control the printing apparatus to move.

  According to the invention described in claim 5, in addition to the operation of the invention described in any one of claims 1 to 4, the moving means is controlled so that the printing apparatus moves at a predetermined timing and distance. Is done. Therefore, by adopting a configuration in which the printing apparatus is moved by a predetermined distance or the like, it is possible to perform printing with a simpler configuration and with a balance with print quality.

  In order to solve the above problem, the invention according to claim 6 is the printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control means is generated based on the imaging information. The moving unit is controlled so that the printing apparatus moves based on the movement control information.

  According to the invention described in claim 6, in addition to the operation of the invention described in any one of claims 1 to 4, the moving means is based on the movement control information generated based on the imaging information. Be controlled. Therefore, by moving the printing apparatus based on the movement control information based on the imaging information, it is possible to reliably and efficiently print the entire content to be printed while preventing, for example, the occurrence of a blank portion.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the invention according to claim 7 is the printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a preset control pattern is provided on the print medium. It is provided so that it can be imaged by the imaging means, and the print control information or the movement control information uses the first positional relationship information included in the imaging information obtained by imaging the control pattern by the imaging means. Configured to be generated.

  According to the invention described in claim 7, in addition to the operation of the invention described in any one of claims 1 to 6, an image of a predetermined control pattern provided on the print medium so as to be imaged is imaged. Since the print control information or the movement control information is generated using the first positional relationship information included in the imaging information obtained in this way, high-precision printing can be performed even with a large print medium.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, according to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the printing apparatus according to the seventh aspect, the imaging means has sensitivity to wavelengths other than visible light, and the control pattern is It is configured to be a control pattern that can be imaged by the imaging means according to the wavelength.

  According to the invention described in claim 8, in addition to the action of the invention described in claim 7, since the control pattern is a control pattern that can be imaged on the imaging means by a wavelength other than visible light, it is recognized visually. By providing the control pattern in a state where it cannot be performed, print control information can be dynamically generated according to the control pattern, for example, without impairing the aesthetic appearance of the print medium.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the invention according to claim 9 is the printing apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the control pattern is a control pattern carried in advance on the surface of the print medium. Configured to be.

  According to the ninth aspect of the invention, in addition to the action of the seventh or eighth aspect of the invention, the control pattern is a control pattern carried in advance on the surface of the print medium. Therefore, high quality printing can be performed.

  In order to solve the above problems, the invention described in claim 10 is configured such that in the printing apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, the control pattern is a control pattern projected onto the print medium. Is done.

  According to the invention described in claim 10, in addition to the operation of the invention described in claim 7 or claim 8, the control pattern is a control pattern projected onto the print medium, so that the control pattern can be arbitrarily changed. Thus, higher quality printing can be performed. In addition, since it is not necessary to carry a control pattern on the print medium, a wider range of print media can be used.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, an invention according to claim 11 is the printing apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the control pattern is provided at a placement position of the print medium and the printing is performed. The control pattern is configured to be transmitted through a medium and imaged by the imaging unit.

  According to the invention described in claim 11, in addition to the operation of the invention described in claim 7 or claim 8, the control pattern is provided at the print medium mounting position and can be imaged by being transmitted through the print medium. Is a control pattern. Therefore, since the control pattern can be arbitrarily changed, higher quality printing can be performed. In addition, since it is not necessary to carry the control pattern on the print medium, a wider range of objects can be used as the print medium.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the invention according to claim 12 is the printing apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the control pattern includes the print medium by the printing apparatus. The printing specification index used for setting the printing specification in printing on the printing is included, and the printing control information or the movement control information is included in the imaging information obtained by imaging the control pattern by the imaging means. It is comprised so that it may be produced | generated based on the printing specification determined based on the said printing specification parameter | index contained.

  According to the invention described in claim 12, in addition to the operation of the invention described in any one of claims 8 to 11, the print specification index is included in the control pattern, and print control information or Since the movement control information is generated based on the printing specifications determined based on the printing specification index included in the imaging information obtained by imaging the control pattern by the imaging means, the printing specifications are included in the imaging information. By including the index, printing specifications can be set, and higher quality printing becomes possible.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the invention according to claim 13 is the printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the print control information or the movement control information is the imaging. It is configured to be generated based on the type of the print medium detected based on the information.

  According to the invention described in claim 13, in addition to the operation of the invention described in any one of claims 1 to 12, print control information or movement control information is detected based on imaging information. Since it is generated based on the type of print medium, a high-quality print result corresponding to the print medium can be obtained.

  In order to solve the above problems, the invention according to claim 14 is the printing apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising notification means such as a display for notifying the detected type. apparatus.

  According to the invention described in claim 14, in addition to the operation of the invention described in claim 13, since the type of the print medium detected based on the imaging information is notified, the user immediately determines the type of the print medium. Can be recognized.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the invention according to claim 15 is the printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the acquisition means is the print control information or the movement control. It is configured to be a connector that acquires information.

  According to the invention described in claim 15, in addition to the operation of the invention described in any one of claims 1 to 14, the acquisition unit is a connector for acquiring print control information or movement control information. The print control information and the like can be acquired with certainty.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the invention according to claim 16 is the printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the acquisition unit wirelessly transmits the print control information or the It is comprised so that movement control information may be acquired.

  According to the invention of the sixteenth aspect, in addition to the operation of the invention of any one of the first to fourteenth aspects, the print control information and the like are acquired wirelessly, which is accompanied by a physical connection. Therefore, the print control information and the like can be acquired without failure and while improving convenience.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 17 is the printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the imaging means is information carried on the print medium. Is further provided with storage means such as a RAM for storing image information corresponding to the captured image.

  According to the invention described in claim 17, in addition to the operation of the invention described in any one of claims 1 to 16, the information carried on the printing medium is imaged as an image, and the image is captured. Since image information corresponding to an image is stored, the printing apparatus can also function as an image reading apparatus.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, according to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, in the printing apparatus according to any one of the first to seventeenth aspects, the imaging unit is carried on the print medium. The information or the identification information for identifying the print medium itself is captured as the image together with the information carried on the print medium.

  According to the invention described in claim 18, in addition to the operation of the invention described in any one of claims 1 to 17, the identification information is imaged together with the information carried on the print medium. This can be utilized when a print medium carrying information is identified later.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, according to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, in the printing apparatus according to the eighteenth aspect, the identification information is carried on the print medium.

  According to the nineteenth aspect of the invention, in addition to the action of the eighteenth aspect, it is not necessary to separately provide an identification information carrier, so that the identification information can be imaged with an inexpensive configuration. .

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 20 is the printing apparatus according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the identification information is identification information printed on the print medium by the printing means. Configured to be.

  According to the invention described in claim 20, in addition to the operation of the invention described in claim 18 or claim 19, since the identification information is identification information printed by the printing means, the print medium can be formed with a minimum configuration. Can be identified.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the invention according to claim 21 is the printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 20, further comprising the moving means.

  According to the invention of claim 21, in addition to the operation of the invention of any one of claims 1 to 20, since the moving means is provided in the printing apparatus itself, the printing apparatus itself is self-propelled. Can be reduced in size.

  According to the present invention, after the printing control information generated by recognizing the position of the scheduled printing range using the first positional relationship information and the second positional relationship information is acquired and printed, the printing apparatus is moved. Printing in the next scheduled printing range.

  Therefore, printing is performed on the scheduled print range while moving using the print control information generated by using the first positional relationship information and the second positional relationship information included in the imaging information. Even when the movement control is not highly accurate, printing can be performed in balance with the print quality.

  Further, by expanding the movable range as a printing apparatus, it is possible to remove the restriction on the size of the print medium for printing. Furthermore, by printing after detecting the type of the print medium, it is possible to prevent the low-quality printing from being performed due to the misidentification of the type of the print medium.

1 is an external perspective view illustrating a configuration of a print system according to an embodiment. 1 is a partial plan view showing a configuration of a print system according to an embodiment. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a print system according to an embodiment. It is a top view which illustrates the control pattern concerning an embodiment. 5 is a flowchart illustrating print control processing according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating a movement mode of the print system during the print control process according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of another example of the print system according to the embodiment, (a) is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of the second example, and (b) is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of the third example. FIG. It is a perspective view showing the outline composition of the 4th example of the printing system concerning an embodiment.

Next, modes and the like for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments described below, characters, figures, and the like are printed on a printable print medium such as paper using a so-called smart phone that is portable and can be used with a phone that includes at least a digital camera capable of capturing a still image. In the embodiment, the present invention is applied to a printing system that prints (prints) printing information. The digital camera is hereinafter simply referred to as “camera”. Here, the present invention is applied not to a digital camera provided in the smartphone but to a printing system that uses a digital camera that is an independent digital camera as a device and stores the print information to be printed. May be. In addition, a smartphone user according to the embodiment or the like is hereinafter simply referred to as a “carrier”.
(I) Embodiment First, an embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing the configuration of the print system according to the embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a partial plan view showing the configuration of the print system. At this time, FIG. 2 is a plan view of the cross section taken along the line α-α ′ in FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the print system, and FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating a control pattern according to the embodiment. Further, FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a print control process according to the embodiment, and FIG. 6 is a plan view illustrating a movement mode of the print system during the print control process. 7 and 8 are perspective views showing a schematic configuration of another example of the print system according to the embodiment.

  The printing system according to the embodiment performs printing on, for example, paper on which the print information including characters, symbols, graphics, or the like is to be printed, or a three-dimensional object that can be printed on the surface thereof. This paper or three-dimensional object corresponds to an example of the “print medium” according to the present invention. And the printing system which concerns on embodiment acquires the said printing information from the mounting part with which the said smart phone is mounted | worn with the lens of the said camera with which the smart phone was equipped facing a printing medium, and the smart phone with which the said mounting part was mounted | worn And a print head that performs a printing process on the print medium, and the entire print system is configured to be movable. Then, the print information is printed on the print medium using the print head while imaging the surface of the print medium using the camera mounted on the mounting unit. Further, at this time, the print head and the print head are included by using each movement control data described later output from the smartphone so that the print range of the print head moves relative to the print medium on the print medium. The entire printing system is moved relative to the print medium. In the following description, movement control data for moving only the print head is referred to as “print head movement control data”, and movement control data for moving the entire printing system is referred to as “system movement control data”. To do. Then, at the position of the print system after movement based on the system movement control data, the print head uses the print control data and print head movement control data, which will be described later, output from the smartphone including the print information. Printing processing to the print medium is executed. In the embodiment described below, a case will be described as an example in which the printing medium is a printing sheet placed two-dimensionally (planarly).

  That is, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the print system PS according to the embodiment includes a smartphone S as an example of the “information processing apparatus” according to the present invention, and a lens of a camera provided in the smartphone S. A mounting portion 21 having a hole H into which the smartphone S is fitted downward so as to face the printing paper P placed below (that is, the camera lens faces downward in FIG. 1); The printing paper is provided in a frame-shaped hollow casing 23 below 21, a support section B 3 that fixes and supports the mounting section 21 with respect to the casing 23, and an inner hollow section of the casing 23. The print head 25 that executes the print processing for P based on the print control data and print head movement control data output from the smartphone S, and the case 23 and the support portion B3 Wheels T1 to T4 that two-dimensionally move the housing 23 and the like in the direction shown in FIG. 1 by the arrow A1 based on the system movement control data while supporting the mounting portion 21 on the printing paper P. A support rail 26A for supporting the print head 25 so that the print head 25 moves two-dimensionally on the print paper P based on the print head movement control data in the direction shown in FIG. 1 by the arrows A2 and A2 ′. And a support rail 26B. At this time, the support rail 26B is also formed in the inner hollow portion of the front side of the housing 23 in FIG. 1 (the lower side of the housing 23 in FIG. 2), and the support rail 26A is indicated by an arrow A2 ′. It is supported so that it can move in the direction in which it moves.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, each of the wheels T1 to T4 is based on the system movement control data output from the smartphone S by the device driving units 24-1 to 24-4 including a motor and a gear (not shown). The rotation speed and the like are controlled. In the following description, when description common to the device driving units 24-1 to 24-4 is performed, these are collectively referred to as the device driving unit 24. Further, the rotation axes of the wheels T1 to T4 can be rotated in a plane parallel to the printing paper P with a vertical line virtually set on the printing paper P as a central axis (that is, the entire printing system PS is converted into system movement control data). It is configured to be steerable based on). The entire printing system PS is printed in a two-dimensional direction indicated by an arrow A1 by controlling the rotational speed, rotational direction and rotational speed of the wheels T1 to T4 and steering based on the system movement control data. The sheet P can be moved freely and completely.

  On the other hand, a print head driving unit 26 (not shown) is provided in the print head 25. Then, due to the operation of the print head driving unit 26 based on the print head movement control data, the print head 25 moves in the direction indicated by the arrow A2 along the support rail 26A and also along the support rail 26B. Each moves in the direction indicated by, and moves two-dimensionally as a whole. By the two-dimensional movement of the entire printing system PS by the operations of the apparatus driving unit 24 and the print head driving unit 26 and the two-dimensional movement of the printing head 25 alone, the imaging range AR of the smartphone S and the printing head 25 are obtained. The printing range can be freely moved in a two-dimensional manner over the entire range of the printing paper P.

  On the other hand, a projection portion 27 is provided on one inner surface of the hollow portion of the housing 23. The projection unit 27 is, for example, a projection unit for laser light LZ (see a broken line in FIG. 2) of a visually recognizable color. The projection unit 27 irradiates a part of a region facing the inner hollow portion of the casing 23 on the printing surface of the printing paper P placed below the casing 23 with the laser beam LZ. For example, a rectangular range index FR indicating the planned printing range is projected. On the other hand, the imaging range (seen from the front side in FIG. 2) of the camera of the smartphone S illustrated in FIG. 1 is the imaging range AR illustrated by a one-dot chain line in FIG.

  Then, when the printing system PS is stopped after moving based on the system movement control data, the camera images the range of the printing paper P on which the range index FR is projected (that is, the range corresponding to the inner hollow portion of the housing 23). Based on the obtained image data (including the image of the range index FR), the print head 25 should print within the planned print range (that is, the range of the printing paper P indicated by the range index FR) at the time of stoppage. Print control data including print information is generated. Based on the print control data, the print head 25 operates while moving two-dimensionally within the scheduled print range, whereby the print control process according to the embodiment is executed.

  Next, the detailed configuration of the print system PS whose external appearance has been described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 will be described with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the smartphone S that is first mounted in the hole H of the mounting portion 21 includes a CPU 1, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 2, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 3, an operation button, a touch panel, and the like. An operation unit 4, a display 5 including a liquid crystal display on which the touch panel is arranged, a call control unit 6 to which a speaker 7 and a microphone 8 are connected, and the imaging range AR through the hole H Connected to the camera 9 as an example of the “imaging means” according to the present invention and an external network (network such as a wireless local area network (LAN), a dedicated line, the Internet, or a so-called 3G line) not shown in FIG. To be imaged by a communication interface 10 having an antenna ANT for performing the operation and a camera 9 that moves relatively The print control data and the print head between the light 11 that illuminates a part or all of the print paper P at the time of the imaging and the apparatus driving unit 24, the print head 25, the print head driving unit 26, and the projection unit 27. And a connection unit 12 for exchanging movement control data and system movement control data. The connecting portion 12 is physically and electrically connected to the connecting portion 22 (not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) provided in the mounting portion 21 when the smartphone S is fitted into the hole H. Accordingly, the connection unit 12 exchanges the print control data, the print head movement control data, the system movement control data, and the like with the apparatus driving unit 24 and the like via the connection unit 22. At this time, the print control data is exchanged with the print head 25, the system movement control data is exchanged with the apparatus driving unit 24, and the print head movement control data is exchanged with the print head driving unit 26. The In addition, it can also comprise so that the connection with the smart phone S, the apparatus drive part 24, the print head 25 grade | etc., May be performed by radio. In the RAM 3, a current image buffer 34 necessary for executing the print control process according to the embodiment centering on the CPU 1 is formed as a volatile storage area.

  1 to 3, the wheels T1 to T4 correspond to an example of “moving means” according to the present invention, and the projection unit 27 corresponds to an example of “providing means” according to the present invention. Equivalent to. The connection unit 22 corresponds to an example of “acquisition unit” according to the present invention, the CPU 1 corresponds to an example of “processing unit” according to the present invention, and the device driving unit 24 corresponds to an example of “control unit” according to the present invention. It corresponds to. Further, the display 5 corresponds to an example of “notification means” according to the present invention, and the RAM 3 corresponds to an example of “storage means” according to the present invention.

  In this configuration, the communication interface 10 controls the exchange of data with the network via the antenna ANT under the control of the CPU 1. At this time, the communication interface 10 may be configured to control not only wireless data transmission / reception via the antenna ANT but also wired data transmission / reception via a wired LAN or a so-called USB (Universal Serial Bus), for example. it can.

  The call control unit 6 controls a voice call as the smartphone S using the microphone 8 and the speaker 7 under the control of the CPU 1. Furthermore, the operation part 4 produces | generates the operation signal corresponding to the said operation based on operation by the user of the smart phone S, and outputs it to CPU1. Thereby, CPU1 controls the smart phone S whole based on the said operation signal.

  On the other hand, a program or the like for the process as the smartphone S included in the print system PS according to the embodiment including the print control process according to the embodiment described later is recorded in the ROM 2 in advance in a nonvolatile manner. And CPU1 controls the process as the said smart phone S by reading the said program etc. from ROM2, and running it. In addition, the ROM 2 also stores data necessary for processing as the smartphone S, such as telephone number data and address data, in a nonvolatile manner. In addition to the current image buffer 34, the RAM 3 stores other data necessary for processing as the smartphone S. Further, the display 5 displays information necessary for the process as the smartphone S to the user under the control of the CPU 1 in addition to the information necessary for the print control process according to the embodiment.

  On the other hand, in the state in which the smartphone S is mounted on the mounting unit 21 so that the lens of the camera 9 faces the printing paper, the camera 9 has an imaging range AR as the mounting unit 21 moves under the control of the CPU 1. The surface of the printing paper P is imaged while moving the image relatively and two-dimensionally, and image data (digitized image data) corresponding to the imaged image is transferred to the current image buffer 34 via the CPU 1. Output. Here, when the surface of the printing paper P is captured by the camera 9, the camera 9 outputs image data corresponding to the captured image to the current image buffer 34 each time the image is captured. As a result, the CPU 1 executes the print control process according to the embodiment using the data stored in the current image buffer 34, and prints including the print control data and the mounting unit 21 corresponding to the print control process. Processing for generating the system movement control data for moving the system PS and the print head movement control data for moving the print head 25 is executed. At this time, the light 11 illuminates a part or all of the printing paper P imaged by the camera 9 under the control of the CPU 1 so that the illuminance is suitable for the imaging.

  Next, the current image buffer 34 in the RAM 3 stores image data for one frame captured by the camera 9. In this case, an image corresponding to image data (frame image data) for one frame is referred to as a current image.

  Next, the printing paper P according to the embodiment will be specifically described with reference to FIG. As exemplified in part in FIG. 4, the surface on the printing side of the printing paper P according to the embodiment has a grid-like pattern 100, an address 101 indicating a position on the printing paper P, Quality data 102 indicating the quality (use) of the printing paper P is printed in advance. The quality data 102 illustrated in FIG. 4 exemplifies that the printing paper P is “photo paper” for photo printing. The pattern 100 and the address 101 correspond to an example of a “control pattern” according to the present invention, and the quality data 102 corresponds to an example of a “print specification index” according to the present invention. In the print control process according to the embodiment, as will be described later, in a state where the range index FR is projected on the print paper P having the pattern 100 and the address 101, the camera 9 including them in the imaging range AR is used. By capturing these images at once, the CPU 1 of the smartphone S detects the position of the scheduled printing range on the printing paper P. At the same time, the quality data 102 is imaged, and the CPU 1 determines the print quality in the print control data. Based on the detected position and the determined print quality, the CPU 1 generates print information (print information to be printed at the detected position) included in the print control data, and detects the generated print information. Printing is performed on the printing paper P at the specified position. The pattern 100, the address 101, and the quality data 102 are not only printed directly on the printing paper P, but, for example, images corresponding to the pattern 100, the address 101, and the quality data 102 are not shown. The image may be projected by the camera 9 from the front side (print head 25 side) or the back side of the printing paper P by the projection unit so as to be imaged. Further, the camera 9 is configured so as to be sensitive to wavelengths other than visible light, and the pattern 100, the address 101, and the quality data 102 are configured to be printed on the printing paper P with paint or the like that can be imaged at the wavelength. You can also. Furthermore, a pattern 100, an address 101, and quality data 102 are drawn, for example, on a mounting surface of a mounting table (not shown) on which the printing paper P is mounted, and the printed pattern 100 or the like is mounted thereon. You may comprise so that it can image from the camera 9 through the paper P (that is, through).

  Next, the print control process according to the embodiment will be specifically described with reference to FIGS.

  The print control process according to the embodiment is performed, for example, after a print sheet P printed with the pattern 100, the address 101, and the quality data 102 illustrated in FIG. The operation is started when the operation is performed on the operation unit 4 of the smartphone S. At this time, the entire print information to be printed on the print paper P (print information corresponding to the entire print paper P) is stored in the rewritable area of the RAM 3 or ROM 2 at the start of the print control process according to the embodiment. It shall be remembered.

  Next, when the smartphone S is fitted into the hole H of the mounting portion 21 so that the imaging range of the camera 9 is downward in FIG. 1, the print control process according to the embodiment is started, as shown in FIG. First, the camera 9 is activated (step S1).

  Next, the CPU 1 of the smartphone S fitted in the hole H initializes the current image buffer 34 to “zero” (step S2). Next, the CPU 1 drives the projection unit 27 to project the range index FR onto the portion of the printing paper P corresponding to the inside of the hollow portion of the housing 23 (see FIG. 2), and then the smartphone S fitted in the hole H. The printing surface of the printing paper P in the imaging range AR of the camera 9 (part of the printing surface on which the pattern 100 or the like is printed) is imaged, and an image (image corresponding to the current image) as the imaging result is captured. Image data is input to the current image buffer 34 (step S3).

  Next, the CPU 1 recognizes the positional relationship between the imaging range AR of the camera 9 and the printing paper P based on the pattern 100 and the address 101 included in the image data currently stored in the current image buffer 34. (Step S4). That is, in step S4, the CPU 1 recognizes the position or angle of the imaging range AR on the printing paper P based on the pattern 100 and the like included in the image data stored in the current image buffer 34.

  The print system PS according to the embodiment recognizes the positional relationship between the imaging range AR of the camera 9 and the print paper P based on the contents of the pattern 100 and the like on the print paper P. In addition, for example, when the camera 9 is fixed to a table or the like on which the printing paper P is placed, and the positional relationship between the imaging range AR of the camera 9 and the printing paper P is always fixed, or the entire printing paper P The print control processing of the embodiment can also be applied to the case where the peripheral portion of the print paper P is recognized by capturing the image. Even in this case, since the range index FR is reflected in the image data as the imaging result, the print control process according to the embodiment can be performed.

  When the positional relationship between the imaging range AR and the printing paper P is recognized, the CPU 1 next captures the image of the camera 9 based on the range index FR included in the image data currently stored in the current image buffer 34. The position of the scheduled printing range (that is, the position of the range index FR) within the range AR is recognized (step S5). Since the positional relationship between the imaging range AR and the printing paper P is recognized by the processing in step S4 described above, and the position of the scheduled printing range in the imaging range AR is further recognized by the processing in step S5. As a result of the processing, the position of the scheduled printing range in the printing paper P is recognized.

  Next, the CPU 1 determines, based on the position of the scheduled printing range recognized by the processing up to step S5 and the quality of the printing paper P indicated by the quality data 102 included in the captured image data. Print control data including print information to be printed at the position is generated and output to the print head 25 via the connection unit 12 and the connection unit 22 (step S6). Here, the print control data according to the embodiment includes bitmap data, which is the print information corresponding to each print pixel by the print head 25, data indicating the type and amount of ink for printing, or the size of ink particles, and the like. The control data is also included. In parallel with this, the CPU 1 generates the print head movement control data necessary for the movement control of the print head 25 necessary for printing the print information included in the print control data on the print paper P in the print scheduled range. Then, the data is output to the print head drive unit 26 via the connection unit 12 and the connection unit 22 (step S6). As a result, the print head 25 is supported by the drive control by the print head drive unit 26 based on the print head movement control data based on the control data and the print head movement control data included in the print control data. The print information is printed on the position of the print paper P corresponding to the current print scheduled range while being supported by the rails 26A and 26B and moving two-dimensionally (step S7).

  Next, the CPU 1 moves the entire print system PS on the print paper P in order to print the print information adjacent (continuous) on the print paper P with respect to the print information printed by the processing in the immediately preceding step S7. . That is, the CPU 1 generates system movement control data for moving the printing system PS to a position on the printing paper P on which the adjacent printing information is to be printed, and the device driving unit 24 via the connection unit 12 and the connection unit 22. Output to. In this case, the CPU 1 determines the positional relationship between the imaging range AR recognized by the process of step S4 and the printing paper P, and the scheduled print range (range index) within the imaging range AR recognized by the process of step S5. The system movement control data is generated based on the positional relationship of FR). More specifically, the system movement control data at this time is used to move the entire printing system PS to a position on the printing paper P where the scheduled printing range adjacent to the scheduled printing range recognized in step S5 is to be located. Control data is included. At this time, the CPU 1 generates system movement control data so that the adjacent print scheduled ranges partially overlap each other (in other words, there is no gap between adjacent print scheduled ranges).

  Here, when it is determined based on the image data after the print system PS has been moved once that it is recognized that there is a gap between the previous printed portion, the CPU 1 The position of the print system PS may be finely adjusted by driving the apparatus driving unit 24 again before the printing process.

  Then, the apparatus driving unit 24 that has received the system movement control data prints the printing system PS to the position on the printing paper P in the printing range to be printed next by the print head 25 based on the system movement control data. The entire movement is started (step S8), and the movement is terminated based on the system movement control data (step S9). Through the processes in steps S8 and S9, the entire printing system PS is moved to a position on the printing paper P where the adjacent print information is to be printed. At this time, the device driving unit 24 rotates each of the wheels T1 to T4 based on the system movement control data to move the entire printing system PS to a position on the printing paper P on which the adjacent printing information is to be printed. Control speed, direction and number of rotation, and snake angle.

  Here, when the printing system PS has moved out of the printing paper P, the pattern 100 or the like is not shown in the captured image data. In this case, the CPU 1 recognizes that the print system PS exists outside the print paper P based on the change in the image data so far. Thereafter, the CPU 1 generates the system movement control data and moves the print system PS so that the position of the print system PS is located outside the print paper P and within the print paper P or on the edge thereof. 24. As a result, the printing system PS is pulled back onto the printing paper P.

  Next, the CPU 1 determines whether or not printing of all the print information has been completed based on data indicating the positions of all the range indexes FR used for printing the print information so far (step S10). When printing of all print information to be printed on the printing paper P has been completed in the determination in step S10 (step S10; YES), the CPU 1 ends the print control process according to the embodiment. On the other hand, if the print information to be printed still remains in the determination in step S10 (step S10; NO), the CPU 1 returns to the above step S3 and prints next to print the print information to be printed next. The processes in steps S3 to S9 are repeated for the print information to be printed.

  The print control process described above with reference to FIG. 5 executes the print control process for all or part of the print paper P using the smartphone S and the print head 25 mounted on the mounting unit 21 downward in FIG. Is done. Here, as a result of the continuous execution of the processes in steps S3 to S9 shown in FIG. 5, the status of movement of the entire printing system PS in the process in which necessary printing information is printed on the printing paper P is shown in the printing scheduled range. The range index FR indicating the above will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 6, a solid line arrow indicates a trajectory along which the center point P of the range index FR moves as the print system PS moves. Further, FIG. 6 illustrates a part of the pattern 100 and the address 101 described in FIG. 4 printed on the printing paper P (the description of the quality data 102 is omitted). In FIG. 6, the position of the center point P0 is the newest position, and the position of the center point P10 is the oldest position. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 6, after the position of the center point P of the range index FR moves from the center point P10 → the center point P9 →... →→ the center point P6, the printing system PS once moves out of the printing paper P. Thereafter, the printing system PS returns to the position on the printing paper P again (see steps S8 and S9 in FIG. 5), and then the position of the center point P moves from the center point P5 to the center point P4 to. In this case, the range index FR corresponding to each center point P is the range index FR10 → the range index FR9 → the range index FR8 →... → the range index FR5 → the range index FR4 →. It moves to FR0, and printing by the print head 25 is performed at the position of each range index FR. Here, the adjacent range indexes FR overlap each other little by little, and as a result, necessary print information is printed on all or part of the print paper P without omission.

Here, the print system PS according to the embodiment can be applied to various examples in addition to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. Hereinafter, these other examples will be specifically described with reference to FIGS.
(A) Second Example FIG. 7A shows a second example which is another example of the print system PS according to the embodiment. In the printing system PS according to the second example, the printing paper P is simply placed in a plane on a desk or table, for example. 7 and 8, the description of the pattern 100, the address 101, and the quality data 102 is omitted. On the other hand, the smartphone S is fitted into the hole H of the mounting portion 21 so that the lens of the camera 9 faces the printing paper P (that is, the lens of the camera 9 faces the depth direction in the drawing in FIG. 7A). . At this point, similarly to the case illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the connection unit 12 of the smartphone S and the connection unit 22 of the mounting unit 21 are electrically connected, and the print control data, the print head movement control data, System movement control data etc. can be exchanged. Furthermore, the printing system PS including the mounting unit 21 of the second example is mounted on one end of an arm unit 236 that is one mode of the apparatus driving unit 24, and the other end of the arm unit 236 is mounted on one end of the arm unit 235. The other end of the arm portion 235 is supported by the base portion 234. Only in the case of the second example, the base 234, the arm part 235, and the arm part 236 correspond to an example of the “moving unit” according to the present invention, and the CPU 1 corresponds to an example of the “control unit” according to the present invention.

Then, based on the system movement control data from the smartphone S, the arm portions 235 and 236 that support the print system PS in which the smartphone S is fitted in the hole H move, and thereby the imaging range AR and range index FR of the camera 9 are moved. The print range (scheduled print range) of the print head 25 moves two-dimensionally over the entire range of the print paper P together with the print system PS (see arrow A1 in FIG. 7A). Then, during the movement, for example, the print control process illustrated in FIG. 3 is executed, and the print head 25 moves in a two-dimensional manner on the printing paper P within the print scheduled range, so that printing according to the embodiment is performed. The control process is executed every time the printing system PS moves.
(B) Third Example Next, FIG. 7B shows a third example which is still another example of the print system PS according to the embodiment. In the printing system PS according to the third example, the printing paper P is merely placed in a plane on a desk or table, for example, as in the second example. On the other hand, the smartphone S is fitted into the hole H of the mounting portion 21 so that the lens of the camera 9 faces the printing paper P as in the case of the second example. At this point, similarly to the case illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the connection unit 12 of the smartphone S and the connection unit 22 of the mounting unit 21 are electrically connected, and the print control data, the print head movement control data, System movement control data etc. can be exchanged. Furthermore, the printing system PS including the mounting unit 21 of the third example is mounted with self-propelled moving units 237 to 240 such as wheels or endless tracks, which are one mode of the device driving unit 24.

Then, based on the system movement control data from the smartphone S, the print system PS in which the smartphone S is fitted in the hole H is moved by the moving units 237 to 240, thereby the imaging range AR, the range index FR, and printing of the camera 9 The print range (scheduled print range) of the head 25 moves two-dimensionally over the entire range of the printing paper P (see arrow A1 in FIG. 7B). Then, during the movement, for example, the print control process illustrated in FIG. 3 is executed, and the print head 25 moves in a two-dimensional manner on the printing paper P within the print scheduled range, so that printing according to the embodiment is performed. Control processing is executed.
(C) Fourth Example FIG. 8 shows a fourth example which is still another example of the print system PS according to the embodiment. In the print system PS according to the fourth example, as in the second and third examples, the printing paper P is merely placed on a desk or table, for example, in a planar manner. On the other hand, the smartphone S is arranged so that the lens of the camera 9 faces the printing paper P as in the case of the second and third examples (that is, the lens of the camera 9 faces the depth direction in the drawing in FIG. 8). It fits in the hole H of the mounting part 21. At this point, similarly to the case illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the connection unit 12 of the smartphone S and the connection unit 22 of the mounting unit 21 are electrically connected, and the print control data, the print head movement control data, System movement control data etc. can be exchanged. Furthermore, support legs 241 to 244 that are one mode of the apparatus driving unit 24 are mounted on each corner of the casing 23 that constitutes the printing system PS including the mounting unit 21 of the fourth example. At this time, each of the support legs 241 to 244 is provided with joint portions 241A and 241B, joint portions 243A and 243B, and joint portions 244A and 244B (the joint portions of the support legs 242 are not shown in FIG. 8). In the joint portion, the support legs 21 to 244 are configured to be freely bent. That is, the support legs 241 to 244 move in an interlocking manner as if they were animal or insect legs, and move the entire printing system PS on the printing paper P in a two-dimensional manner.

  Then, based on the system movement control data from the smartphone S, the support legs 241 to 244 that support the print system PS in which the smartphone S is fitted in the hole H move in conjunction with each other as described above. The imaging range AR, the range index FR, and the print range of the print head 25 (scheduled print range) move two-dimensionally over the entire range of the print paper P together with the print system PS (see arrow A1 in FIG. 8). Then, during the movement, for example, the print control process illustrated in FIG. 3 is executed, and the print head 25 moves in a two-dimensional manner on the printing paper P within the print scheduled range, so that printing according to the embodiment is performed. The control process is executed every time the printing system PS moves.

  As described above, the print system PS according to the embodiment can be applied to various examples.

  As described above, according to the operation of the printing system PS including the image processing according to the embodiment, between the imaging range AR and the printing paper P recognized based on the image data in which the range index FR is reflected. , And the positional relationship between the imaging range AR and the range index FR, the print control data generated by recognizing the position of the scheduled print range in the print paper P is acquired, and printing by the print head 25 is performed. Then, the printing system PS is moved to perform printing in the next scheduled printing range. Therefore, printing in the planned printing range while moving using the print control data generated using the positional relationship between the imaging range AR and the printing paper P and the positional relationship between the imaging range AR and the range index FR. Therefore, even if the movement control of the printing system PS is not highly accurate due to the simplification of the configuration, printing can be performed with a balance with the printing quality.

  In addition, the CPU 1 of the smartphone S provided with the camera 9 whose imaging range AR is at least a part of the printing paper P acquires print control data generated by recognizing the position of the scheduled printing range on the printing paper P for printing. Use. At this time, image data obtained when the print system PS is stopped is used for the position recognition. Therefore, the entire print system PS can be reduced in size / portability while maintaining a balance with the print quality. Further, by utilizing the image data picked up by the camera 9 of the smartphone S, it is possible to substantially reduce the cost and improve the reliability of the entire printing system PS, and separate from the printing system PS. By using the CPU 1 in the smartphone S, security for print information can be improved. Furthermore, by acquiring the print control data from the smartphone S and using it for printing, it is possible to print the print information with high quality even when the accuracy of attaching the smartphone S to the attachment unit 21 is low.

  Furthermore, by controlling the device driving unit 24 based on the system movement control data generated based on the image data, for example, the entire content to be printed can be surely and efficiently prevented while preventing, for example, the generation of blank portions. Can be printed on.

  In addition, since the print control data or the movement control data is generated using image data obtained by imaging the predetermined pattern 100 or the like provided on the print paper P so as to be imaged, the large print paper P is used. However, highly accurate printing can be performed. Similar to the quality data 102, for example, an index or the like for designating the color or the like of the printing paper P may be printed on the printing paper P in advance.

  Furthermore, since the pattern 100, the address 101, and the quality data 102 (hereinafter referred to as the pattern 100, etc.) are the pattern 100 or the like that is printed in advance on the surface of the printing paper P, high-quality printing can be performed with an inexpensive configuration. It can be carried out. If the pattern 100 or the like can be captured by the camera 9 with a wavelength other than visible light, the pattern 100 or the like can be provided on the surface of the printing paper P in a state where it cannot be visually recognized. The print information can be dynamically generated according to the pattern 100 or the like without deteriorating the aesthetic appearance.

  Furthermore, when the pattern 100 or the like is projected onto the printing paper P from the front side or the back side of the printing paper P, higher quality printing can be performed by arbitrarily changing the pattern 100 or the like. Note that the pattern 100 or the like may be provided at the placement position of the printing paper P and transmitted through the printing paper P so that it can be imaged. Also in this case, since the pattern 100 and the like can be arbitrarily changed, higher quality printing can be performed.

  Further, a printing specification index used for setting printing specifications in printing on the printing paper P by the printing system PS is displayed on the printing paper P, and print control data, system movement control data, or print head movement control data is displayed. Is generated based on the printing specifications obtained by imaging the printing specification index with the camera 9, the printing specifications can be easily set, and the printing system capable of higher quality printing. PS can be realized.

  In the above-described embodiment, the print control data, the system movement control data, or the print head movement control data is generated based on the image data obtained by using the portion of the printing paper P on which the print information has been printed as the imaging range. It can also be configured.

  In this case, since the image data is the image data obtained by using the printed paper sheet P as the imaging range, the remaining part or the printed part is printed using the printed result of the printed part. Can be reprinted with higher quality.

  Furthermore, if the print control data according to the embodiment is generated based on the printing specifications determined based on the printed portion included in the image data, higher quality printing can be performed. Further, the final print quality may be improved by performing printing a plurality of times on the same place or position of the printing paper P. More specifically, for example, when the print result is insufficient as a result of printing up to that point due to the state of the printing paper P or the surrounding environment (typically, the print result of the printed part is In such a case where the density is lighter than the desired density, the insufficient printing result can be improved by performing the correction printing process by accurately overlapping the same place or position.

  In the above-described embodiment, the printing system PS is moved by driving the apparatus driving unit 24 based on the system movement control data generated based on the image data. In addition, for example, the apparatus driving unit 24 may be configured to be controlled by the CPU 1 so that the printing system PS moves in each direction at a preset timing and distance. In this case, since the apparatus driving unit 24 is controlled so that the printing system PS moves according to a predetermined timing and distance, a configuration that moves the printing system PS according to a predetermined distance and the like can be simplified. In addition, it is possible to perform printing in balance with the print quality.

  Furthermore, since the print control data and the like are exchanged by physical connection between the connection unit 12 provided in the smartphone S and the connection unit 22 provided in the mounting unit 21, the print control data and the like can be reliably exchanged. it can. Instead of this configuration, when wirelessly transmitting and receiving print control data and the like between the smartphone S and the mounting unit 21 by wireless, no physical connection is involved, so there is no trouble and convenience. The print control data and the like can be exchanged while improving.

  Further, the range index FR is formed by, for example, a frame-like wire rod or rod-shaped object indicating the scheduled printing range of the printing paper P covered from above on the scheduled printing range in addition to the projection described above. Also good.

Furthermore, in the print control process according to the above-described embodiment, a so-called non-rigid registration process is performed using image data obtained by imaging the pattern 100 and the like by the camera 9 as the print system PS moves. It can also be configured to output to the print head 25 after correcting the print information. More specifically, first, the processing of steps S1 to S5 is executed, and thereafter, printing information to be printed on the printing paper P at the position and angle recognized by the processing of steps S4 and S5 is read from the RAM 3 or ROM 2. read out. The CPU 1 captures the print information that has already been printed and stores the image data stored in the current image buffer 34 and the print information read from the RAM 3 or the like (that is, the print information that has already been printed). On the other hand, a non-rigid body alignment process is executed between the print information that is partially overlapped and continuous print information and is to be printed immediately thereafter. Non-rigid alignment processing at this time is performed immediately after the image data obtained by imaging the already printed print information and a part of the already printed print information. The print information to be printed is compared, and a transfer process, an enlargement process, a reduction process, a rotation process, a deformation process, etc. are performed on the print information to be printed immediately after the comparison so that the overlapping portion of the two matches as an image. Run. The image data obtained by imaging the already printed print information may be image data obtained by imaging a wider range than the print range related to the print information to be printed immediately after. . When the non-rigid registration processing is completed, the CPU 1 generates corresponding print control data and print head movement control data using the result (step S6), and prints via the connection unit 12 and the connection unit 22. Output to the head 25.
(II) Modified Embodiment Next, modified embodiments according to the present invention will be described.
(A) First Modification As a first modification, the CPU 1 detects the position of the printing system PS with respect to the printing paper P based on the image data from the camera 9, and the printing system PS based on the detected position. The system movement control data can be generated in the CPU 1 so as to feedback control the entire position or its movement state (movement state including its speed, acceleration, movement direction, etc.).

  At this time, more specifically, regarding the feedback control of the position of the printing system PS, for example, at a certain timing, the position of the imaging range AR of the camera 9 is, for example, toward the printing paper P, with the upper left end of the printing paper P as the origin. It is assumed that the coordinates (0, 0) in the orthogonal coordinates are detected. Consider a case where the position of the print system PS including the imaging range AR is moved to the coordinates (4, 4) for printing the next print information.

  In order to move the position of the imaging range to the coordinates (4, 4), for example, “40 steps to the right and 40 steps to the bottom” (low level (ie, a level close to more specific hardware control)). It is assumed that the system movement control data is transmitted from the CPU 1 to the device driving unit 24. After that, when the movement is actually performed by the apparatus driving unit 24 and completed, the position of the print system PS is detected again based on the image data from the camera 9, and the coordinates are (4, 2). Suppose. At this time, the print system PS was moved to the right as planned, but the print system PS was moved downward only half of the planned value. In the case of the part 24 etc., such a variation is inevitable). In this case, according to the feedback control according to the first modified embodiment, as the future system movement control data, the amount of movement in the downward system movement control data may be set to be twice the amount. Become. In other words, when the print system PS at the coordinates (4, 4) is moved to the coordinates (8, 8) in the future, it is referred to as “40 steps to the right and 80 steps to the bottom” with respect to the apparatus driving unit 24. It is only necessary to transmit the system movement control data. In the actual product, not all can move without error by a single feedback control, and thereafter, similar feedback control (feedback correction) continues to be executed. Moreover, although the correction method by feedback control becomes complicated because the movement in the X direction and the Y direction is not completely independent in practice, the basic concept is as described above.

In the case of the first modification, the system movement for detecting the position of the printing system PS with respect to the printing paper P based on the image data and feedback-controlling the position of the printing system PS based on each detected position. Since the control data is generated and output to the apparatus driving unit 24, the printing system PS can be moved more accurately by feedback control of the position and movement state based on the detected position of the printing system PS. .
(B) Second Modification As a second modification, the standard size of the printing paper P is detected on the basis of the size mark included in the image data captured by the camera 9, and the detected size is detected. Based on the size, the print control data, the system movement control data, or the print head movement control data may be generated so as to control the print position, print range, or print size of the print information on the print paper P.

In the case of the second modification, the size of the printing paper P is detected based on the image data, and the printing position and printing range of the printing information or the printing size is controlled based on the size. Since print control data and the like are generated, a higher quality print result can be obtained.
(C) Third Modification As a third modification, the CPU 1 detects the type of the printing paper P based on image data obtained by imaging at least a part of the printing paper P with the camera 9, and the detection is performed. The print control data, the system movement control data, or the print head movement control data may be generated based on the type. Specifically, by detecting the surface state or the like of the printing paper P, for example, it may be possible to distinguish between plain paper and high-quality paper, for example. The type of the detection result may be notified to the publisher using the display 5 or the like. In the case of the third modification, the type of the printing paper P is detected based on the image data, and the print control data and the like are generated based on the type, so that a high-quality printing result corresponding to the printing paper P Can be obtained. Further, if the type of the printing paper P is detected and notified based on the image data, the carrier can immediately recognize the type of the printing paper P.
(D) As a fourth modification or a fourth modification, for example, the mounting unit 21 may include a power feeding unit that feeds power to the smartphone S mounted on the mounting unit 21 wirelessly. In this case, since power is supplied to the smartphone S wirelessly, printing can be performed while charging the smartphone S without stopping the processing in the smartphone S.
(E) Fifth Modification As a fifth modification, the information printed on the printing paper P is captured as an image by the camera 9 and image data corresponding to the captured image is stored in, for example, the RAM 3. You may comprise so that it may be made. In this case, since the information printed on the printing paper P is captured as an image and image data corresponding to the captured image is stored, the smartphone S can also function as a scanner.

  In this fifth modification, information recorded on the printing paper P or identification data for identifying the printing paper P itself is printed on the printing paper P by the print head 25, and this printing is performed by the camera 9. The identified identification data may be captured as an image together with information printed on the printing paper P. In this case, since the identification data is captured as an image together with the information printed on the printing paper P, it can be utilized when the printing paper P on which the information is printed is identified later. The identification data is not only printed by the print head 25 but also identification data that is written or written (carried) on the printing paper P by hand before printing on the printing paper P. May be.

Furthermore, as another example of processing using this identification data, the content of the print information itself may be changed based on the identification data. Specifically, for example, after printing up to the 10th page as print information, it is necessary to print another sheet for the 5th page. In this case, the printing system PS is operated after handwriting “5 pages” on the blank printing paper P, and the printing system PS recognizes the characters of “5 pages” (corresponding to the identification data) from the image data, The print information of the corresponding five pages can be read again from the RAM 3, and only that page can be printed again.
(F) Sixth Modification Finally, as a sixth modification, the present invention uses, for example, an electron beam or a laser in addition to the print system PS including the print head 25 using, for example, an inkjet method or a thermal method. The present invention can also be applied to a print system that draws a predetermined image or the like.

  Further, a program corresponding to the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 or FIG. 9 is acquired via a network such as the Internet, or a program recorded on an information recording medium such as an optical disk is acquired, for example, by a general-purpose microcomputer. It can also be configured to read and execute this. The microcomputer in this case executes the same processing as the CPU 1 according to each embodiment.

  As described above, when the present invention is applied to the field of printing systems, a particularly remarkable effect can be obtained. In addition, as described above, it is possible to obtain an epoch-making value that has not been available in conventional apparatuses and the like, such that printing processing can be easily performed at any time and anywhere without taking time and effort.

1 CPU
2 ROM
3 RAM
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 4 Operation part 5 Display 6 Call control part 7 Speaker 8 Microphone 9 Camera 10 Communication interface 11 Light 12, 22 Connection part 21 Mounting part 23 Case 24-1, 24-2, 24-3, 24-4 Device drive part 25 Print head 26 Print head drive unit 26A, 26B Support rail 27 Projection unit 34 Current image buffer 235, 236 Arm unit 234 Base unit 237, 238, 239, 340 Moving unit 241, 242, 243, 244 Support leg 241A, 241B, 243A, 243B, 244A, 244B Joint part 100 Pattern 101 Address 102 Quality data B3 Support part T1, T2, T3, T4 Wheel LZ Laser light FR, FR0, FR1, FR2, FR3, FR4, FR5, FR6, FR7, FR8, FR9, FR10 range finger P0, P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6, P7, P8, P9, P10 center point AR imaging range S smartphone P printing paper A1, A2, A2 'arrow PS printing system ANT antenna

Claims (25)

In a printing apparatus that performs printing on a print medium,
A range index that directly or indirectly indicates a scheduled print range that is a range on the print medium on which the printing is performed by a printing unit, within the imaging range of the imaging unit with at least a part of the print medium as an imaging range. Providing means for providing a range index in which a relative positional relationship with the printing means is preset;
Obtaining means for obtaining print control information including print information to be printed in the scheduled print range;
Based on the acquired print control information, the printing unit that performs the printing in the scheduled printing range;
Control means for moving the printing device to move the printing device after completion of the printing in the scheduled printing range, and controlling the moving device to be used for the printing in the next scheduled printing range;
With
The print control information acquired by the acquisition unit includes first positional relationship information and second position included in imaging information obtained by imaging the imaging range in which the range index is provided by the imaging unit. 1st positional relationship information which is relative information and shows the relative positional relationship between the said imaging range and the said printing medium, and shows the relative positional relationship between the said printing scheduled range and the said imaging range A printing apparatus, wherein the printing control information is generated by recognizing a position of the scheduled printing range in the printing medium using the second positional relationship information. The printing apparatus according to claim 1,
An information processing apparatus that is portable and includes a processing unit and the imaging unit, and further includes a mounting unit that can mount an information processing device in which the imaging range of the imaging unit is the at least part.
The print control information acquired by the acquisition unit is obtained by imaging the imaging range by the imaging unit of the information processing apparatus mounted on the mounting unit when the printing apparatus is stopped. The printing apparatus, wherein the printing control information is generated by recognizing the position by the processing unit using the first positional relation information and the second positional relation information included in imaging information. The printing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
The printing apparatus, wherein the print control information is print control information generated using the imaging information obtained by using a printed portion of the print medium as the imaging range. The printing apparatus according to claim 3.
The print control information is a print generated based on print specifications determined based on the printed part included in the imaging information obtained by imaging the printed part. A printing apparatus characterized by being control information. In the printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The printing apparatus, wherein the control means controls the moving means so that the printing apparatus moves at a preset timing and distance. In the printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The printing device, wherein the control unit controls the moving unit so that the printing device moves based on movement control information generated based on the imaging information. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The print medium is provided with a preset control pattern so that it can be imaged by the imaging means,
The printing apparatus, wherein the printing control information or the movement control information is generated using the first positional relationship information included in the imaging information obtained by imaging the control pattern by the imaging unit. The printing apparatus according to claim 7.
The imaging means has sensitivity to wavelengths other than visible light,
The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control pattern is a control pattern that can be imaged by the imaging unit using the wavelength. The printing apparatus according to claim 7 or 8,
The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control pattern is a control pattern carried in advance on the surface of the print medium. The printing apparatus according to claim 7 or 8,
The printing apparatus, wherein the control pattern is a control pattern projected onto the printing medium. The printing apparatus according to claim 7 or 8,
The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control pattern is a control pattern that is provided at a placement position of the print medium and is transmitted through the print medium and can be imaged by the imaging unit. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 11,
The control pattern includes a printing specification index used for setting printing specifications in printing on the printing medium by the printing device,
The printing control information or the movement control information is generated based on printing specifications determined based on the printing specification index included in the imaging information obtained by imaging the control pattern by the imaging unit. Printing apparatus. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
The printing apparatus, wherein the print control information or the movement control information is generated based on a type of the print medium detected based on the imaging information. The printing apparatus according to claim 13.
A printing apparatus, further comprising notification means for notifying the detected type. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14,
The printing apparatus, wherein the acquisition unit is a connector that acquires the print control information or the movement control information. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14,
The printing apparatus, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the print control information or the movement control information wirelessly. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 16,
The imaging means captures information carried on the print medium as an image,
A printing apparatus, further comprising storage means for storing image information corresponding to the captured image. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 17,
The image pickup means picks up the information carried on the print medium or identification information for identifying the print medium itself as the image together with the information carried on the print medium. Printing device. The printing apparatus according to claim 18.
A printing apparatus, wherein the identification information is carried on the print medium. The printing apparatus according to claim 18 or 19,
The printing apparatus, wherein the identification information is identification information printed on the print medium by the printing unit. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 20,
The printing apparatus further comprising the moving unit. In a printing method executed in a printing apparatus that performs printing on a print medium,
A range index that directly or indirectly indicates a scheduled print range, which is a range on the print medium, on which the printing is performed by the printing unit, within the imaging range of the imaging unit with at least a part of the printing medium as the imaging range. A providing step of providing a range index in which a relative positional relationship with the printing unit is preset;
An acquisition step of acquiring print control information including print information to be printed in the scheduled print range;
Based on the acquired print control information, a printing process for performing the printing by the printing unit in the scheduled printing range;
A control step of controlling the moving means for moving the printing apparatus to move the printing apparatus after completion of the printing in the scheduled printing range and to provide the printing in the next scheduled printing range;
Including
The print control information acquired in the acquisition step includes first positional relationship information and second position included in imaging information obtained by imaging the imaging range provided with the range index by the imaging unit. 1st positional relationship information which is relative information and shows the relative positional relationship between the said imaging range and the said printing medium, and shows the relative positional relationship between the said printing scheduled range and the said imaging range A printing method, comprising: printing control information generated by recognizing a position of the scheduled printing range on the print medium using second positional relationship information.   An information processing program causing a computer included in the information processing apparatus mounted on the mounting unit of the printing apparatus according to claim 2 to include the imaging unit to function as the processing unit.   An information recording medium in which the information processing program according to claim 23 is recorded so as to be readable by the computer. The information processing apparatus that can be attached to the attachment unit of the printing apparatus according to claim 2,
An information processing apparatus comprising the imaging unit and the processing unit.

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