JPH11136552A - Printer part driving control system of camera with printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a driving control system which has advantages of both high-speed mode setting and a low current consumption mode combined by detecting the rest of battery capacity and controlling the maximum driving current of a print head in stages at the time of printing by a printer part according to the detection result. SOLUTION: This system consists of an image pickup part 1, an image pickup process part 2, a print process part 3, a printer part 4, a system control part 5, an image pickup control part 6, a print control part 7, a display control part 8, a mode setting device 9, a current supply control part 10, current detection 11, a power source 12, a display part 13, a display process part 14, a storage medium 15, and a lighting device 16. This system detects the rest of the battery capacity and controls the maximum driving current of the print head in >=2 two stages at the time of printing by the printer part 4 according to the detection result. Consequently, the advantages of both the high-speed mode setting capable of shortening the print output time according to the rest of the battery capacity and the low current consumption mode wherein a print quantity can be secured are combined in this control system.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a multifunction printer,
More specifically, the present invention relates to a device in which an electronic still camera and an image printer are integrally configured.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in this type of camera,
There was a request to see the print on the spot. In contrast, for example, US Pat.
No. 3,727,529, 4,000,5000,
After photographing with a device of each specification such as 4,249,811 and 4,312,524 and a so-called instant camera and instant film such as a film cartridge of U.S. Patent No. 3,707,116,
There is disclosed a system in which prints can be viewed in a short time.

[0003] However, each of the above-mentioned conventional devices has the following problems: 1) The image at the moment of photographing is only recorded on an instant film, There is no means to leave on recording media other than instant film, especially when trying to obtain multiple prints, it is only a means to copy the image formed on the instant film, which is inconvenient compared to other methods such as the original image storage method Met.

[0004] 2) It is not always necessary to print out all shooting scenes on the spot. However, in the case of the instant photograph, the printout can be performed later without being printed out.

[0005] As a method of compensating for such a shortcoming of the instant photograph, a method of exposing image information picked up by a solid-state image pickup device to a silver halide film at substantially equivalent timing at the time of photographing, and the like, A camera with a printer is conceivable in which image information captured by an electrical imaging element is taken into a memory at an equivalent timing, and the data is printed out arbitrarily.

Generally, a) a fusion type thermal transfer printer, b) a sublimation type thermal transfer printer, and c) an ink jet type printer are suitable for a printer used to print out such color image information.

Among them, the ink-jet printer c) is excellent in operation cost, miniaturization, output speed, low drive current characteristics and the like, and is very effective as a camera with a printer requiring portability. is there.

On the other hand, in a device disclosed in US Pat. No. 4,074,324, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 54-136325, etc., a camera with a printer for printing out information electrically picked up by a solid-state image sensor or the like is disclosed. ing.

In the apparatus described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 4-200181, a camera with a built-in printer capable of mounting several types of ink ribbons and several types of recording paper is disclosed.

[0010]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional examples, all are described only as a conceptual power supply system, and are used when a battery is used as a power supply means of a camera with a printer. Battery based on the characteristics of the battery and the maximum rush current of the printer
There is no specific proposal for the control of the printer head and the setting of the shutdown voltage when the capacity of the battery used is insufficient, taking into account the utilization efficiency of the battery used. It does not provide a solution for the power supply control system for the maximum rush current when the printer head is driven.

Here, the current consumption control of the power supply battery mounted on the device at the present time is considered:
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 54-136325 proposes a means for accommodating a flat thin battery. However, no specific proposal is made on current control. In the apparatus described above, the power of the printer unit, the imaging unit, and the camera unit is turned on.
Only the off control and the control related to the charging of the flash unit corresponding thereto have been proposed, but no proposal including specific current limitation for each of the printer unit, the imaging unit, and the camera unit has been made.

[0012] Regarding power saving, see JP-A-4-77.
In Japanese Patent Publication No. 184, there is a proposal of power-off by a timer at the time of standby, but it is a current consumption protection by restricting an operation other than the time of actual use.
There is no proposal for a power control system corresponding to the remaining battery level during actual use.

[0013] Since this type of camera is a portable device, it mainly uses a battery as a power supply means. In this case, it is necessary to protect and compensate circuits and data and to protect the battery. The level of the reduced voltage to be performed is based on the characteristics of the battery used, and the image output printer unit, the image input unit, the image processing unit, the storage medium unit, the operation status display unit,
This is determined based on the value of the output voltage drop due to the maximum rush current amount of the system when the lighting device and the like are supplied from the same power supply through the same body or external connection.

First, as a characteristic of a battery as a power supply means, as shown in an example of a discharge characteristic diagram at the time of load as shown in FIG. 9, as the external load (current consumption) increases, the output voltage drops and the discharge time at that time. As a result, there is a characteristic that the capacity is reduced and the output voltage is reduced.

In the operation of the system, when the rush current required at the time of image print output among the rush currents required in each situation is the largest in the system operation situation, FIG. FIG. 11 shows an example of the relationship between the current consumption value of the print head and the printing time as shown in an example of the relationship between the dot printing time and the printing time when printing 8 million dots in a printer. When the maximum rush current of the printer unit at the time of image output is set to the maximum rush current possible as a system after including the characteristics of the battery, as shown in FIG. , As represented by the battery capacity consumption in the high-speed mode,
The value of the reduced voltage level of the system increases, and the efficiency of using the battery capacity is significantly reduced.

This means that the amount of electric power consumed by the print head is small. If the power consumption of the print head is small, the printing performance is reduced and the number of printed sheets is reduced. When the maximum rush current of the printer unit is limited in order to maximize the use efficiency of the battery capacity, improve the printing performance per used battery, and increase the number of prints, the low-current mode shown in FIG. Although the use efficiency of the battery capacity can be increased as expressed by the consumption of the battery capacity in the above, however, as shown in the above 11, reducing the rush current of the print head significantly increases the time required for print output. It becomes a factor to do.

For this reason, actually, the balance between the print output time and the number of prints output per battery used,
It seems that the method of determining the maximum rush current of the printer unit is used.However, in both the print output time and the number of prints per battery, the goodness of each characteristic is not fully utilized, and the print output time is not considered. It is not possible to improve the usability during use by shortening the output time as much as possible, and to improve the usability with the increase in the number of print output sheets by increasing the use efficiency of the battery.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, and detects the remaining amount of battery capacity and, based on the result of the remaining amount, determines the maximum size of the print head at the time of printing in the printer unit. By controlling the drive current in at least two stages, a high-speed mode setting for shortening the print output time by the remaining battery capacity as shown in FIG. 12B and a low current consumption mode for securing the number of prints as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 13, in a single-battery operation, a total number of prints per battery is secured in the same number as in the low-current mode, as shown in FIG.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a power supply system for a camera with a printer that can shorten the printing time.

[0019]

Therefore, in the present invention, the object is achieved by providing a printer drive control system for a camera with a print according to any one of the following items (1) to (4). What you want to do.

(1) A printer having photographing means for converting an optical image of a scene to be photographed into an electronic image signal, and a printer device for visually recognizing and outputting the electronic image signal photographed by the photographing means on recording paper. In the imaging device with
A power supply system having detection means for detecting the capacity of the battery as power supply means, and control means for controlling the maximum drive current of the printer unit of the photographing apparatus with a printer in at least two stages based on a signal from the detection means. A printer drive control system for a camera with a printer, comprising:

(2) The printer device has a power supply system having a detachable power supply as the power supply means, using an ink jet recording method as a print means, and having a function of detecting the capacity of the power supply means. The printer unit drive control system for a camera with a printer according to the above (1), wherein the maximum number of the same number of ink jet heads of the printer unit to be driven is controlled in at least two stages based on a signal from the detection unit. .

(3) As a detection signal used for ink-jet control of the control means, there is provided a means for detecting the type of the power supply means mounted on the detection means,
The printer unit drive control of a camera with a printer according to the above item (2), wherein the maximum number of the same number of the same number of ink jet heads of the printer unit is controlled based on the detection signals from the respective detection units in at least two stages. system.

(4) A printer and a printer attached thereto
Removable power supply as the same power supply for the image information input device used for printer output by connection from the same enclosure or from outside, and the accompanying auxiliary device and / or device for print output image processing Means, and a power supply detection system having a function of detecting the type and capacity of the power supply, and the maximum drive current of the printer unit is reduced based on both or one of the detection signals from the detection means. And a control unit for controlling the printer unit in two or more stages.

[0024]

The printer unit drive control system according to the above paragraph (1) detects the remaining amount of battery capacity and controls the maximum drive current of the print head at the time of printing in the printer unit in at least two stages based on the result of the remaining amount. When the remaining battery capacity is large, the printer unit is controlled so that the print output time can be shortened, and when the battery capacity becomes small, the per-battery used by effective use of the battery capacity is controlled. An operation is performed to control the printer unit in order to increase the number of prints.

In the above item (2), the printer apparatus employs an ink jet recording system, and the maximum number of the same number of ink jet heads of the printer section is controlled in at least two stages based on a detection signal from the detecting means. According to the printer unit drive control system of the camera with a printer described in the above item (1), when the remaining battery capacity is large, the printer unit is controlled so that the print output time can be shortened, and the battery capacity is reduced. In this case, the operation is performed to increase the number of prints per battery used by effectively utilizing the capacity of the battery.

Further, in the above (3), the control means has means for detecting the type of the power supply means mounted on the detection means, and the control means of the printer unit based on a detection signal from each detection means. The preceding paragraph (2) in which the maximum number of identically driven inkjet heads is controlled in at least two stages.
The printer drive control system for a camera with a printer described in (1) operates to control a drive current suitable for characteristics of a plurality of types of power supply means.

In the above item (4), the printer and the image information input device used for printer output by connection from the same housing or from the outside attached to the printer and the auxiliary device associated therewith and the output device for print output image processing A function for recognizing the device and / or the storage medium or an associated device, a detachable power supply unit used as the same power supply as the printer unit, and a type and capacity of the power supply. A power supply detection system having a function and / or control of controlling the maximum drive current of the printer unit in at least two stages based on the detection signal from the detection means. The operating current consumption characteristics of devices other than the printer unit are controlled by the printer unit drive control system of the printer device having the means. And it operates to perform the control of the drive current suitable for the characteristics and capacity power supply unit.

[0028]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail based on an embodiment with reference to the drawings.

[0029]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention employs an ink jet recording system in a printer section, captures electronic images with a solid-state image sensor, for example, a CCD, etc. The video information stored in an SRAM or a magnetic tape or magnetic disk as a magnetic recording medium, an optical recording medium, or the like, and the video information stored in an arbitrary storage medium can be printed out for an arbitrary number of prints.

The apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention is provided with a means (for example, an electrothermal converter or a laser beam) for generating thermal energy as energy used for performing ink ejection, particularly in an ink jet recording system. An excellent effect is obtained in a recording head and a recording apparatus of a type in which a change in the state of ink is caused by the thermal energy.

The typical structure and principle are described in, for example, US Pat. No. 4,723,129 and US Pat.
It is preferable to use the basic principle disclosed in the specification of US Pat. No. 740,796.

According to this method, in particular, in the case of an on-demand type, an electrothermal transducer arranged corresponding to a sheet holding a liquid (ink) or a liquid path corresponds to recording information. By applying at least one drive signal that provides a rapid temperature rise above the nucleate boiling, heat energy is generated in the electrothermal transducer, causing film boiling on the heat acting surface of the recording head, resulting in film boiling. This is effective because air bubbles in the liquid (ink) corresponding to this drive signal on a one-to-one basis can be formed.

By discharging the liquid (ink) through the discharge opening by the growth and contraction of the bubble, at least one droplet is formed. When the drive signal is formed into a pulse shape, the growth and shrinkage of the bubble are performed immediately and appropriately, so that the ejection of a liquid (ink) having particularly excellent responsiveness can be achieved, which is more preferable.
U.S. Pat.
Those described in JP-A-63,359 and JP-A-4,345,262 are suitable. In addition, U.S. Pat.
If the conditions described in Japanese Patent No. 313,124 are adopted, more excellent recording can be performed.

As the configuration of the recording head, in addition to the combination of a discharge port, a liquid path, and an electrothermal converter (a linear liquid flow path or a right-angled liquid flow path) as disclosed in the above specifications, A configuration using U.S. Pat. No. 4,558,333 or U.S. Pat. No. 4,459,600 which discloses a configuration in which a heat acting portion is arranged in a bending region is also included in the present invention. It is.

In addition, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 123670/1984 discloses a configuration in which a common slit is used as a discharge portion of an electrothermal converter for a plurality of electrothermal converters, or absorbs pressure waves of thermal energy. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 123670/1984 that discloses a configuration in which the opening corresponds to the discharge portion, and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 138461/1984 that discloses a configuration in which the hole for absorbing the pressure wave of thermal energy corresponds to the discharge portion. The effect of the present invention is effective even if the configuration is based on.

Further, as a full line type recording head having a length corresponding to the width of the maximum recording medium that can be recorded by the recording apparatus, a combination of a plurality of recording heads as disclosed in the above-mentioned respective specifications is used. Either a configuration that satisfies the length or a configuration as a single recording head that is integrally formed may be used.
The features of the present invention can be more effectively exhibited. In addition, when a replaceable chip-type recording head that can be electrically connected to the apparatus main body or supplied with ink from the apparatus main body by being attached to the apparatus main body is used, the present invention The embodiment is effective.

It is preferable to add recovery means for the print head, preliminary auxiliary means, and the like provided as a configuration of the printing apparatus of the embodiment of the present invention since the effects of the present invention can be further stabilized. It is.

Specifically, capping means, cleaning means, pressurizing or suction means for the recording head, and preheating by an electrothermal converter, a separate heating element, or a combination thereof. It is also effective to perform a preliminary ejection mode in which ejection is performed separately from the means and printing in order to perform stable printing.

Further, the recording mode of the recording device section is not limited to the recording mode of only the mainstream color such as black, and the recording head may be integrally formed or a combination of a plurality of recording heads. It is extremely effective that the apparatus is provided with at least one of color colors or full color by color mixture.

(First Embodiment) <Structure> FIGS. 1A and 1B show an apparatus (a) of the first embodiment.
FIG. 2 shows two perspective views of the upper surface and (b) each appearance perspective view during output of printed print paper, and FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of the configuration of the same device.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 101 denotes a camera body;
2 is a cartridge unit, 103 is a print button,
104 is a zoom button, 105 is an imaging lens, 106 is an optical finder, 107 is a print exit, 108 is printed print paper, 109 is an image return button, 110 is an image feed button, 112 is a shutter button, 114 is a liquid crystal display panel, 115 is a size setting button, and 116 is a print number setting button.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 1 denotes an imaging unit, 2 denotes an imaging processing unit, 3 denotes a printing processing unit, 4 denotes a printer unit, 5 denotes a system control unit, 6 denotes an imaging control unit, 7 denotes a printing control unit, and 8 denotes a printing control unit. Is a display control unit, 9 is a mode setting device, 10 is a power supply control unit, 11 is power supply detection, 12 is power supply, 13 is a display unit, 14
Denotes a display processing unit, 15 denotes a storage medium, and 16 denotes a lighting device.

<Operation> The operation sequence of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flow chart of FIG. 3. When the user turns on the main power for inputting power from the input key, the mode setting device in the block diagram of FIG. From (9), the main power-on information is given to the system control unit 5, and the control units 5, 6, 7, 8, and 10, the display unit 13, and the display processing unit 14 are started (step S20).
1). Further, it is determined whether or not the input command condition is a mode for performing a printer output. If the input command condition is a mode for performing a printer output, the process proceeds to a print mode routine (step S20).
2).

When the printer output is not performed, it is further determined whether or not the imaging mode is set. If the imaging mode is not set, the recording image display mode 204 is entered and the storage medium 15 shown in FIG.
Display conditions set by the user (step S
The desired image data is displayed on the display unit 14 by the display processing unit 14 in accordance with 215) (step S216).

The display unit 13 displays the captured image information input from the imaging unit 1 or the image information stored in the storage medium 15 by a display unit driver in the display processing unit 14 on a liquid crystal monitor or the like. It is also desirable to provide a display for confirming the photographing conditions and the state of the apparatus.

In the case of the photographing mode, the photographing mode 20
5, the power supply distribution control unit 10 and the imaging control unit 6 activate the imaging unit 1 and the imaging processing unit 2 (step S217) to determine the exposure control value and the distance measurement information from the input field. Then, the control operation of the imaging unit is performed. Further, various conditions such as the presence / absence of operation of the lighting device 16 as an auxiliary device are also determined (step S218).

Next, as a command to perform imaging from the user,
A trigger by the shutter operation is input (Step S2
19) Thus, the subject is imaged, and the image data output from the imaging processing unit 2 is stored in the storage medium unit 15. At the same time, it is preferable that the image data is displayed on the display unit 13 on the display unit 14 (step S22).
1).

As the photographing operation, the photographing mode 205 is repeated to store at least one image information of the photographed image on the storage medium 15.

On the other hand, when the process proceeds to the print mode routine in step S202, the power supply control unit 10 and the print control unit 7 shown in FIG. (Step S204). Next, it is determined whether or not the power has not been turned on for three days or more (72 hours or more) since the last use of this device (step S205).

If three days have elapsed, the print control unit 7 performs recovery pumping of the printer unit 4 (step S205). Here, the recovery pumping is to make the recording more effective in the above-described ink jet recording system, and is to clean the recording head by means of a suction pump or the like before performing recording on paper. As a guide for this cleaning, in the present embodiment, this is performed when the power is turned on when there is an unused period of three days or more.

Next, the setting conditions for the number of prints are read (step S207), and a print mode setting routine shown in FIG. 5 is entered (step S208).

In the print mode setting routine shown in FIG. 5, it is determined in step S214 whether or not the imaging mode is set.
In the imaging mode, the operation of (205) shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 is performed, the captured image data is sent as print output image data from the storage medium unit 15 in FIG. 1 to the print processing unit 3, and the printer condition setting in FIG. Proceed to routine.

If the mode is not the imaging mode, the recording screen display mode 204 shown in FIG. 3 is performed, the screen display image data is sent as print output image data from the storage medium unit 15 to the print processing unit 3, and the process proceeds to the printer condition setting routine.

Based on the conditions selected by setting the number of prints (step S207) and setting the print mode (step S208), the printing conditions of the printer are set (step S209).

After the above setting, the allowable maximum rush current is derived from the remaining battery power obtained by the power supply detection 11 (FIG. 1), and the same number of drive of the head is set (FIG. 6 for a printer condition setting routine. Step S22
2).

If the head drive current can be maximized in the system based on the battery remaining amount detection result, a setting is made so that high-speed printing is performed with the maximum same drive number being 16 nozzles (step S223 in FIG. 6), and a preliminary ejection operation (FIG. 4). Step S21
Go to 0).

If the remaining battery capacity does not satisfy the above condition, the maximum number of identical drives of the head is decreased from that in the high-speed print mode (step S223 in FIG. 6) to set the maximum number of identical drives in the low-current print mode. Is set to 8 nozzles, and the preliminary ejection operation (step S2 in FIG. 4) is performed.
Proceed to 10).

The setting of the power reduction level is determined by a value that satisfies a voltage value necessary for protection and compensation of circuits and data and a battery protection under a load.

The maximum number of identical driving heads in high-speed printing was set to 16 nozzles this time. However, current consumption as a system, characteristics of a battery (for example, a lithium ion battery, a nickel cadmium battery, etc.) serving as a power supply means, and one head per head. The maximum number of identical driving heads set as a system of a camera with a printer is defined as the maximum number of identical identical driving heads in high-speed printing, because the number of driving heads differs depending on the driving current at the time of ejection from the nozzles, operating temperature conditions, and the like. In addition, although the number of drives is set to 8 nozzles in the low current print mode, based on the conditions described in the high speed print mode, the maximum number of drive nozzles is at least one less than the set high speed print mode and the maximum number of nozzles is the same. The case where the number of drives is changed is defined as a low current setting mode.

All conditions relating to the printer are set by the printer condition setting routine (step S209) in FIG.
Preliminary ejection is performed to make the print head more effective in the printing operation, and nozzle recovery such as clogging is performed (step S210).

Next, the image information provided from the storage medium 15 is processed by the image processing unit 3, and after performing image processing for print output to output an image, printing is performed (step S211). The printed paper is discharged (step S212).

The image processing for printing this time is performed in the printing operation to change data from the image processing to the print output when the driving conditions of the head are changed. Regarding the data generated by the print processing unit 3 used for printing, it is effective to print using the same data as it is even if the driving conditions of the head unit change, in order to increase the processing speed. Image processing (step S20).
It is more desirable to perform the processing outside the loop from 9) to (Step S213). In addition, it is also preferable to perform the preliminary ejection at a timing at which a more effective operation is performed regardless of the number of printed sheets.

The process returns to the printer condition setting until the set number of printouts is output, and the steps S209 to S213 are repeated. After the output of the expected number of prints, the printout is stopped (step S213).

(Second Embodiment) As a second embodiment, in the printer condition setting, as shown in the flowchart of the printer condition setting routine in FIG. (Step S22
2, S225), the setting of the low current print value mode may be increased (steps S224, S226), and a more detailed setting of the printing time may be set.

(Third Embodiment) As an embodiment of claim 3 (solution means (3)), in addition to a battery (for example, a lithium-ion battery or a nickel-cadmium battery) as an electric power supply means, an AC adapter (so-called so-called battery) may be used. An AC / DC converter may be attached. In this case, since the output voltage with respect to the consumption current is constant under the same condition, as shown in the flowchart of the printer condition setting routine of the third embodiment, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. An adapter is detected (step S22).
7) It is also preferable to set printer conditions by each power supply means. The method of detecting the power supply means at this time may be an electrical method or a mechanical detection mechanism such as a switch.

[0066]

As described above, according to the present invention,
A printer having a photographing means for converting an optical image of a scene to be photographed into an electronic image signal, and a printer device for visually printing out the electronic image signal photographed by the photographing means on a recording sheet. In the imaging device,
A power supply system having detection means for detecting the capacity of the battery as power supply means, and control means for controlling the maximum drive current of the printer unit of the photographing apparatus with the printer in at least two stages based on a signal from the detection means. By installing the printer unit drive control system in an image pickup device with a printer, the maximum drive current is increased to reduce the printing time and the power supply capacity condition to reduce the maximum drive current to increase the number of prints per battery. This can be performed at the same time, and the effect of shortening the printing time per sheet with a single battery can be obtained without substantially reducing the number of printed sheets per battery.

According to a second aspect, the printer device has a detachable power supply as the power supply means.
An ink jet recording system is used as a printing unit, and a power supply system having a function of detecting a capacity of the power supply unit is provided.Based on a signal from the detection unit, at least a maximum number of the same number of the same number of ink jet heads of the printer unit is driven. A printer drive control system for controlling in two or more stages is mounted on an image pickup device with a printer of the camera with a printer according to claim 1, so that the battery capacity can be effectively used and the number of prints per battery can be reduced by the number of simultaneously driven nozzles. In addition to being able to make it almost the same as the low current mode that minimizes the number of nozzles and also performing printing in the high-speed print mode that is the maximum number of simultaneous driving nozzles, it is possible to reduce the number of prints per battery and reduce the number of prints per battery Effective each advantage due to the difference in the number of head drives that can reduce the printing time of Function can effect can be obtained.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, as the detection signal used for the ink-jet control of the control means, the detection means includes means for detecting the type of the mounted power supply means, and each of the detection means The printer unit drive control system that controls the maximum number of the same number of ink jet heads in the printer unit based on the detection signal of at least two or more stages in accordance with at least two stages, so as to match the characteristics of the power supply means. The following effects can be obtained.

Further, according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printer and an image information input device attached to the printer and used for printer output by connection from the same housing or from the outside, and an auxiliary device and a print output image processing associated therewith. And a power supply detection system having a function of detecting the type and capacity of the power supply, and a power supply detection system having a function of detecting the type and capacity of the power supply. Equipped with a printer unit drive control system that controls the maximum drive current of the printer unit in at least two or more stages based on one of the detection signals, so that the same power supply can be provided by a combination of other devices attached to the printer unit. When the means is used, the effects described in the second and / or third aspects are obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing two aspects of a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a configuration block diagram of a first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an operation sequence flowchart of the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a sequence flowchart of a print mode routine according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a sequence flowchart of a print setting routine according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a sequence flowchart of a printer condition setting routine according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a sequence flowchart of the second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a sequence flowchart of the third embodiment.

FIG. 9 is an example of a discharge characteristic diagram under load

FIG. 10 is an example of dot printing time when printing 8 million dots.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a current consumption value of a print head and a printing time.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing two examples of effective capacity with respect to battery pressure;

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the number of blocks printed per battery unit and the printing time.

[Description of Signs] 1 imaging unit 2 imaging processing unit 3 printing processing unit 4 printer unit 5 system control unit 6 imaging control unit 7 print control unit 8 display control unit 9 mode setting device 10 power supply control unit 11 power supply detection 12 power supply 13 Display unit 14 Display processing unit 15 Storage medium 16 Illumination device 101 Camera body 102 Cartridge unit 103 Print button 104 Zoom button 105 Imaging lens 106 Optical finder 107 Print exit 108 Printed print paper 109 Image return button 110 Image feed button 112 Shutter button 114 LCD panel 115 Size setting button 116 Number of prints setting button 204 Recorded image display mode 205 Shooting mode

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A printer comprising: a photographing means for converting an optical image of a scene to be photographed into an electronic image signal; and a printer device for visually outputting an electronic image signal photographed by the photographing means on recording paper. In a photographing apparatus, a power supply system having a detecting means for detecting a capacity of a battery as a power supply means, and controlling a maximum drive current of a printer unit of the photographing apparatus with a printer in at least two stages based on a signal from the detecting means. And a printer unit drive control system for a camera with a printer. 2. The printer apparatus has a power supply system having a detachable power supply as the power supply means, using an ink jet recording method as a printing means, and having a function of detecting a capacity of the power supply means. 2. The printer unit drive control system for a camera with a printer according to claim 1, wherein the maximum number of the same number of ink jet heads of the printer unit is controlled in at least two stages based on a signal from the detection unit. 3. A detection signal used for ink-jet control by said control means, said detection means comprising means for detecting the type of said power supply means mounted thereon, and detection signals from each of said detection means. 3. The printer unit drive control system for a camera with a printer according to claim 2, wherein the maximum number of the same number of ink jet heads of the printer unit is controlled in at least two stages based on the following. 4. A printer and an image information input device attached to the printer and used for printer output by connection from the same housing or from the outside, and an accompanying auxiliary device and / or a device for print output image processing. Power supply means detachable as the same power supply for one side,
A power supply detection system having a function of detecting the type and capacity of the power supply, and based on at least one of the detection signals from the detection means, the maximum drive current of the printer unit is reduced by at least two steps. A printer unit drive control system for a camera with a printer, comprising control means for controlling as described above.