JPH11298776A - Printing system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printer which makes the image data hard to be destroyed and is superior in operability and portability by integrally connecting a digital camera to a printer and making an image display device and an operation switch group of the digital camera expose on a surface side. SOLUTION: A digital camera 50 is provided with a shutter button 51 on a top surface, a key inputting part 52 and a liquid crystal indicator LCD 53 on a rear surface of an image-pickup lens and guide slots 54-1 and 54-2 at the positions corresponding to guide projections 36-1 and 36-2 of both sidewalls. In the integral connection of the camera 50 and a printer 31, the camera 50 is shifted in the direction of the arrow 56, so that a connector of the camera 50 can be moved to a connection position toward a spring pin connector 37, is set to a fixed hold position with the projections 36-1 and 36-2 guiding the slots 54-1 and 54-2 and is fixed and hold in such a manner that engaging claws 38-1 and 38-2 are engaged with engaged slots of the camera 50. The direction of a display image 55 on the LCD 53 is coincided vertically with the direction of a print output image 46.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a printing system including a printer for printing an image of a digital camera, and more particularly to a mobile printing system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, image information from a digital camera to a printer is directly or via a personal computer or the like by cable connection or infrared light such as IrDA arranged in close proximity.
Had been transferred. Alternatively, the data has been transferred via a card-type storage medium or a floppy disk.

[0003]

However, in the case of the above cable connection, a cable for connecting between the digital camera and the personal computer, a cable for connecting between the personal computer and the printer, and the like are required, and transportation and wiring are difficult. There is a problem. In addition, in the case of IrDA connection, it is necessary to arrange the IrDA windows of the respective devices so as to face each other, and the operation is cumbersome. In addition, when a card-type storage medium or a floppy disk is used, there is a problem that the card-type storage medium or the floppy disk is lost or damaged, and data is easily destroyed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above situation, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a printer suitable for a mobile device, which has excellent operability and portability, in which image data is not easily destroyed. It is in.

[0005]

Therefore, in the present invention, an object of the present invention is to achieve the above object by providing any of the following printing systems (1) to (6). .

(1) A print system for connecting a digital camera and a printer to print out an image of the digital camera, wherein the printer or the digital camera has a printer driver for processing the image. A printing system, wherein the digital camera can be integrally connected to the printer without using a cable, and at the time of the integrated connection, the image display device and the operation switches of the digital camera can be exposed and operated on the front side. .

(2) The vertical connection of an image displayed on the image display device of the digital camera and the output image of the printer coincide with each other during the integrated connection. Print system.

(3) The printing system according to (2), wherein the table on which the digital camera is fixedly held at the time of the integral connection also serves as a printer cover.

(4) The printer is of a serial print type, and the table is movable between an operation position at which the digital camera can be operated at the time of the integral connection and a storage position stored in a carriage passage area. The printing system according to the item (3), wherein:

(5) A first detection switch for detecting whether the digital camera is set on the table, and a second detection switch for detecting whether the table is at the operation position. When the digital camera is set on the table and the table is not at the operation position, printing is interrupted to retreat the carriage, and after retreating the carriage, the table is set again at the operation position. The printing system according to (4), wherein the printing operation is not performed until the digital camera is removed or the digital camera is removed from the table.

(6) In a system in which the digital camera having a relatively small-capacity power supply is detachably connected to the printer having a relatively large-capacity power supply, power is supplied from the printer to the digital camera in a connected state. The printing system according to the above (2), wherein the printing system can be supplied.

[0012]

According to the configuration of the present invention as described above, the printing system of each of the above items (1) to (6) can obtain various effects of the following related item numbers.

1) According to the configuration of the above item (1), it is possible to integrally control the printer by operating the image display device and the operation switch group of the digital camera when integrally connected.

Further, there is no difficulty in transportation and wiring, and IrD
It is possible to provide a printing system suitable for a mobile having excellent operability and transportability without troublesome arrangement such as proximity of the A window.

2) According to the configuration of the above item (2), since the display image and the print output image are vertically aligned, it is easy to check the print state even during print output.

3) According to the configuration of the item (3), since the table on which the digital camera is fixed and held when integrally connected also serves as a printer cover, it is reasonable in space and cost. is there.

4) According to the configuration of the above item (4), when the printer is not printing, it can be stored in the carriage moving space in the connected state.

5) According to the configuration of (5), when the digital camera is set on the table and the table is not in the operation position, that is, the digital camera and the carriage on the table are If there is a possibility of conflict, the print is interrupted and the carriage is retracted, and after the carriage is retracted, the print key is kept until the table is set to the operation position again or the digital camera is removed from the table. Can be controlled so as not to function, so that the conflict between the digital camera on this table and the carriage can be reliably prevented.

6) According to the configuration of the above item (6), the digital camera can be reduced in weight and size so as to be easy to use.

[0020]

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

[Configuration] (First Embodiment) FIGS. 1 to 3 show explanatory views of a first embodiment of a print system according to the present invention. FIG.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining a circuit configuration, in which 1 denotes a printer, and 2 denotes a digital camera.

First, the printer 1 will be described. C
The PU 3 controls the operation of each unit in the printer 1 according to a control program in the ROM 11.
Are used as a working area of the CPU 3. For example, image data compressed by the JPEG compression method or the like is received via the I / O port 8 and stored in the RAM 12 for use in performing decompression processing, or the decompressed data is temporarily stored. I do.

The key circuit 4 is composed of switches for performing a power on / off operation and a print execution instruction operation, and the operation state is taken into the CPU 3 and is executed. 5
Is a CR motor, which drives the carriage by a signal from the CPU 3. Reference numeral 6 denotes an LF motor, which drives a paper feed roller according to a signal from the CPU 3. 7 is a print head
Printing is performed by a signal from the CPU 3. 8 is I / O
The port transmits and receives data to and from the digital camera 2. Reference numeral 13 denotes a power supply unit which can supply power to the digital camera 2 when connected to the digital camera 2.

Next, the digital camera 2 will be described. Reference numeral 14 denotes a CPU, which controls the operation of each unit in the digital camera 2 according to a control program in the ROM 16. A RAM 17 is used as a working area of the CPU 14. Reference numeral 15 denotes a key circuit, which includes switches for performing a power on / off operation, a photographing execution instruction operation, and an image processing operation.

Reference numeral 23 denotes an imaging lens for forming a still image on the CCD 24. The CCD 24 converts the still image formed by the lens 23 into an electric signal. LSI
Reference numeral 26 denotes a timing signal generator 26-1 for generating a timing signal for controlling a driving circuit 25 for driving the CCD 24, and a so-called correlated double sampling process for an electric signal from the CCD 24 and an automatic gain control by an AGC 26-3. An A / D converter 26-2 for performing analog-to-digital conversion processing after performing analog signal processing such as processing is built in.

Reference numeral 18 denotes a flash memory for storing image signals output from the LSI 26 after compression processing. The LCD controller 19 writes compressed image data in the flash memory 18 decompressed and expanded by the CPU 14 and image data output from the LSI 26 for one screen into a video RAM (V-RAM) 20 and then sequentially reads out the data. To drive and display the LCD 21. An I / O port 22 transmits and receives data to and from the printer 1.

Reference numeral 27 denotes a power supply unit which supplies electric power to each unit in the digital camera 2 when not connected, and supplies electric power to each unit in the digital camera 2 while receiving electric power from the large-capacity power supply unit 13 of the printer 1 when integrally connected. Supply.

FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the first embodiment. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 31 denotes a printer, reference numeral 50 denotes a digital camera, and reference numeral 32 denotes a key input unit composed of switches.
A key for operating the digital camera 50 at the time of integral connection may be included.

33 is a recording medium discharge port, 34 is a recording medium,
Reference numeral 35 denotes a concave portion for integrally connecting the digital camera 50. Guide projections 36-1 and 36-2 for regulating the sliding direction are provided on both side walls in the concave portion 35, and a digital camera 50 is provided on a wall orthogonal to the sliding direction in the concave portion 35. A spring pin connector 37 is provided for making connection with the digital camera 50. The spring pin connector 37 is urged by a spring to project on a surface parallel to the sliding direction, and engages with an engagement groove (not shown) of the digital camera 50. Each engaging claw 38-1, 3 for fixing and holding the lever digital camera 50
8-2 are provided.

Reference numeral 39 denotes a slide knob, each of which is provided with an engagement claw 38-.
This is for operating the eject mechanism for releasing the engagement of the digital camera 50 from the fixed holding state by releasing the engagement of the first and second 38-2. This mechanism will be described later with reference to FIG.

The digital camera 50 has a shutter button 51 on the top surface, a key input unit 52 on the back surface of the imaging lens, and an LC
D (liquid crystal display) 53 is provided, and guide grooves 54-1 and 54-2 are provided at positions corresponding to the guide protrusions 36-1 and 36-2 on both side walls. I have.

With the above arrangement, in order to integrally connect the digital camera 50 to the printer 31, the corresponding connector (not shown) of the camera 50 is moved toward the spring pin connector 37 so as to move to the connection position. 56, and each guide groove 36 is formed by each guide protrusion 36-1 and 36-2.
4-1 and 54-2 are guided and set to the fixed holding position, and the digital camera 50 is held by the engaging claws 38-1 and 38-2.
Are engaged and fixedly held.

The direction of the integral connection is as shown in the figure.
The orientation is such that the keypad 53 and the key input unit 52 are exposed on the front side and can be operated. Also, the display image 5 on the LCD 53
The direction of 5 and the direction of the print output image 46 match up and down to improve operability.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory view of the eject mechanism of the first embodiment. When the slide knob 39 is moved in the direction of the arrow 63, the operation lever 64-1 rotates around the central axis 61,
Each push-down arm 64-3, 6 via the transmission shaft 64-2.
At 4-4, by pushing down the engaging claw member 38 urged upward by the coil spring 62, each of the engaging claws 3
The engagement between 8-1 and 38-2 is released.

(Second Embodiment) FIGS. 4 to 9 show explanatory views of a printing system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an external perspective view of the second embodiment, in which 131 is a printer, 150 is a digital camera, and 132 is a key input unit composed of switches and the like.
A key for operating the digital camera 150 at the time of integral connection may be included.

Reference numeral 133 denotes a recording medium discharge port, 134 denotes a recording medium, and 138 denotes a table fixedly held when the digital camera 150 is integrally connected. On both side walls, guide projections 136 for regulating a sliding direction are provided. -1,136
-2 is provided, and a digital camera 150 is mounted on a wall provided on the table 138 at right angles to the sliding direction.
Spring pin connector 13 for connection with
7 are provided.

The table 138 stores the information of the printer 131.
Of the table 138
It is possible to replace the print head 163 while the printer is open. 139 is a connector 137 and the printer 13
1 Flexible connection to connect an internal operation board (not shown)
Printed circuit board.

A print head 163 is mounted on a carriage 161 that moves along a carriage shaft 162, and prints according to a print command from a CPU (described later) while moving in the width direction of the recording medium. .

A digital camera 150 has a shutter button 151 on the upper surface and a key input unit 15 on the rear surface of the imaging lens.
2. An LCD (liquid crystal display) 153 is provided, and the guide projections 136-1 and 136-2 on both side walls are provided.
The guide grooves 154-1 and 154-
2 are provided.

With the above configuration, the spring, pin, pin, and the like can be used to integrally connect the digital camera 150 to the printer 131.
The arrow 15 is moved so that the corresponding connector (not shown) of the camera 150 is moved to the connection position toward the connector 137.
The guide protrusions 136-1 and 136-2 are moved in six directions.
The guide grooves 154-1 and 154-2 are guided and set to the fixed holding position, and the engaging grooves (not shown) of the digital camera 150 are engaged and fixedly held by the respective engaging claws (not shown). I do.

The direction of integral connection is as shown in FIG.
The orientation is such that the keypad 53 and the key input unit 152 are exposed and can be operated. The orientation of the display image 155 on the LCD 153 and the orientation of the print output image 146 are
The operability is improved by matching the vertical direction.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the integrated connection state and the first detection switch of the second embodiment. The digital camera 150 is fixedly held on a table 138, and the table 138 is in an operation position. It is in. Some pins of the spring pin connector 137 are connected to the digital camera 1
Since 50 is a first detection switch for detecting whether or not the table 138 is set in the fixed holding table 138, the CPU (described later) of the printer 131
8 can be recognized.

Also, the digital camera 150 can be operated from the key input unit 132 of the printer 131 via the connector 137 and the camera 150, and the size can be made larger than the key input unit 152 of the camera 150. Operability is improved. The direction of the integral connection is such that the LCD 153 and the key input unit 152 are exposed on the front side and can be operated as shown in the figure. Also, the LCD 15
3 and the print output image 146
The operability is improved by matching the vertical direction with the direction of.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory view of the second detection switch of the second embodiment. When the table 138 is slightly lifted from the operation position, a second detection for detecting whether the table 138 is at the operation position is performed. By recognizing that the table 138 is not at the operation position by a detection switch (described later), the printing is interrupted and the carriage 161 is retracted.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing a state in which the fixed holding table 138 also serving as a printer cover is closed in the second embodiment. The magnet 170 provided on the table 138 and the reed switch 17 provided in the printer 131
1 constitutes a second detection switch for detecting whether or not the table 138 is at the operation position.

The magnet 170 is operated by the reed switch 171.
Is detected that the table 138 is not at the operating position, the printing is interrupted and the carriage 161 is retracted.
Even if the table 138 is closed with 0 set, the camera 150 and the print head 163 do not compete with each other.

After retreating the carriage 161, the reed switch 171 detects the magnet 170 until the table 138 is set to the operating position again, or the table 138 is opened and the digital camera 150 is moved from the table 138. No printing operation is performed until it is removed.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of the movement of the carriage 161 and the paper feeding operation in the second embodiment. C
When the R motor 205 is driven, the belt 180 reciprocates the carriage 161 in the recording medium width direction via the gear 183, and the print head 1 mounted on the carriage 161 is moved.
At 63, printing is performed. When the LF motor 206 is driven, power is transmitted to the gear 192 via the gear 193,
The shaft 191 rotates, and the recording medium is fed by the paper feed roller 190.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram for explaining the circuit configuration of the second embodiment. In FIG. 9, reference numeral 201 denotes a printer, and 202 denotes a digital camera.

First, the printer 201 will be described. 203 controls the operation of each unit in the printer 201 in accordance with a control program in the ROM 211;
The AM 212 is used as a working area of the CPU 203. For example, JP via the I / O port 208
The image data compressed by the EG compression method or the like is received and stored in the RAM 212 for use in performing the decompression process, or the decompressed data is temporarily stored.

The key circuit 204 is composed of switches for performing a power on / off operation and a print execution instruction operation, and the operation state is taken into the CPU 203 and is executed. A CR motor 205 drives the carriage 161 based on a signal from the CPU 203. Reference numeral 206 denotes an LF motor, which drives a paper feed roller based on a signal from the CPU 203. A print head 163 performs printing based on a signal from the CPU 203. 208 is an I / O port,
Data is transmitted to and received from the digital camera 202.

Reference numeral 209 denotes a first detection switch for detecting whether the digital camera 202 is set on the table 138, and reference numeral 210 denotes a second detection switch for detecting whether the table 138 is at the operation position. Switch. 21
Reference numeral 3 denotes a power supply unit which can supply power to the digital camera when connected to the digital camera 202.

Next, the digital camera 202 will be described. A CPU 214 controls the operation of each unit in the digital camera 202 according to a control program in the ROM 216. The RAM 217 is used as a working area of the CPU 214. 215 is a key circuit,
It is configured with switches for performing power on / off operation, shooting execution instruction operation, and image processing operation.
14 to be executed.

Reference numeral 223 denotes an imaging lens for forming a still image on the CCD 224. The CCD 224 converts the still image formed by the lens 223 into an electric signal.

The LSI 226 includes a timing signal generator 226-1 for generating a timing signal for controlling a driving circuit 225 for driving the CCD 224, and a CCD 22.
An analog-to-digital converter 226-2 for performing analog-to-digital conversion processing after performing analog signal processing such as so-called correlated double sampling processing and automatic gain control processing by the AGC 226-3 on the electric signal from the control unit 4 is built in. .

Reference numeral 218 denotes a flash memory which stores an image signal output from the LSI 226 after compressing the image signal. LCD controller 219, CPU 214
After writing the compressed image data in the flash memory 218 and the image data output from the LSI 226 for one screen in the video RAM (V-RAM) 220, the image data is read out sequentially and the LCD 153 is driven. Display. An I / O port 222 transmits and receives data to and from the printer 201.

Reference numeral 227 denotes a power supply unit which supplies electric power to each unit in the digital camera when not connected, and supplies electric power to each unit in the digital camera while receiving power supply from the large-capacity power supply unit 213 of the printer 201 when integrally connected.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the operation sequence of the print control program according to the second embodiment. Step S1 is a step in which the program starts when the power is turned on for the first time or when a reset switch (not shown) is pressed. In the next step S2, initialization processing of the RAM 217, the I / O port 222, the key circuit 215, and each drive control system is performed.

In step S3, it is determined whether or not there is a key input from the key circuit 215. If "no", the process waits in step S3, and if "yes", the next step S3 is performed.
Proceed to 4. In step S4, it is determined whether or not the key input is a print command. If "NO", the flow advances to step S5. After performing other key processing (the description is omitted), the flow returns to step S3. If "yes", the next step S6
Proceed to.

In step S6, the digital camera 202
The state of the first detection switch 209 is determined in order to recognize the setting state of the first detection switch 209 in the table 138 (FIG. 7).
If “No”, the digital camera 150 is not set in the table 138, and
Since there is no possibility that the print job and the carriage 161 compete with each other, the process proceeds to step S10, and the printing process is performed. If "yes", the process proceeds to the next step S7.

In step S7, the fixed holding table 13
In order to recognize whether or not 8 is at the operating position, the state of the second detection switch 210 is determined. If "yes", the fixed holding table 138 is at the operation position, and there is no possibility that the digital camera 150 and the carriage 161 compete with each other. Therefore, the process proceeds to step S10 to perform the printing process. If “No”, there is a possibility that the digital camera 150 and the carriage 161 may compete (interference) with each other. Therefore, the process proceeds to step S8, where the print state is stored so that printing can be continued at the time of restart, and the print interruption processing is performed. After
Proceed to step S9.

In step S9, the carriage 161 is retracted to the retracted position (not shown), and the process returns to step S6. The loop is repeated until there is no possibility that the digital camera 150 and the carriage 161 compete with each other, and the printing process can be resumed.

In step S10, after the printing process is performed for a short time (for example, for about one second), it is determined whether or not the printing process has been completed in the next step S11. If "yes", the process returns to step S3 to wait for the next key input. If “NO”, the process returns to step S6, and after confirming that there is no possibility that the digital camera 150 and the carriage 161 compete with each other in steps S6 and S7, a loop for continuing the printing process in step S10 is executed. Repeat until done.

Therefore, during printing, the table 138 is displayed.
When the is moved to the non-set position, the carriage retreats within one second.
1 does not compete (interference). Here, it is natural that the short time in step S10 needs to be changed to an appropriate time depending on the implementation system.

[0065]

As described above, the first embodiment according to the present application is described.
According to the invention, it is possible to control the printer by operating the image display device of the digital camera and the operation switch group when integrally connected. In addition, it is possible to provide a printer suitable for a mobile, which has excellent operability and transportability without troublesome transportation and wiring, and hassle-free operation such as close arrangement of an IrDA window.

According to the second aspect of the present invention,
Since the display image and the print output image are vertically aligned, it is easy to check the print state even during print output.

According to the third aspect of the present invention,
Since the camera fixed holding table also serves as a printer cover, it is reasonable in space and cost.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention,
At the time of non-printing of the printer, the printer can be stored in the carriage moving space while being connected.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention,
When the digital camera is set on the fixed holding table and the table is not in the operation position, that is, when there is a possibility that the digital camera on the table and the carriage may conflict (interference), the printing is interrupted. After the carriage is retracted, the print key can be controlled so that the print key does not function until the table is set to the operating position again or the digital camera is removed from the table. Conflicts can be reliably prevented.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention,
Since power can be supplied from the power supply of the printer, the power supply capacity of the digital camera can be reduced, and the digital camera can be reduced in weight and size so as to be easy to use.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a circuit configuration block diagram of a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory view of an eject mechanism of the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an external perspective view of a second embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of an integrated connection state and a first detection switch according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a second detection switch according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a state where the fixed holding table of the second embodiment is closed.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory view of the movement of the carriage and the paper feeding operation of the second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a circuit configuration block diagram of a second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is an operation sequence flowchart of a print control program according to a second embodiment.

[Description of Signs] 1,31,131,201 Printer 2,50,150,202 Digital Camera 33 Recording Medium Ejection Port 36-1,36-2 Guide Projection 38-1,38-2 Engagement Claw 53,153 LCD (Liquid crystal display) 138 Fixed holding table 161 Carriage 163 Print head 209 First detection switch 210 Second detection switch

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification code FI G03B 19/02 H04N 5/76 E H04N 5/76 B41J 29/00 C

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A printing system for connecting a digital camera and a printer to print out an image of the digital camera, wherein the printer or the digital camera has a printer driver for processing the image. A printing system, wherein a camera can be integrally connected to the printer without using a cable, and at the time of the integrated connection, the image display device and the operation switches of the digital camera are exposed to the front and can be operated. 2. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the vertical direction of the display image of the image display device of the digital camera and the vertical direction of the output image of the printer coincide with each other during the integrated connection. . 3. The printing system according to claim 2, wherein the table on which the digital camera is fixedly held at the time of the integral connection also serves as a printer cover. 4. The printer is of a serial print type, and the table is movable between an operation position at which the digital camera can be operated at the time of the integral connection and a storage position stored in a carriage passage area. The printing system according to claim 3, wherein: 5. A first detection switch for detecting whether the digital camera is set on the table, and a second detection switch for detecting whether the table is at the operation position. When the digital camera is set on the table and the table is not at the operation position, printing is interrupted to retreat the carriage, and after retreating the carriage, the table is set again at the operation position. The printing system according to claim 4, wherein a printing operation is not performed until the digital camera is removed from the table. 6. In a system in which the digital camera having a relatively small capacity power supply is detachably connected to the printer having a relatively large capacity power supply, power is supplied from the printer to the digital camera in a connected state. 3. The printing system according to claim 2, wherein the printing system is enabled.