JP7220318B2 - Printer, printer control method, and printer control program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to printers.

A printer without a display generally uses a lamp such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) to notify the operating state of the printer to the outside (for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2002-100000).

On the other hand, Patent Document 2 proposes a technique of extracting a region of interest from an image, selecting a representative color from the color distribution of the image of the extracted region of interest, and causing an LED to emit light in a light emission pattern corresponding to this representative color. ing. According to Patent Document 2, it is possible to recognize the features and atmosphere of an image from the light emission pattern of the LED.

JP-A-2007-15227 WO 2008/044270

However, even if the technology described in Patent Document 2 is applied to a printer, it is only possible to recognize the characteristics and atmosphere of the image to be printed, and it is not possible to recognize the operating state of the printer, particularly the progress of printing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and provides a printer, a printer control method, and a printer control program that enable recognition of the characteristics and atmosphere of an image to be printed and the progress of printing. for the purpose.

(1) An image acquiring unit that acquires an image to be printed from an external device, a printing unit that prints the image acquired by the image acquiring unit, and an image that is to be printed by the printing unit is divided into a plurality of areas, and a representative of each area A representative color detection section for detecting a color, a light emission section capable of switching the emission color, and a light emission control section for controlling light emission of the light emission section. A printer that sequentially switches representative colors of each area detected by a color detection unit and emits light according to the progress of printing.

(2) The printer according to (1) above, wherein the representative color detection section divides the image to be printed by the printing section into a plurality of areas along the vertical direction of the image and detects the representative color of each area.

(3) The printer according to (2) above, wherein the light emission control unit divides the time from the start of printing to the end of printing according to the area ratio of each divided area, and switches the light emission color at the divided time intervals.

(4) any one of (1) to (3) above, wherein the light emission control unit causes the light emission unit to emit light in a predetermined light emission pattern when the image acquisition unit acquires an image to be printed from an external device; printer.

(5) The printer according to (4) above, wherein the light emission pattern is a light emission pattern in which a plurality of emission colors are switched in order.

(6) The image acquisition unit further includes a light emission pattern information acquisition unit that acquires information on the light emission pattern from the external device before the image acquisition unit acquires the image to be printed from the external device. The printer according to any one of (1) to (3) above, wherein when acquiring an image to be printed, the light emitting unit emits light in accordance with the light emitting pattern acquired by the light emitting pattern information acquiring unit.

(7) The light emission pattern information acquired by the light emission pattern information acquisition unit is information on a light emission pattern in which when an image to be printed is divided into a plurality of regions, the representative color of each divided region is emitted in order. The printer of (6) above.

(8) The printer according to any one of (1) to (7) above, wherein the light emission control section causes the light emitting section to emit light by switching the emission color in a gradation manner when the light emitting section is caused to emit light by switching the emission color.

(9) The printer according to any one of (1) to (8) above, wherein the light emission control section causes the light emitting section to emit light in a predetermined color when the representative color to be emitted by the light emitting section is an achromatic color.

(10) The printer according to (9) above, wherein the light emission control section causes the light emitting section to emit light in a predetermined light emission pattern when the representative color to be emitted by the light emitting section is an achromatic color.

(11) The printer according to any one of (1) to (7) above, wherein the light emission control section causes the light emitting section to emit no light when the representative color to be emitted by the light emitting section is an achromatic color.

(12) The printer according to any one of (1) to (11) above, wherein the printing section prints the image obtained by the image obtaining section on an instant film.

(13) Any of (1) to (12) above, further comprising a wireless communication unit that wirelessly communicates with an external device, wherein the image acquisition unit wirelessly acquires an image to be printed from the external device via the wireless communication unit. Any one printer.

(14) The printer according to any one of (1) to (13) above, which is a portable mobile printer.

According to the present invention, it is possible to recognize the characteristics and atmosphere of an image to be printed, and to recognize the progress of printing.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the system configuration of a system that prints images using the printer of this embodiment; FIG. 2 is a front perspective view showing an example of the external configuration of the printer according to the present embodiment; FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the printer shown in FIG. 2; Sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a printing unit of a printer Perspective view of film pack front view of instant film back view of instant film Block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the printer Block diagram of the main functions realized by the printer microcomputer Diagram showing an example of image division Block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an external device Block diagram of the main functions of the external device in relation to the printer Flowchart showing the procedure of processing by an external device Flowchart showing the procedure of processing in the printer A diagram showing an example of a composite image Functional block diagram of an external device with a representative color detection function FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the functions of the printer when the light emitting unit emits light according to the light emission pattern information received from the external device;

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[Print system]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the system configuration of a system for printing images using a printer according to this embodiment.

The printer 10 of this embodiment is configured as a portable mobile printer, wirelessly receives an image to be printed from an external device, and prints it on a medium. A sheet film type (also called mono-sheet type) instant film 12 is used as a medium.

The external device 100 is composed of a computer having a communication function, particularly a mobile computer such as a smart phone, a tablet terminal, a notebook computer, a PDA (PERSONAL DATA ASSISTANCE), or a mobile phone. Note that FIG. 1 shows an example in which the external device is a smartphone.

Communication between the printer 10 and the external device is performed according to near field communication standards such as NFC (NEAR FIELD COMMUNICATION) standards, BLUETOOTH (registered trademark), and WiFi (WIRELESS FIDELITY).

[External configuration of the printer]
FIG. 2 is a front perspective view showing an example of the external configuration of the printer according to this embodiment. 3 is a rear perspective view of the printer shown in FIG. 2; FIG.

As described above, the printer 10 is configured as an instant printer (a printer that prints on instant film). The instant film 12 is loaded into the printer 10 in the form of a film pack (see FIG. 5) in which a plurality of sheets are housed in a case.

The exterior housing 14 of the printer 10 has a rounded flat rectangular box shape, and is configured to be held and carried with one hand. In addition, the exterior housing 14 of the printer 10 is configured to be vertically oriented (put upright on a flat place) and horizontally oriented (lay down on a flat place). 1 and 2 show the case where the printer 10 is placed vertically.

On the front side of the printer 10, a push-down type power button 16 is provided at a substantially central position. The power of the printer 10 is turned on and off by long-pressing the power button 16 (an operation of keeping the power button 16 pressed for a certain period of time or longer). The power button 16 also serves as a light-emitting portion, and emits light by causing a light source provided inside it to emit light. This point will be described later.

A discharge port 18 is provided in the upper portion of the printer 10 (the upper portion when the printer is placed vertically). The printed instant film 12 is ejected from this ejection port 18 .

A film pack lid 20 for opening and closing the film pack loading chamber (see FIG. 4) is provided on the rear side of the printer 10 . A lock release lever 22 for unlocking the film pack lid 20 is also provided. When the lock release lever 22 is used to release the lock and the film pack lid 20 is opened, the film pack loading chamber is opened. When the film pack lid 20 is closed after the instant film pack is loaded, the film pack lid 20 is locked by a locking mechanism (not shown) to seal the film pack in a light-shielding state.

One side of the printer 10 is provided with a USB cable connector cover 24 for opening and closing a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable connector (not shown). When the USB cable connection cover 24 is opened, the printer 10 charges the built-in battery via the connection of the USB cable exposed.

[Configuration of the printer's print section]
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the print section of the printer. It should be noted that the figure shows a state in which the printer is placed horizontally.

As shown in the figure, the printer 10 has, as a print section, a film pack loading chamber 30, a film feeding mechanism 32 for feeding the instant film 12 from the film pack loaded in the film pack loading chamber 30, a film feeding mechanism 32 from the film pack. A film conveying mechanism 34 for conveying the sent instant film 12, a print head 36 for recording an image on the instant film 12, and the like are provided.

The film pack loading chamber 30 is configured as a recess into which the film pack 40 is fitted and is opened and closed by the film pack lid 20 .

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a film pack. 6 is a front view of the instant film, and FIG. 7 is a rear view of the instant film. 5 to 7, the direction indicated by arrow F is the feed direction of the instant film 12. As shown in FIG. The instant film 12 is sent in the direction indicated by the arrow F and discharged from the case 42 .

The instant film 12 has a rectangular card shape. The instant film 12 has one surface as an exposure surface (surface for recording an image by exposure) 12a and the other surface as an observation surface (surface for observing the recorded image) 12b.

As shown in FIG. 7, the exposure surface 12a of the instant film 12 is provided with an exposure region 12c, a pod portion 12d, and a trap portion 12f. The exposure area 12c is an area where an image is recorded by exposure. The exposed area 12c becomes the printable area of the instant film 12. As shown in FIG. A pod portion 12d and a trap portion 12f are arranged in front and behind in the feeding direction F with the exposure region 12c interposed therebetween. The pod portion 12d is arranged on the front side in the feed direction F with respect to the exposure area 12c. The pod portion 12d incorporates a developing solution pod 12e containing a developing solution. The trap section 12f is arranged on the rear side in the feeding direction F with respect to the exposure area 12c. An absorbing material 12g is incorporated in the trap portion 12f.

As shown in FIG. 6, the observation surface 12b of the instant film 12 is provided with an observation area 12h. The observation area 12h is an area where an image is displayed. An image is displayed in the observation area 12h by developing the exposure area 12c. The observation area 12h is arranged corresponding to the exposure area 12c. A frame 12i is provided around the observation area 12h. Therefore, the image is displayed within the frame. Also, the observation area 12h is set slightly narrower than the exposure area 12c (set one size smaller). Therefore, when an image is recorded in the entire exposure area 12c, an image with its periphery trimmed is printed.

The instant film 12 is viewed with the trap portion 12f facing up and the pod portion 12d facing down. Therefore, the image is printed with the trap portion 12f facing up and the pod portion 12d facing down.

After the exposure, the instant film 12 is developed by spreading the developing solution in the pod portion 12d onto the exposed area 12c. The developing solution in the pod portion 12d is squeezed out from the pod portion 12d by passing the instant film 12 between the pair of spreading rollers 34B, and is spread on the exposure area 12c. The developing processing liquid remaining after the developing process is captured by the trap portion 12f.

The case 42 has a rectangular box shape. The case 42 has a rectangular exposure opening 42a in its front portion. In addition, the case 42 has a slit-shaped film discharge port 42b on the top surface. The instant film 12 is placed in the case with the exposure surface 12a facing the front side of the case 42 (the side of the exposure opening 42a) and the pod portion 12d facing the top side of the case 42 (the side of the film outlet 42b). housed in layers. Further, the case 42 has a slit-shaped claw opening 42c in the bottom portion. The instant film 12 accommodated in the case 42 is fed one by one toward the film discharge port 42b by inserting the claw 32a through the claw opening 42c, and is discharged from the film discharge port 42b.

A single film pack 40 contains a plurality of (for example, 10) instant films 12 that are stacked.

The film delivery mechanism 32 delivers the instant films 12 one by one from the film pack 40 loaded in the film pack loading chamber 30 . The film feeding mechanism 32 has a claw 32a that moves back and forth along the feeding direction of the instant film 12. As shown in FIG. The film delivery mechanism 32 scrapes out the instant films 12 in the case one by one with its claw 32 a and delivers the instant films 12 from the film pack 40 .

The film transport mechanism 34 transports the instant film 12 delivered from the film pack 40 by the film delivery mechanism 32 at a constant speed. The film transport mechanism 34 includes a transport roller pair 34A and a development roller pair 34B. The conveying roller pair 34A is driven by a motor (not shown) to rotate, and conveys the instant film 12 while pinching both sides thereof. The developing roller pair 34B is driven by a motor (not shown) to rotate and nip and convey the instant film 12 as a whole. The pod portion 12d of the instant film 12 is crushed while being conveyed by the developing roller pair 34B, and the instant film 12 is developed.

A printhead 36 records images on instant film 12 fed from a film pack 40 . The print head 36 is composed of a line-type exposure head. The print head 36 irradiates the exposure surface 12a of the instant film 12 transported by the film transport mechanism 34 with print light line by line, and records an image on the instant film 12 in a single pass.

[Printer electrical configuration]
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the printer.

As shown in the figure, the printer 10 includes an operation detection unit 50 for detecting operation of the power button 16, a light source unit 52 for causing the power button 16 to emit light, a light source control unit 54 for controlling light emission of the light source unit 52, and an antenna 56A. a wireless communication unit 56 for wirelessly communicating with an external device via a power supply unit 58; a power supply control unit 60 for controlling power supply from the power supply unit 58 and charging to the power supply unit 58; a printer built-in memory 62; A memory control section 64 for reading and writing data, a motion detection section 66 for detecting movement of the printer 10, a film delivery mechanism drive section 68 for driving the film delivery mechanism 32, a film transport mechanism drive section 70 for driving the film transport mechanism 34, and printing. A print head drive unit 72 for driving the head 36, a printer microcomputer 80, and the like are provided.

The operation detection unit 50 detects operation of the power button 16 . The power button 16 is configured by a push button, and the power of the printer 10 is turned on and off by pressing the power button 16 for a long time. While the power is on, the power button 16 is assigned a function of inputting a reprint instruction. Reprint is a function of reprinting the last printed image. The operation detection unit 50 detects a short press (an operation of pressing and immediately releasing) of the power button 16 while the power of the printer 10 is on, and outputs the detection signal to the printer microcomputer 80 .

The light source unit 52 is configured so that the color of emitted light can be switched. In the printer 10 of the present embodiment, the light source unit 52 is a three-color LED (also referred to as a full-color LED) having three color elements of R (red; green), G (green; green), and B (blue; blue). consists of A tri-color LED can switch its emission color by selecting the mixing ratio of R, G and B three colors. Since this main light source is publicly known, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The light source unit 52 is arranged inside the power button 16 (see FIG. 4). The power button 16 is wholly or partially transparent (or translucent), and when the light source unit 52 is caused to emit light, light is transmitted through the transparent portion (or translucent portion) and emits light.

The light source control section 54 causes the light source section 52 to emit light in a predetermined emission color and emission pattern according to a command from the printer microcomputer 80 .

The wireless communication unit 56 wirelessly communicates with an external device via an antenna 56A under the control of the printer microcomputer 80. FIG. As described above, communication with the external device is performed according to the short-range wireless communication standard.

The power supply unit 58 includes a battery and a power supply circuit, and supplies power to each unit of the printer 10 . The battery is composed of a rechargeable secondary battery, and is charged by receiving power supply from the outside.

The power supply control unit 60 controls the supply of power from the power supply unit 58 to each unit and the charging of the battery of the power supply unit 58 under the control of the printer microcomputer 80 .

The printer built-in memory 62 constitutes a storage unit of the printer 10, and stores printed image data, setting data of the printer 10, and the like. The printer built-in memory 62 is, for example, a non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-only Memory).

The memory control unit 64 reads and writes data in the printer built-in memory 62 in accordance with commands from the printer microcomputer 80 .

The motion detector 66 detects motion of the printer 10 . The motion detector 66 is composed of, for example, a motion sensor. Since the motion sensor itself is known, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. A motion sensor is generally configured by combining an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, and the like. The motion detection unit 66 detects the orientation of the printer 10 (vertically placed, horizontally placed, tilted, etc.) and the movement of the printer 10 (lifted, put down, turned over, etc.).

The film delivery mechanism driving section 68 includes a motor for driving the claw 32a of the film delivery mechanism 32 and its drive circuit, and drives the film delivery mechanism 32 according to commands from the printer microcomputer 80. FIG.

The film transport mechanism drive unit 70 includes a motor and drive circuit for driving the transport roller pair 34A of the film transport mechanism 34 and a motor and drive circuit for driving the unfolding roller pair 34B. Accordingly, the film transport mechanism 34 is driven.

The print head drive section 72 includes a drive circuit for the print head 36 and drives the print head 36 according to commands from the printer microcomputer 80 .

The printer microcomputer 80 is a control unit that controls the operation of the printer 10 . The printer microcomputer 80 is composed of a microcomputer equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), and RAM (Random Access Memory), and implements various functions by executing a predetermined control program. .

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of main functions realized by the printer microcomputer.

The printer microcomputer 80 mainly functions as an image acquisition section 80A, a print data generation section 80B, a print control section 80C, a representative color detection section 80D and a light emission control section 80E.

Image acquisition unit 80A wirelessly communicates with external device 100 via wireless communication unit 56 and acquires image data of an image to be printed from external device 100 . When reprinting, the image data of the last printed image is read out from the printer's built-in memory 62 and acquired.

The print data generation unit 80B converts the image data acquired by the image acquisition unit 80A into a data format that can be printed by the print unit (a data format that can be printed on the instant film 12 by the print head 36), and generates print data ( print data).

The print control section 80</b>C controls feeding of the instant film 12 by the film feeding mechanism 32 via the film feeding mechanism driving section 68 . In addition, the transport of the instant film 12 by the film transport mechanism 34 is controlled via the film transport mechanism driving section 70 . Furthermore, it controls the driving of the print head 36 via the print head driving section 72 . The drive of the print head 36 is controlled in synchronization with the transportation of the instant film 12 based on the print data generated by the print data generator 80B.

The representative color detection section 80D divides the image to be printed into a plurality of areas along the vertical direction of the image, analyzes the image of each divided area, and detects the representative color. A representative color is a color that is mainly used in the corresponding area. The representative color detection section 80D obtains, for example, the color distribution of the image in each area, and detects the color that occupies the largest area as the representative color of that area. At this time, the representative color detection section 80D detects the representative color of each area within the range of the color gamut reproducible by the light source section 52 .

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of image division.

As shown in the figure, in the printer 10 of the present embodiment, the image IM is vertically divided into three equal parts (upper area A1, middle area A2, and lower area A3). Detect representative colors. The vertical direction of the image here is the vertical direction (vertical direction) when observing the image.

In the example of the image IM shown in FIG. 10, the representative color of the upper area A1 is light blue, the representative color of the middle area A2 is green, and the representative color of the lower area is yellow green.

The light emission control unit 80E controls light emission of the light source unit 52 via the light source control unit 54, and causes the power button 16, which is a light emission unit, to emit light in a predetermined color and pattern. The light emission control unit 80E causes the power button 16 to emit light at predetermined timing. Specifically, when receiving an image to be printed from the external device 100 and when printing an image, the power button 16 is caused to emit light.

When receiving an image to be printed from the external device 100, a plurality of predetermined colors are sequentially switched at regular time intervals to emit light. For example, seven colors (so-called rainbow colors) of red, orange, yellow, green, light blue, blue, and purple (so-called rainbow colors) are sequentially switched at regular time intervals to emit light.

On the other hand, when printing an image, the representative colors of the areas A1, A2, and A3 detected by the representative color detection section 80D are switched in order according to the progress of the printing to emit light. In this embodiment, the colors are switched in order at time intervals (T/3 [s]) obtained by dividing the time (T [s]) from the start of printing to the end of printing into three equal parts. The colors are emitted in the order of the representative color of the upper area A1, the representative color of the middle area A2, and the representative color of the lower area A3. Therefore, in the case of the image IM shown in FIG. 10, light is emitted in order of light blue, green, and yellowish green. When the representative color is an achromatic color such as black or gray, the light is not emitted. In other words, the light-emitting portion is set to a state (turned off) that does not emit light at the timing of the corresponding region.

In the printer 10 of the present embodiment, the time from the start of printing to the end of printing is the time from the start of feeding the instant film 12 to the completion of ejection. Ejection is completed when the trailing edge of the instant film 12 passes through the transport roller pair 34A. In this state, the instant film 12 is held while being let out by a certain amount from the outlet 18 (the rear end portion of the instant film 12 is held still by the spreading roller pair 34B). The time from the start of printing to the end of printing is a constant and known value regardless of the image.

[External device]
As described above, the external device 100 is a computer with a communication function, particularly a mobile computer such as a smart phone, tablet terminal, notebook computer, PDA, or mobile phone.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an external device. It should be noted that the figure shows an example in which the external device 100 is configured by a smart phone.

As shown in the figure, an external device (smartphone) 100 includes a CPU 101 that controls the overall operation, a ROM 102 that stores basic input/output programs and the like, a RAM 103 that is used as a work area for the CPU 101, a built-in memory 104, a display 105, The position information (latitude, longitude and altitude) of the external device 100 is obtained by the touch pad 106 that detects touch operations (position input) on the display screen, GPS (Global Positioning Systems) satellites, or IMES (Indoor Messaging System) as an indoor GPS. A GPS receiving unit 107 that receives the included GPS signal, a camera unit 108 that includes a photographing lens and an image sensor and electronically captures an image, a microphone unit 109 that includes a microphone and inputs sound, a speaker that outputs sound a speaker unit 110 that uses an antenna 111A to wirelessly communicate with a nearby base station or the like; It includes a communication unit 112, a sensor unit 113 including various sensors such as a geomagnetic sensor, a gyrocompass, and an acceleration sensor, and a media drive 114 for reading and writing data to a memory card 115, and the like. The built-in memory 104 is composed of a non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM. The built-in memory 104 stores various programs including an operating system executed by the CPU 101, as well as various data such as image data of images captured by the camera unit 108 and image data obtained from other devices.

In relation to the printer 10 , the external device 100 has a function of causing the printer 10 to print an image captured by the camera unit 108 and a function of causing the printer 10 to print an image recorded in the built-in memory 104 . Also, in relation to these functions, it has a function of editing an image to be printed.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of main functions of the external device in relation to the printer.

As shown in the figure, the external device 100 includes a print image acquisition unit 100A for acquiring an image to be printed, a print image processing unit 100B for processing and editing the image to be printed, and a print image processing unit 100B for transmitting the image to be printed to the printer 10. It has the function of the image transmission section 100C.

The image acquisition unit 100A for printing acquires an image for printing by photographing or from the built-in memory 104. FIG. When obtaining an image for printing by photographing, the camera unit 108 is controlled based on an operation input from the user (operation input to the touch pad 106 as an operation unit), and an image to be printed is obtained by photographing. When obtaining an image for printing from the built-in memory 104, the image stored in the built-in memory 104 is read and obtained. For example, the user selects a folder in which images are to be stored, reproduces and displays the images stored in the folder on the display, and selects images to be printed. The image obtained by the print image obtaining unit 100A is displayed on the display 105. FIG.

The print image processing unit 100B processes and edits an image to be printed (an image being displayed on the display 105 as an image to be printed) based on an operation input from the user (an operation input to the touch pad 106 as an operation unit). . For example, image processing such as image trimming, enlargement, rotation, template composition, and image correction (noise removal, sharpness, color tone, brightness, etc.) is performed.

The print image transmission unit 100C transmits an image to be printed to the printer 10 based on an operation input from the user (an operation input to the touch pad 106 as an operation unit). The image is transmitted to printer 10 via short-range wireless communication unit 112 .

A print transmission instruction (print instruction) is performed, for example, by swiping the screen of display 105 on which an image to be printed is displayed in a prescribed direction (for example, a direction from the bottom to the top of the screen). Alternatively, it is done by touching the print button displayed on the screen.

[Flow of printing by the printing system of the present embodiment]
In the print system of the present embodiment, an image to be printed is photographed or selected by the external device 100, the photographed or selected image is wirelessly transmitted to the printer 10, and the printer 10 prints the image.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing the procedure of processing in the external device.

First, the printer 10 is detected (step S11). That is, the presence or absence of the printer 10 that can be connected by short-range wireless communication is detected. Then, it is determined whether or not the printer 10 has been detected (step S12). If the printer 10 is not detected, an error message is displayed (step S13). For example, an error message such as "There are no connectable printers" is displayed. On the other hand, when a connectable printer 10 is detected, processing for establishing connection is performed.

When the connection is established, the print mode is determined (step S14). That is, it is determined which of the mode to print after photographing (shooting print) and the mode to select and print an image recorded in the built-in memory 104 (playback print). Mode selection is made on the menu screen.

When the photographed print mode is selected, the image to be printed is photographed (step S15). On the other hand, if the replay print mode is selected, the image to be printed is selected (step S16). Thus, an image to be printed is obtained. The acquired image is displayed on the display 105 as an image to be printed.

Next, based on the operation input from the user (operation input to the touch pad 106 as an operation unit), it is determined whether or not image editing is necessary (step S17). Whether or not image editing is necessary is determined based on whether or not an image editing operation has been performed. When an image editing operation has been performed, image editing processing is performed according to the operation input (step S18).

Thereafter, it is determined whether or not there is a print instruction based on the operation input from the user (step S19). Here, if there is no print instruction, it is determined whether or not there is an instruction to cancel printing (step S20). If cancellation of printing is instructed, the process is terminated. On the other hand, when printing is instructed, the image is transferred to the printer 10 (step S21).

FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing the procedure of processing in the printer. It is assumed that the connection with the external device 100 has been established.

First, it is determined whether or not there is a print instruction (step S31). When printing is instructed, it is determined whether or not image reception has started (step S32). When image reception is started, the power button 16 emits light in a predetermined pattern (step S33). The printer 10 of the present embodiment emits light while sequentially switching seven colors (so-called rainbow colors) of red, orange, yellow, green, light blue, blue, and purple (so-called rainbow colors) at regular time intervals. After that, it is determined whether or not the reception of the image has been completed (step S34). When image reception is completed, light emission is stopped (step S35).

Next, print data is generated from the received image data (step S36). Also, the received image data is analyzed, and the representative colors of the upper, middle and lower regions are detected (step S37). That is, the image is divided into three equal parts in the upper, middle, and lower parts along the vertical direction, and the representative color of each divided area is detected.

Next, based on the detected representative color of each area, the light emission pattern of the power button 16 during printing is set (step S38). In the printer 10 of the present embodiment, the representative color of the upper area, the representative color of the middle area, and the representative color of the lower area are sequentially applied at time intervals obtained by dividing the time T (known) from the start of printing to the end of printing into three equal parts. A light emission pattern is set so that the light is emitted when the light is switched to .

Next, print processing is performed (step S39). Also, the power button 16 emits light with the start of this print process (step S40). The power button 16 emits light in a set light emission pattern. That is, when the image to be printed is divided into three equal parts, the light is emitted in the order of the representative color of the upper area, the representative color of the middle area, and the representative color of the lower area. Further, the color of emitted light is switched at intervals obtained by dividing the time T from the start of printing to the end of printing into three equal parts. By visually recognizing the light emitted from the power button 16, the user can recognize the characteristics and atmosphere of the image to be printed. Further, by visually checking the switching of light emission, the progress of printing can be recognized.

As described above, according to the printer 10 of the present embodiment, the power button 16 is configured as a light-emitting unit, and emits light in a predetermined manner while receiving and printing an image to be printed. Accordingly, the operating state of the printer 10 can be grasped from the light emitting state of the power button 16 . Further, during printing, the representative colors of the respective regions obtained by dividing the image into three equal parts are emitted in order, so that the characteristics and atmosphere of the printed image can be recognized from the light emitting state of the power button 16. FIG. This is particularly effective for the instant film 12 in which the image cannot be checked immediately after printing is completed. During printing, the representative color of each area is switched in order according to the progress of printing, so the progress of printing can be recognized from the light emission state of the power button 16 . In addition, by causing the power button 16 to emit light during printing in this manner, the user's attention can be drawn to the printer 10 . Furthermore, the user can be given the pleasure of printing. Further, when detecting the representative color, the detection process can be simplified by detecting the representative color of a predetermined area (in this embodiment, each area obtained by vertically dividing the image into three equal parts).

[Modification]
[Modified Example of Detection Form of Representative Color]
In the above-described embodiment, the image to be printed is divided into three equal parts (upper, middle and lower parts) along the vertical direction, and the representative color of each area is detected. not to be A configuration may be adopted in which the area is further divided and the representative color of each area is detected.

Also, the division ratio (area ratio) of each region does not necessarily have to be equal. That is, it does not have to be equally divided. It suffices if it is divided by a predetermined composition ratio. For example, when dividing an image into three in the vertical direction, the division may be made such that the division ratio (area ratio) of the upper, middle, and lower regions is 1:2:1. In this case, it is preferable to switch the light emission according to the division ratio (area ratio) of each region. That is, for example, when dividing an image into three in the vertical direction, if the division ratio (area ratio) of the upper region, the middle region, and the lower region is 1:2:1, the time from the start of printing to the end of printing is 1. : The area is divided so as to be 2:1, and the representative color of each area is switched in order to emit light.

Moreover, the form of division is not limited to the vertical direction, and may be divided in a matrix. In this case, for example, with the upper left area of the image as the starting point and the lower right area as the ending point, the representative colors detected in each area are sequentially emitted. For example, when the image is divided into four areas in a matrix, the representative color of each area is emitted in the order of the upper left area, the upper right area, the lower left area, and the lower right area. That is, the light emission order is set so that the image is scanned from the upper left to the lower right.

Alternatively, the image may be divided into a plurality of areas concentrically around the center of the image. However, when the image is divided in the vertical direction, the luminescent colors are switched in order along the vertical direction of the image, so compared to other division modes, it is possible to easily grasp the characteristics and atmosphere of the image.

It should be noted that the division of the image does not necessarily have to target all areas of the image. Only a partial area of the image may be divided into objects. It is sufficient that the area for detecting the representative color is determined in advance.

Further, for example, when the image to be printed is a composite image, the representative color may be detected for each area of the composite image, and the colors may be sequentially emitted. Note that the composite image here includes an image (divided image (including collage image)) synthesized by dividing the screen into a plurality of regions and applying an image to each divided region.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a synthesized image.

The figure shows an example in which the screen is divided into four equal parts in a matrix. In this case, the divided image CI consists of four images. Specifically, it is composed of a first image CI1 on the upper left of the screen, a second image CI2 on the upper right of the screen, a third image CI3 on the lower left of the screen, and a fourth image CI4 on the lower right of the screen.

A representative color is detected for each region of each image. That is, it is detected in the area of the first image CI1, the area of the second image CI2, the area of the third image CI3, and the area of the fourth image CI4. Therefore, in this case, the color mainly used in each image is detected as the representative color of each area. That is, the colors mainly used in the first image CI1, the colors mainly used in the second image CI2, the colors mainly used in the third image CI3, and the colors mainly used in the fourth image CI4. A color that is commonly used is detected as a representative color of each area.

Also, the emission pattern emits light in the order of the representative color of the area of the first image CI1, the representative color of the area of the second image CI2, the representative color of the area of the third image CI3, and the representative color of the area of the fourth image CI4. (The light emitting order is set so that scanning is performed from the upper left area of the screen to the lower right area.).

[Modified example of representative color detection method]
In the above embodiment, as a method of detecting the representative color of each area, a method of obtaining the color distribution of the image of each area and detecting the color that occupies the largest area as the representative color of that area is adopted. , the method of detecting the representative color is not limited to this. Other known techniques can be adopted.

[Modified example of light emitting form]
In the above-described embodiment, the representative colors detected from each area of the image are sequentially switched to emit light during printing. . By adopting a flashing light emission mode, the progress of printing can be grasped in more detail. That is, by counting the number of blinking times, it is possible to grasp the time until the completion of printing.

Moreover, when switching the luminescent color, the luminescent color may be switched in a gradation manner. As a result, for example, even when the same color is detected as the representative color in two consecutive areas, the switching of the areas can be recognized from the light emitting state. In addition, by switching the emission color in a gradation manner in this way, the user's attention can be directed to the printer 10 more. Also, it is possible to provide the user with the enjoyment of printing.

[Modified example of luminous form when representative color is achromatic]
In the above embodiment, when the representative color of an area is an achromatic color such as black or gray, the light emitting unit (power button 16) is turned off at the timing when the area is made to emit light. The luminous form is not limited to this. Alternatively, for example, the light may be emitted in a predetermined color. Alternatively, a predetermined color may be emitted in a predetermined light emission pattern. For example, it is possible to employ a mode in which white flashes, or changes to rainbow colors. Further, when a light-emitting portion that can emit light only in the outline portion (peripheral edge portion) is adopted as the light-emitting portion, only the outline portion may emit light in a predetermined color and/or light emission pattern.

[Modified Example of Light Emitting Form When Receiving Images to be Printed]
When receiving an image to be printed, it may be made to emit light in the representative color of the image, as in the case of printing. In this case, the external device 100 is provided with a function of detecting the representative color.

FIG. 16 is a functional block diagram of an external device having a representative color detection function.

As shown in the figure, the external device 100 includes a print image representative color detection unit 100D for detecting a representative color of each region from an image to be printed by the printer 10, and a print image representative color detection unit 100D. It further has a function of a light emission pattern information transmission section 100E that sets a light emission pattern based on the representative color of each area and transmits it to the printer 10. FIG.

The print image representative color detection unit 100D divides an image to be printed by the printer 10 into a plurality of areas along the vertical direction of the image, and detects the representative color of each divided area. In this example, the image is vertically divided into three equal parts, and the representative color of each area is detected.

Information about the representative color of each region detected by the print image representative color detection unit 100D is added to the light emission pattern information transmission unit 100E.

The light emission pattern information transmission unit 100E determines the light emission pattern of the light emission unit (power button 16) when the printer 10 receives an image, based on the information of the representative color of each area detected by the print image representative color detection unit 100D. set. In this example, the light emission pattern is set so that the representative color of the upper area, the representative color of the middle area, and the representative color of the lower area are emitted in this order. Then, information on the set light emission pattern is transmitted to the printer 10 . At this time, the light emission pattern information transmission unit 100E transmits the light emission pattern information to the printer 10 before the print image transmission unit 100C transmits the print image.

When receiving an image to be printed from the external device 100, the printer 10 causes the light emitting unit (the power button 16) to emit light according to information on the light emission pattern received in advance.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram of the functions that the printer has when causing the light emitting unit to emit light according to the light emission pattern information received from the external device.

As shown in the figure, the printer 10 is further provided with a function of a light emission pattern information acquisition section 80F that acquires light emission pattern information from the external device 100 . The light emission pattern information acquisition unit 80</b>F acquires light emission pattern information transmitted from the external device 100 via the wireless communication unit 56 . The function of the emission pattern information acquisition section 80F is realized by the printer microcomputer 80. FIG.

The light emission pattern information acquired by the light emission pattern information acquisition section 80F is added to the light emission control section 80E. When receiving an image to be printed from the external device 100, the light emission control section 80E causes the light emission section (the power button 16) to emit light according to the information on the light emission pattern acquired by the light emission pattern information acquisition section 80F.

In this way, even when receiving an image to be printed, by causing the light emitting unit to emit light based on the image, the characteristics and atmosphere of the image to be printed can be recognized from the light emitting state of the light emitting unit. Also, the user's attention can be directed to the printer 10 . Furthermore, the user can be given the pleasure of printing.

Note that, as in this example, when the information of the representative color of the image to be printed (information of the light emission pattern) can be obtained from the external device 100, the printer 10 does not need to perform the process of detecting the representative color. When printing, the light emission control section 80E causes the light emission section (the power button 16) to emit light based on the information on the light emission pattern acquired by the light emission pattern information acquisition section 80F.

It should be noted that the light emission pattern may be changed between the case of receiving and the case of printing. For example, by changing the detection pattern of the representative color for receiving and printing, it is possible to change the emission pattern for receiving and printing. For example, when receiving, the image to be printed is vertically divided into five equal parts, the representative color of each area is detected, and the light emission pattern is set. On the other hand, when printing, the image to be printed is vertically divided into three equal parts, the representative color of each area is detected, and the light emission pattern is set.

Also, the time required for reception is shorter than the time required for printing. Therefore, the light emission pattern for receiving an image may be such that the light emission color is repeatedly switched at regular time intervals during reception. On the other hand, if it takes a long time to receive, it is preferable to switch the luminescent colors in order according to the progress of the reception. As a result, the time until the end of reception can be grasped from the light emitting state of the light emitting unit.

[Modified Example of Timing for Lighting Light-Emitting Part]
In the above embodiment, the light-emitting unit emits light when an image to be printed is received and printed, but the timing at which the light-emitting unit emits light is not limited to this. For example, when the power is turned on and when the power is turned off, light may be emitted in a predetermined light emission pattern (for example, a light emission pattern that changes to rainbow colors). Further, for example, when the remaining battery level becomes less than a threshold, light may be emitted in a predetermined light emission pattern (for example, flashing red). Further, for example, when the remaining number of instant films 12 is exhausted, or when the remaining number is less than a predetermined number of sheets, light may be emitted in a predetermined light emission pattern. Furthermore, the light may be emitted according to the operation of the external device 100 . For example, in the external device 100, when an image for printing is captured, light may be emitted in a predetermined light emission pattern. Further, for example, when an image for printing is edited in the external device 100, light may be emitted according to the content of the editing operation. Further, when communication with the external device 100 is established, light may be emitted in a predetermined light emission pattern.

[Modified example of light emitting part]
In the above-described embodiment, the power button 16 is configured to emit light, but the portion to emit light is not limited to this.

Also, the light emitting units may be provided at a plurality of locations. When the light-emitting units are provided at a plurality of locations, each light-emitting unit may emit light in order. For example, when an image is divided into three parts and the representative color is detected, the light emitting parts may be provided at three positions and may be made to emit light in order.

Also, in the above embodiments, three-color LEDs are used as the light source of the light emitting section, but the light source type is not limited to this. Any light source may be used as long as the light emission color can be switched. In addition, for example, an EL light source (electroluminescent source) such as an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) capable of emitting color light can also be used. From the viewpoint of power consumption, it is preferable to use a semiconductor light source.

Moreover, the light source is not limited to a point light source, and a planar light source can also be used. In this case, it is also possible to use a light source whose color is variable within the plane.

[Modified example of communication mode]
Although the printer and the external device communicate wirelessly in the above embodiment, they may communicate with each other by wire. Moreover, when communicating wirelessly, the communication method is not particularly limited, and a known communication method can be adopted.

[Printer modification]
In the above embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to an instant printer has been described as an example, but the application of the present invention is not limited to this. In addition, the present invention can be applied to various types of printers such as a thermal printer that prints on thermal paper, a thermal transfer printer that prints using an ink ribbon, and an inkjet printer that prints using an inkjet method.

Further, in the above embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to a mobile printer has been described as an example, but the application of the present invention is not limited to this. It can also be applied to a so-called stationary type printer. Since mobile printers are generally used near the user (approximately within reach), the present invention is particularly effective when applied to mobile printers.

Further, the hardware that implements the functions of the image acquisition section 80A, the print data generation section 80B, the print control section 80C, the representative color detection section 80D, the light emission control section 80E, etc. can be configured with various processors. The various processors include CPUs (Central Processing Units), which are general-purpose processors that execute programs and function as various processing units, and FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), which are processors whose circuit configuration can be changed after manufacturing. Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs), ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), and other dedicated electric circuits, which are processors having circuit configurations specially designed to execute specific processing, are included. One processing unit that constitutes the inspection support device may be configured by one of the various processors described above, or may be configured by two or more processors of the same type or different types. For example, one processing unit may be composed of a plurality of FPGAs or a combination of a CPU and an FPGA. Also, a plurality of processing units may be configured by one processor. As an example of configuring a plurality of processing units with a single processor, first, as represented by a computer such as a client or a server, a single processor is configured by combining one or more CPUs and software. There is a form in which a processor functions as multiple processing units. Secondly, as typified by System On Chip (SoC), etc., there is a form of using a processor that implements the functions of the entire system including multiple processing units with a single IC (Integrated Circuit) chip. be. In this way, the various processing units are configured using one or more of the above various processors as a hardware structure. Further, the hardware structure of these various processors is, more specifically, an electrical circuit that combines circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

[Modified example of external device]
The external device is also not particularly limited, and can be configured with a digital camera. It can also be configured with a desktop personal computer.

10 Printer 12 Instant Film 12a Exposure Surface 12b Observation Surface 12c Exposure Area 12d Pod Section 12e Developing Solution Pod 12f Trap Section 12g Absorbent Material 12h Observation Area 12i Frame 14 Exterior Case 16 Power Button 18 Eject Port 20 Film Pack Lid 22 Unlock Lever 24 USB cable connection cover 30 Film pack loading chamber 32 Film delivery mechanism 32a Claw 34 Film transport mechanism 34A Transport roller pair 34B Development roller pair 36 Print head 40 Film pack 42 Case 42a Exposure opening 42b Film exit 42c Claw opening 50 operation detection unit 52 light source unit 54 light source control unit 56 wireless communication unit 56A antenna 58 power supply unit 60 power supply control unit 62 printer built-in memory 64 memory control unit 66 motion detection unit 68 film delivery mechanism drive unit 70 film transport mechanism drive unit 72 print Head drive unit 80 Printer microcomputer 80A Image acquisition unit 80B Print data generation unit 80C Print control unit 80D Representative color detection unit 80E Light emission control unit 80F Light emission pattern information acquisition unit 100 External device 100A Print image acquisition unit 100B Print image processing unit 100C Print image transmission unit 100D Print image representative color detection unit 100E Light emission pattern information transmission unit 101 CPU
102 ROMs
103 RAM
104 Built-in memory 105 Display 106 Touch pad 107 GPS receiver 108 Camera unit 109 Microphone unit 110 Speaker unit 111 Communication unit 111A Antenna 112 Near field wireless communication unit 112A Antenna 113 Sensor unit 114 Media drive 115 Memory card A1 Upper area A2 of image Middle area A3 Lower area of image CI Divided image CI1 First image CI2 constituting a divided image Second image CI3 constituting a divided image Third image CI4 constituting a divided image Fourth image F constituting a divided image Instant film Feeding direction IM Images S11 to S21 Procedures of processing in the external device when printing S31 to S40 Procedures of processing in the printer when printing

Claims (16)

a printing unit;
a light-emitting part capable of switching the emission color;
a light emission control unit that controls light emission of the light emitting unit;
with
When the print unit prints an image, the light emission control unit sequentially switches the representative color of each region when the image to be printed by the print unit is divided into a plurality of regions and emits light.
printer. The light emission control unit sequentially switches the representative color of each region when the image to be printed by the print unit is divided into a plurality of regions along the vertical direction of the image and emits light.
A printer according to claim 1. When the image is printed by the printing unit, the light emission control unit switches the representative color of each region in order according to the progress of printing and causes it to emit light.
A printer according to claim 1 or 2. The light emission control unit divides the time from the start of printing to the end of printing according to the area ratio of each divided area, and switches the emission color at the divided time intervals.
A printer according to claim 3. When the light emission control unit causes the light emitting unit to emit light by switching the emission color, the light emission control unit causes the light emitting unit to emit light by switching the emission color in a gradation pattern.
A printer according to any one of claims 1 to 4. When the representative color to be emitted by the light emitting unit is an achromatic color, the light emission control unit causes the light emitting unit to emit light in a predetermined color.
A printer according to any one of claims 1 to 5. When the representative color to be emitted by the light emitting unit is an achromatic color, the light emission control unit causes the light emitting unit to emit light in a predetermined light emission pattern.
A printer according to claim 6. When the representative color to be emitted by the light emitting unit is an achromatic color, the light emission control unit causes the light emitting unit to emit no light.
A printer according to any one of claims 1 to 5. a printing unit;
a light-emitting part capable of switching the emission color;
a light emission pattern information acquisition unit that acquires information indicating a light emission pattern from an external device;
a light emission control unit that controls light emission of the light emitting unit;
with
When an image to be printed by the print unit is acquired from the external device, the light emission control unit causes the light emission unit to emit light based on the information indicating the light emission pattern acquired by the light emission pattern information acquisition unit. ,
The light emission pattern is set so that when an image to be printed by the print unit is divided into a plurality of regions, the representative color of each region is switched in order to emit light.
printer. The light emission pattern information acquisition unit acquires information indicating the light emission pattern from the external device before acquiring the image to be printed by the print unit from the external device.
A printer according to claim 9. further comprising a wireless communication unit that wirelessly communicates with the external device;
The light emission pattern information acquisition unit wirelessly acquires information indicating the light emission pattern from the external device via the wireless communication unit.
A printer according to claim 9 or 10 . a printing unit;
a light-emitting part capable of switching the emission color;
a wireless communication unit that wirelessly communicates with an external device;
a light emission pattern information acquisition unit that wirelessly acquires information indicating a light emission pattern from the external device via the wireless communication unit;
a light emission control unit that controls light emission of the light emitting unit;
with
The light emission control unit causes the light emitting unit to emit light based on the information indicating the light emission pattern acquired by the light emission pattern information acquiring unit,
The light emission pattern is set so that when an image to be printed by the print unit is divided into a plurality of regions, the representative color of each region is switched in order to emit light.
printer. the printing unit prints the image on an instant film;
A printer as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12. A mobile printer that can be carried around
A printer as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13. A control method for a printer comprising a printing unit and a light emitting unit capable of switching the emission color,
When printing an image by the printing unit, when the image to be printed by the printing unit is divided into a plurality of areas, the representative color of each area is switched in order to cause the light emitting unit to emit light;
How to control the printer. A control program for a printer comprising a printing unit and a light emitting unit capable of switching emission colors,
causing the computer to realize a function of sequentially switching a representative color of each area when the image to be printed by the printing unit is divided into a plurality of areas and causing the light emitting unit to emit light when the image is printed by the printing unit;
Printer control program.

Images