U.S. patent application number 12/156191 was filed with the patent office on 2008-12-25 for printing apparatus and method with respect to medium.
This patent application is currently assigned to Seiko Epson Corporation. Invention is credited to Hideyuki Narusawa.
Application Number | 20080317344 12/156191 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34532372 |
Filed Date | 2008-12-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080317344 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Narusawa; Hideyuki |
December 25, 2008 |
Printing apparatus and method with respect to medium
Abstract
A user operates the operation panel portion 6 and selects an
image quality mode in a pre-stage of carrying but CD-R printing. If
an operation of commencing CD-R printing on the operation panel
portion 6 is enabled, the CPU 16 causes the scanner unit 21 to scan
a sample CD-R 25 and takes in the image data. The CPU 16 causes the
taken-in image data to be subjected to an image working process and
masks pixels not required to be printed. The ASIC 20 transfers the
processed image data to the printer unit 22 and executes CD-R
printing. At this time, the CPU 16 carries out scanning and
printing at a resolution responsive to the image quality mode.
Inventors: |
Narusawa; Hideyuki; (Nagano,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge LLP
P.O. Box 55874
Boston
MA
02205
US
|
Assignee: |
Seiko Epson Corporation
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
34532372 |
Appl. No.: |
12/156191 |
Filed: |
May 30, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11528179 |
Sep 26, 2006 |
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12156191 |
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10952517 |
Sep 27, 2004 |
7175355 |
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11528179 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
382/176 ;
400/76 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B41J 3/4071 20130101;
H04N 2201/33378 20130101; H04N 1/00278 20130101; H04N 2201/33314
20130101; H04N 2201/0091 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
382/176 ;
400/76 |
International
Class: |
G06K 9/34 20060101
G06K009/34; B41J 11/44 20060101 B41J011/44; G06F 15/00 20060101
G06F015/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 26, 2003 |
JP |
2003-336137 |
Claims
1-6. (canceled)
7. A printing method used in a printing apparatus which can scan a
disk-shaped medium having a hole portion in the middle thereof on a
document table and print scanned data on a print medium, the
printing method comprising: determining a non-printing region from
scanned data in accordance with the kind of the print medium to
create a printed data; printing the printed data on the print
medium.
8. The printing method according to claim 7, wherein each of the
medium and the print medium is a CD-R or a DVD-R.
9. The printing method according to claim 7, wherein the
non-printing region is determined by comparing the size of the
medium obtained from the scanned data with information of a
non-printing region prepared in accordance with the kind of the
print medium.
10. The printing method according to claim 7, wherein the
non-printing region includes a region corresponding to at least one
of a shadow portion of an edge portion of the medium, the middle
hole portion, and a part of the document table placed outside the
medium.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation application of U.S.
application Ser. No. 10/952,517, which is hereby incorporated by
reference in its entirety, and claims priority from JP 2003-336137
filed on Sep. 26, 2003, which is hereby incorporated by reference
in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a printing apparatus
capable of independently printing without being connected to, for
example, a host computer, and a method for printing on medium.
[0004] 2. Related Arts
[0005] Recently, various types of printers capable of printing
images on medium such as CD-R, DVD-R, etc., have been developed. In
such printers, a medium on which printing is executed is set in a
printer, and data of images to be printed are taken in a host
computer. Image adjustment with respect to the position, size and
design, etc., of the image data on a medium is carried out, and the
adjusted image data are transmitted to a printer. Then, the printer
carries out a printing process on the medium on the basis of the
image data, whereby a medium of attractive design like CDs and DVDs
sold on the market can be completed.
[0006] However, a machine capable of independently printing without
connection to a host computer, a so-called stand-alone machine is
available as a printer. There are some types of such stand-alone
printers, for example, a type capable of duplicating, in which a
scanner feature and a printer feature are integrally incorporated,
and a type having a card slot into which a memory card is inserted,
capable of printing images by taking in images from the memory
card.
[0007] Herein, there is an idea in which a sample CD-R is scanned
by using the former type of machine, and the image is printed on a
CD-R (printed on a medium). Actually, however, if this method is
employed, there is a problem in that shadow portions are printed on
a CD-R due to the thickness of the sample CD-R. Also, in the latter
machine type, there is no model which is capable of printing image
data of a memory card 12 onto a CD-R. That is, development of a
printer having such a type of feature has been eagerly desired. In
addition, since there are various needs on the users' side with
respect to image quality modes where a printer is provided with a
medium-printing feature, some measures have been required to
reflect respective modes onto the medium printing.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In at least one embodiment of the present invention provides
a printing apparatus and a method for printing, which, even if a
feature capable of independently printing on a medium as a single
unit is added to a type having a plurality of image quality modes,
are capable of securing a function of satisfying the respective
image quality modes and capable of improving the functionality of
the apparatus.
[0009] In order to solve the above-described problem, at least one
embodiment of the invention is featured in that a printing
apparatus includes an image capture unit which captures a sample
medium by scanning or reading data from a memory medium and a
printing unit for executing printing on the basis of the image data
captured by the capture unit, and includes a processing unit for
processing the image data captured by the capture unit in
accordance with a printing range of a medium which is a subject on
which printing is executed, an operating unit that is operated when
selecting a mode among a plurality of image quality modes, and a
controlling unit for actuating the capture unit and a
print-executing unit in accordance with the image quality mode set
by the operating unit and printing the image data processed by the
image processing unit onto the medium.
[0010] According to the construction, the image processing unit
processes the image data captured by the capture unit in accordance
with a printing range of a medium being a subject on which the
printing is executed. The controlling unit actuates the capture
unit and print-executing unit on the basis of actuation contents
responsive to the image quality mode set by the operating unit and
executes printing on a medium. Therefore, since, even if a feature
capable of printing on a medium is added to a type having a
plurality of image quality modes, the capture unit and
print-executing unit can be actuated in accordance with the image
quality mode when executing printing on a medium, functions by
which respective image quality modes are satisfied can be secured,
and functionality of the printing apparatus can be improved.
[0011] In at least one embodiment of the invention, the capture
unit is a scanner device for reading images of the sample medium by
scanning, wherein the controlling unit causes the scanner device to
read images of the sample medium at a high resolution when the high
resolution is selected as the image quality mode, and at the same
time, causes the print-executing unit to print the images on the
medium at a high resolution.
[0012] According to the construction, since scanning and printing
can be carried out at a high resolution when the image quality mode
is a high image quality mode, it becomes possible to print clear
and fine images on a medium.
[0013] In at least one embodiment of the invention described above,
the capture unit is a scanner device for reading images of the
sample medium by scanning, wherein the controlling unit causes the
scanner device to read images of the sample medium at a low
resolution when a high speed mode is selected as the image quality
mode, and at the same time, causes the print-executing unit to
print the images on the medium at a low resolution. According to
the construction, since scan printing can be carried out at a low
resolution when the image quality mode is a high-speed mode, it
becomes possible to print images on a medium in a short time.
[0014] In at least one embodiment of the invention, the capture
unit is a scanner device for reading images of the sample medium by
scanning, wherein the capture unit includes a memory unit for
temporarily storing image data obtained by scanning of the scanner
device, a measuring unit for measuring or metering the available
memory volume of the memory unit, and a determining unit for
determining whether or not the available memory volume of the
memory unit decreases below a threshold value, and the controlling
unit causes the scanner device to read images of the sample medium
at a low resolution when it is determined on the basis of a result
of determination made by the determining unit that the available
memory volume of the memory unit is lower than the threshold
value.
[0015] According to the construction, where the available memory
volume of the memory unit decreases below the threshold value and
the available memory volume of the memory unit is slight, scanning
is carried out at a low resolution. If the available memory volume
is not available in the memory unit for storing scanned image data,
the scanner device stops in the process of scanning. However, since
scanning is executed at a low resolution where the available memory
volume of the memory unit is slight, the data volume captured by
the scanner device also becomes only slight, wherein no shortage
occurs in the memory even if the available memory volume is slight,
and there is no inconvenience by which the scanner device stops in
the process.
[0016] In at least one embodiment of the invention, the controlling
unit causes the scanner device to read the images of the sample
medium at a low resolution where it is determined on the basis of
the result of determination made by the determining unit that the
remaining memory volume of the memory unit is lower than the
threshold value, and causes the print-executing unit to print the
images on a medium at a resolution responsive to the image quality
mode set by the operating unit. According to the construction, even
if the available memory volume of the memory unit is short,
printing on a medium can be carried out at an image level
responsive to the image quality mode set by a user.
[0017] In at least one embodiment of the invention, the image data
of the sample medium, which are captured by the scanner device,
includes shadow portions produced by a scanning process around the
outer circumference of the corresponding sample medium, and the
image processing unit masks pixels of the shadow portions of the
image data, and brings about data free from any color with respect
to the medium when executing printing. According to the
construction, when a sample medium is scanned by a scanner device,
shadow portions of the sample medium are unavoidably produced in
the image data. However, since the pixels of the shadow portions of
the sample medium, which are produced by scanning, are masked, no
shadow portion (black-colored portion) is printed on a medium when
executing printing on the medium.
[0018] At least one embodiment of the invention is featured in that
a method for recording on a medium used in a printing apparatus
includes a capture unit for capturing images of a sample medium by
scanning or reading data from a memory medium and an executing unit
for executing printing on the basis of the image data captured by
the capture unit, wherein image processing unit processes the image
data captured by the capture unit in accordance with a printing
range of a medium which is a subject on which printing is executed,
and controlling unit actuates the capture unit and print-executing
unit in accordance with the image quality mode set by the operating
unit and prints the image data processed by the image processing
unit onto the medium.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a printer according to one
embodiment;
[0020] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electric configuration
of the printer;
[0021] FIG. 3 is a descriptive view regarding image data acquired
by pre-scanning;
[0022] FIG. 4 is a descriptive view showing pixel data acquired by
regular scanning;
[0023] FIG. 5(a) is a conceptual view of a template, and (b) is a
table for scan printing;
[0024] FIG. 6 is a descriptive view showing non-printing portions
of the pixel data;
[0025] FIG. 7 is a screen view of an LCD when carrying out card
printing;
[0026] FIG. 8 is a descriptive view showing pixel data acquired
when data are expanded;
[0027] FIG. 9 is table for card printing;
[0028] FIG. 10 is a descriptive view for printing a plurality of
images onto a single CD-R;
[0029] FIG. 11 is a flow chart for printing on CD-R based on
scanning; and
[0030] FIG. 12 is a flow chart for printing on CD-R based on card
reading.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0031] Hereinafter, a description is given of one embodiment of a
printing apparatus and a method for printing on a medium, in which
the present invention is embodied.
[0032] As shown in FIG. 1, a printer 1 serving as a printing
apparatus is an ink jet type stand-alone printer capable of
independently executing printing without being connected to a host
computer. The printer 1 is capable of scan printing (duplicating)
in which it scans a document (sample) placed on a document table 3
on the upper surface of a case 2, processes the document for
printing, and delivers a sheet 4 of paper through a delivery port
5. Also, the printer 1 is also capable of scanning and reading by
which scanned image data (scan data) are transmitted and printing
print data are received from a host computer and outputting the
same.
[0033] An operating panel portion 6 is disposed on the case 2 of
the printer 1. An LCD (liquid crystal display) 7 and various types
of switches 8, which are an operating unit, are disposed on the
operating panel portion 6. The LCD 7 displays a menu function,
printing conditions, operation contents, operating status, error
contents, etc., of the printer 1. In addition, various types of
switches 8 are a power source button 9 for turning on and off the
power source, a selection button 10 for selecting a printing mode
of the printer 1, and a printing start button 11 (two buttons for
color and monochrome printing), which is pressed to commence a
duplicating process and a scanning process.
[0034] A card slot 13 into which a memory card 12 being a memory
medium is inserted is disposed at the right side lower part of the
front side of the case 2. Images picked up by a digital camera,
etc., are stored in the memory card 12 as image data of digital
signals. The printer 1 reads the image data of the memory card 12
inserted into the card slot 13 and is capable of executing card
printing by which the images selected from the images by operating
the switches 8 are printed and outputted.
[0035] The printer 1 is also capable of executing CD-R printing
which carries out a printing process on a CD-R 14 being a medium.
In detail, a flat plate-shaped CD-R tray 15 which is a separate
component from the printer 1 is prepared, and the CD-R 14 is placed
in the hole portion 15a on a CD-R tray 15. And, the CD-R tray 15 is
set in the printer 1. After that, the CD-R printing mode is
selected by the selection button 10, and at the same time, the
print starting button 11 is pressed to commence printing, wherein a
printing process is executed with the upper surface of the CD-R 14
used as a printing range.
[0036] As shown in FIG. 2, the printer 1 is provided with a CPU 16
in charge of main control. A ROM 18, RAM 19 for the CPU and ASIC 20
are connected to the CPU 16 via a bus 17. Also, the printer 1 is
provided with a scanner unit 21 and a printer unit 22. The scanner
unit 21 has an exposure lamp, CCD sensor, pulse motor, etc., and is
connected to the bus 17 via a scanner input circuit 23. In
addition, the printer unit 22 has a head, carriage motor, paper
feeding motor, drive circuit, etc., and is connected to the bus 17.
Further, the capture unit (scanner device) includes the scanner
unit 21 and scanner input circuit 23. The print-executing unit has
the printer unit 22.
[0037] The ROM 18 stores a control program for controlling the
printer 1, scanner control parameters for driving the scanner unit
21, and printer control parameters for driving the printer unit 22,
etc. The ROM 18 also stores a medium print-executing program which
is executed by the CPU 16 when executing CD-R printing. Also, the
image processing unit, a measuring unit and a determining unit
includes the CPU 16 and medium print-executing programs, and the
controlling unit has the CPU 16, ASIC 20 and medium print-executing
programs.
[0038] A RAM 24 serving as a memory unit for ASIC is connected to
the ASIC 20. The ASIC 20 carries out image processings on the image
data picked up by scanning and image data read from the memory card
12, and transmits the image data to the head of the printer unit
22. The CPU 16 controls the scanner unit 21 via the scanner input
circuit 23 on the basis of the scanner control parameters when
actuating the scanner. When processing for printing, the CPU 16
controls the printer unit 22 on the basis of the processed image
data and the printer control parameters and controls reading of the
data when reading image data of the memory card 12.
[0039] Next, a description is given of CD-R printing by scanning in
a stand-alone machine. First, a sample CD-R 25 serving as a sample
medium is set on the document table 3, and simultaneously the CD-R
tray 15 on which a non-printed CD-R 14 is placed is set in the
printer. Subsequently, the printing mode is set to the CD-R
printing mode by the selection button 10, the printing method in
the mode is set to the scanning printing. In addition, the image
quality mode is selected between the high image quality mode and
high-speed mode. If the printing start button 11 is pressed in this
state, the CPU 16 executes the CD-R printing described below on the
basis of the medium print-executing program of the ROM 18.
[0040] Where the high image quality mode is selected in the image
quality mode, first, the CPU 16 causes the scanner unit 21 to
execute pre-scanning, and captures the image data 26 shown in FIG.
3. Based on the image data 26, it is determined on which part of
the document table 3 the sample CD-R 25 is placed. Herein, since
shadow portions (diagonal portions shown in FIG. 3) 27 are scanned
if the sample CD-R 25 is scanned, the CD-R image 28 including the
shadow portions 27 is determined to be the sample CD-R 25 in the
image data 26. Further, since it is possible to distinguish the
CD-R image 28 from the portion 29 which is not the CD-R image 28,
the position of the sample CD-R 25 on the document table 3 can be
understood by checking the outline of the CD-R image 28.
[0041] Continuously, the CPU 16 determines the regular scanning
area on the basis of the scanning result of the pre-scanning. That
is, the minimum square area (the area shown with broken lines in
FIG. 3) in which the CD-R image 28 including the shadow portions 27
of the sample CD-R 25 is determined as the regular scanning area.
The CPU 16 causes the scanner unit 21 to execute regular scanning,
and reads the image data of the portion surrounded by the area
shown with broken lines in FIG. 3 at the memory resolution
(scanning resolution) responsive to the image quality mode. Herein,
since the image quality mode is a high image quality mode, the
sample CD-R 25 is scanned at the memory resolution X1 with a high
resolution. The CPU 16 sequentially transfers the image data, which
are read by the regular scanning, to the RAM 24 of the ASIC 20 line
by line.
[0042] Here, the ASIC 20 re-arranges the image data equivalent to
one line, which are written in the RAM 24, in a sequence that
composes one raster line when the head scans, and transfers the
same to the RAM 19 of the CPU 16. The transfer process is repeated
until the process is completed for all the lines of the image data.
Thereby, pixel data (RGB data) 30, shown in FIG. 4, responsive to
the memory resolution X1 are generated in the RAM 19. The pixel
data 30 includes pixels 30a of the shadow portions 27 of the sample
CD-R 25, which are produced when scanning.
[0043] After the transfer process is completed, the CPU 16 carries
out an image working process in regard to the pixel data 30 written
in the RAM 19. Hereinafter, a detailed description is given
thereof. A plurality of templates T (in this example, two
templates), shown in FIG. 5(a), responsive to the diameter size of
the CD-R 14 are stored in the ROM 18. The templates T of this
example are a template Ta whose diameter is a 12 cm size and a
template Tb whose diameter is an 8 cm size.
[0044] A table TB1 for scan printing, which is shown in FIG. 5(b),
having mask information K for each of templates Ta and Tb written
is stored in the ROM 18. The mask information K designates
unnecessary pixels for printing when printing on the CD-R 14. The
information determines to which pixels ink is not discharged to be
white data, with the center point (center pixel) 30b of the CD-R
used as the basis point on the pixel data 30 shown in FIG. 4. With
respect to the mask information K of the example, Ka and Kb are
stored in accordance with the respective templates Ta and Tb, and
the mask information K designates respective pixels of the shadow
portions 27 of the pixel data 30 shown in FIG. 6, the middle hole
portion 31 of the sample CD-R 25, and outside portions (four
corners) of the shadow portions 27.
[0045] The CPU 16 carries out a matching process using the template
T as an image working process, compares the CD-R image (image
including the shadow portions 27) of the pixel data 30 with the
template T, and determines the size of the sample CD-R 25. In the
present example, it is assumed that the size of the CD-R is a 12 cm
size. Continuously, the CPU 16 obtains the number of pixels with
respect to the ordinate and abscissa of the pixel data 30 as shown
in FIG. 4 and calculates an intersection point between a line La,
on which the intermediate pixel in the ordinate is positioned, and
a line Lb, on which the intermediate pixel in the abscissa is
positioned, as the center point 30b of the CD-R image 28.
[0046] After the center point 30a is calculated, the CPU 16 carries
out a masking process with reference to the table TB1 and
establishes unnecessary portions of printing of the respective
pixels of the pixel data 30 as white data (that is, data for which
no ink is discharged). That is, using the mask information Ka of
the table TB1, the CPU 16 recognizes the shadow portions 27, middle
hole portion 31, and outside portion 32, which are shown in FIG. 6
and are not necessary to be printed, on the basis of the center
point 30b of the CD-R image 28, and sets these pixels as white data
to which no ink is discharged. And, the CPU 16 transmits the pixel
data 30 to the ASIC 20 after the masking process is over.
[0047] The ASIC 20 executes an image processing on the pixel data
30 and generates head drive data in which data are arranged in the
sequence of ink discharge. Hereinafter, a detailed description is
given thereof. First, the ASIC 20 converts the pixel data 30
inputted by scanning to a printing resolution responsive to the
image quality mode. Herein, since the image quality mode is set to
a high image quality mode, the pixel data 30 are converted to the
high resolution as the printing resolution.
[0048] The ASIC 20 binarizes the RGB-based pixel data and converts
the same to YMCK-based pixel data (YMCK data). Continuously, the
ASIC 20 executes a microweaving process of the YMCK data and
generates head drive data equivalent to one scan, which is to be
processed for printing when the head scans one time. The head drive
data are binary data for instructing discharge or non-discharge of
ink to respective nozzles of the head and a discharge amount
thereof thereto, wherein no ink is discharged to the pixels masked
in the masking process.
[0049] A description is given of the microweaving process. Since
the head of the printer unit 22 forms dots at the nozzle pitch in
the feeding direction of paper 4 (the subscanning direction),
rasters of continuous numbers cannot be formed by the main scanning
carried out at one time. Therefore, the raster forming positions
are shifted whenever forming rasters while forming a plurality of
rasters at intervals of the nozzle pitch in respective main
scanning, and spaces between the rasters are filled by other
rasters, and, finally, continuous rasters are formed. This process
is called a "microweaving process."
[0050] After that, whenever head drive data equivalent to scanning
of one time are stored in the RAM 24, the ASIC 20 outputs the
stored data to the printer unit 22 one after another. The CPU 16
drives the head on the basis of the head drive data, and at the
same time, executes printing on the CD-R 14 by driving a carriage
motor and a paper feeding motor on the basis of the printer control
parameters. Through the above-described procedure, an image is
printed on the CD-R 14 with no shadow portion provided and
unnecessary portions decolored.
[0051] Herein, since the image quality mode is a high image quality
mode, it is necessary that the image printed on the CD-R 14 is
sharp and fine. Therefore, in the case of the high image quality
mode, it is composed that the sample CD-R 25 is scanned at a high
resolution (memory resolution X1) and the image is printed on the
CD-R 14 at a high resolution (printing resolution Y1), wherein it
becomes possible that an image is printed on the CD-R 14 at an
image-level in which a high image quality mode is enabled.
[0052] However, since the RAM 24 is used for operations other than
the scanning, it is considered that the available memory amount M
becomes short when scanning is executed. Therefore, the CPU 16
minutely checks the available memory amount M of the RAM 24 of the
ASIC 20. When the CPU 16 determines that the available memory
amount M is reduced below the predetermined threshold value Ma and
is slight at the moment when commencing scanning, an image in the
regular scanning area is read at a low memory resolution X2
(<X1) in the regular scanning. Thereby, it becomes possible to
secure and store the scanned image data even if the available
memory amount M is slight, and such an inconvenience does not
occur, which causes the scanning to be interrupted in process due
to a cause of memory shortage in the RAM 24.
[0053] On the other hand, where a high-speed mode is selected as
the image quality mode, the CPU 16 causes pre-scanning and regular
scanning to be carried out. However, the image data in the regular
scanning area shown with broken lines in FIG. 3 are read at the
memory resolution X2 with a low resolution in the regular scanning.
As described above, since the image is scanned at a low resolution,
the scanning time can be shortened. And, as in the high image
quality mode, the CPU 16 carries out an image working process on
the image data captured by the regular scanning and transfers the
pixel data 30, for which pixels unnecessary for printing are
masked, to the ASIC 20. The ASIC 20 carries out an image processing
on the pixel data 30 and generates head drive data at the printing
resolution Y2 (<Y1) with a low resolution.
[0054] Whenever the ASIC 20 generates the head drive data
corresponding to one-time scanning of the head, the ASIC 20
transfers the same to the printer unit 20. The CPU 16 drives the
head on the basis of the head drive data transferred by the ASIC
20, and at the same time, executes printing on the CD-R 14 by
driving the carriage motor and paper feeding motor on the basis of
the printer control parameters. Therefore, since printing is
carried out at a low resolution, the printing time is shortened. In
addition, memory resolutions X1 and X2 are changed by varying the
scanning speed, etc., and the printing resolutions Y1 and Y2 are
changed by varying the head scanning speed and paper feeding
rate.
[0055] Next, a description is given of CD-R printing by card
reading in a stand-alone machine. A user inserts a memory card 12
into a card slot 13, and selects an image (sample image) desired to
be printed out from images of the memory card 12. Using various
types of switches 8, a printing image 33 and its layout information
R are set by moving the printing image 33 in the up and down
directions, and left and right directions with respect the
reference position of printing (CD-R 14), or changing its printing
size by enlargement or contraction as shown in FIG. 7. At this
time, the diameter size of the CD-R 14 to be printed is
established.
[0056] After these conditions are established, the printing mode is
set to the CD-R printing mode by operating the selection button 10,
and the printing method in the mode is set to a card printing
method, that is, a method for printing on the CD-R 14 on the basis
of the image data read from the memory card 12. If the printing
start button 11 is pressed after various types of printing
conditions are established, the CPU 16 executes CD-R printing,
which is described below, on the basis of a medium print-executing
program of the ROM 18.
[0057] First, the CPU 16 reads layout information R set by the
user, and determines the position and printing size on the CD-R 14
of the printing image 33. Continuously, the CPU 16 reads the
printing image 33 from the memory card 12. The CPU 16 develops the
read image data in accordance with the position and printing size
based on the layout information R, and generates pixel data (RGB
data) 34, shown in FIG. 8, the range of which is the minimum square
in which the CD-R 14 can be accommodated. The pixel data 34
includes the middle hole portion 31 and the outside portion 32 of
the CD-R image, which are unnecessary for printing. However, no
shadow portion 27 is provided.
[0058] Also, the ROM 18 includes a table TB2 for card printing,
which is shown in FIG. 9. The mask information K of the table TB2
is stored as Kc and Kd in accordance with the diameter sizes Sa (12
cm) and Sb (8 cm) of the CD-R 14, and is the information
designating pixels of the middle hole portion 31 of the pixel data
34 shown in FIG. 8 and the pixels of the outside portion 32 of the
CD-R image 28. Where the size of the CD-R 14 is determined to be
Sa, the CPU 16 executes a masking process on the basis of the mask
information Kc by the method similar to that in the case of scan
printing, wherein portions unnecessary to be printed out of the
pixel data 34 are set to be white data (data for which no ink is
discharged).
[0059] In addition, the CPU 16 transfers the mask-processed pixel
data 34 to the ASIC 20. The ASIC 20 executes an image processing on
the pixel data 30 and generates head drive data at a printing
resolution Y1 of a high resolution. If described in detail below,
the ASIC 20 executes a resolution converting process, binarizing
process and microweaving process with respect to pixel data 34
inputted by card reading, thereby sequentially generating head
drive data equivalent to one-time scanning. Also, as soon as the
head drive data corresponding to one-time scanning are stored in
the RAM 24, the ASIC 20 outputs the same to the printer unit 22 one
after another, and causes the printer unit 22 to execute CD-R
printing.
[0060] Further, where it is set that a plurality of images are
printed on a single CD-R 14 in the card printing, the CPU 16
processes the combination information as layout information R, and
a plurality of images are printed on the CD-R 14 as a single image
on the basis of the layout information R. For example, as shown in
FIG. 10, where four images are combined and printed thereon, images
arranged two by two in both vertical and horizontal directions are
recognized as a single image. An image working process and an image
processing, etc., are carried out with respect to the image, and
head drive data necessary for CDR printing are generated, wherein
an image corresponding to the four images is printed on the
CD-R.
[0061] Next, a description is given of procedures for executing
CD-R printing by scanning by CPU 16, in accordance with a flow
chart shown in FIG. 11.
[0062] In Step 100, prescanning is carried out, whereby it is
determined on which part of the document table a sample CD-R is
placed.
[0063] In Step 101, a regular scanning area is determined. That is,
although shadow portions 27 of the sample CD-R are captured when
scanning, the minimum square area (the area shown with broken lines
in FIG. 3) in which the CD-R image 28 including the shadow portions
27 is covered is determined as the regular scanning area.
[0064] In Step 102, the available memory amount M of the RAM 24 of
the ASIC 20 is calculated.
[0065] In Step 103, it is determined whether or not the available
memory amount M calculated in Step 103 is lower than the threshold
value Ma. If M<Ma is established, the process advances to Step
104, and if M> Ma is established, the process advances to Step
106.
[0066] In Step 104, the image quality mode is determined. That is,
it is determined which image quality mode of a high image quality
mode or a high-speed mode is selected. Herein, if the high image
quality mode is selected, the process advances to Step 105, and if
the high-speed mode is selected, the process advances to Step
106.
[0067] In Step 105, high resolution scanning is set. That is, the
memory resolution (scanning resolution) is set to X1 the resolution
of which is high.
[0068] In Step 106, low resolution scanning is set. That is, the
memory resolution (scanning resolution) is set to X2 the resolution
of which is low.
[0069] In Step 107, regular scanning is commenced. That is, the
entire scanning area of the sample CD-R placed on the document
table 3 is scanned at a resolution responsive to the image quality
mode.
[0070] In Step 108, image data are transferred to the RAM 24 of the
ASIC 20.
[0071] In Step 109, image data are transferred to the RAM 19 of the
CPU 16.
[0072] In Step 110, it is determined whether or not the data
transfer is completed. If the transfer is completed, pixel data
(RGB data) 30, shown in FIG. 4, responsive to the size of the
sample CD-R 25 are generated. Here, if the data transfer is
completed, the process advances to Step 111, and if not, the
process returns to Step 107, wherein the data transfer is
continued.
[0073] In Step 111, an image working process is executed with
respect to the pixel data 30 written in the RAM 19 of the CPU 16.
Here, the center point 30b of the pixel data 30 is determined by a
matching process. Based thereon, a masking process is carried out
to mask portions unnecessary to be printed in the pixel data
30.
[0074] In Step 112, the ASIC 20 is caused to execute a resolution
converting process. That is, scanned pixel data 30 are converted to
a printing resolution in accordance with the image quality mode,
wherein, when a high image quality mode is employed, the data are
converted to the printing resolution Y1 with a high resolution, and
when a high-speed mode is employed, the data are converted to the
printing resolution Y2 with a low resolution.
[0075] In Step 113, the ASIC 20 is caused to execute a binarizing
process, wherein RGB-based pixel data 30 are converted to YMCK
data.
[0076] In Step 114, the ASIC 20 is caused to execute a microweaving
process.
[0077] In Step 115, the pixel data 30 subjected to the microweaving
process are outputted to the printer unit 22 and CD-R printing is
carried out.
[0078] Next, a description is given of procedures for the CPU 16 to
execute CD-R printing by card reading, with reference to a flow
chart shown in FIG. 12.
[0079] In Step 200, layout information R established by a user is
read.
[0080] In Step 201, image data are read from the memory card 12.
That is, image data of an image pointed out by a user are read from
the memory card 12.
[0081] In Step 202, the image data are developed on the basis of
the layout information R. That is, the read image data are
developed in accordance with the position and printing size based
on the layout information R, thereby generating pixel data (RGB
data) 34, shown in FIG. 8, with the minimum square used as a range,
in which the CD-R 14 is accommodated.
[0082] In Steps 203 through 207, processes similar to those in
Steps 111 through 115 described above are carried out.
[0083] According to the present example, although a shadow portion
27 is produced in the image data of the scanned sample CD-R 25 due
to the thickness thereof, the pixels of the shadow portions 27 are
masked to be white data for which no ink is discharged. In addition
thereto, pixels corresponding to the hole portion 31 and the
outside portion 32 of the CD-R 14, which are not required to be
printed, are also masked. Therefore, even if CD-R is printed by
scanning, portions not required to be printed such as the shadow
portions 27, hole portion 31 and outside portion 32 are not
outputted or printed, and only the images to be projected are
printed on the CD-R 14.
[0084] Also, only portions, required for CD-R printing, of the
image data read from the memory card 12 are taken out and the data
there are developed. The data are image-processed and printed on
the CD-R 14. Therefore, no ink is discharged on the portions not
required to be printed, and only the images to be projected are
printed on the CD-R 14 as in the scan printing. Based on the above
description, the scanned image and image read from the memory card
12 can be outputted and printed on the CD-R 14 in a favorable
state.
[0085] Further, there are two types in the image quality modes of
the printer 1, one of which is a high image quality mode and the
other of which is a high-speed mode. In the high image quality
mode, it is necessary to print sharp and fine images on the CD-R
14, and, in the high-speed mode, it is necessary to shorten the
printing time. Therefore, when the high image quality mode is
employed, scanning and printing are carried out at a high
resolution, and when the high-speed mode is employed, scanning and
printing are carried out at a low resolution. Operation contents of
the scanner unit 21 and printer unit 22 are altered in accordance
with the respective modes. Therefore, even if CD-R printing is
independently enabled by a single printer, functions which are
satisfied by the respective modes are secured, and functionality of
the printer 1 is improved.
[0086] According to the above-described embodiments, the following
effects can be brought about.
[0087] (1) Such a composition is employed, in which image data 26
captured by scanning and card reading are subjected to image
processing, pixels not required to be printed are masked, and CD-R
printing is carried out on the basis of the data thus obtained.
Therefore, it is possible to execute CD-R printing by a stand-alone
machine employing scan printing and card printing. Also, since the
operation contents of the scanner unit 21 and printer unit 22 can
be altered in accordance with the image quality modes (high image
quality mode and high-speed mode), functions which are satisfied by
the respective modes, that is, high image quality printing in the
high image quality mode, shortening of the printing times in the
high-speed mode are secured, and the functionality of the printer 1
is improved.
[0088] (2) Such current situations exist, in which when the RAM
(line buffer) 24 for accommodating the scanned image data 26
becomes short in terms of memory, the scanning is interrupted at
that time, and a normal scanning process cannot be carried out.
However, since scanning is carried out at a low resolution when the
available memory amount M is determined and the available memory
amount M becomes lower than the threshold value Ma, only the amount
of data captured by the scanning may be slight, wherein there is no
inconvenience that the scanning is interrupted due to shortage of
the memory. In addition, since printing is carried out at a
printing resolution responsive to the image quality mode in the
case of a shortage in memory, CD-R printing can be carried out at
an image level responsive to respective image modes even under a
condition where it is determined that the memory is short.
[0089] (3) It is composed that the ROM 18 is provided with tables
TB1 and TB2 in which mask information K is written for each of the
sizes (in this example, two sizes) of the CD-R 14, and a masking
process is carried out on the basis of these tables TB1 and TB2.
Therefore, images of the sample CD-R 25, which are captured by
scanning, and images read from the memory card 12 can be printed in
different sizes of CD-R 14.
[0090] (4) Where card printing is carried out, the position of the
printing image in the up, down, left and right directions and
printing size thereof, which are established by the operation panel
portion 6 are reflected on the CD-R printing. Therefore, it is
possible for a user to execute CD-R printing at the printing
position and printing size in accordance with his/her needs.
[0091] (5) When the card printing is carried out, since it is
possible to recognize a plurality of images as a single printing
image, a printing image in which a plurality of images are combined
can be printed on the CD-R 14.
[0092] (6) Since the printer 1 has both the scanner feature and
card-reading feature, it is possible to carry out scan-printing and
card-reading and printing with a single unit of the printer 1.
[0093] Furthermore, the above-described embodiment may be subjected
to the following modifications.
MODIFIED EXAMPLE 1
[0094] The sizes of the CD-R 14 are not limited to two types. The
size(s) may be one type or three or more types.
MODIFIED EXAMPLE 2
[0095] The sample medium is not limited to a CD-R. For example,
medium other than the CD-R, such as, for example, DVD-R, etc., may
be employed. The sample medium is not limited to a medium, in which
digital signals can be written, such as a CD-R. It may be a medium
if it has a thickness to such a degree that shadow portions are
produced when scanning.
MODIFIED EXAMPLE 3
[0096] The image quality mode is not limited to two types which are
high image quality mode and high-speed mode, and other mode(s) may
be employed. For example, the mode(s) may be three or more types
for which the high image quality mode is made to have multiple
steps.
MODIFIED EXAMPLE 4
[0097] When the image quality mode is a high-speed mode and the RAM
24 is short in memory in scanning, the scanning is not limited to
low resolution scanning (memory resolution X2). The memory
resolutions at this time may be values differing from each
other.
MODIFIED EXAMPLE 5
[0098] It may be composed that threshold values Ma which are used
to determine the memory storage of the RAM 24 in scanning are
stepwise provided in a plurality and the sample CD-R 25 is scanned
at memory resolutions responsive to the result of determination.
That is, where it is determined that the memory capacity becomes
lower than the lowest threshold value Ma, the scanning is carried
out at the lowest memory resolution, and where it is determined
that the memory capacity is lower than the second lowest threshold
value Ma, the scanning is carried out at the second lowest memory
resolution.
MODIFIED EXAMPLE 6
[0099] When the RAM 24 is short in memory when scanning, the
printing is not limited to printing at a printing resolution
responsive to the image quality mode at that time. For example, the
entire image is outputted and printed at a low resolution
regardless of the image quality mode.
MODIFIED EXAMPLE 7
[0100] The CD-R tray 15 is not limited to a component which is
separate from the printer 1. For example, it may be a type
integrally formed with the printer 1.
MODIFIED EXAMPLE 8
[0101] It is not necessary that the printer 1 has both a scanner
feature and a card-reading feature as a single unit. It may be
provided with either one of these.
[0102] Next, a description is given below of the technical idea or
thought which can be comprehended from the above-described
embodiment and modified examples along with the effects
thereof.
[0103] (1) In the invention, the above-described sample medium is
shaped to be like a circular disk as its outer shape and to have a
hole portion at the center thereof, and the above-described image
processing unit masks pixels of the shadow portions of the
above-described sample medium, central hole portion (31) thereof
and outside portion (32) of the shadow portions, which are portions
not required to be printed, and makes the pixels into data for
which no color is provided on the medium when printing.
[0104] (2) The invention is provided with unit (16) for identifying
sizes of the sample medium, and the image processing unit masks the
pixels of the shadow portions responsive to the size of the
above-described sample medium of the image data on the basis of the
result of identification made by the identifying unit.
[0105] (3) In the invention, the capture unit is a reading device
(13) which takes in images by reading image data stored in the
above-described memory medium.
[0106] (4) In the invention, the above-described image processing
unit sets an area corresponding to the printing area of the
above-described image data read by the reading device as an area to
be printed, on the basis of the printed area of the above-described
medium, which is a subject to be printed, and on the basis of the
result of setting, the image processing unit develops image data of
pixels corresponding to the above-described printing area, and,
when printing, masks pixels protruding from the above-described
medium as portions not required to be printed.
[0107] (5) In the invention, the operating unit is operated when
selecting and setting layout information (R) of an image printed
onto the above-described medium, and the above-described image
processing unit develops image data of pixels corresponding to the
above-described printing area by reflecting the layout on the basis
of the above-described layout information (R) set by the
above-described operating unit.
* * * * *