Printing systems, operating systems, printers and terminals

Abstract

The present invention provides a printing system, an operating system, a printer and a terminal with good operability. The printing system includes a printer and a terminal that can communicate with each other wirelessly, and data is wirelessly sent from the terminal to the printer and printed using the printer. The printer includes: a portable printer body; an action detection unit that detects the action of the printer body; and a control signal sending unit that sends a first control signal to the terminal when a first action is detected by the action detection unit, and sends a second control signal to the terminal when a second action is detected by the action detection unit. The terminal includes: a display unit; a display control unit that controls the display of the display unit; and a control signal receiving unit that receives a control signal from the printer. When the control signal receiving unit receives the first control signal, the display control unit of the terminal displays the first operation screen on the display unit. When the control signal receiving unit receives the second control signal, the second operation screen is displayed on the display unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing system, an operating system, a printer and a terminal, and in particular to a printing system, an operating system, a printer and a terminal having a printer and a terminal capable of wirelessly communicating with each other. Background Art

[0002] Patent document 1 describes the following technology: in a printer equipped with a keyboard, the setting posture of the printer is detected, and the operation mode of the printer is automatically switched according to the detected setting posture. Specifically, the following is described: when the printer is placed horizontally, it is set to a mode for printing information input from the keyboard, and when it is arranged vertically, it is set to a mode for wirelessly receiving print data from a mobile terminal such as a smartphone and printing.

[0003] Previous technical literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-144668 Summary of the invention

[0006] Technical issues to be solved by the invention

[0007] Mobile devices such as smartphones are becoming more powerful every year, and the functions they can perform are also increasing. In terms of their relationship with printers, they can not only print stored data, but also process or generate data to be printed.

[0008] However, as the number of executable functions increases, the amount of information to be displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal also increases, which has the disadvantage of reducing operability.

[0009] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a printing system, an operating system, a printer, and a terminal with good operability.

[0010] Means for solving technical problems

[0011] (1) A printing system comprising a printer and a terminal capable of wirelessly communicating with each other, wherein data is wirelessly sent from the terminal to the printer and printing is performed using the printer, wherein the printer comprises: a portable printer body; an action detection unit for detecting the action of the printer body; and a control signal sending unit for sending a first control signal to the terminal when a first action is detected by the action detection unit, and sending a second control signal to the terminal when a second action is detected by the action detection unit, wherein the terminal comprises: a display unit; a display control unit for controlling the display of the display unit; and a control signal receiving unit for receiving a control signal from the printer, wherein when the control signal receiving unit receives the first control signal, the display control unit displays a first operation screen on the display unit, and when the control signal receiving unit receives the second control signal, the display control unit displays a second operation screen on the display unit.

[0012] (2) The printing system according to (1) above, wherein:

[0013] When the printer body can be placed in either the horizontal or vertical orientation, the first operation is to place the printer body in the horizontal orientation, and the second operation is to place the printer body in the vertical orientation.

[0014] (3) The printing system according to (1) or (2) above, wherein:

[0015] The printer also includes: a status information acquisition unit, which acquires the status information of the printer; and a status information sending unit, which, when the third action is detected by the action detection unit, sends the status information acquired by the status information acquisition unit to the terminal. The terminal also includes a status information receiving unit that receives the status information from the printer. When the status information receiving unit receives the status information, the display control unit displays the status information of the printer on the display unit.

[0016] (4) The printing system according to (3) above, wherein:

[0017] The printer status information includes the number of pages that can be printed and the remaining battery power.

[0018] (5) The printing system according to (3) above, wherein:

[0019] The third action is to lift the printer.

[0020] (6) The printing system according to any one of (1) to (5) above, wherein:

[0021] The printer further includes a print image storage unit for storing printed images, and the print control unit for controlling printing of the printer reprints the image printed last when the motion detection unit detects the fourth motion.

[0022] (7) The printing system according to any one of (1) to (5) above, wherein:

[0023] The printer further includes a print image storage unit for storing printed images, and a print control unit for controlling printing of the printer reprints the last printed image when the motion detection unit detects the fourth motion and an operating member provided on the printer body is operated.

[0024] (8) The printing system according to (6) or (7), wherein:

[0025] The fourth operation includes an operation of moving the medium discharge port downward for a certain period of time or more, or an operation of tilting the medium discharge port downward for a certain period of time or more.

[0026] (9) The printing system according to any one of (1) to (8) above, wherein:

[0027] The printer further includes a power supply control unit that turns off the power supply when the motion detection unit detects the fifth motion.

[0028] (10) The printing system according to (9) above, wherein:

[0029] The fifth operation is to press the power button provided on the printer body for a predetermined period of time or longer.

[0030] (11) The printing system according to any one of (1) to (10) above, wherein:

[0031] The printer further comprises: a light emitting unit; and a light emitting control unit that controls the light emitting unit to emit light, and when the motion detection unit detects a specific motion, the light emitting control unit causes the light emitting unit to emit light in a light color and / or light pattern corresponding to the detected motion.

[0032] (12) The printing system according to any one of (1) to (11) above, wherein:

[0033] The printer also includes: a mode setting unit for setting a mode; and an operation signal sending unit. When the mode setting unit is set to a remote control mode, an operation signal corresponding to the action detected by the action detection unit and / or the operation of an operating component provided on the printer is sent to the terminal. The terminal also includes: an operation signal receiving unit for receiving an operation signal from the printer; and a terminal control unit for controlling the action of the terminal according to the operation signal received by the operation signal receiving unit.

[0034] (13) The printing system according to (12) above, wherein:

[0035] The terminal also includes a camera unit, and the terminal control unit controls the operation of the camera unit according to an operation signal.

[0036] (14) The printing system according to (13) above, wherein:

[0037] When the action detection unit detects the sixth action and / or the operating component provided in the printer is operated, the operation signal sending unit sends an operation signal to execute the release of the camera unit, and the terminal control unit controls the release action of the camera unit according to the operation signal.

[0038] (15) The printing system according to (13) or (14), wherein:

[0039] When the action detection unit detects the seventh action and / or the operating component provided in the printer is operated, the operation signal sending unit sends an operation signal for executing the zoom of the camera unit, and the terminal control unit controls the zoom action of the camera unit according to the operation signal.

[0040] (16) The printing system according to (15) above, wherein:

[0041] The seventh operation is to tilt the printer body.

[0042] (17) The printing system according to any one of (1) to (16) above, wherein:

[0043] The motion detection unit is formed by combining a plurality of sensors including an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor.

[0044] (18) An operating system comprising a terminal having a camera unit and a portable electronic device capable of wirelessly communicating with the terminal, the portable electronic device comprising: a motion detection unit for detecting the motion of a subject; and an operation signal sending unit for sending an operation signal corresponding to the motion detected by the motion detection unit to the terminal, the terminal comprising: an operation signal receiving unit for receiving the operation signal from the portable electronic device; and a terminal control unit for controlling the motion of the camera unit according to the operation signal received by the operation signal receiving unit.

[0045] (19) An operating system according to (18) above, wherein:

[0046] The motion detected by the motion detection unit is a motion of tilting the main body, and the terminal control unit controls the zooming motion of the camera unit according to the operation signal received by the operation signal receiving unit.

[0047] (20) An operating system according to (18) or (19) above, wherein:

[0048] The terminal control unit further controls the release action of the camera unit according to the operation signal received by the operation signal receiving unit.

[0049] (21) An operating system according to (18) or (19), wherein:

[0050] The operation signal transmitting unit further transmits an operation signal corresponding to the operation of the operation member provided on the main body to the terminal, and the terminal control unit controls the release action of the camera unit according to the operation signal based on the operation of the operation member.

[0051] (22) A printer that receives data wirelessly transmitted from a terminal and performs printing, comprising: a portable printer body; a motion detection unit that detects the motion of the printer body; and a control signal sending unit that, when a first motion is detected by the motion detection unit, sends a first control signal to the terminal so that a first operation screen is displayed on a display unit of the terminal, and, when a second motion is detected by the motion detection unit, sends a second control signal to the terminal so that a second operation screen is displayed on the display unit of the terminal.

[0052] (23) A terminal that wirelessly sends data to a printer to cause the printer to print, comprising: a display unit; a display control unit that controls the display of the display unit; and a control signal receiving unit that receives a control signal corresponding to an action of the printer body from the printer, wherein when the control signal receiving unit receives a first control signal corresponding to a first action of the printer body, the display control unit displays a first operation screen on the display unit, and when the control signal receiving unit receives a second control signal corresponding to a second action of the printer body, the display control unit displays a second operation screen on the display unit.

[0053] Effects of the Invention

[0054] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a printing system, an operating system, a printer, and a terminal with good operability. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0055] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing an example of the system configuration of a printing system.

[0056] Figure 2 This is a front perspective view showing an example of the external structure of a printer.

[0057] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The printer is shown in a perspective view from the rear.

[0058] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the structure of a printing unit of a printer.

[0059] Figure 5 It is a three-dimensional image of a film packaging box.

[0060] Figure 6 This is a front view of instant film.

[0061] Figure 7 This is the rear view of instant film.

[0062] Figure 8 This is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a printer.

[0063] Fig. 9 This is a block diagram of the main functions implemented by the printer microcomputer.

[0064] Fig.10 This is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a smartphone.

[0065] Fig.11 This is a block diagram of the main functions of smartphones related to image printing.

[0066] Fig.12 This is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of displaying the top screen when the print application is started.

[0067] Fig.13 This is a diagram showing an example of the first top screen.

[0068] Fig.14 This is a diagram showing an example of the second top screen.

[0069] Fig.15 This is a diagram showing an example of an image selection screen.

[0070] Fig.16 This is a diagram showing an example of a print image confirmation screen.

[0071] Fig.17 This is a diagram showing an example of an enlargement and rotation operation screen.

[0072] Fig.18 This is a diagram showing an example of a filter operation screen.

[0073] Fig.19 This is a diagram showing an example of an image quality correction operation screen.

[0074] Fig. 20 This is a diagram showing an example of animation display when a print command is issued.

[0075] Fig.21 This is a diagram showing an example of a template print selection screen.

[0076] Fig. 22 This is a diagram showing an example of a print image confirmation screen during template printing.

[0077] Fig.23 This is a diagram showing an example of a template switching operation screen.

[0078] Fig.24 This is a conceptual diagram of scrolling of selection buttons displayed in the operation area.

[0079] Fig.25 2 is a diagram showing an example of a split frame selection screen.

[0080] Fig.26 This is a diagram showing an example of a collage image creation screen.

[0081] Fig. 27 This is a diagram showing an example of a collage image creation screen after image selection.

[0082] Fig.28 2 is a diagram showing an example of a split frame switching operation screen.

[0083] Fig.29 This is a diagram showing an example of a layout selection screen.

[0084] Fig.30 This is a diagram showing an example of a print image confirmation screen in a combined photograph.

[0085] Fig.31 This is a diagram showing an example of a template switching operation screen.

[0086] Fig.32 This is a diagram showing an example of a photography operation screen.

[0087] Fig.33 This is a diagram showing an example of display of status information.

[0088] Fig.34 This is a table showing the relationship between the operation of the printer body and the display of the touch panel of the smartphone.

[0089] Fig.35 is a block diagram of the main functions implemented by the printer microcomputer of the printer.

[0090] Fig.36 This is a table showing the relationship between the operation of the printer body and the operation of the printer.

[0091] Fig.37 is a block diagram of the main functions implemented by the printer microcomputer of the printer.

[0092] Fig.38 This is a table showing the relationship between the operation of the printer body and the camera operation of the smartphone in the remote control mode.

[0093] Fig.39 This is a diagram showing an example of animation display of switching of the top screen.

[0094] Fig.40 This is a conceptual diagram of the operation when printing is instructed by flicking operation.

[0095] Fig.41This is a diagram showing an example of a screen for accepting input of a print cancel command.

[0096] Fig.42 This is a diagram showing an example of an operation guidance screen.

[0097] Fig.43 This is a diagram showing an example of display of a communication connection button.

[0098] Explanation of symbols

[0099] 10-printer, 12-instant film, 12a-exposure surface, 12b-observation surface, 12c-exposure area, 12d-capsule, 12e-development liquid capsule, 12f-collection part, 12g-absorbent material, 12h-observation area, 12i-frame, 14-printer body, 16-power button, 18-discharge port, 20-film packaging box cover, 22-unlocking lever, 24-USB cable connection cover, 30-film packaging box filling chamber, 32-film delivery mechanism, 32a-claw, 34-film conveying mechanism, 34A-conveying roller pair, 34B-unfolding roller pair, 36-print head, 40-film packaging box, 42-housing, 42a-exposure opening, 42b-film discharge port, 42c-claw Claw opening portion, 50-operation detection portion, 52-light source portion, 56-wireless communication portion, 56A-antenna, 58-power supply portion, 62-printer storage portion, 66-action detection portion, 68-film delivery mechanism drive portion, 70-film delivery mechanism drive portion, 72-print head control portion, 80-printer microcomputer, 80A-image acquisition portion, 80B-print data generation portion, 80C-print control portion, 80D-representative color detection portion, 80E-light emitting control portion, 80F-power supply control portion, 80G-control signal sending portion, 80H-status information acquisition portion, 80I-status information sending portion, 80J-mode setting portion, 80K-operation signal sending portion, 100-smartphone, 100A-display control control unit, 100B-input control unit, 100C-photography control unit, 100D-playback control unit, 100E-image processing unit, 100F-communication control unit, 101-CPU, 102-ROM, 103-RAM, 104-built-in memory, 105-display, 106-touch pad, 107-GPS receiving unit, 108A-internal camera unit, 108B-external camera unit, 109-microphone unit, 110-speaker unit, 111-wireless communication unit, 111A-antenna, 112-near field wireless communication unit, 112A-antenna, 113-sensor unit, 114-media drive, 115-memory card, 120-touch panel, 200-top screen, 200A- 1st top screen, 200B-2nd top screen, 200a~200s-screens constituting one frame of animation for switching top screens, 201-image selection screen, 201A-cancel button, 202-print image confirmation screen, 203-rotation operation screen, 204-filter operation screen, 205-image quality correction operation screen, 206A~206C-screens constituting one frame of animation when commanding printing, 210-template selection screen, 212-template switching operation screen, 220-split frame selection screen, 221-collage image creation screen, 222-split frame switching operation screen, 230-layout selection screen, 231-print image confirmation screen, 232-layout change operation screen,240-Photography operation screen, BB-Back button, CB1-Flash button, CB2-Internal / external shooting switch button, CB3-Shutter button, CB4-Timer button, CB5-Date button, CCB-Communication connection button, E3-Operation area, EA1-Image display area, FA1a-1st image display area, FA1b-2nd image display area, EA2-Button display area, EA3-Operation area, EB1-Rotate button, EB2-Filter button, EB3-Image quality correction button, EB4-Template button, EB5-Split frame button, EB6-Layout button, F-Instant display Film feed direction, FB1-Normal button, FB2-Monochrome button, FB3-Sepia button, FB4-Auto button, FBB-Border line button, FBL-Border line, FL-Frame surrounding the printed image, FL1-Frame surrounding the images constituting the combined photo, FL2-Frame surrounding the images constituting the combined photo, FLO-Image display frame, LB1, LB2, ...-Layout selection buttons, LIM-Last printed image, LVI-Live view image, MA1-1st group display area, MA2-2nd group display area, MA3-Status information display area, MB1-Simple print button, MB2-animation print button, MB3-camera button, MB4-temperament matching diagnosis button, MB5-template print button, MB6-collage print button, MB7-combined photo button, MG1-Group 1, MG2-Group 2, MI1-message, MI2-message, NB1-slider knob for zooming in, NB2-slider knob for rotating, NB3-slider knob for brightness adjustment, NB4-slider knob for contrast adjustment, NB5-slider knob for saturation adjustment, OKB-OK button, PB-print button, PI-print image, R+-scroll direction, R-- Scroll direction, RSB-Reset button, S1~S10-Processing order of display of the top screen when the print application is started, SB1-Slider bar for enlargement, SB2-Slider bar for rotation, SB3-Slider bar for brightness adjustment, SB4-Slider bar for contrast adjustment, SB5-Slider bar for color adjustment, SEB-Set button, SFB1-Split frame selection button, SFB2-Split frame selection button, SI-Status information, SI1-Information on the number of printable sheets (the number of remaining films), SI2-Information on the remaining battery power, TB-Top button, TB1, TB2-Template image selection buttons. , DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0100] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0101] [First embodiment]

[0102] [Printing system]

[0103] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing an example of the system configuration of the printing system according to this embodiment.

[0104] like Figure 1 As shown, the printing system of this embodiment includes a printer 10 and a smartphone 100 capable of wireless communication with each other, and is configured as a system for sending print data from the smartphone 100 to the printer 10 and printing using the printer 10. The smartphone 100 is an example of a terminal.

[0105] The printer 10 is a portable mobile printer and an instant printer that prints an image on an instant film 12. The instant film 12 uses a sheet film type (also called a single-sheet type).

[0106] The printer 10 and the smartphone 100 are connected wirelessly. The communication between the printer 10 and the smartphone 100 is performed by short-distance wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or WiFi (Wireless Fidelity).

[0107] [Printer appearance and structure]

[0108] Figure 2 This is a front perspective view showing an example of the external structure of a printer. Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The printer is shown in a perspective view from the rear.

[0109] As described above, the printer 10 is composed of an instant printer (a printer that prints on instant film). The instant film 12 is in the form of a film packaging box (refer to FIG. Figure 5 ) is loaded into the printer 10.

[0110] The printer body 14 constituting the main body of the printer 10 has a rounded flat rectangular box shape, and is configured to be held with one hand and carried (portable). In addition, the printer body 14 is configured to be placed vertically (vertically placed on a flat surface) and horizontally (horizontally placed on a flat surface). Figure 1 and Figure 2 The printer 10 is shown in a vertical orientation.

[0111] A push-type power button 16 is provided at a substantially central position on the front side of the printer body 14. The printer 10 is turned on and off by long pressing (operation of continuously pressing for a certain period of time or more) the power button 16. The power button 16 also serves as a light emitting unit, and is illuminated by the light source unit provided inside the power button 16. The power button 16 is an example of an operating member provided on the printer body 14.

[0112] An outlet 18 is provided at the upper portion of the printer body 14 (the upper portion when placed vertically). The printed instant film 12 is discharged from the outlet 18.

[0113] On the back side of the printer body 14, there is a compartment for opening and closing the film packing box loading chamber (refer to Figure 4 ) of the film package cover 20. In addition, a lock release lever 22 is provided to release the lock of the film package cover 20. The lock is released by using the lock release lever 22. If the film package cover 20 is opened, the film package loading chamber is opened. If the film package cover 20 is closed after loading the instant film package, the film package cover 20 is locked by a locking mechanism (not shown) and the film package is sealed in a light-shielding state.

[0114] A USB cable connection cover 24 for opening and closing a USB cable connection portion (not shown) is provided on one side of the printer body 14. The printer 10 charges a built-in battery via the USB cable connection portion exposed by opening the USB cable connection cover 24.

[0115] [Structure of the Printing Unit of the Printer]

[0116] Figure 4 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic structure of a printing unit of a printer. Figure 4 Shows the state where the printer is placed in landscape orientation.

[0117] like Figure 4 As shown, the printer 10 includes a film package loading chamber 30, a film delivery mechanism 32 for delivering the instant film 12 from the film package loaded in the film package loading chamber 30, a film conveying mechanism 34 for conveying the instant film 12 delivered from the film package, and a print head 36 for recording an image on the instant film 12. The film delivery mechanism 32, the film conveying mechanism 34, and the print head 36 constitute a printing unit of the printer 10.

[0118] The film package loading chamber 30 is formed as a recessed portion into which the film package 40 is inserted, and is opened and closed by the film package cover 20 .

[0119] Figure 5 is a three-dimensional image of a film packaging box. And, Figure 6 This is the front view of the instant film. Figure 7 is a rear view of instant film. Figures 5 to 7 , the direction indicated by arrow F is the feeding direction of the instant film 12. The instant film 12 is fed out along the direction indicated by arrow F and discharged from the housing 42.

[0120] The instant film 12 has a rectangular card shape and has one surface as an exposure surface (surface on which an image is recorded by exposure) 12a and the other surface as an observation surface (surface on which a recorded image is observed) 12b.

[0121] like Figure 7 As shown, the exposure surface 12a of the instant film 12 has an exposure area 12c, a capsule portion 12d and a collecting portion 12f. The exposure area 12c is an area where an image is recorded by exposure. The exposure area 12c becomes a printable area of ​​the instant film 12. The capsule portion 12d and the collecting portion 12f are arranged in front and behind the feed direction F with the exposure area 12c sandwiched therebetween. The capsule portion 12d is arranged on the front side of the feed direction F relative to the exposure area 12c. A developing liquid capsule 12e containing a developing liquid is built into the capsule portion 12d. The collecting portion 12f is arranged on the rear side of the feed direction F relative to the exposure area 12c. An absorbent material 12g is built into the collecting portion 12f.

[0122] like Figure 6 As shown, an observation area 12h is provided on the observation surface 12b of the instant film 12. The observation area 12h is an area where an image is displayed. The image is displayed in the observation area 12h by developing the exposure area 12c. The observation area 12h is configured to correspond to the exposure area 12c. A frame 12i is provided around the observation area 12h. Therefore, the image is displayed within the frame. In addition, the observation area 12h is set to be slightly narrower than the exposure area 12c (set to be one circle smaller). Therefore, when an image is recorded in the entire area of ​​the exposure area 12c, an image with trimmed surroundings is printed.

[0123] In addition, the instant film 12 is viewed in the orientation in which the collecting portion 12f is upward and the capsule portion 12d is downward. Therefore, the image is printed in the orientation in which the collecting portion 12f is upward and the capsule portion 12d is downward.

[0124] After exposure, the instant film 12 is developed by spreading the developing liquid in the bag portion 12d in the exposure area 12c. The developing liquid in the bag portion 12d is squeezed out from the bag portion 12d by passing the instant film 12 between the spreading roller pair 34B and spread in the exposure area 12c. The remaining developing liquid during the spreading process is captured by the collecting portion 12f.

[0125] The housing 42 has a rectangular box shape. The housing 42 has a rectangular exposure opening 42a on the front portion. In addition, the housing 42 has a slit-shaped film discharge port 42b on the top portion. The instant film 12 is overlapped and accommodated in the housing with the exposure surface 12a facing the front side of the housing 42 (the exposure opening 42a side) and the bag portion 12d facing the top side of the housing 42 (the film discharge port 42b side). In addition, the housing 42 has a slit-shaped claw opening 42c on the bottom portion. The instant film 12 accommodated in the housing 42 is conveyed toward the film discharge port 42b one sheet at a time by allowing the claw 32a to enter from the claw opening 42c, and is discharged from the film discharge port 42b.

[0126] In one film package 40, a plurality of (eg, 10) instant developing films 12 are stacked and accommodated.

[0127] The film delivery mechanism 32 delivers the instant film 12 one sheet at a time from the film package 40 loaded in the film package loading chamber 30. The film delivery mechanism 32 includes a claw 32a that moves forward and backward in the feeding direction of the instant film 12. The film delivery mechanism 32 takes out the instant film 12 in the housing one sheet at a time by the claw 32a and delivers the instant film 12 from the film package 40.

[0128] The film conveying mechanism 34 conveys the instant film 12 delivered from the film packaging box 40 by the film delivery mechanism 32 at a constant speed. The film conveying mechanism 34 includes a conveying roller pair 34A and an unwinding roller pair 34B. The conveying roller pair 34A is driven by a motor (not shown) to rotate, and sandwiches both sides of the instant film 12 to convey it. The unwinding roller pair 34B is driven by a motor (not shown) to rotate, and sandwiches the entire instant film 12 to convey it. In the process of conveying by the unwinding roller pair 34B, the capsule portion 12d is flattened, and the instant film 12 is developed.

[0129] The print head 36 records an image on the instant film 12 fed from the film package 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 fed by the film feeding mechanism 34 with printing light line by line, and records an image on the instant film 12 in a single scan manner.

[0130] [Electrical structure of the printer]

[0131] Figure 8 This is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a printer.

[0132] like Figure 8As shown, the printer 10 includes: an operation detection unit 50 for detecting the operation of the power button 16, a light source unit 52 for making the power button 16 emit light, a wireless communication unit 56 for communicating with the smartphone 100 by wireless via an antenna 56A, a power supply unit 58 for supplying power to each unit of the printer 10, a printer storage unit 62 for storing image data, etc., an action detection unit 66 for detecting the action of the printer 10, a film feeding mechanism driving unit 68 for driving the film feeding mechanism 32, a film feeding mechanism driving unit 70 for driving the film feeding mechanism 34, a print head control unit 72 for driving the print head 36, and a printer microcomputer 80, etc.

[0133] The operation detection unit 50 detects the operation of the power button 16. The power button 16 is composed of a button, and the power of the printer 10 is turned on and off by long pressing. While the power is turned on, the power button 16 is assigned a function of inputting a reprint command. Reprint is a function of reprinting the last printed image. The operation detection unit 50 detects a short press (an operation of pressing and then releasing) of the power button 16 while the power of the printer 10 is turned on, and outputs its detection signal to the printer microcomputer 80.

[0134] The light source unit 52 includes a light source and a control circuit thereof. The light source uses a light source that can switch the color of the light emitted. In the printer 10 of this embodiment, a three-color LED (also called a full-color LED) having elements of three colors, R (red), G (green), and B (blue) is used as a light source. The three-color LED switches its light color by selecting the mixing ratio of the three colors, R, G, and B. In addition, the light source can also use an EL light source (electroluminescent source: field luminescence light source) such as OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode).

[0135] The light source unit 52 is disposed inside the power button 16 (see Figure 4 The power button 16 is entirely or partially transparent or translucent. When the light source unit 52 is illuminated, the power button 16 emits light by transmitting light through the transparent portion or the translucent portion.

[0136] The wireless communication unit 56 communicates with an external device (eg, the smartphone 100 ) wirelessly via the antenna 56A under the control of the printer microcomputer 80 .

[0137] The power supply unit 58 includes a battery as a power source and a control circuit thereof. The power supply unit 58 supplies power to each unit of the printer 10 under the control of the printer microcomputer 80. The battery is composed of a rechargeable secondary battery and is charged by receiving power from the outside. In addition, the power supply unit 58 has a function of detecting the remaining power of the battery (function of a battery remaining power detection unit).

[0138] The printer storage unit 62 includes a memory and a control circuit thereof. The printer storage unit 62 stores image data of printed images and setting data of the printer 10. The memory is composed of a non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM (Flectrically Erasable Programmable Read-only Memory). The printer storage unit 62 is an example of a print image storage unit.

[0139] The image data of the printed image is stored only in the amount corresponding to the preset number of sheets. If the upper limit of the number of sheets that can be stored is reached, the oldest sheets are deleted. The minimum number of stored sheets is 1. That is, at least the image data of the last printed image is stored. In this case, the data is rewritten each time printing.

[0140] The motion detection unit 66 detects the motion of the printer body 14. The motion detection unit 66 is composed of, for example, a motion sensor. The motion sensor itself is well known, so its detailed description is omitted. Generally, the motion sensor is composed of a combination of an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor. The motion detection unit 66 detects the posture (vertical placement, horizontal placement, tilt, etc.), movement (lifting, lowering, flipping, etc.), etc. of the printer body 14.

[0141] The film delivery mechanism driving unit 68 includes a motor for driving the claw 32 a of the film delivery mechanism 32 and a driving circuit thereof, and drives the film delivery mechanism 32 according to a command from the printer microcomputer 80 .

[0142] The film transport mechanism driving unit 70 includes a motor and a driving circuit for driving the transport roller pair 34A of the film transport mechanism 34 and a motor and a driving circuit for driving the unwinding roller pair 34B, and drives the film transport mechanism 34 according to a command from the printer microcomputer 80 .

[0143] The print head control section 72 includes a control circuit for the print head 36 , and operates the print head 36 according to instructions from the printer microcomputer 80 .

[0144] The printer microcomputer 80 is a control unit that generally controls the operation of the printer 10. The printer microcomputer 80 is composed of a microcomputer including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a RAM (Random Access Memory), and implements various functions by executing a predetermined control program.

[0145] Fig. 9 This is a block diagram of the main functions implemented by the printer microcomputer.

[0146] The printer microcomputer 80 mainly functions as an image acquisition unit 80A, a print data generation unit 80B, a print control unit 80C, a representative color detection unit 80D, a light emission control unit 80E, a power control unit 80F, a control signal sending unit 80G, a status information acquisition unit 80H, and a status information sending unit 80I.

[0147] The image acquisition unit 80A communicates wirelessly with the smartphone 100 via the wireless communication unit 56, and acquires image data of an image to be printed from the smartphone 100. When reprinting, the image data of the last printed image is read out from the printer storage unit 62 and acquired.

[0148] The print data generating section 80B converts the image data acquired by the image acquiring section 80A into a data format printable by the printing section (a data format printable on the instant film 12 by the print head 36 ), thereby generating print data (print data).

[0149] The print control unit 80C controls the feeding of the instant film 12 by the film feeding mechanism 32 via the film feeding mechanism driving unit 68. Furthermore, the conveyance of the instant film 12 by the film conveyance mechanism 34 is controlled via the film conveyance mechanism driving unit 70. Furthermore, the driving of the print head 36 is controlled via the print head control unit 72. The driving of the print head 36 is controlled in synchronization with the conveyance of the instant film 12 based on the print data generated by the print data generating unit 80B.

[0150] Furthermore, the printing control unit 80C has a function of detecting the number of printable sheets (the number of remaining films) (the function of the printable sheet detection unit). The number of printable sheets is detected by counting the total number of printed sheets after the film package is loaded. The film package contains a predetermined number of instant films 12 (for example, 10 sheets), so the number of printable sheets can be detected by counting the total number of printed sheets after the film package is loaded. That is, the value obtained by subtracting the number of printed sheets from the total number of instant films 12 loaded in the film package before use becomes the number of printable sheets (the number of remaining films).

[0151] The representative color detection unit 80D detects the representative color of the image to be printed. The representative color of the image to be printed refers to the color used in the center of the image to be printed. The representative color detection unit 80D, for example, finds the color distribution of the entire image to be printed, and detects the color occupying the widest area as the representative color. For example, for an image of sunset in which the entire screen is dyed orange, orange is detected as the representative color. And, for example, for an image of a grassland, green is detected as the representative color. In addition, the representative color detection unit 80D detects the representative color within the range of the color gamut that can be reproduced by the light source unit 52. And, for the representative color, it can be obtained from a part of the image to be printed, or it can be obtained by dividing the image to be printed into multiple areas. When obtained from a part of the area, for example, a detection area is set in the center of the image, and the representative color is detected from the detection area. And, when obtained by dividing the image into multiple areas, for example, the image to be printed is equally divided into multiple areas in the up and down direction (for example, divided into three equal parts), and the representative color is detected from each area.

[0152] The light control unit 80E controls the light emission of the light source unit 52 and causes the power button 16 as the light emitting unit to emit light in a predetermined color and pattern. The light control unit 80E causes the power button 16 to emit light at a predetermined timing. For example, when receiving data of an image to be printed from the smartphone 100 and when printing an image, the power button 16 is caused to emit light. When receiving an image to be printed from the smartphone 100, a plurality of predetermined colors are sequentially switched at a certain time interval and caused to emit light. For example, seven colors (so-called rainbow colors) of red, orange, yellow, green, light blue, blue and purple are sequentially switched at a certain time interval and caused to emit light. Light emission continues during the image reception. On the other hand, when printing an image, the representative color detected by the representative color detection unit 80D is caused to emit light. Light emission continues during the image printing. In addition, when the image is divided into a plurality of regions and representative colors are obtained, the obtained representative colors are sequentially switched and caused to emit light. For example, when the image to be printed is divided into three equal parts in the up-down direction and representative colors are detected from each region, the representative colors detected in each region are sequentially emitted at a certain time interval starting from the top. When achromatic colors such as black and gray are detected as representative colors, a specific color is used instead to make it emit light. Alternatively, it emits light in a specific light pattern (for example, the seven colors of red, orange, yellow, green, light blue, blue and purple (the so-called rainbow colors) are switched in sequence at a certain time interval and made to emit light. Alternatively, a specific color is flashed (for example, white is flashed).) Or, the light emission is stopped.

[0153] The power control unit 80F controls the power supply unit 58 and controls the supply of power to each unit and the charging of the battery. The power control unit 80F controls the power on and off of the printer 10. The power control unit 80F turns the power on and off of the printer 10 based on the output from the operation detection unit 50.

[0154] The control signal transmission unit 80G wirelessly transmits a predetermined control signal to the smartphone 100 based on the detection result of the motion detection unit 66. That is, if the motion detection unit 66 detects a predetermined motion, a control signal corresponding to the motion is generated and wirelessly transmitted to the smartphone 100 via the wireless communication unit 56. The smartphone 100 performs a predetermined operation by receiving the control signal. Specifically, if the motion detection unit 66 detects the motion of placing the printer body 14 horizontally (the first motion), the first control signal is transmitted to the smartphone 100. And, if the motion detection unit 66 detects the motion of placing the printer body 14 vertically (the second motion), the second control signal is transmitted to the smartphone 100. When the smartphone 100 receives the first control signal, the first top screen (the first operation screen) of the predetermined screen structure is displayed on the touch panel 120 as the top screen. On the other hand, when the second control signal is received, the second top screen (the second operation screen) of the predetermined screen structure is displayed on the touch panel 120 as the top screen. This will be described in detail later. In addition, the top screen (also called the home screen) is the screen that is displayed first when the application is started. Buttons of executable functions and the like are displayed on the top screen.

[0155] The status information acquisition unit 80H acquires the status information of the printer 10. The status information of the printer 10 includes information on the number of printable sheets and information on the remaining battery power. The status information acquisition unit 80H acquires information on the remaining battery power from the power supply unit 58. In addition, the status information acquisition unit 80H acquires information on the number of printable sheets from the print control unit 80C.

[0156] The status information transmitting unit 80I transmits the status information acquired by the status information acquiring unit 80H to the smartphone 100 based on the detection result of the motion detecting unit 66. That is, when the motion detecting unit 66 detects a predetermined motion, the status information acquired by the status information acquiring unit 80H is transmitted to the smartphone 100. Specifically, when the motion detecting unit 66 detects the motion of lifting the printer body 14 (the third motion), the status information is transmitted to the smartphone 100. This will be described in detail later.

[0157] [Smartphone]

[0158] Fig.10 This is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a smartphone.

[0159] like Fig.10 As shown, the smartphone 100 includes: a CPU 101 for controlling the overall operation, a ROM 102 for storing basic input and output programs, etc., a RAM 103 used as a work area of ​​the CPU 101, a built-in memory 104, a display 105, a touch pad 106 for detecting touch operations (position input) on the display screen, and a GPS (Global Positioning Systems: Global Positioning System) satellite or an IMES (Indoor MEssaging System) as an indoor GPS. System: Indoor messaging system) A GPS receiving unit 107 that receives GPS signals including location information (latitude, longitude, and altitude) of the smartphone 100, an internal camera unit 108A (a camera unit provided on the screen side of the touch panel 120) and an external camera unit 108B (a camera unit provided on the surface (back side) opposite to the screen of the touch panel 120) that include a photographic lens and an image sensor and electronically capture an image, a microphone unit 109 that includes a microphone and inputs sound, a speaker unit 110 that includes a speaker and outputs sound, a wireless communication unit 111 that communicates with the nearest base station or the like by wireless using an antenna 111A, a short-range wireless communication unit 112 that communicates with an external device (such as a printer 10 or the like) by short-range wireless communication using an antenna 112A, a sensor unit 113 that includes various sensors such as a geomagnetic sensor, a gyrocompass, and an acceleration sensor, and a media drive 114 that reads and writes data to a memory card 115. The built-in memory 104 is composed of a nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM. In addition to various programs of the operating system (such as a display control program), the built-in memory 104 also stores various data such as image data of images captured by the internal camera unit 108A and the external camera unit 108B and image data acquired from other devices. The display 105 and the touch pad 106 constitute a touch panel 120.

[0160] The screen of the touch panel 120 is rectangular. The smartphone 100 sets the screen of the touch panel 120 to be vertically oriented (the long side of the screen is along the vertical direction) as a normal usage mode. In the smartphone 100 of this embodiment, the long side of the screen of the touch panel 120 is set to the longitudinal direction (Y direction in the figure), and the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction (X direction in the figure), that is, the direction of the short side of the screen is set to the width direction.

[0161] The smartphone 100 has the following functions in relation to the printer 10: a function of causing the printer 10 to print images captured by the internal camera unit 108A or the external camera unit 108B; a function of causing the printer 10 to print images recorded in the internal memory 104; and a function of checking the status of the printer 10 (e.g., the remaining battery power and the number of printable sheets, etc.). In addition, regarding the printing of images, the smartphone 100 has the function of processing and editing the images to be printed.

[0162] Fig.11 This is a block diagram of the main functions of smartphones related to image printing.

[0163] like Fig.11 As shown, the smartphone 100 has functions related to printing of images, such as a display control unit 100A that controls the display of the touch panel 120, an input control unit 100B that controls input to the touch panel 120, a photography control unit 100C that controls photography of an image to be printed, a playback control unit 100D that controls playback of an image to be printed, an image processing unit 100E that processes and edits an image to be printed, and a communication control unit 100F that controls communication with the printer 10. These functions can be realized by the CPU 101 executing a predetermined program.

[0164] The display control unit 100A controls the display of the screen of the touch panel 120, and displays an operation screen when printing an image on the touch panel 120. The display control unit 100A controls the display of the display 105 as a display unit, and controls the display of the screen of the touch panel 120. The display of the operation screen described later is controlled by the display control unit 100A.

[0165] The input control unit 100B controls input of operation to the touch panel 120 to control input of operation when printing an image. The input control unit 100B controls input of operation to the touch panel 120 by controlling input of the touch pad 106 as a position input unit of the touch panel 120 .

[0166] The photography control unit 100C controls the internal camera unit 108A and the external camera unit 108B according to the operation input to the touch panel 120 , and controls photography of an image to be printed.

[0167] The playback control section 100D controls access to the built-in memory 104 according to an operation input to the touch panel 120 , and controls playback of an image to be printed.

[0168] The image processing unit 100E processes and edits the image to be printed according to the operation input to the touch panel 120. For example, the image to be printed is processed and edited by performing image processing such as image enlargement (retouching), image rotation, filter processing, template synthesis and collage. In addition, filter processing refers to a function of changing the color tone of an image or deforming an image. For example, it is color correction, noise removal, mosaic processing and embossing. Template synthesis refers to the process of synthesizing a template image into an image to generate a composite image. And, collage here refers to the process of applying an image to each area of ​​a frame (divided frame) that is divided into multiple areas to generate a composite image. The generated composite image is called a collage image.

[0169] The communication control unit 100F controls the short-range wireless communication unit 112 according to the operation input to the touch panel 120, and controls the communication with the printer 10. The data of the image to be printed and the printing instruction thereof are sent from the smartphone 100 to the printer 10. On the other hand, the status information and the control signal are sent from the printer 10 to the smartphone 100. The communication control unit 100F functions as a status information receiving unit that receives the status information sent from the printer 10 and a control signal receiving unit that receives the control signal sent from the printer 10.

[0170] [How to print images]

[0171] [Top screen display]

[0172] When an image stored in the smartphone 100 or an image photographed by the smartphone 100 is printed using the printer 10 , a predetermined application (hereinafter referred to as a print application) is started up by the smartphone.

[0173] When the print application is started, the top screen is displayed on the screen of the smartphone 100. As described above, there are two types of top screens (a first top screen and a second top screen). One of the top screens is displayed depending on the posture of the printer 10 at the time of startup. That is, when the printer body 14 is placed in a vertical orientation, the first top screen is displayed, and when the printer body 14 is placed in a horizontal orientation, the second top screen is displayed.

[0174] Fig.12 This is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of displaying the top screen when the print application is started.

[0175] When the print application is started in the smartphone 100 (step S1), first, communication is set up with the printer 10 (step S2). That is, a connectable printer 10 is detected, and a process of establishing a connection with the detected printer 10 based on short-range wireless communication is performed. On the printer 10 side, a process of establishing a connection with the smartphone 100 based on short-range wireless communication is similarly performed (step S3).

[0176] If a connection based on short-range wireless communication is established, the action (setting posture) of the printer 10 is detected on the printer 10 side (step S4). Here, it is detected whether the printer body 14 is placed vertically (first action) or horizontally (second action). Then, based on the detection result, a control signal is generated (step S5) and sent to the smartphone 100 (step S6). When the state of vertical placement (first action) is detected as the setting posture, the first control signal is sent. On the other hand, when the state of horizontal placement (second action) is detected as the setting posture, the second control signal is sent.

[0177] The smartphone 100 receives the control signal sent from the printer 10 (step S7). Then, the screen to be displayed as the top screen is selected according to the received control signal. In this case, first, it is determined whether the received control signal is the first control signal (step S8). If the received control signal is the first control signal, the first top screen 200A (reference Fig.13 ) is displayed on the touch panel 120 (step S9). On the other hand, when the received control signal is the second control signal, the second top screen 200B (reference Fig.14 ) is displayed on the touch panel 120 (step S10).

[0178] [Screen structure of the 1st top screen and the 2nd top screen]

[0179] Fig.13 is a diagram showing an example of the first top screen. Fig.14 This is a diagram showing an example of the second top screen.

[0180] like Fig.13 and Fig.14 As shown, the same items are displayed in different layouts on the first top screen 200A and the second top screen 200B. The displayed items are buttons for functions executable by the print application, setting buttons for the print application, status information of the printer 10, and the last printed image.

[0181] The buttons for functions that can be executed by the printing application are the Simple Print button MB1 which is a function button of "Simple Print", the Animation Print button MB2 which is a function button of "Animation Print", the Camera button MB3 which is a function button of "Camera", the Temperament Compatibility Diagnosis button MB4 which is a function button of "Template Print", the Collage Print button MB6 which is a function button of "Collage Print", and the Combined Photo button MB7 which is a function button of "Combined Photo".

[0182] The “easy print” function is a function of printing an image (still image) stored in the smartphone 100. This function is activated by touching an easy print button MB1 on the screen.

[0183] The "movie print" function is a function for extracting one scene from a movie and printing it. This function is activated by touching the movie print button MB2 on the screen.

[0184] The "camera" function is a function of taking a picture using the camera function of the smartphone 100 and printing the taken picture using the printer 10. This function is activated by touching the camera button MB3 on the screen.

[0185] The function of "personality compatibility diagnosis" is a function of performing personality compatibility diagnosis from an image. For example, the image is analyzed using a pre-trained model, and the personality of the person (two people) reflected in the image is diagnosed to be compatible. This function is activated by touching the personality compatibility diagnosis button MB4 on the screen.

[0186] The "Template print" function is a function for printing by combining a template image with an image. This function is activated by touching the template print button MB5 on the screen.

[0187] The "collage print" function is a function for generating and printing a collage image. As described above, the collage image is generated by applying an image to each area of ​​a frame (divided frame) divided into a plurality of areas. This function is activated by touching the collage print button MB6 on the screen.

[0188] The "combined photo" function is a function for dividing one image into multiple images and printing them. This function is activated by touching the combined photo button MB7 on the screen.

[0189] The buttons of each function are displayed by icons. That is, they are displayed by combining a picture, a symbol or a pattern. In this embodiment, the buttons of each function are composed of a graphic formed by combining a circle and a pattern. The circle defines the shape of the button.

[0190] As the status information of the printer 10, the name of the connected printer 10 (e.g., the model name), the information of the number of printable sheets (the number of remaining films), and the information of the remaining battery power are displayed. When the number of printable sheets is N and the total number of instant films 12 loaded in a new film package is M, the number of printable sheets is displayed in the form of "N / M". That is, it is displayed in the form of knowing the number of printed sheets even after the film package is replaced. The information of the remaining battery power is displayed in a graph.

[0191] The last printed image LIM is displayed inside the image display frame FLO. The image display frame FLO is composed of an image imitating the instant film 12. That is, it is composed of a pattern imitating the frame 12i set around the observation area 12h of the instant film 12. The area inside the image display frame FLO is configured as an image display area. The last printed image LIM is displayed by being embedded in the image display area.

[0192] like Fig.13 and Fig.14 As shown, on the first top screen 200A and the second top screen 200B, buttons of the respective functions are grouped into two groups (a first group MG1 and a second group MG2) and displayed.

[0193] The first group MG1 is a group to which buttons for simple printing, movie printing, and camera functions belong. The first group MG1 is a group for the printing mode and a group for functions for simply printing an image.

[0194] The second group MG2 is a group to which buttons for the functions of personality diagnosis, template printing, collage printing, and photo combination belong. The second group MG2 is a group of play modes and a group of functions including game elements and work creation elements.

[0195] The buttons belonging to the first group MG1 (simple print button MB1, animation print button MB2 and camera button MB3) are Fig.13 and Fig.14 The image is displayed in the first display area MA1 indicated by the dotted line.

[0196] On the other hand, the buttons belonging to the second group MG2 (temperament matching diagnosis button MB4, template printing button MB5, collage printing button MB6 and combined photo button MB7) are in Fig.13 and Fig.14 The image is displayed in the second group display area MA2 indicated by the dotted line.

[0197] The first display area MA1 is set at the lower part of the screen in the horizontal direction (X direction), while the second display area MA2 is set at the right end of the screen in the vertical direction (Y direction).

[0198] The first group display area MA1 and the button group (simple print button MB1, animation print button MB2 and camera button MB3) displayed in the first group display area MA1 change in size in the first top screen 200A and the second top screen 200B. That is, in the first top screen 200A, as shown in FIG. Fig.13 As shown, it is displayed in a small size, in the second top screen 200B, as Fig.14 More specifically, Fig.14 As shown, in the second top screen 200B, the entire area in the width direction (X direction) of the lower part of the screen is set as the first group display area MA1. In contrast, in the first top screen 200A, as shown in FIG. Fig.13 As shown in the figure, its width is reduced (reduced along the left direction of the screen). As a result, the size of each button is also reduced.

[0199] Furthermore, the first group display area MA1 and the button group displayed in the first group display area MA1 change color on the first top screen 200A and the second top screen 200B. Fig.13 and Fig.14 , an example of a case where colors are displayed in reverse is shown.

[0200] Similarly, the second group display area MA2 and the button group (personality matching diagnosis button MB4, template printing button MB5, collage printing button MB6 and combined photo button MB7) displayed in the second group display area MA2 change in size in the first top screen 200A and the second top screen 200B. That is, in the first top screen 200A, if Fig.13 As shown, it is displayed in large size in the second top screen 200B, as Fig.14 More specifically, as shown in Fig.13 As shown, in the first top screen 200A, the entire vertical (Y direction) area at the right end of the screen is set as the second group display area MA2, and in contrast, in the second top screen 200B, as shown in FIG. Fig.13 As shown in the figure, its length is reduced (reduced along the upward direction of the screen). As a result, the size of each button is also reduced.

[0201] Also, similarly to the first group display area MA1, the second group display area MA2 and the button group displayed in the second group display area MA2 change color on the first top screen 200A and the second top screen 200B. Fig.13 and Fig.14 , an example of a case where colors are displayed in reverse is shown.

[0202] like Fig.13 As shown, the setting button SEB of the print application is displayed in the second group display area MA2 in the first top screen 200A. On the other hand, in the second top screen 200B, as shown in FIG. Fig.14 As shown, it is displayed in the first group of display areas MA1.

[0203] The status information of the printer is displayed in the status information display area MA3. The status information display area MA3 is set at the same position in the first top screen 200A and the second top screen 200B. Fig.13 and Fig.14 As shown, the status information display area MA3 is set at the upper part of the screen.

[0204] The last printed image is displayed inside the image display frame FLO. The image display frame FLO is displayed in the area above the first group display area MA1 and to the left of the second group display area MA2. Fig.13 As shown, the image display frame FLO is displayed obliquely in the first top screen 200A, whereas it is displayed straight along the screen in the second top screen 200B.

[0205] In addition, when not printed, the inside of the image display frame FLO is blank. Alternatively, a specified image is displayed. In addition, the display of the last printed image can be turned on and off in the settings of the print application. Furthermore, a specified image (for example, an image selected by the user) can also be displayed at all times.

[0206] In this way, operability can be improved by preparing two top screens and switching the display as needed. That is, when simple printing is desired, the second top screen 200B is selected to display the buttons of these functions (simple print button MB1, animation print button MB2 and camera button MB3) in order to prominently and larger display. On the other hand, when it is desired to make a work such as a collage, the first top screen 200A is selected to display the buttons of these functions (temperament matching diagnosis button MB4, template print button MB5, collage print button MB6 and combined photo button MB7) in order to prominently and larger display. In this way, operability can be improved. Even in a mobile terminal with a small screen such as a smartphone, it is easy for the user to understand and good operability can be ensured. In addition, the switching of the top screen can be performed by only changing the setting posture of the printer body 14, so the operation can also be performed simply. Usually, this operation is performed through the setting of the application. According to the system of this embodiment, the top screen can be simply switched without performing such a troublesome setting operation.

[0207] (A) [Printing using the Easy Print function]

[0208] Hereinafter, a procedure for printing an image stored in the smartphone 100 using the simple print function will be described.

[0209] The rough processing sequence is (1) select the image to be printed, (2) issue the print command, and then edit the image as needed.

[0210] [Image selection screen]

[0211] When the easy print button MB1 is touched on the top screen (the first top screen 200A or the second top screen 200B), the easy print function is activated.

[0212] When the easy print function is activated, the screen of touch panel 120 switches to image selection screen 201. This screen is a screen for selecting an image to be printed.

[0213] Fig.15 This is a diagram showing an example of an image selection screen.

[0214] like Fig.15As shown, in the image selection screen 201, images stored in the smartphone 100 are displayed in a thumbnail format. That is, they are displayed in a reduced image format. The user selects an image to be printed by touching a thumbnail image of the image to be printed on the screen.

[0215] In addition, Fig.15 , an example is shown in which a list of all images stored in the smartphone 100 is displayed. Alternatively, only images in a designated folder may be displayed.

[0216] And, if Fig.15 As shown, a cancel button 201A is displayed on the image selection screen 201. The cancel button 201A is a button for instructing to cancel the image selection process. If the cancel button 201A is touched, the function of the simple print ends. In this case, the display of the screen switches to the top screen 200.

[0217] [Print image confirmation screen]

[0218] When an image to be printed is selected, the screen of touch panel 120 switches to print image confirmation screen 202. This screen is a screen for confirming an image to be printed (print image).

[0219] Fig.16 This is a diagram showing an example of a print image confirmation screen.

[0220] like Fig.16 As shown, the print image confirmation screen 202 displays the print image PI, a print button PB for instructing printing of the print image PI, a menu button for image editing, and the like.

[0221] The print image PI is displayed in the image display area FA1 set in the screen. A frame FL surrounding the image (print image PI) displayed in the image display area FA1 is displayed around the image display area EA1. The frame FL is composed of an image imitating the instant film 12. That is, it is composed of a graphic imitating the frame 12i set around the observation area 12h of the instant film 12 (composed of the same blank space as the printed result (printed product)). As a result, the final printing result can be easily confirmed on the screen.

[0222] The print button PB and the menu buttons for image editing (enlarge & rotate button EB1, filter button EB2, image quality correction button EB3) are displayed in the button display area EA2. The button display area EA2 is set at the lower part of the screen. The print button PB and the menu buttons for image editing (enlarge & rotate button EB1, filter button EB2, image quality correction button EB3) are arranged in the button display area EA2 along the width direction of the screen (in the Fig.16At this time, the print button PB is arranged in the center in the width direction (X direction), and three image editing menu buttons (enlarge & rotate button EB1, filter button EB2, image quality correction button EB3) are arranged and displayed on both sides thereof.

[0223] The print button PB and the menu buttons for image editing (enlarge & rotate button EB1, filter button EB2, image quality correction button EB3) are displayed by icons respectively. In addition, the central print button PB is configured with a larger size than the other buttons (enlarge & rotate button EB1, filter button EB2, image quality correction button EB3) (configured with a size larger than the size of the image portion constituting the button). In addition, in the present embodiment, the color of the print button PB is configured with a different color from the other buttons. Specifically, the other buttons are configured in white, while the print button PB is configured in red. Thus, the command operation for printing can be easily understood. In addition, if another button is selected (touched), the color changes. Thus, the selected function can be clearly understood.

[0224] The menu buttons for image editing (enlarge & rotate button EB1, filter button EB2, image quality correction button EB3) display the menu title at the bottom. Fig.16 , an example is shown in which a function of enlarging and rotating, a function of filtering, and a function of image quality correction are prepared as an image editing menu.

[0225] The function of enlarging and rotating is a function of enlarging and rotating an image. The function of enlarging and rotating is assigned to the enlargement & rotation button EB1. If the enlargement & rotation button EB1 is touched on the screen, the function of enlarging and rotating is activated, and the image can be enlarged and rotated relative to the print image PI.

[0226] The filter function is a function for performing filter processing on an image. A button for the filter function is assigned to the filter button EB2. When the filter button EB2 is touched on the screen, the filter function is activated, and filter processing can be performed on the print image PI.

[0227] The image quality correction function is a function for correcting the brightness, contrast and saturation of an image. The image quality correction function is assigned to the image quality correction button EB3. If the image quality correction button EB3 is touched on the screen, the image quality correction function is activated, and image quality correction (correction of brightness, contrast and saturation of the image) can be performed on the printed image PI.

[0228] Each function is turned on (activated) when the corresponding button is touched on the screen, and is turned off when it is touched. Also, if a button of another function is touched when one function is activated, the function that is touched is switched to the function that is touched. For example, if the image quality correction button EB3 is touched when the filter function is activated, the filter function is terminated and the image quality correction function is turned on.

[0229] like Fig.16 As shown, a back button BB and a top button TB are displayed on the print image confirmation screen 202. The back button BB is a button for instructing to return to the previous screen. The top button TB is a button for instructing to return to the top screen 200. The back button BB and the top button TB are arranged at the upper part of the screen.

[0230] When returning to the top screen, the top screen corresponding to the installation posture of the printer main body 14 is displayed. That is, when the printer main body 14 is placed in the vertical direction, the first top screen 200A (refer to Fig.13 ), when the printer body 14 is placed horizontally, the second top screen 200B is displayed (reference Fig.14 ). In this case, first, a detection instruction of the setting posture is output from the smartphone 100 to the printer 10. The printer 10 detects the setting posture of the printer body 14 by receiving the detection instruction. Then, a control signal corresponding to the detected setting posture is generated and sent to the smartphone 100. The smartphone 100 receives the control signal sent from the printer 10 and determines the top screen to be displayed.

[0231] [Zoom in and rotate the screen]

[0232] When the enlargement & rotation button EB1 is touched on the screen, the screen switches to an operation screen for the enlargement and rotation functions, that is, an operation screen (enlargement & rotation operation screen) 203 for performing an enlargement operation and a rotation operation of an image.

[0233] Fig.17 This is a diagram showing an example of an enlargement and rotation operation screen.

[0234] In addition to the display contents of the print image confirmation screen 202 , the enlargement and rotation operation screen 203 displays an enlargement slide bar SB1 for enlargement operation and a rotation slide bar SB2 for rotation operation.

[0235] The enlargement slide bar SB1 is operated by sliding the knob NB1 (touch the knob NB1 to slide it). When the enlargement slide bar SB1 is operated, the image is enlarged according to the amount of operation. When the knob NB1 is slid to the right of the screen, the print image PI is enlarged, and when the knob NB1 is slid to the left, the print image PI is reduced.

[0236] The rotation slide bar SB2 is operated by sliding the knob NB2. When the rotation slide bar SB2 is operated, the image rotates according to the amount of operation. When the knob NB2 is slid to the right of the screen, the printed image PI rotates clockwise, and when the knob NB2 is slid to the left, the printed image PI rotates counterclockwise. When the knob NB2 is slid from the left end of the bar to the right end, the image rotates once.

[0237] The slide bar SB1 for enlargement and the slide bar SB2 for rotation are displayed in the operation area EA3. The operation area FA3 is set between the image display area FA1 and the button display area EA2 in the vertical direction (Y direction) of the screen. Fig.17 As shown, the slide bar SB1 for magnification and the slide bar SB2 for rotation are arranged in the upper and lower parts in the area. Furthermore, the slide bar SB1 for magnification and the slide bar SB2 for rotation are both displayed in a shape bent into an arc. More specifically, they are displayed along a circle with a point set on a straight line passing through the center of the width direction (X direction) of the screen as the center, and are displayed symmetrically with respect to the straight line passing through the center of the width direction of the screen. In this way, by displaying in a curved arc shape, the overall length can be increased compared to the case of displaying in the form of a straight line. Thus, the resolution of the operation can be improved, and more delicate operations can be performed. This works particularly effectively when the display size of the screen is small.

[0238] [Filter operation screen]

[0239] When the filter button EB2 is touched on the screen, the screen switches to an operation screen for the filter function, that is, an operation screen (filter operation screen) 204 for performing filter processing on an image.

[0240] Fig.18 This is a diagram showing an example of a filter operation screen.

[0241] In the filter operation screen 204 , in addition to the display contents on the print image verification screen 202 , a selection button for a filter to be applied is displayed. Fig.18 An example is shown in which four buttons are displayed as selection buttons. Specifically, an example is shown in which a normal button FB1 for returning to a normal state, a monochrome button FB2 for applying a monochrome filter, a sepia button FB3 for applying a sepia filter, and an automatic button FB4 for applying an automatic filter are displayed.

[0242] Here, the monochrome filter is a filter that converts an image into black and white. When the monochrome button FB2 is touched on the screen, the print image PI displayed in the image display area FA1 is converted into black and white.

[0243] The sepia filter is a filter that changes the tone of an image to a sepia tone. When the sepia button FB3 is touched on the screen, the tone of the print image PI displayed in the image display area EA1 changes to a sepia tone.

[0244] The automatic filter is a filter that automatically optimizes the color tone of an image. When the automatic button FB4 is touched on the screen, the color tone of the print image PI displayed in the image display area FA1 is automatically corrected.

[0245] If the normal button FB1 is touched on the screen, the applied filter is canceled and the screen returns to the original state.

[0246] The filter selection buttons (normal button FB1, monochrome button FB2, sepia button FB3, automatic button FB4) have a rectangular shape corresponding to the shape of the print image PI displayed in the image display area EA1. More specifically, they have a shape similar to the shape of the print image PI (including a shape considered to be roughly similar).

[0247] In addition, a common image that has been subjected to the same filter processing as the applied filter is displayed on each button. For example, a monochrome image is displayed in black and white in the image constituting the monochrome button FB2.

[0248] In addition, each button is displayed in the operation area EA3, and is displayed radially with a point set on a straight line passing through the center of the width direction of the screen as the center. In this way, by displaying in a radial manner, the number and size of buttons that can be displayed can be increased compared to when they are displayed in a linear arrangement. Thus, operability can be improved. In addition, the number of buttons displayed on a screen can be adjusted by adjusting the curvature of the arc. That is, if the button size is the same, the more the curvature increases (the more the bend increases), the more buttons that can be displayed at one time can be increased.

[0249] [Image quality correction operation screen]

[0250] When the image quality correction button EB3 is touched on the screen, the screen switches to an operation screen for the image quality correction function, that is, an operation screen (image quality correction operation screen) 205 for performing correction operations of the brightness, contrast, and saturation of an image.

[0251] Fig.19 This is a diagram showing an example of an image quality correction operation screen.

[0252] In the image quality correction operation screen 205, in addition to the display content in the print image confirmation screen 202, a brightness adjustment slider SB3 for adjusting the brightness of the image, a contrast adjustment slider SB4 for adjusting the contrast of the image, a saturation adjustment slider SB5 for adjusting the saturation of the image, and a reset button RSB are also displayed.

[0253] The brightness adjustment slider SB3 is operated by sliding the knob NB3. If the brightness adjustment slider SB3 is operated, the brightness of the image changes according to the amount of operation. The knob NB3 is located in the center of the slider by default. When the knob NB3 is slid to the right of the screen, the printed image PI becomes brighter, and when the knob NB3 is slid to the left, the printed image PI becomes darker.

[0254] The contrast adjustment slider SB4 is operated by sliding the knob NB4. When the contrast adjustment slider SB4 is operated, the contrast of the image changes according to the amount of operation. The knob NB4 is located at the center of the slider by default. When the knob NB4 is slid to the right of the screen, the contrast of the printed image PI increases, and when the knob NB4 is slid to the left, the contrast of the printed image PI decreases.

[0255] The saturation adjustment slider SB5 is operated by sliding the knob NB5. When the saturation adjustment slider SB5 is operated, the saturation of the image changes according to the amount of operation. The knob NB5 is located in the center of the bar by default. When the knob NB5 is slid to the right of the screen, the saturation of the printed image PI increases, and when the knob NB5 is slid to the left, the saturation of the printed image PI decreases.

[0256] The reset button RSB is a button for resetting the operation of each slide bar (brightness adjustment slide bar SB3, contrast adjustment slide bar SB4, and chroma adjustment slide bar SB5). When the reset button RSB is touched, the operation of each slide bar is reset. That is, the knob of each slide bar returns to the default position (center).

[0257] The slide bars (brightness adjustment slide bar SB3, contrast adjustment slide bar SB4, and saturation adjustment slide bar SB5) and a reset button RSB are displayed in the operation area EA3. Fig.19 As shown, each slide bar is arranged vertically in the area. Moreover, each slide bar is displayed in an arc-shaped curved shape. More specifically, it is displayed along a circle with a point set on a straight line passing through the center in the width direction as the center, and is displayed symmetrically with respect to the straight line passing through the center in the width direction. Thus, the resolution of the operation can be improved, and more precise operation can be performed. The reset button RSB is arranged at the right end of the operation area E3.

[0258] [Printing operation screen]

[0259] When the print button PB is touched on the screen, a command is issued to print the print image PI displayed in the image display area FA1 . When the printing is issued, image data of the print image PI is sent to the printer 10 .

[0260] When the print image PI is transmitted, the image transmitted is displayed as an animation. Specifically, the print image PI moves together with the frame FL, and the image disappearing from the edge of the screen is displayed as an animation.

[0261] Fig. 20 This is a diagram showing an example of animation display when a print command is issued.

[0262] When the print command is issued, the screen changes to screen 206A, screen 206B, and screen 206C in chronological order. Fig. 20 As shown, the print image PI moves along the long side of the screen together with the frame FL and disappears from the upper edge of the screen (simulating the image sent by instant film). This makes it easy to confirm that the image has been sent to the printer.

[0263] (B) [Printing using the template printing function]

[0264] The following describes the procedure for printing an image stored in the smartphone 100 using the template printing function. As described above, in template printing, the template image is combined with the image and printed. The rough processing sequence is (1) selecting a template, (2) selecting an image to be printed, and (3) commanding printing. The image is processed and edited as needed.

[0265] [Template selection screen]

[0266] On the top screen (reference Fig.13 and Fig.14 ), if the template print button MB5 is touched, the template print function is activated. If the template print function is activated, the screen of the touch panel 120 switches to the template selection screen 210. This screen is a screen for selecting a template image to be synthesized into an image to be printed.

[0267] Fig.21 This is a diagram showing an example of a template print selection screen.

[0268] like Fig.21 As shown, available template images are displayed in a thumbnail format on the template selection screen 210. The user selects a template image of a desired pattern by touching it on the screen.

[0269] [Image selection screen]

[0270] When a template image to be used is selected on the template selection screen 210, the screen of the touch panel 120 switches to the image selection screen 201 (see Fig.15 ). The user selects an image to be printed on this screen.

[0271] [Print image confirmation screen]

[0272] When an image to be printed is selected, the screen of touch panel 120 switches to print image confirmation screen 202. This screen is a screen for confirming an image to be printed (print image).

[0273] Fig. 22 This is a diagram showing an example of a print image confirmation screen during template printing.

[0274] A template button EB4 is added as a menu button for image editing, and the screen structure is the same as that of the print image confirmation screen 202 for simple printing except for this point. The template button EB4 is a button for calling a function of switching a template image.

[0275] [Template switching operation screen]

[0276] The functions of enlargement and rotation, filter, and image quality correction are the same as those of simple printing, so the template image switching function will be described here.

[0277] When the template button EB4 is touched, the screen switches to an operation screen (template switching operation screen) 212 for performing a template image switching operation.

[0278] Fig.23 This is a diagram showing an example of a template switching operation screen.

[0279] In addition to the display contents of the print image confirmation screen 202 , the template switching operation screen 212 displays select buttons TB1 , TB2 , ... of switchable template images. The user selects a template image that he or she wishes to switch by touching the select button on the screen.

[0280] Each button is composed of an image obtained by reducing the template image selected by the button, and therefore, its outer shape has a shape similar to the outer shape of the print image PI (including a shape that is considered to be substantially similar).

[0281] The template image selection buttons TB1 , TB2 , . . . are displayed in the operation area EA3 in a spread-out manner similar to the filter selection buttons, and are displayed radially around a point set on a straight line passing through the center of the screen in the width direction.

[0282] In addition, a certain number of selection buttons TB1, TB2, . . . are displayed in the operation area EA3. Fig.23An example is shown in which four selection buttons are displayed at a time (a total of four buttons can be displayed). The other selection buttons are displayed by scrolling. The screen is scrolled by sliding or flicking the selection buttons displayed in the operation area EA3. Here, the swipe operation refers to the operation of sliding a finger while touching the screen. The flick operation refers to the following operations: sliding more forcefully, dragging the screen, and leaving the screen while sliding the finger.

[0283] Fig.24 This is a conceptual diagram of scrolling of selection buttons displayed in the operation area.

[0284] like Fig.24 As shown, the selection buttons TB1, TB2, ... displayed in the operation area EA3 are scrolled to the right (arrow R+ direction) along the arc (clockwise scrolling) by sliding the operation to the right or flicking the operation screen. And, by sliding the operation to the left or flicking the operation screen, it is scrolled to the left (arrow R-direction) along the arc (counterclockwise scrolling).

[0285] [Printing operation screen]

[0286] The execution of printing is the same as in the case of simple printing. That is, printing is commanded by touching the print button PB on the screen. When printing is commanded, image data of the print image PI is sent to the printer 10. The image sent is displayed as an animation in the same way as in the case of simple printing (see Fig. 20 ).

[0287] (C) [Printing using the collage printing function]

[0288] The following describes the procedure for printing images stored in the smartphone 100 using the collage printing function. As described above, in collage printing, images are printed by applying them to the respective areas of the split frame. The rough processing sequence is (1) selecting the split frame, (2) selecting the image to be synthesized, and (3) commanding printing. The image to be synthesized is processed and edited as needed.

[0289] [Split frame selection screen]

[0290] On the top screen (reference Fig.13 and Fig.14 ), if the collage print button MB6 is touched, the collage print function is activated. If the collage print function is activated, the screen of the touch panel 120 switches to the split frame selection screen 220. This screen is a screen for selecting a split frame.

[0291] Fig.25 2 is a diagram showing an example of a split frame selection screen.

[0292] like Fig.25 As shown, selectable split frame images (images showing the forms of splitting within a frame) are displayed in a list in thumbnail format on the split frame selection screen 220. The user selects a desired split frame image by touching the screen.

[0293] [Collage image creation screen]

[0294] When a split frame to be used is selected on split frame selection screen 220 , the screen of touch panel 120 switches to collage image creation screen 221 . This screen is a screen for creating a collage image.

[0295] Fig.26 This is a diagram showing an example of a collage image creation screen.

[0296] The screen structure is the same as the print image confirmation screen 202 for simple printing, except for the points for dividing the interior of the image display area FA1 according to the selected dividing frame, the points for displaying the boundary line button FBB for switching the display of the dividing boundary line on and off, and the points for adding the dividing frame button EB5 as a menu button for image editing.

[0297] The internal area of ​​the image display area FA1 is divided according to the selected division frame. The boundary line button FBB turns the display of the boundary line FBL of the division on and off. The user switches on and off each time the boundary line button FBB is touched on the screen. If the boundary line button FBB is turned on, the boundary line FBL is displayed in the image display area FA1. In addition, Fig.26 The display of the boundary line FBL is turned on. If the display of the boundary line is turned on, the boundary line is also displayed in the printed image.

[0298] When the area of ​​the synthetic image is touched in the image display area FA1, the screen of the touch panel 120 switches to the image selection screen (see Fig.15 ). The user selects an image to be synthesized on the screen. If an image is selected, the screen returns to the collage image creation screen 221. At this time, the selected image is displayed in the selected area.

[0299] Fig. 27 This is a diagram showing an example of a collage image creation screen after image selection.

[0300] Fig. 27 FIG. 2 shows an example of a screen display when selecting an area on the upper side of the screen in a split frame that is split into two equal parts, upper and lower, and selecting an image to be synthesized. Fig. 27 As shown, the selected image is applied to the selected area for display.

[0301] If you move your finger while touching the image in the selected area, the image position is adjusted. If you want to change the selected image, select the area to change the image by touching it, and then touch the back button BB. This operation switches the screen to the image selection screen (see Fig.15 ), it is possible to select an image. In addition, it can be set as a structure in which images are switched sequentially by flicking the operation screen within the area.

[0302] For all regions of the segmented frame, a selection of the image is made to complete the collage image.

[0303] The image of each selected area can be processed and edited individually by using the functions of enlargement and rotation, filter function and image quality correction function. The functions of enlargement and rotation, filter function and image quality correction function are the same as those in the case of simple printing.

[0304] [Split frame switching operation screen]

[0305] The split frame button EB5 displayed in the button display area EA2 is a button for invoking a split frame switching function. When the split frame button EB5 is touched, the screen switches to an operation screen (split frame switching operation screen) 222 for performing a split frame switching operation.

[0306] Fig.28 2 is a diagram showing an example of a split frame switching operation screen.

[0307] In addition to the display contents of the collage image creation screen 221, the split frame switching operation screen 222 displays split frame selection buttons SFB1, SFB2, ... for selecting a split frame that can be switched. The user selects a split frame that he or she wishes to switch by touching the selection button on the screen.

[0308] Each button is composed of an image obtained by reducing the image of the divided frame selected by the button, and therefore has an outer shape similar to the outer shape of the printed image (including a shape that is considered to be substantially similar).

[0309] The split frame selection buttons SFB1, SFB2, ... are displayed in the operation area EA3 in the same manner as the template image selection buttons, and are displayed radially with a point set on a straight line passing through the center of the width direction of the screen as the center. In addition, a certain number of split frame selection buttons SFB1, SFB2, ... are displayed in the operation area EA3. The other split frame selection buttons are displayed by scrolling in the same manner as the template image selection buttons (refer to Fig.24 ).

[0310] When switching the split frame, select the image of each area again

[0311] [Printing operation screen]

[0312] Once the collage image is completed, it can be printed. The execution of printing is the same as in the case of simple printing. That is, printing is commanded by touching the print button PB on the screen. When printing is commanded, image data of the print image (the generated collage image) is sent to the printer 10. The image data of the image sent is displayed in an animation, which is the same as in the case of simple printing (refer to Fig. 20 ).

[0313] (D) [Printing using the function of combining photos]

[0314] The following describes the procedure for printing images stored in the smartphone 100 using the combined photo function. As described above, in a combined photo, one image is divided into multiple images for printing. The rough processing sequence is (1) select a layout, (2) select an image, and (3) instruct to print. The image is processed and edited as needed.

[0315] [Layout selection screen]

[0316] On the top screen (reference Fig.13 and Fig.14 ), if the combined photo button MB7 is touched, the combined photo function is activated. If the combined photo function is activated, the screen of the touch panel 120 switches to the layout selection screen 230. This screen is a screen for selecting a split layout.

[0317] Fig.29 This is a diagram showing an example of a layout selection screen.

[0318] like Fig.29 As shown, a list of selectable layout images is displayed on the layout selection screen 230. The selectable layout images are composed of images arranged in a divided form imitating an instant film image. The user selects a desired layout image by touching the screen.

[0319] [Image selection screen]

[0320] When a layout is selected in the layout selection screen 230, the screen of the touch panel 120 switches to the image selection screen 201 (see Fig.15 ). The user selects an image to be printed on this screen.

[0321] [Print image confirmation screen]

[0322] When an image to be printed is selected, the screen of touch panel 120 switches to print image confirmation screen 231. This screen is a screen for confirming an image to be printed (print image).

[0323] Fig.30This is a diagram showing an example of a print image confirmation screen in a combined photograph.

[0324] In the print image confirmation screen 231 in the combined photograph, the image display area is set according to the selected layout. Fig.30 2 shows a display example of a case where a combined photograph divided into two parts, upper and lower, is generated. In this case, two image display areas (a first image display area EA1a and a second image display area EA1b) are set. Frames FL1 and FL2 are displayed around each image display area.

[0325] In the print image confirmation screen 231 of the combined photograph, a layout button EB6 is added and displayed as a menu button for image editing. The layout button EB6 is a button for calling a function for changing the layout.

[0326] [Layout operation screen]

[0327] When the layout button EB6 is touched, the screen switches to an operation screen (layout change operation screen) 232 for performing a layout change operation.

[0328] Fig.31 This is a diagram showing an example of a template switching operation screen.

[0329] In the layout change operation screen 232, in addition to the display contents in the print image confirmation screen 231, select buttons LB1, LB2, ... of the changeable layouts are displayed. The user selects the select button of the layout to be changed by touching it on the screen. Each button is composed of an image obtained by reducing the image of the layout selected by the button.

[0330] The layout selection buttons LB1, LB2, ... are displayed in the operation area EA3 in a spread-out manner similar to the filter selection buttons, and are radially displayed with points set on a straight line passing through the center of the width direction of the screen as the center, and are scrolled by a slide operation.

[0331] [Printing operation screen]

[0332] The execution of printing is the same as in the case of simple printing. That is, printing is commanded by touching the print button PB on the screen. When printing is commanded, image data of the print image is sent to the printer 10. And, the image of the image transmission is displayed on the screen in an animated manner.

[0333] In addition, in the case of combined photos, multiple images are printed according to the selected layout. Therefore, the animation also shows the animation of the images sent one by one.

[0334] (D) [Printing using camera function]

[0335] The following describes the process of printing images using the camera function. The rough process sequence is (1) shooting, (2) ordering printing. The image can be processed and edited as needed.

[0336] [Photography operation screen]

[0337] On the top screen (reference Fig.13 and Fig.14 ), if the camera button MB3 is touched, the camera function is activated. If the camera function is activated, the screen of the touch panel 120 is switched to the photography operation screen 240.

[0338] Fig.32 This is a diagram showing an example of a photography operation screen.

[0339] In the photographing operation screen 240, a live view image LVI is displayed in the image display area EA1. The live view is a function of displaying an image captured by an image sensor in real time.

[0340] Furthermore, in the photography operation screen 240, the operation buttons of the camera are displayed in the button display area EA2. Specifically, the flash button CB1, the internal / external shooting switching button CB2, the shutter button CB3, the timer button CB4, and the date button CB5 are displayed. The flash button CB1 is a button for switching the mode of the flash. The internal / external shooting switching button CB2 is a button for switching between the internal shooting camera and the external shooting camera. The shutter button CB3 is a button for commanding release. The timer button CB4 is a button for switching the timer function on and off. The date button CB5 is a button for switching the date function on and off. The date function is a function for writing the date at a specified position of the printed image.

[0341] The user touches the shutter button CB3 to execute photographing while viewing the live view image LVI displayed in the image display area FA1.

[0342] [Print image confirmation screen]

[0343] When the image is taken, the screen of the touch panel 120 switches to the print image confirmation screen. This screen is the same as the print image confirmation screen 202 in the simple print. The user can edit the image to be printed on this screen as needed. When editing is not performed, the print button PB is touched to order printing. When the print is ordered, the image data of the print image is sent to the printer 10. When sending the image, the image sent is displayed in an animation, which is the same as the case of the simple print (see Fig. 20 ).

[0344] [Display of status information]

[0345] When the printer body 14 is lifted up while the connection between the printer 10 and the smartphone 100 is established, status information of the printer 10 is displayed on the screen of the smartphone 100 .

[0346] When the printer body 14 is lifted, the printer 10 detects the action through the action detection unit 66. When the action detection unit 66 detects the action of lifting the printer body 14 (third action), the printer 10 collects and obtains its own status information. Specifically, the information on the number of sheets that can be printed and the information on the remaining battery power are obtained. Then, the obtained information is sent to the smartphone 100 as status information.

[0347] When the smartphone 100 receives the status information, it displays the status information of the printer 10 on the touch panel 120 .

[0348] Fig.33 This is a diagram showing an example of display of status information.

[0349] like Fig.33 As shown, the status information SI is displayed overlapping with the current display. Fig.33 An example is shown in which the printer main body 14 is lifted up while the print image confirmation screen 202 of simple printing is displayed.

[0350] exist Fig.33 In the example shown, a circle is displayed, and information SI1 of the number of printable sheets (the number of remaining films) and information SI2 of the remaining battery power are displayed as status information within the circle. Fig.32 In the example shown, an example is shown in which the name (for example, model name) of the connected printer 10 is also displayed.

[0351] By displaying the status information of the printer 10 in this manner, for example, even when using a printer without a display, such as the printer 10 of the present embodiment, the status of the printer can be understood. This can improve the convenience of the system.

[0352] In addition, status information is also displayed on the top screen (see Fig.13 and Fig.14 ), but when the printer body 14 is lifted up during the display of the top screen, the status information SI is also displayed in the same manner.

[0353] In addition, it is preferable to set a structure that allows the user to arbitrarily select whether to turn on or off the display of the status information SI. In other words, it is preferable to set a structure that allows the user to select a setting that does not display the status information SI even if the printer body 14 is lifted. Furthermore, it is more preferable to set a structure that allows the display to be turned on or off individually in each scene. For example, it is more preferable to set a structure that allows the display to be always turned off in the top screen. The setting of turning the display on or off is performed in the setting screen of the print application. The setting screen is called up by touching the setting button SEB in the top screen.

[0354] [Relationship between the operation of the printer body and the display of the touch panel of the smartphone]

[0355] Fig.34 This is a table showing the relationship between the operation of the printer body and the display of the touch panel of the smartphone.

[0356] like Fig.34 It shows that when the touch panel 120 of the smartphone 100 displays the top screen, when the printer body 14 is placed in the portrait orientation, the first top screen 200A is displayed as the top screen. On the other hand, when the printer body 14 is placed in the landscape orientation, the second top screen 200B is displayed as the top screen.

[0357] The first top screen 200A displays buttons for functions including game elements and work creation elements (personality matching diagnosis button MB4, template print button MB5, collage print button MB6, and photo combination button MB7) in a large size to be prominent. Therefore, when the user wants to create a work, the printer body 14 is placed vertically when the top screen is displayed. This allows the target function to be easily activated.

[0358] On the other hand, the second top screen 200B displays buttons for the simple printing function (simple print button MB1, animation print button MB2, and camera button MB3) in a large size for the sake of prominence. Therefore, when the user wants to simply print, the printer body 14 is placed horizontally when the top screen is displayed. Thus, the target function can be easily activated.

[0359] And, if Fig.34 As shown, when the printer body 14 is lifted up while the connection between the printer 10 and the smartphone 100 is established, the status information SI is displayed on the screen of the touch panel 120 of the smartphone 100. This allows the status of the printer 10 to be instantly understood.

[0360] [Modifications]

[0361] When a communication connection with the printer 10 cannot be established when the print application is started, it is preferred that either the first top screen or the second top screen is displayed as the default top screen. For example, after the print application is started, when a communication connection with the printer 10 cannot be established within a certain period of time, the first top screen is displayed as the default top screen. Alternatively, a configuration may be provided in which the user can select and set the top screen to be displayed when a communication connection with the printer 10 cannot be established. Alternatively, a configuration may be provided in which the top screen displayed last time is displayed.

[0362] Furthermore, in relation to the printer 10, the top screen is switched only when the print application is started. That is, when the top screen is displayed again after the print application is started (for example, when the top screen is displayed by touching the top button TB, etc.), the top screen at the time of startup is displayed. For example, when the first top screen is displayed at startup, the first top screen is displayed as the top screen until the print application is terminated.

[0363] Furthermore, when the installation posture of the printer main body 14 is changed while the top screen is displayed, the top screen may also be changed in accordance with the change in the installation posture. This makes it possible to easily switch the top screen.

[0364] In addition, in this embodiment, two types of top screens are prepared, but the types of top screens are not limited to this. Multiple types can be prepared according to the action of the printer body 14 to be detected. In the case of horizontal placement, the top screens can be prepared separately for the case of placing the front side facing up and the case of placing the front side facing down. In addition, the top screen can be prepared for each screen to detect the action of placing the right side or the left side facing down.

[0365] Furthermore, the configuration of the top screen is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but may be configured in accordance with the functions of the print application.

[0366] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned embodiment, a structure is provided for displaying the last printed image on each top screen, but the image can also be omitted. Furthermore, as shown in the above-mentioned embodiment, when the last printed image is displayed on the top screen, the image can be made to function as a command button for reprinting. That is, when a user touches a portion of the image, the image is set as a print image, and a simple print screen is started. Thus, the reprinting operation can be easily performed from the smartphone side. Furthermore, the image can also function as a confirmation button for the print history. That is, when a user touches a portion of the image, a structure is set to switch to a screen for playing back the images printed so far. In the playback screen of the print history, for example, according to a frame stepping command from the user (for example, a sliding operation in the horizontal direction), the images that have been printed so far are played back frame by frame (in order of the latest to the oldest). In addition, in order to operate this function, it is necessary to separately maintain information on the print history.

[0367] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, information on the number of printable sheets and information on the remaining battery power are displayed as status information of the printer 10, but the information displayed as status information of the printer 10 is not limited thereto. In addition, for example, when the printer 10 has a storage unit for images, information on the number of storable sheets, information on the space capacity, etc. are obtained and displayed.

[0368] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the status information SI is displayed by the action of lifting the printer body 14 , but the action assigned to the display of the status information SI is not limited to this.

[0369] Furthermore, when the printer body is provided with a light emitting unit, it is preferred that the light emitting unit is made to emit light in conjunction with the detection of a specific action. In particular, when a light emitting unit (power button 16) capable of emitting light in color is provided as in the printer 10 of the present embodiment, it is preferred that the light emitting control unit 80E causes the light emitting unit to emit light in a light emitting color and / or light emitting pattern corresponding to the action detected by the action detection unit 66. For example, when it is detected that the printer body 14 is placed in portrait orientation, the power button 16 as the light emitting unit is made to emit light in red. On the other hand, when it is detected that the printer body 14 is placed in landscape orientation, the power button 16 is made to emit light in blue. Thus, the normally detected posture can be visually recognized.

[0370] [Second embodiment]

[0371] In the printing system of the above embodiment, the display of the smartphone 100 may be controlled according to the action of the printer body 14. In this embodiment, in the printing system, the action of the printer itself is further controlled according to the action of the printer body 14. Specifically, the image is reprinted according to a specific action. In addition, the power of the printer 10 is turned off according to a specific action.

[0372] Fig.35 This is a block diagram of main functions implemented by the printer microcomputer of the printer according to this embodiment.

[0373] The print control unit 80C is different from the printer 10 of the above embodiment in that the last printed image is reprinted according to the detection result of the motion detection unit 66, and the power control unit 80F turns off the power of the printer 10 according to the detection result of the motion detection unit 66. Therefore, only this difference will be described below.

[0374] If the printer body 14 is lifted up and turned upside down for a certain period of time, the print control unit 80C executes the reprinting process. The action of turning the printer body 14 upside down is the action of lifting the printer body 14 and turning the discharge port 18 downward (the fourth action). The certain period of time is, for example, 5 seconds. And, "downward" here includes a range that is actually considered to be vertically downward. That is, it includes a range that is considered to be roughly downward.

[0375] In the motion detection unit 66, the motion of lifting the printer body 14 and turning it upside down is detected. When the state is maintained for a certain period of time, the image acquisition unit 80A reads and acquires the image data of the image printed last from the printer storage unit 62. The acquired image data is converted into a data format that can be printed by the printing unit other than the print data generation unit 80B. The print control unit 80C acquires the print data from the print data generation unit 80B and prints it on the instant film 12. In this way, the image printed last is reprinted.

[0376] If the action detection unit 66 detects the action of making the printer body 14 horizontal and pressing the power button 16 downward (vertically downward) (fifth action), and this state is maintained for a certain time, the power control unit 80F turns off the power of the printer 10. The certain time is, for example, 10 seconds. Therefore, for example, in the case of placing the printer horizontally with the power button 16 downward, the power is automatically turned off after a certain time has passed since the printer was placed horizontally.

[0377] Fig.36 This is a table showing the relationship between the operation of the printer body and the operation of the printer.

[0378] like Fig.36 As shown, the printer body 14 is lifted up and turned upside down, and after a certain time, the image printed last time is reprinted. Thus, reprinting can be easily performed.

[0379] And, if Fig.36As shown, when the printer body 14 is horizontally placed and the power button 16 is turned down, the power of the printer 10 is turned off after a certain period of time. For example, when the power button 16 is turned down and the printer body 14 is placed horizontally, the power of the printer 10 is turned off after a certain period of time. In this way, the power can be turned off easily.

[0380] In addition, in the case of a configuration in which the power button 16 is turned off when the power button 16 is turned down, as in the printer 10 of the present embodiment, when the top screen of the print application is set to the second top screen, the power button 16 is placed horizontally upward. Furthermore, "downward" here includes a range that is actually considered to be vertically downward. In other words, it includes a range that is considered to be approximately downward.

[0381] [Modifications]

[0382] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the structure is set to reprint the image printed last when the printer body 14 is turned upside down for more than a certain period of time, but the action of the printer body 14 assigned to the reprinting process is not limited to this. In addition, for example, it is possible to set a structure to reprint the image printed last when the printer body 14 is turned upside down for more than a certain period of time and tilted. It is preferable to set a structure to reprint when the discharge port 18 is turned downward and the printer body 14 is tilted within a predetermined angle range. For example, it is set to a structure to reprint when the discharge port 18 is turned downward and the printer body 14 is tilted within a range of 30° to 60°. In addition, "turning it upside down and tilting it" here refers to the action of turning the discharge port 18 downward and tilting the printer body 14.

[0383] It is also possible to set a structure to reprint by combining the action of inverting the printer body 14 or the action of tilting it in the opposite direction with other actions. For example, it is possible to set a structure to reprint by swinging the printer body 14 upside down for a certain period of time. In this case, the number of prints can be set according to the number of swings. For example, it is possible to set a structure to reprint two sheets when the printer body 14 is swung twice in the up and down direction after being inverted for a certain period of time.

[0384] Furthermore, it is also possible to configure the system to reprint by a combination of actions and operation buttons. For example, the system can configure the system to reprint by turning the printer body 14 upside down or tilting the printer body 14 in the opposite direction and pressing the power button 16.

[0385] The same is true when turning off the power of the printer 10. It is possible to assign actions other than turning the power button 16 downward. For example, it is possible to assign an action to tilt the power button 16 in a downward direction. In addition, it is possible to assign it in combination with other actions. Furthermore, it is possible to set a structure that turns off the power by a combination of an action and an operation button. For example, it is possible to set a structure that turns off the power by turning the power button 16 downward and pressing (short press) the power button 16 (usually, the power is turned off by long pressing the power button 16).

[0386] Furthermore, the content of the operation of the printer 10 controlled by the operation of the printer main body 14 is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be appropriately set according to the functions of the printer 10 .

[0387] Furthermore, even when the operation of the printer itself is controlled based on the operation of the printer body 14 as in the present embodiment, it is preferable to cause the light emitting unit (power button 16) to emit light based on the detected operation.

[0388] [Third embodiment]

[0389] In the present embodiment, in the printing system, the printer 10 is used as a remote controller of the smartphone 100 to remotely control the smartphone 100 .

[0390] Hereinafter, a case where the camera function of the smartphone 100 is remotely controlled using the printer 10 will be described as an example.

[0391] Fig.37 This is a block diagram of main functions implemented by the printer microcomputer of the printer according to this embodiment.

[0392] like Fig.37 As shown, the printer microcomputer 80 of the printer 10 of this embodiment also has the functions of a mode setting unit 80J and an operation signal sending unit 80K.

[0393] The mode setting unit 80J sets the operation mode of the printer 10. The printer 10 of this embodiment has a printer mode and a remote control mode as its operation modes. The printer mode is a mode in which the printer 10 is used as a normal printer. The remote control mode is a mode in which the printer 10 is used as a remote controller of the smartphone 100 in relation to the smartphone 100.

[0394] The mode setting unit 80J sets the operation mode of the printer 10 according to the mode switching command sent from the smartphone 100. When the power is turned on, the printer 10 starts in the printer mode. Therefore, when the remote control mode is set, the command to switch to the remote control mode is received from the smartphone 100. The mode switching operation is performed on the operation screen of the printing application. Therefore, in the printing application, a function for setting the printer mode is prepared as one of its menu items.

[0395] When the operation mode of the printer 10 is set to the remote control mode, the operation signal transmission unit 80K transmits a signal (operation signal) for operating the smartphone 100 based on the movement of the printer body 14 and the button operation of the power button 16 detected by the movement detection unit 66. Specifically, an operation signal for operating the zoom of the camera unit (the internal camera unit 108A and the external camera unit 108B) and an operation signal for operating the release are transmitted.

[0396] The zoom is operated by the movement of the printer body 14. Specifically, the zoom is operated by the movement of tilting forward and backward from the standing posture (vertical placement posture) (the seventh movement). In the present embodiment, the zoom is performed (zoomed in) toward the telephoto side when tilted in the front (front side), and zoomed in (reduced) toward the wide-angle side when tilted in the rear (rear side). The zoom is a step zoom, and zooms in and out at a certain zoom magnification when the printer body 14 is tilted. When the printer body 14 is tilted within a certain angle range, a zoom operation signal is sent. In the present embodiment, zooming is performed when the front is tilted in the range of 30° to 60° (the range of 45°±15°), and zooming is performed when the rear is tilted in the range of 30° to 60° (the range of 45°±15°). There is no particular limitation on the zooming method. When the smartphone 100 as the operation object has an optical zoom function, zooming in and out is performed by the optical zoom. In addition, when the smartphone 100 as the operation object has only an electronic zoom function, zooming in and out is performed by the electronic zoom. When the smartphone 100 as the operation object has both optical zoom and electronic zoom functions, both zoom functions can be used. For example, after zooming in to the telephoto end with the optical zoom, when zooming in further, the electronic zoom is switched. In addition, it is also possible to configure that only one of the zoom functions is enabled by the user's setting.

[0397] If the motion detection unit 66 detects that the printer body 14 is tilted forward, the operation signal transmission unit 80K transmits an amplified operation signal to the smartphone 100 via the wireless communication unit 56. If the motion detection unit 66 detects that the printer body 14 is tilted backward, the operation signal transmission unit 80K transmits a reduced operation signal to the smartphone 100 via the wireless communication unit 56.

[0398] When the operation detection unit 50 detects the button operation of a short press of the power button 16 , the operation signal transmission unit 80K transmits a release operation signal to the smartphone 100 via the wireless communication unit 56 .

[0399] When the operation mode of the printer 10 is set to the printer mode, the smartphone 100 operates the zoom of the camera unit (the internal camera unit 108A or the external camera unit 108B) via the photography control unit 100C if a zoom operation signal is received from the printer 10. Also, if a release operation signal is received, the photography control unit 100C executes photography processing for recording.

[0400] The photography control unit 100C in the smartphone 100 is an example of a terminal control unit, and the communication control unit 100F is an example of an operation signal receiving unit.

[0401] Fig.38 This is a table showing the relationship between the operation of the printer body and the camera operation of the smartphone in the remote control mode.

[0402] like Fig.38 As shown, if the operation mode of the printer 10 is set to the remote control mode and the printer body 14 is tilted forward, a zoom operation signal is sent from the printer 10 to the smartphone 100. The smartphone 100 receives the zoom operation signal and operates the camera unit (the internal camera unit 108A or the external camera unit 108B) to the telephoto side.

[0403] Then, when the printer body 14 is tilted backward, a zoom-out operation signal is sent from the printer 10 to the smartphone 100. The smartphone 100 receives the zoom-out operation signal and operates the camera unit to zoom to the wide angle side.

[0404] Furthermore, when the power button 16 is button operated (short pressed), a release operation signal is transmitted from the printer 10 to the smartphone 100. The smartphone 100 receives the release operation signal and executes a recording photography process.

[0405] As described above, according to the printing system of the present embodiment, the printer 10 can be used as a remote controller for the smartphone 100. This can further improve the convenience when photographing.

[0406] [Modifications]

[0407] In the above embodiment, the zoom of the camera unit of the smartphone 100 is operated by tilting the printer body 14 forward and backward as an example, but the action assigned to the zoom action is not limited to this. In addition, for example, it is also possible to set a structure in which the zoom is operated by tilting the printer body left and right. In addition, it is also possible to set a structure in which the zoom is operated by operating an operating member provided on the printer body. In addition, it is also possible to set a structure in which the zoom is operated by a combination of an operating member provided on the printer body and an action.

[0408] In the above embodiment, the printer body 14 is configured to zoom in and out at a constant zoom factor each time it is tilted, but the zoom operation is not limited to this. For example, the printer body 14 may be configured to zoom continuously while being tilted.

[0409] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the release is operated by operating the power button 16, but the action assigned to the release action is not limited thereto. For example, the release action may be assigned to a specific action (sixth action) of the printer body 14. For example, the release may be operated by swinging the printer body 14 up and down. Furthermore, the release may be operated by a combination of a specific action of the printer body 14 and an operation of an operating member.

[0410] In the above embodiment, the camera unit of the smartphone 100 is remotely operated via the printer 10, but the operation object is not limited thereto. For example, during image playback, frame stepping and / or frame rewinding can also be operated by tilting the printer body 14 forward and backward.

[0411] Furthermore, when the camera unit is remotely operated, the actions to be remotely operated are not limited to zooming and releasing. Other actions can also be used as the object. For example, switching of shooting modes (shutter speed priority mode, aperture priority mode, automatic mode, etc.), switching of shutter speed, switching of aperture value, switching of sensitivity, etc. can be remotely operated by the action of the printer body 14 and / or the operation of the operating components provided on the printer body 14.

[0412] Furthermore, a structure (so-called custom function) can be provided in which the action of the smartphone 100 and the action of the printer body 14 assigned to the action can be arbitrarily set by the user. For example, the assigned action can adopt, in addition to the action of tilting the printer body 14 as described above, the action of swinging up and down, the action of swinging forward and backward, the action of swinging left and right, the action of swinging at an angle, the action of turning upside down, the action of turning the front and back, etc. Furthermore, these actions can also be combined with the operation of the operating components provided on the printer body 14. Furthermore, when the assignment is performed, the assigned action is actually performed and detected by the action detection unit 66, and the detected action can be assigned to a specific operation. For example, the following structure is provided: when the action of tilting the printer body 14 forward and backward is assigned to the zoom operation of the camera unit, the action of tilting the printer body 14 forward and backward is actually performed, and the action is detected by the action detection unit 66 and assigned to the zoom operation. In this way, the habits of each user's movement method can be reflected, and usability can be further improved.

[0413] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, it is also preferable to cause the light emitting unit (power button 16 ) to emit light in response to the detected operation of the printer main body 14 .

[0414] In the above embodiment, the case of remotely operating the terminal (smartphone 100) using the printer 10 is described, but the same operating system (system for remotely operating the terminal) can also be configured by using a device having a function of detecting the motion of the subject (a device having a motion detection unit). For example, the operating system for operating the terminal can be configured by a portable electronic device having a motion detection unit that detects the motion of the subject. In particular, it is possible to configure an operating system for operating a terminal having a camera unit by the motion of the portable electronic device or by the operation of an operating component provided in the portable electronic device.

[0415] [Other embodiments]

[0416] [Screen switching animation display]

[0417] When the setting posture of the printer body 14 is changed during the display of the top screen, it is preferable to display the switching of the screens by animation. For example, when the setting posture of the printer body 14 is switched from the vertical position to the horizontal position during the display of the first top screen 200A, the top screen is switched from the first top screen 200A to the second top screen 200B, but it is preferable to display the switching by animation. Similarly, when the setting posture of the printer body 14 is switched from the horizontal position to the vertical position during the display of the second top screen 200B, the top screen is switched from the second top screen 200B to the first top screen 200A, but it is preferable to display the switching by animation.

[0418] Fig.39This is a diagram showing an example of animation display of switching of the top screen. Fig.39 This is a diagram that displays the state of animation switching in chronological order (a diagram that displays the state of animation switching in a step-by-step manner at predetermined intervals).

[0419] When switching from the first top screen 200A to the second top screen 200B, the screen changes in the order of screen 200a, screen 200b, ..., screen 200r, and screen 200s, and switches to the second top screen 200B. On the other hand, when switching from the second top screen 200B to the first top screen 200A, the screen changes in the order of screen 200s, screen 200r, ..., screen 200b, and screen 200a, and switches to the first top screen 200A.

[0420] Thus, by displaying the switching of the screen with animation, the switching can be clearly understood, and the operability can be further improved. Also, the user can easily recognize that the screen is switched according to the setting posture of the printer body 14, and can perform intuitive operation. In addition, the fun of operation can be provided to the user.

[0421] [Modification of Print Command Operation]

[0422] In the above embodiment, the printing of the image displayed in the image display area FA1 is instructed by touching the print button PB displayed in the button display area EA2. Instead of or in addition to this method, printing may be instructed by the following method. That is, printing may be instructed by sliding on the print image PI displayed in the image display area FA1 or on the frame FL or flicking the operation screen.

[0423] Fig.40 This is a conceptual diagram of the operation when printing is instructed by flicking operation.

[0424] like Fig.40 As shown in FIG. 1 , the upper portion of the frame FL displayed on the screen is touched with a finger, and the frame FL is slid upward by dragging the finger to instruct printing.

[0425] As described above, when a print command is issued, the image sent is displayed as an animated image. The moving direction of the print image PI during the animated display is consistent with the operation direction of the print command. This allows intuitive operation and further improves operability.

[0426] [Stop printing]

[0427] It is preferable to be able to stop printing as needed. In particular, by enabling printing to be stopped before starting printing, the convenience of the printing system can be further improved.

[0428] As a method of instructing the mobile terminal to stop printing, it is possible to use a method of displaying a button for instructing the mobile terminal to stop printing on a screen.

[0429] Fig.41 This is a diagram showing an example of a screen for accepting input of a print cancel command. Fig.41 An example of a screen when accepting cancellation of printing during image transmission is shown.

[0430] As described above, if printing is ordered, the image of the image being sent is displayed in an animated manner. The message MI1 ("Image is being sent") and the print cancel button PCB are superimposed on the print image PI during the animated display. The print cancel button PCB is a button for ordering to stop printing. The print cancel button PCB consists of a button with a cancel word in a rectangular frame.

[0431] The message MI1 and the print cancel button PCB move together with the print image PI during the animation display. Therefore, they eventually disappear from the upper edge of the screen. Printing is stopped by touching the print cancel button PCB during the display.

[0432] When the print cancel button PCB is touched to stop printing after printing is commanded, the print image PT moves in the opposite direction and returns to its original position. That is, it moves downward and returns to the position before the movement started (refer to Fig. 20 of the screen 206A).

[0433] In this way, printing can be stopped by displaying the print cancel button PCB, and its time limit can be understood, so that the operability can be further improved.

[0434] [Modification of the Operation Method of Image Processing on the Screen]

[0435] Operations such as enlarging and rotating the image to be printed can be performed by prescribed gestures. For example, the image can be enlarged and reduced by performing two-finger spreading and two-finger pinching operations on the image displayed in the image display area FA1. Also, the image can be moved in the operation direction by sliding on the image displayed in the image display area FA1. Also, the image displayed in the image display area EA1 can be rotated (distorted) by touching it with two fingers (such as the thumb and index finger), thereby rotating the image. In addition, the two-finger pinching operation refers to an operation of moving in a pinching manner by touching the screen with two fingers (such as the thumb and index finger). In addition, the two-finger spreading operation refers to an operation of moving in a zooming manner by touching the screen with two fingers (such as the thumb and index finger).

[0436] In addition, it is preferable to set a structure that switches the function on and off when performing operations such as enlargement, movement, and rotation on the screen by gestures. For example, a structure that switches the function on and off by touching the frame FL surrounding the print image PI can be adopted. In this case, each time the frame FL is touched, the function is switched on and off alternately.

[0437] Furthermore, when operations such as enlargement, movement, and rotation are performed on the screen by gestures, it is preferred that an operation guide screen is displayed.

[0438] Fig.42 This is a diagram showing an example of an operation guidance screen.

[0439] like Fig.42 As shown, a message M12 indicating that the image can be enlarged, moved, and rotated by gestures on the screen ("You can edit the image by inputting gestures on the image.") is displayed on the print image confirmation screen 202. This message M12 is displayed when the print image confirmation screen 202 is displayed for the first time, for example.

[0440] In addition, Fig.42 In the example shown, an OK button OKB is displayed to prompt the user to confirm. The message MI2 disappears from the screen when the OK button OKB is touched. It is preferable that the message MI2 can be selected to be displayed or not displayed by setting.

[0441] Furthermore, as shown in this example, when enlarging or rotating an image by a gesture on the screen, the display of a button (enlargement & rotation button EB1) for calling the enlargement and rotation functions can be omitted. Fig.42 An example of display in which the zoom & rotate buttons are omitted is shown.

[0442] [Modification of button layout]

[0443] In the above embodiment, the print button PB is arranged on a straight line passing through the center in the width direction in the button display area EA2 , but the type of button arranged on the straight line passing through the center in the width direction is not limited thereto. Buttons of other functions may be arranged.

[0444] However, in the operation screen for performing operations related to printing, the print button PB is arranged on a straight line passing through the center in the width direction and is displayed in a larger size than other buttons, so that the command operation of printing can be clearly seen.

[0445] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, only the print button PB and the image editing menu button are displayed in the button display area EA2, but buttons of functions other than these may be displayed in the button display area EA2. For example, a setting button SEB may be displayed.

[0446] [Modification of the Image Editing Menu]

[0447] In the above embodiment, the menu for image editing is described by taking as an example the case where the functions of enlargement and rotation, filter function, and image quality correction are provided, but the items prepared as the menu for image editing are not limited to these. Instead of or in addition to the above items, other image editing can be performed. For example, noise removal, definition change, etc. can also be performed.

[0448] Furthermore, the touch panel can be used to write text, draw pictures or press stamps on images (so-called drawing mode). In addition, a keyboard can be displayed on the screen, and the input text can be written. For example, text can also be written in a blank area.

[0449] [Operation screen when a printer is not connected]

[0450] When the printer 10 is not connected (communication with the printer 10 is not established), a communication connection button may be displayed on each operation screen instead of the print button.

[0451] Fig.43 2 is a diagram showing an example of display of a communication connection button. Fig.43 An example of a case where a communication connection button is displayed on the operation screen of the simple print function is shown.

[0452] like Fig.43 As shown, a communication connection button CCB is displayed instead of the print button. The communication connection button CCB is a button for communication connection with the printer 10. When the communication connection button CCB is touched, a process of detecting a printer 10 that can communicate is performed, and a process of establishing communication with the detected printer 10 is performed. At this time, a screen for setting communication is displayed on the touch panel 120 of the smartphone 100. For example, a list of printers that can communicate is displayed, and a screen for selecting a printer to be connected is displayed.

[0453] [Other examples of printers]

[0454] In the above embodiment, the printer is described as an example of a printer composed of an instant printer, but the structure of the printer is not limited to this. In addition, it can be applied to various 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 by inkjet method. In addition, there is no particular limitation on the type of medium used, and it can be applied to a printer that prints on roll paper in addition to bound paper. In addition, it can also be applied to a printer that prints on labels (including stickers) and the like.

[0455] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to a mobile printer is described as an example, but the application of the present invention is not limited thereto and can also be applied to a so-called stationary printer.

[0456] [Other examples of terminals]

[0457] In each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the case where the terminal is composed of a smart phone is used as an example for explanation, but the terminal to which the present invention is applied is not limited to this. As long as it is a device that is wirelessly connected to the printer and has a screen for performing the operation, the present invention can be applied in the same manner. Therefore, for example, in addition to smart phones, mobile computers such as tablet terminals, PDAs (PERSONAL DATA ASSISTANT: personal information terminals), and laptops can also be used as terminals. In addition to these mobile computers, digital cameras with wireless communication functions can also be used as terminals. In this case, the operation screen is displayed on a display (rear display, etc.) provided in the digital camera, and the printer is operated. Similarly, portable game consoles, mobile phones, etc. with wireless communication functions can also be used as terminals.

[0458] [Hardware structure of the printer and terminal control unit]

[0459] The functions of the control unit of the printer and the terminal can be constituted by various processors. Various processors include: general-purpose processors that execute programs and function as various processing units, namely CPU (Central Processing Unit), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), etc., which can change the circuit structure after manufacturing, namely programmable logic devices (PLD), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), etc., which have a circuit structure specially designed for performing specific processing, namely dedicated circuits, etc. A processing unit constituting the inspection support device can be constituted by one of the above-mentioned various processors, or by more than two processors of the same type or different types. For example, one processing unit can be constituted by a combination of multiple FPGAs or CPUs and FPGAs. In addition, multiple processing units can also be constituted by one processor. As an example of multiple processing units constituted by one processor, the first is a method in which a processor is constituted by a combination of more than one CPU and software, such as a computer such as a client and a server, and the processor functions as multiple processing units. Second, there is a method in which a processor is used to realize the functions of the entire system including multiple processing units through one IC (Integrated Circuit) chip, represented by a system on chip (SoC). In this way, various processing units are constituted as hardware structures using one or more of the above-mentioned various processors. In addition, the hardware structure of these various processors is more specifically a circuit (circuitry) formed by combining circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

[0460] [Variation of Communication Method]

[0461] In the above embodiment, the printer and the mobile terminal communicate via short-range wireless communication as an example, but the communication method is not particularly limited and any known wireless communication method can be used.

[0462] [Motion detection unit]

[0463] The motion detection unit 66 only needs to detect at least the assigned motion, and therefore, may be composed of only an acceleration sensor or only a gyro sensor, depending on the motion to be detected.

[0464] [Operational components installed in the printer]

[0465] In the printer of the above embodiment, only the power button is provided on the printer body as an operating member, but other operating members (so-called mechanical switches) may be provided. For example, a reprint button for reprinting may be provided separately.

[0466] Furthermore, as in the above-described embodiment, the structure can be simplified by using only the power button as the operating member provided on the printer body.

[0467] [Modification of the light emitting section]

[0468] In the printer of the above embodiment, the power button is configured to emit light, but a light emitting unit may be separately provided. Furthermore, the light emitting unit may be provided at a plurality of locations.

Claims

1. A printing system, characterized in that: A printer and a terminal are provided which can communicate with each other wirelessly, data is wirelessly sent from the terminal to the printer, and the printer is used to print data, The printer has: A portable printer body; an action detection unit for detecting the action of the printer body; and a control signal sending unit that sends a first control signal to the terminal when the first motion is detected by the motion detection unit, and sends a second control signal to the terminal when the second motion is detected by the motion detection unit, The terminal has: Display unit; A display control unit, which controls the display of the display unit; and a control signal receiving unit, receiving a control signal from the printer, When the control signal receiving unit receives the first control signal, the display control unit displays the first operation screen on the display unit, and when the control signal receiving unit receives the second control signal, the display control unit displays the second operation screen on the display unit. The first operation screen and the second operation screen display a first group of display areas and a first group of buttons displayed in the first group of display areas, and a second group of display areas and a second group of buttons displayed in the second group of display areas in different display formats.

2. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein: In the case where the printer body can be placed horizontally or vertically, The first action is to place the printer body in a horizontal position. The second operation is an operation of placing the printer body in a vertical direction.

3. The printing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The printer also has: A status information acquisition unit, which acquires the status information of the printer; and a state information sending unit that sends the state information acquired by the state information acquiring unit to the terminal when the third action is detected by the action detecting unit, The terminal further includes a status information receiving unit that receives the status information from the printer. When the status information receiving unit receives the status information, the display control unit displays the status information of the printer on the display unit.

4. The printing system according to claim 3, wherein: The printer status information includes information about the number of pages that can be printed and information about the remaining battery power.

5. The printing system according to claim 3, wherein: The third action is an action of lifting the printer.

6. The printing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The printer further includes a print image storage unit for storing printed images. The print control unit that controls printing of the printer reprints the image that was printed last when the motion detection unit detects the fourth motion.

7. The printing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The printer further includes a print image storage unit for storing printed images. The print control unit that controls printing of the printer reprints the image that was printed last when the fourth motion is detected by the motion detection unit and an operating member provided on the printer body is operated.

8. The printing system according to claim 6, wherein: The fourth operation includes an operation of moving the medium discharge port downward for a certain period of time or more, or an operation of tilting the medium discharge port downward for a certain period of time or more.

9. The printing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The printer further includes a power supply control unit that turns off the power supply when the motion detection unit detects a fifth motion.

10. The printing system according to claim 9, wherein: The fifth operation is an operation of pressing a power button provided on the printer body for a predetermined period of time or longer.

11. The printing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The printer also has: a light emitting portion; and a light emitting control unit, for controlling the light emitting of the light emitting unit, When the motion detection unit detects a specific motion, the light emission control unit causes the light emission unit to emit light in a light emission color and / or light emission pattern corresponding to the detected motion.

12. The printing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The printer also has: A mode setting unit for setting a mode; and an operation signal sending unit that, when the remote control mode is set by the mode setting unit, sends an operation signal corresponding to the action detected by the action detection unit and / or the operation of the operating component provided on the printer to the terminal, The terminal also has: an operation signal receiving unit, receiving the operation signal from the printer; and The terminal control unit controls the operation of the terminal according to the operation signal received by the operation signal receiving unit.

13. The printing system of claim 12, wherein: The terminal further includes a camera unit. The terminal control unit controls the operation of the camera unit according to the operation signal.

14. The printing system according to claim 13, wherein: When the action detection unit detects the sixth action and / or an operation member provided in the printer is operated, the operation signal sending unit sends an operation signal for executing the release of the camera unit. The terminal control unit controls a release action of the camera unit according to the operation signal.

15. The printing system according to claim 13, wherein: When the seventh action is detected by the action detection unit and / or the operating member provided in the printer is operated, the operation signal sending unit sends an operation signal for executing zooming of the camera unit. The terminal control unit controls the zooming action of the camera unit according to the operation signal.

16. The printing system according to claim 15, wherein: The seventh operation is an operation of tilting the printer body.

17. The printing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The motion detection unit is configured by combining a plurality of sensors including an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor.

18. A printer, characterized in that: Receive data sent wirelessly from the terminal and print it. The printer has: A portable printer body; an action detection unit for detecting the action of the printer body; and a control signal sending unit that, when the action detection unit detects a first action, sends a first control signal to the terminal so that the display unit of the terminal displays a first operation screen, and, when the action detection unit detects a second action, sends a second control signal to the terminal so that the display unit of the terminal displays a second operation screen, The first operation screen and the second operation screen display a first group of display areas and a first group of buttons displayed in the first group of display areas, and a second group of display areas and a second group of buttons displayed in the second group of display areas in different display formats.

19. A terminal, characterized in that: wirelessly sending data to a printer to cause the printer to print, The terminal has: Display unit; A display control unit, which controls the display of the display unit; and a control signal receiving unit that receives a control signal corresponding to an operation of the printer body from the printer, When the control signal receiving unit receives a first control signal corresponding to a first action of the printer body, the display control unit displays a first operation screen on the display unit, and when the control signal receiving unit receives a second control signal corresponding to a second action of the printer body, the display control unit displays a second operation screen on the display unit. The first operation screen and the second operation screen display a first group of display areas and a first group of buttons displayed in the first group of display areas, and a second group of display areas and a second group of buttons displayed in the second group of display areas in different display formats.

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