Portable electronic devices and their operating methods

Abstract

To provide a portable electronic device and operating method that are easy to use. [Solution] This printing system comprises a printer and a terminal capable of wireless communication with each other, and transmits data wirelessly from the terminal to the printer for printing. The printer comprises a portable printer body, a motion detection unit that detects the movement of the printer body, and a control signal transmission unit that transmits a first control signal to the terminal when a first movement is detected by the motion detection unit, and transmits a second control signal to the terminal when a second movement is detected by the motion detection unit. The terminal comprises a display unit, a display control unit that controls the display of the display unit, and a control signal receiving unit that receives control signals from the printer. When the control signal receiving unit receives a first control signal, the display control unit of the terminal causes a first operation screen to be displayed on the display unit. When the control signal receiving unit receives a second control signal, the display control unit causes a second operation screen to be displayed on the display unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a portable electronic device and an operation method.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a technique for detecting the installation posture of a printer equipped with a keyboard and automatically switching the operation mode of the printer according to the detected installation posture. Specifically, when the printer is placed horizontally, it is set to a mode of printing information input from the keyboard, and when it is placed vertically, it is set to a mode of receiving print data wirelessly from a portable terminal such as a smartphone and printing it.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Portable terminals such as smartphones are becoming more and more high-performance year by year, and the functions that can be executed are also increasing. In the relationship with a printer, not only can simply print stored data, but it is also possible to process or generate print data.

[0005] However, as the functions that can be executed increase, the information to be displayed on the screen of the portable terminal also increases, resulting in a drawback of reduced operability.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a portable electronic device and an operation method with good operability.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] (1) A printing system comprising a printer and a terminal capable of wireless communication with each other, wherein data is transmitted wirelessly from the terminal to the printer and printed by the printer, the printer comprising: a portable printer body; a motion detection unit for detecting the movement of the printer body; a control signal transmission unit for transmitting a first control signal to the terminal when a first movement is detected by the motion detection unit, and a second control signal to the terminal when a second movement is detected by the motion detection unit; the terminal comprising a display unit; a display control unit for controlling the display of the display unit; and a control signal receiving unit for receiving control signals from the printer, wherein the display control unit causes a first operation screen to be displayed on the display unit when the control signal receiving unit receives a first control signal, and causes a second operation screen to be displayed on the display unit when the control signal receiving unit receives a second control signal, the printing system.

[0008] (2) The printing system of (1) above, wherein the printer body can be placed horizontally and vertically, and the first movement is the movement of placing the printer body horizontally, and the second movement is the movement of placing the printer body vertically.

[0009] (3) The printer further comprises a status information acquisition unit that acquires status information of the printer, and a status information transmission unit that transmits the status information acquired by the status information acquisition unit to a terminal when a third movement is detected by a motion detection unit, the terminal further comprises a status information receiving unit that receives status information from the printer, and the display control unit causes the status information of the printer to be displayed on the display unit when the status information receiving unit has received status information, the print system according to (1) or (2) above.

[0010] (4) The printing system described in (3) above, wherein the printer status information includes information on the number of printable pages and the remaining battery level.

[0011] (5) The third movement is the movement of lifting the printer, as described in (3) above.

[0012] (6) A print system according to any one of (1) to (5) above, wherein the printer further comprises a print image storage unit for storing printed images, and the print control unit for controlling the printer reprints the previously printed image when a fourth movement is detected by a motion detection unit.

[0013] (7) A print system according to any one of (1) to (5) above, wherein the printer further comprises a print image storage unit for storing printed images, and the print control unit for controlling the printer's printing reprints the previously printed image when a fourth movement is detected by a motion detection unit and an operating member provided on the printer body is operated.

[0014] (8) The printing system according to (6) or (7) above, wherein the fourth movement includes a movement that directs the media outlet downward or tilts it downward for a certain period of time or longer.

[0015] (9) A print system according to any one of (1) to (8) above, further comprising a power control unit that turns off the power when a fifth motion is detected by a motion detection unit.

[0016] (10) The printing system described in (9) above, wherein the fifth action is to point the power button on the printer body downwards for a certain period of time or longer.

[0017] (11) A printer further comprising a light-emitting unit and a light-emitting control unit that controls the emission of light from the light-emitting unit, wherein the light-emitting control unit causes the light-emitting unit to emit light in a light-emitting color and / or light-emitting pattern corresponding to the detected movement when a specific movement is detected by a motion detection unit, any one of the print systems described in (1) to (10) above.

[0018] (12) A print system according to any one of (1) to (11) above, wherein the printer further comprises a mode setting unit for setting a mode, and an operation signal transmission unit for transmitting an operation signal to a terminal in response to movement detected by a motion detection unit and / or operation of an operating member provided on the printer when the mode setting unit is set to remote control mode, and the terminal further comprises an operation signal receiving unit for receiving an operation signal from the printer, and a terminal control unit for controlling the operation of the terminal in response to the operation signal received by the operation signal receiving unit.

[0019] (13) The printing system according to (12) above, wherein the terminal further comprises a camera unit, and the terminal control unit controls the operation of the camera unit in accordance with an operation signal.

[0020] (14) The print system according to (13), wherein the operation signal transmission unit transmits an operation signal to activate the camera release when the motion detection unit detects a sixth movement and / or when an operating member provided on the printer is operated, and the terminal control unit controls the operation of the camera release in accordance with the operation signal.

[0021] (15) The print system according to (13) or (14), wherein the operation signal transmission unit controls the zoom operation of the camera unit in accordance with the operation signal when the motion detection unit detects a seventh movement and / or when an operating member provided on the printer is operated.

[0022] (16) The printing system described in (15) above, wherein the seventh movement is the movement of tilting the printer body.

[0023] (17) Any one of the above (1) to (16) print systems, wherein the motion detection unit is composed of a combination of multiple sensors including an acceleration sensor and a gyroscope.

[0024] (18) An operation system including a terminal equipped with a camera unit and a portable electronic device capable of wireless communication with the terminal. The portable electronic device includes a motion detection unit for detecting the movement of the main body, and an operation signal transmission unit for transmitting an operation signal corresponding to the movement detected by the motion detection unit to the terminal. The terminal includes an operation signal reception unit for receiving the operation signal from the portable electronic device, and a terminal control unit for controlling the operation of the camera unit according to the operation signal received by the operation signal reception unit.

[0025] (19) The operation system according to (18) above, wherein the movement detected by the motion detection unit is a movement of tilting the main body, and the terminal control unit controls the zoom operation of the camera unit according to the operation signal received by the operation signal reception unit.

[0026] (20) The operation system according to (18) or (19) above, wherein the terminal control unit further controls the release operation of the camera unit according to the operation signal received by the operation signal reception unit.

[0027] (21) The operation system according to (18) or (19) above, wherein the operation signal transmission unit further transmits an operation signal corresponding to the operation of an operation member provided on the main body to the terminal, and the terminal control unit controls the release operation of the camera unit according to the operation signal based on the operation of the operation member.

[0028] (22) A printer that receives and prints data wirelessly transmitted from a terminal, including a portable printer main body, a motion detection unit for detecting the movement of the printer main body, and a control signal transmission unit that transmits a first control signal to the terminal to display a first operation screen on the display unit of the terminal when a first movement is detected by the motion detection unit, and transmits a second control signal to the terminal to display a second operation screen on the display unit of the terminal when a second movement is detected by the motion detection unit.

[0029] (23) A terminal that wirelessly transmits data to a printer and causes 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 control signals from the printer in accordance with the movement of the printer body, wherein the display control unit causes a first operation screen to be displayed on the display unit when the control signal receiving unit receives a first control signal in accordance with a first movement of the printer body, and causes a second operation screen to be displayed on the display unit when the control signal receiving unit receives a second control signal in accordance with a second movement of the printer body. [Effects of the Invention]

[0030] According to the present invention, an operating system with excellent operability can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0031] [Figure 1] A diagram showing an example of the system configuration of a printing system. [Figure 2] Front perspective view showing an example of the printer's external configuration. [Figure 3] Rear perspective view of the printer shown in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of the printer's printing section. [Figure 5] Perspective view of the film pack [Figure 6] Front view of instant film [Figure 7] Back view of instant film [Figure 8] Block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the printer [Figure 9] Block diagram of the main functions implemented by the printer microcontroller [Figure 10] Block diagram showing an example of a smartphone hardware configuration. [Figure 11] Block diagram of the main functions of a smartphone related to image printing. [Figure 12] A flowchart illustrating the processing steps for displaying the top screen when launching the print application. [Figure 13] A diagram showing an example of the first top screen. [Figure 14] A diagram showing an example of the second top screen. [Figure 15] A diagram showing an example of an image selection screen. [Figure 16] A diagram showing an example of a print image confirmation screen. [Figure 17] A diagram showing an example of a screen for zooming and rotating operations. [Figure 18] A diagram showing an example of a filter operation screen. [Figure 19] A diagram showing an example of the image quality correction operation screen. [Figure 20] This diagram shows an example of an animation display when a print command is issued. [Figure 21] A diagram showing an example of the template print selection screen. [Figure 22] This diagram shows an example of a print image confirmation screen when using a template print. [Figure 23] A diagram showing an example of the template switching operation screen. [Figure 24] Conceptual diagram of scrolling selection buttons displayed in the control area. [Figure 25] A diagram showing an example of the split frame selection screen. [Figure 26] This diagram shows an example of a collage image creation screen. [Figure 27] This diagram shows an example of the collage image creation screen after selecting images. [Figure 28] A diagram showing an example of the split frame switching operation screen. [Figure 29] A diagram showing an example of a layout selection screen. [Figure 30] This diagram shows an example of a print image confirmation screen for a photo composite. [Figure 31] A diagram showing an example of the template switching operation screen. [Figure 32] A diagram showing an example of the shooting operation screen. [Figure 33] A diagram showing an example of how status information is displayed. [Figure 34] A table showing the relationship between the printer's operation and the display on the smartphone's touch panel. [Figure 35]Block diagram of the main functions implemented by the printer's microcontroller. [Figure 36] A table showing the relationship between the movement of the printer itself and the operation of the printer. [Figure 37] Block diagram of the main functions implemented by the printer's microcontroller. [Figure 38] Table showing the relationship between the printer's movement in remote control mode and the smartphone's camera operation. [Figure 39] This diagram shows an example of an animation display for switching between top screens. [Figure 40] Conceptual diagram of the operation when instructing a print command using a flick gesture. [Figure 41] This diagram shows an example of a screen that accepts input for canceling a print job. [Figure 42] A diagram showing an example of an operation guide screen. [Figure 43] A diagram showing an example of how the communication connection button is displayed. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0032] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0033] [First Embodiment] [Printing System] Figure 1 shows an example of the system configuration of the printing system according to this embodiment.

[0034] As shown in the figure, the printing system of this embodiment is configured to include a printer 10 and a smartphone 100 that can communicate wirelessly with each other, and to send print data from the smartphone 100 to the printer 10, which then prints the data. The smartphone 100 is an example of a terminal.

[0035] The printer 10 consists of a portable mobile printer. The printer 10 also consists of an instant printer that prints images onto instant film 12. The instant film 12 uses a sheet film system (also called a monosheet type).

[0036] The printer 10 and the smartphone 100 are connected wirelessly. Communication between the printer 10 and the smartphone 100 is performed using short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth® or WiFi (Wireless Fidelity).

[0037] [Printer's external configuration] Figure 2 is a front perspective view showing an example of the printer's external configuration. Figure 3 is a rear perspective view of the printer shown in Figure 2.

[0038] As described above, printer 10 consists of an instant printer (a printer that prints on instant film). The instant film 12 is loaded into printer 10 in the form of a film pack (see Figure 5) containing multiple sheets in a case.

[0039] The printer body 14, which constitutes the body of the printer 10, has a rounded, flat, rectangular box shape and is designed to be held in one hand and carried (portable). The printer body 14 is also designed to be placed vertically (upright on a flat surface) and horizontally (lying down on a flat surface). Figures 1 and 2 show the printer 10 in a vertical position.

[0040] The printer body 14 has a push-button power button 16 located near the center on its front side. The printer 10 is turned on and off by pressing and holding this power button 16 (for a certain period of time or longer). The power button 16 also functions as a light-emitting part, emitting light by illuminating a light source located inside it. The power button 16 is an example of an operating component provided on the printer body 14.

[0041] The printer body 14 is equipped with an output port 18 at its top (the top when placed vertically). The printed instant film 12 is ejected from this output port 18.

[0042] The printer body 14 has a film pack lid 20 on its rear side that opens and closes the film pack loading compartment (see Figure 4). It also has a lock release lever 22 that releases the lock on the film pack lid 20. When the lock is released with the lock release lever 22 and the film pack lid 20 is opened, the film pack loading compartment is opened. After loading an instant film pack, when the film pack lid 20 is closed, the film pack lid 20 is locked by a locking mechanism (not shown), and the film pack is sealed in a light-shielding state.

[0043] One side of the printer body 14 is provided with a USB cable connector cover 24 that opens and closes a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable connector (not shown). The printer 10 charges its built-in battery via the USB cable connector that is exposed when this USB cable connector cover 24 is opened.

[0044] [Configuration of the printer's printing section] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of the printer's printing section. Note that this figure shows the printer in a horizontal position.

[0045] As shown in the figure, the printer 10 includes a film pack loading chamber 30, a film feeding mechanism 32 that feeds instant film 12 from the film pack loaded in the film pack loading chamber 30, a film transport mechanism 34 that transports the instant film 12 fed out of the film pack, and a print head 36 that records an image on the instant film 12. The film feeding mechanism 32, the film transport mechanism 34, and the print head 36 constitute the printing section of the printer 10.

[0046] The film pack loading chamber 30 is configured as a recess into which the film pack 40 fits, and is opened and closed by the film pack lid 20.

[0047] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the film pack. Figure 6 is a front view of the instant film, and Figure 7 is a rear view of the instant film. In 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 in the direction indicated by arrow F and discharged from the case 42.

[0048] The instant film 12 has a rectangular card shape. The instant film 12 is configured with one side as the exposure surface (the surface on which an image is recorded by exposure) 12a and the other side as the observation surface (the surface on which the recorded image is observed) 12b.

[0049] As shown in Figure 7, the exposure surface 12a of the instant film 12 is provided with an exposure area 12c, a pod section 12d, and a trap section 12f. The exposure area 12c is the area where an image is recorded by exposure. The exposure area 12c is the printable area of ​​the instant film 12. The pod section 12d and the trap section 12f are positioned before and after the exposure area 12c in the feed direction F. The pod section 12d is positioned in front of the exposure area 12c in the feed direction F. The pod section 12d contains a developer solution pod 12e containing a developer solution. The trap section 12f is positioned behind the exposure area 12c in the feed direction F. The trap section 12f contains an absorbent material 12g.

[0050] As shown in Figure 6, the observation surface 12b of the instant film 12 is provided with an observation area 12h. The observation area 12h is the area where the image is displayed. By developing the exposure area 12c, an image is displayed in the observation area 12h. The observation area 12h is positioned in correspondence with the exposure area 12c. A frame 12i is provided around the observation area 12h. Therefore, the image is displayed within the frame. Also, the observation area 12h is set to be slightly narrower than the exposure area 12c (it is set to be one size smaller). Therefore, if an image is recorded across the entire area of ​​the exposure area 12c, the printed image will be cropped around the edges.

[0051] The instant film 12 is viewed with the trap section 12f facing upwards and the pod section 12d facing downwards. Therefore, the image is printed with the trap section 12f facing upwards and the pod section 12d facing downwards.

[0052] After exposure, the instant film 12 is developed by spreading the developing solution in the pod section 12d onto the exposure area 12c. The developing solution in the pod section 12d is squeezed out of the pod section 12d and spread onto the exposure area 12c when the instant film 12 is passed between the unfolding roller pair 34B. Any excess developing solution during the unfolding process is captured by the trap section 12f.

[0053] The case 42 has a rectangular box shape. The case 42 has a rectangular exposure opening 42a on its front. The case 42 also has a slit-shaped film outlet 42b on its top surface. The instant film 12 is placed inside the case with its exposure surface 12a facing the front side of the case 42 (exposure opening 42a side) and its pod portion 12d facing the top side of the case 42 (film outlet 42b side). The case 42 also has a slit-shaped claw opening 42c on its bottom surface. The instant film 12 placed inside the case 42 is fed one sheet at a time towards the film outlet 42b by inserting the claw 32a through the claw opening 42c, and is discharged from the film outlet 42b.

[0054] A single film pack 40 contains multiple sheets (for example, 10 sheets) of instant film 12 stacked together.

[0055] The film delivery mechanism 32 feeds out instant film 12 one sheet at a time from the film pack 40 loaded in the film pack loading chamber 30. The film delivery mechanism 32 is equipped with a claw 32a that moves back and forth along the feeding direction of the instant film 12. The film delivery mechanism 32 uses its claw 32a to scrape out the instant film 12 one sheet at a time from the case and feeds the instant film 12 out of the film pack 40.

[0056] The film transport mechanism 34 transports the instant film 12, which has been fed out of the film pack 40 by the film delivery mechanism 32, at a constant speed. The film transport mechanism 34 comprises a transport roller pair 34A and a spreading roller pair 34B. The transport roller pair 34A rotates, driven by a motor (not shown), and transports the instant film 12 by gripping both sides of it. The spreading roller pair 34B rotates, driven by a motor (not shown), and transports the entire instant film 12 by gripping it. As the instant film 12 is transported by the spreading roller pair 34B, the pod portion 12d is crushed and the film is developed.

[0057] The print head 36 records an image onto the instant film 12 fed from the film pack 40. The print head 36 consists of a line-type exposure head. The print head 36 irradiates the exposure surface 12a of the instant film 12, which is transported by the film transport mechanism 34, with print light one line at a time, recording an image onto the instant film 12 in a single pass.

[0058] [Electrical configuration of the printer] Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the printer.

[0059] As shown in the figure, the printer 10 includes an operation detection unit 50 that detects the operation of the power button 16, a light source unit 52 that makes the power button 16 light up, a wireless communication unit 56 that communicates wirelessly with the smartphone 100 via an antenna 56A, a power supply unit 58 that supplies power to each part of the printer 10, a printer storage unit 62 that stores image data, etc., a motion detection unit 66 that detects the movement of the printer 10, a film feeding mechanism drive unit 68 that drives the film feeding mechanism 32, a film transport mechanism drive unit 70 that drives the film transport mechanism 34, a print head control unit 72 that drives the print head 36, and a printer microcomputer 80, etc.

[0060] The operation detection unit 50 detects the operation of the power button 16. The power button 16 is a push button, and pressing and holding it turns the printer 10 on and off. While the power is on, the power button 16 is assigned the function of inputting a reprint command. Reprint is a function that prints the last printed image again. While the printer 10 is powered on, the operation detection unit 50 detects a short press (pressing and immediately releasing) of the power button 16 and outputs the detection signal to the printer microcontroller 80.

[0061] The light source unit 52 includes a light source and its control circuit. The light source used is one that allows switching of the emitted color. In the printer 10 of this embodiment, a tricolor LED (also called a full-color LED) equipped with three color elements, R (red), G (green), and B (blue), is used as the light source. The emitted color of the tricolor LED can be switched by selecting the mixing ratio of the three colors, R, G, and B. In addition, an EL light source (electroluminescent source) such as an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) can be used as the light source.

[0062] The light source unit 52 is positioned inside the power button 16 (see Figure 4). The power button 16 is made up of transparent or semi-transparent material, either entirely or partially. When the light source unit 52 is illuminated, light passes through the transparent or semi-transparent part of the power button 16, causing it to emit light.

[0063] The wireless communication unit 56 communicates wirelessly with an external device (for example, a smartphone 100) via the antenna 56A under the control of the printer microcontroller 80.

[0064] The power supply unit 58 includes a battery as a power source and its control circuit. Under the control of the printer microcomputer 80, the power supply unit 58 supplies power to each part of the printer 10. The battery is a rechargeable secondary battery and is charged by receiving power from an external source. The power supply unit 58 also has a function to detect the remaining battery level (function of the battery level detection unit).

[0065] The printer storage unit 62 includes memory and its control circuit. The printer storage unit 62 stores image data of printed images and setting data for the printer 10, etc. The memory is composed of non-volatile memory such as EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-only Memory). The printer storage unit 62 is an example of a print image storage unit.

[0066] The image data of printed images is stored for a predetermined number of copies. Once the maximum number of stored images is reached, the oldest images are deleted first. The minimum number of stored images is 1; that is, at least the image data of the last printed image is stored. In this case, the data is overwritten each time a print is made.

[0067] The motion detection unit 66 detects the movement of the printer body 14. The motion detection unit 66 is composed of, for example, a motion sensor. Since motion sensors themselves are well known, a detailed explanation will be omitted. Generally, motion sensors are composed of a combination of an acceleration sensor and a gyroscope, etc. The motion detection unit 66 detects the orientation (vertical, horizontal, tilt, etc.) and movement (lifting, placing down, turning over, etc.) of the printer body 14.

[0068] The film feeding mechanism drive unit 68 includes a motor that drives the claw 32a of the film feeding mechanism 32, and a drive circuit for the same, and drives the film feeding mechanism 32 in response to a command from the printer microcomputer 80.

[0069] The film transport mechanism drive unit 70 includes a motor and its drive circuit for driving the transport roller pair 34A of the film transport mechanism 34, and a motor and its drive circuit for driving the unfolding roller pair 34B, and drives the film transport mechanism 34 in response to commands from the printer microcomputer 80.

[0070] The print head control unit 72 includes a control circuit for the print head 36 and operates the print head 36 in response to commands from the printer microcomputer 80.

[0071] The printer microcontroller 80 is a control unit that provides overall control over the operation of the printer 10. The printer microcontroller 80 consists of a microcomputer equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), and RAM (Random Access Memory), and realizes various functions by executing a predetermined control program.

[0072] Figure 9 is a block diagram of the main functions implemented by the printer microcontroller.

[0073] The printer microcontroller 80 primarily 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 supply control unit 80F, a control signal transmission unit 80G, a status information acquisition unit 80H, and a status information transmission unit 80I.

[0074] The image acquisition unit 80A communicates wirelessly with the smartphone 100 via the wireless communication unit 56 and acquires image data of the image to be printed from the smartphone 100. When reprinting, it reads and acquires the image data of the last printed image from the printer storage unit 62.

[0075] The print data generation unit 80B converts the image data acquired by the image acquisition unit 80A into a data format that can be printed by the printing unit (a data format that can be printed on instant film 12 by the print head 36) and generates print data (print data).

[0076] The print control unit 80C controls the feeding of the instant film 12 by the film feeding mechanism 32 via the film feeding mechanism drive unit 68. It also controls the transport of the instant film 12 by the film transport mechanism 34 via the film transport mechanism drive unit 70. Furthermore, it controls the drive of the print head 36 via the print head control unit 72. The print head 36 is driven in synchronization with the transport of the instant film 12 based on the print data generated by the print data generation unit 80B.

[0077] Furthermore, the print control unit 80C has a function to detect the number of printable sheets (remaining film) (function of the printable sheet detection unit). The number of printable sheets is detected by counting the total number of prints after loading the film pack. Since the film pack contains a specified number (for example, 10 sheets) of instant film 12, the number of printable sheets can be detected by counting the total number of prints after loading the film pack. In other words, the number of printable sheets (remaining film) is the total number of instant film 12 loaded in the film pack before use minus the number of prints made.

[0078] 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 is the color that is primarily used in the image to be printed. For example, the representative color detection unit 80D determines the color distribution of the entire image to be printed and detects the color that occupies the largest area as the representative color. For example, in the case of an image of a sunset where the entire screen is stained orange, orange is detected as the representative color. Also, for example, in the case of an image of a grassland, green is detected as the representative color. 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. The representative color may be determined from a part of the image to be printed, or it may be determined by dividing the image to be printed into multiple regions. When determining from a part of the image, for example, a detection area is set in the center of the image and the representative color is detected from that detection area. When determining from multiple regions, for example, the image to be printed is divided into multiple equal regions vertically (for example, into three equal parts) and the representative color is detected from each region.

[0079] The light emission control unit 80E controls the light emission of the light source unit 52 and causes the power button 16, which is a light-emitting unit, to emit light in a predetermined color and pattern. The light emission control unit 80E causes the power button 16 to emit light at predetermined timings. For example, the power button 16 is emitted when receiving image data to be printed from the smartphone 100 and when printing the image. When receiving an image to be printed from the smartphone 100, the power button 16 is emitted by switching between a predetermined number of colors in order at regular time intervals. For example, seven colors (so-called rainbow colors) of red, orange, yellow, green, light blue, blue, and purple are emitted by switching between them in order at regular time intervals. The emission continues while the image is being received. On the other hand, when printing an image, the representative color detected by the representative color detection unit 80D is emitted. The emission continues while the image is being printed. If the image is divided into multiple regions and representative colors are determined, the determined representative colors are emitted by switching between them in order. For example, if an image to be printed is divided into three equal parts vertically and a representative color is detected from each region, the representative color detected in each region will be illuminated sequentially from top to bottom at regular time intervals. If achromatic colors such as black and gray are detected as representative colors, a specific color will be used as a substitute for them. Alternatively, the image will be illuminated in a specific pattern (for example, switching between seven colors (so-called rainbow colors) of red, orange, yellow, green, light blue, blue, and purple at regular time intervals. Alternatively, a specific color will be flashed (for example, white will be flashed)). Alternatively, the illumination will be stopped.

[0080] The power control unit 80F controls the power supply unit 58 and controls the supply of power to each part and the charging of the battery. The power on and off of the printer 10 is controlled by this power control unit 80F. 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.

[0081] 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, when the motion detection unit 66 detects a predetermined movement, it generates a control signal corresponding to that movement and transmits it wirelessly to the smartphone 100 via the wireless communication unit 56. The smartphone 100 performs a predetermined operation upon receiving this control signal. Specifically, when the motion detection unit 66 detects a movement of the printer body 14 to be placed horizontally (first movement), it transmits a first control signal to the smartphone 100. Also, when the motion detection unit 66 detects a movement of the printer body 14 to be placed vertically (second movement), it transmits a second control signal to the smartphone 100. Upon receiving the first control signal, the smartphone 100 displays a first top screen (first operation screen) with a predetermined screen configuration on the touch panel 120 as the top screen. On the other hand, upon receiving the second control signal, it displays a second top screen (second operation screen) with a predetermined screen configuration on the touch panel 120 as the top screen. This point will be described in detail later. The top screen (also called the home screen) is the screen that is first displayed when an application program is launched. The top screen displays buttons for the functions that can be executed.

[0082] 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 pages and the battery level. The status information acquisition unit 80H acquires the battery level information from the power supply unit 58. It also acquires the information on the number of printable pages from the print control unit 80C.

[0083] The status information transmission unit 80I transmits the status information acquired by the status information acquisition unit 80H to the smartphone 100 based on the detection result of the motion detection unit 66. That is, when a predetermined movement is detected by the motion detection unit 66, the status information acquired by the status information acquisition unit 80H is transmitted to the smartphone 100. Specifically, when the motion detection unit 66 detects a movement that lifts the printer body 14 (the third movement), status information is transmitted to the smartphone 100. This point will be described in detail later.

[0084] [Smartphone] Figure 10 is a block diagram showing an example of a smartphone hardware configuration.

[0085] As shown in the figure, the smartphone 100 includes a CPU 101 that controls the overall operation, a ROM 102 that stores basic input / output programs, etc., a RAM 103 used as the work area for the CPU 101, internal memory 104, a display 105, a touchpad 106 that detects touch operations (position input) on the display screen, and GPS (Global Positioning Systems) satellites or IMES (Indoor Messaging System) as an indoor GPS. The system includes a GPS receiver 107 that receives GPS signals containing location information (latitude, longitude, and altitude) of the smartphone 100, an in-camera unit 108A (camera unit located on the screen side of the touch panel 120) and an out-camera unit 108B (camera unit located on the side opposite the screen (back) of the touch panel 120) which include a shooting lens and an image sensor and electronically capture images, a microphone unit 109 which includes a microphone and inputs sound, a speaker unit 110 which includes a speaker and outputs sound, a wireless communication unit 111 which uses an antenna 111A to wirelessly communicate with the nearest base station, etc., a short-range wireless communication unit 112 which uses an antenna 112A to wirelessly communicate with external devices (for example, a printer 10, etc.), a sensor unit 113 which includes various sensors such as a geomagnetic sensor, a gyrocompass, and an accelerometer, and a media drive 114 which reads and writes data to a memory card 115. The built-in memory 104 is composed of non-volatile memory such as EEPROM. The internal memory 104 stores various programs, including the operating system (for example, display control programs), as well as image data of images captured by the front camera unit 108A and the rear camera unit 108B, and image data acquired from other devices. The display 105 and the touchpad 106 constitute the touch panel 120.

[0086] The screen of the touch panel 120 is rectangular in shape. The smartphone 100 is normally used with the screen of the touch panel 120 oriented vertically (with the longer side of the screen aligned with the vertical direction). In the smartphone 100 of this embodiment, the longer side of the screen of the touch panel 120 is defined as the vertical direction (Y direction in the figure), and the direction perpendicular to the vertical direction (X direction in the figure), i.e., the direction of the shorter side of the screen, is defined as the width direction.

[0087] The smartphone 100 has functions in relation to the printer 10, such as printing images taken with the front camera unit 108A or the rear camera unit 108B to the printer 10, printing images stored in the internal memory 104 to the printer 10, and checking the status of the printer 10 (for example, battery level and number of printable pages). It also has functions related to image printing, such as processing and editing the images to be printed.

[0088] Figure 11 is a block diagram of the main functions of a smartphone related to image printing.

[0089] As shown in the figure, the smartphone 100 has functions related to printing images, such as a display control unit 100A that controls the display on the touch panel 120, an input control unit 100B that controls input to the touch panel 120, a shooting control unit 100C that controls the capture of images to be printed, a playback control unit 100D that controls the playback of images to be printed, an image processing unit 100E that processes and edits images to be printed, and a communication control unit 100F that controls communication with the printer 10. These functions are realized by the CPU 101 executing a predetermined program.

[0090] The display control unit 100A controls the display on the touch panel 120 to display the operation screen for printing images on the touch panel 120. The display control unit 100A controls the display on the display unit, the display 105, to control the display on the touch panel 120. The display of the operation screen, which will be described later, is controlled by this display control unit 100A.

[0091] The input control unit 100B controls the input of operations when printing an image by controlling the operation input to the touch panel 120. The input control unit 100B controls the input to the touch panel 120 by controlling the input to the touch pad 106, which is the position input unit of the touch panel 120.

[0092] The shooting control unit 100C controls the in-camera unit 108A and the out-camera unit 108B based on the operation input to the touch panel 120, and controls the shooting of images to be printed.

[0093] The playback control unit 100D controls access to the built-in memory 104 and controls the playback of the image to be printed based on the operation input to the touch panel 120.

[0094] The image processing unit 100E processes and edits the image to be printed based on the operation input to the touch panel 120. For example, it processes and edits the image to be printed by performing image processing such as image enlargement (cropping), image rotation, filter processing, template synthesis, and collage. Filter processing refers to functions that change the color tone of an image or transform the image. Examples include color correction, noise reduction, mosaic processing, and embossing. Template synthesis is the process of generating a composite image by combining a template image with an image. Collage, in this context, is the process of generating a single composite image by fitting images into each region of a frame (divided frame) whose interior is divided into multiple regions. The generated composite image is called a collage image.

[0095] The communication control unit 100F controls the short-range wireless communication unit 112 based on the operation input to the touch panel 120, and controls communication with the printer 10. The smartphone 100 transmits image data to be printed and print commands to the printer 10. On the other hand, the printer 10 transmits status information and control signals to the smartphone 100. The communication control unit 100F functions as a status information receiving unit that receives status information transmitted from the printer 10, and a control signal receiving unit that receives control signals transmitted from the printer 10.

[0096] [How to print images] [Displaying the top screen] To print images stored on smartphone 100 or images taken with smartphone 100 using printer 10, launch a designated application program (hereinafter referred to as the print app) on the smartphone.

[0097] When the print app is launched, the top screen is displayed on the smartphone 100's screen. As described above, there are two types of top screens (the first top screen and the second top screen). Depending on the orientation of the printer 10 at the time of startup, one of the top screens is displayed. That is, if the printer body 14 is placed vertically, the first top screen is displayed, and if it is placed horizontally, the second top screen is displayed.

[0098] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the processing steps for displaying the top screen when the print application is launched.

[0099] When the print application is launched on the smartphone 100 (step S1), communication settings are first established with the printer 10 (step S2). That is, a connectable printer 10 is detected, and a process is performed to establish a short-range wireless connection with the detected printer 10. Similarly, on the printer 10 side, a process is performed to establish a short-range wireless connection with the smartphone 100 (step S3).

[0100] Once a short-range wireless connection is established, the printer 10 detects its movement (installation orientation) (step S4). Here, it is detected whether the printer body 14 is placed vertically (first movement) or horizontally (second movement). Based on this detection result, a control signal is generated (step S5) and transmitted to the smartphone 100 (step S6). If the installation orientation is detected as vertical (first movement), a first control signal is transmitted. On the other hand, if the installation orientation is detected as horizontal (second movement), a second control signal is transmitted.

[0101] The smartphone 100 receives a control signal transmitted from the printer 10 (step S7). Based on the received control signal, it selects a screen to display as the top screen. In this case, it first determines 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 (see Figure 13) is displayed on the touch panel 120 (step S9). On the other hand, if the received control signal is the second control signal, the second top screen 200B (see Figure 14) is displayed on the touch panel 120 (step S10).

[0102] [Screen layout of the first and second top screens] Figure 13 shows an example of the first top screen. Figure 14 shows an example of the second top screen.

[0103] As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the first top screen 200A and the second top screen 200B display the same items in different layouts. The items displayed are buttons for functions that can be performed in the print application, settings buttons for the print application, status information for the printer 10, and the last printed image.

[0104] The buttons for the functions that can be executed in the print app are: Easy Print button MB1 for the "Easy Print" function, Video Print button MB2 for the "Video Print" function, Camera button MB3 for the "Camera" function, Compatibility Test button MB4 for the "Compatibility Test" function, Template Print button MB5 for the "Template Print" function, Collage Print button MB6 for the "Collage Print" function, and Photo Assembly button MB7 for the "Photo Assembly" function.

[0105] The "Easy Print" function allows you to print images (still images) stored on your smartphone. This function is activated by touching the Easy Print button MB1 on the screen.

[0106] The "Video Print" function allows you to extract a single scene from a video and print it. This function is activated by touching the Video Print button MB2 on the screen.

[0107] The "camera" function allows you to take pictures using the camera function of the smartphone 100 and print the captured images using the printer 10. This function is activated by touching the camera button MB3 on the screen.

[0108] The "Compatibility Diagnosis" function is a feature that performs compatibility diagnosis from images. For example, it uses a pre-trained model to analyze an image and diagnose the compatibility between two people in the image. This function is activated by touching the Compatibility Diagnosis button MB4 on the screen.

[0109] The "Template Print" function allows you to overlay a template image onto an existing image and then print it. This function is activated by touching the Template Print button MB5 on the screen.

[0110] The "Collage Print" function generates and prints collage images. As described above, collage images are generated by placing images into each of the regions of a frame (divided frame) whose interior is divided into multiple regions. This function is activated by touching the collage print button MB6 on the screen.

[0111] The "Photo Assembly" function allows you to split a single image into multiple images for printing. This function is activated by touching the Photo Assembly button MB7 on the screen.

[0112] The buttons for each function are displayed as icons; that is, they are displayed using a combination of diagrams, symbols, or pictures. In this embodiment, the buttons for each function are composed of shapes combining circles and pictures. The circles define the outline of the buttons.

[0113] The status information for printer 10 includes the name of the connected printer 10 (for example, the model name), the number of printable pages (remaining film), and the battery level. The number of printable pages is displayed in the format "N / M," where N is the number of printable pages and M is the total number of instant films 12 loaded in a new film pack. In other words, it is displayed in a format that also shows the number of prints made since the film pack was replaced. The battery level information is displayed graphically.

[0114] The last printed image LIM is displayed inside the image display frame FLO. The image display frame FLO is composed of an image that mimics the instant film 12. That is, it is composed of a figure that mimics the frame 12i surrounding the observation area 12h of the instant film 12. The area inside the image display frame FLO is configured as the image display area. The last printed image LIM is embedded and displayed within this image display area.

[0115] As shown in Figures 13 and 14, on the first top screen 200A and the second top screen 200B, the buttons for each function are displayed in two groups (first group MG1 and second group MG2).

[0116] Group 1, MG1, is the group to which the buttons for Easy Print, Video Print, and Camera functions belong. Group 1, MG1, is the print mode group, and is the group of functions for easily printing images.

[0117] Group 2, MG2, is the group to which the buttons for the Compatibility Diagnosis, Template Print, Collage Print, and Photo Composition functions belong. Group 2, MG2, is the play mode group, and is a group of functions that include elements of play and elements of creative work.

[0118] The buttons belonging to the first group MG1 (Easy Print button MB1, Video Print button MB2, and Camera button MB3) are displayed in the first group display area MA1, which is shown by a dashed line in Figures 13 and 14.

[0119] On the other hand, the buttons belonging to the second group MG2 (compatibility diagnosis button MB4, template print button MB5, collage print button MB6, and photo collage button MB7) are displayed in the second group display area MA2, indicated by the dashed line in Figures 13 and 14.

[0120] The first group display area MA1 is set horizontally (X direction) at the bottom of the screen. On the other hand, the second group display area MA2 is set vertically (Y direction) at the right edge of the screen.

[0121] The size of the first group display area MA1 and the group of buttons displayed in it (Easy Print button MB1, Video Print button MB2, and Camera button MB3) changes between the first top screen 200A and the second top screen 200B. Specifically, on the first top screen 200A, they are displayed in a smaller size as shown in Figure 13, and on the second top screen 200B, they are displayed in a larger size as shown in Figure 14. More specifically, as shown in Figure 14, on the second top screen 200B, the entire width (X direction) of the bottom of the screen is designated as the first group display area MA1, whereas on the first top screen 200A, as shown in Figure 13, its width is reduced (shrinking to the left of the screen). Consequently, the size of each button is also reduced.

[0122] Furthermore, the first group display area MA1 and the group of buttons displayed in that first group display area MA1 change color on the first top screen 200A and the second top screen 200B. Figures 13 and 14 show examples of the display with inverted colors.

[0123] Similarly, the second group display area MA2 and the group of buttons displayed in it (compatibility diagnosis button MB4, template print button MB5, collage print button MB6, and photo collage button MB7) change size between the first top screen 200A and the second top screen 200B. That is, on the first top screen 200A, they are displayed in a large size as shown in Figure 13, and on the second top screen 200B, they are displayed in a small size as shown in Figure 14. More specifically, as shown in Figure 13, on the first top screen 200A, the entire vertical (Y-direction) area on the right edge of the screen is designated as the second group display area MA2, whereas on the second top screen 200B, as shown in Figure 13, its length is reduced (shrinks upwards). Consequently, the size of each button is also reduced.

[0124] Furthermore, similar to the first group display area MA1, the second group display area MA2 and the group of buttons displayed in the second group display area MA2 change color between the first top screen 200A and the second top screen 200B. Figures 13 and 14 show examples of the display with inverted colors.

[0125] As shown in Figure 13, the print application settings button SEB is displayed in the second group display area MA2 on the first top screen 200A. On the other hand, on the second top screen 200B, it is displayed in the first group display area MA1, as shown in Figure 14.

[0126] Printer status information is displayed in the status information display area MA3. The status information display area MA3 is set in the same position on the first top screen 200A and the second top screen 200B. As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the status information display area MA3 is set at the top of the screen.

[0127] The last printed image is displayed inside the image display frame FLO. The image display frame FLO is displayed above the first group display area MA1 and to the left of the second group display area MA2. As shown in Figure 13, the image display frame FLO is displayed at an angle on the first top screen 200A. On the other hand, on the second top screen 200B, it is displayed straight along the screen.

[0128] When a printout is not yet made, the area inside the image display frame FLO will be blank. Alternatively, a default image will be displayed. The print application settings allow you to enable or disable the display of the last printed image. You can also choose to always display a default image (for example, an image selected by the user).

[0129] In this way, by providing two top screens and switching between them as needed, usability can be improved. Specifically, if you want to print easily, select and display the second top screen 200B, where the buttons for these functions (Easy Print button MB1, Video Print button MB2, and Camera button MB3) are displayed in a large, prominent manner. On the other hand, if you want to create works such as collages, select and display the first top screen 200A, where the buttons for these functions (Compatibility Diagnosis button MB4, Template Print button MB5, Collage Print button MB6, and Photo Assembly button MB7) are displayed in a large, prominent manner. This improves usability. Even on mobile devices with small screens such as smartphones, it is easy for users to understand and to use. Furthermore, switching the top screen can be done simply by changing the orientation of the printer body 14, making the operation easy. Normally, this type of operation is done in the settings of the application program. According to the system of this embodiment, the top screen can be easily switched without performing such troublesome setting operations.

[0130] (A) [Print using the Easy Print function] The following describes the procedure for printing images saved on Smartphone 100 using the Easy Print function.

[0131] The general processing steps are (1) selecting the images to print, and (2) issuing print commands. Image processing and editing are performed as needed.

[0132] [Image selection screen] When the Easy Print button MB1 is touched on the top screen (either the first top screen 200A or the second top screen 200B), the Easy Print function is activated.

[0133] When the Easy Print function is activated, the touch panel 120 screen switches to the image selection screen 201. This screen is used to select the images to print.

[0134] Figure 15 shows an example of an image selection screen.

[0135] As shown in Figure 15, the image selection screen 201 displays a list of images stored on the smartphone 100 in thumbnail format. In other words, the images are displayed in a reduced size. The user selects the image to print by touching its thumbnail on the screen.

[0136] Figure 15 shows an example of displaying all images stored on smartphone 100 in a list. Alternatively, it is possible to display only images within a specified folder.

[0137] Additionally, as shown in Figure 15, a cancel button 201A is displayed on the image selection screen 201. The cancel button 201A is a button that instructs the user to cancel the image selection process. When the cancel button 201A is touched, the easy print function ends. In this case, the screen display switches back to the top screen 200.

[0138] [Print image confirmation screen] Once an image to be printed is selected, the touch panel 120 screen switches to the print image confirmation screen 202. This screen is for confirming the image to be printed (the print image).

[0139] Figure 16 shows an example of a print image confirmation screen.

[0140] As shown in Figure 16, the print image confirmation screen 202 displays the print image PI, a print button PB that instructs printing of the print image PI, and menu buttons for image editing, etc.

[0141] The printed image PI is displayed in the image display area EA1 set on the screen. Around the image display area EA1, a frame FL is displayed that surrounds the image (printed image PI) displayed in the image display area EA1. This frame FL is composed of an image that mimics the instant film 12. That is, it is composed of a shape that mimics the frame 12i provided around the observation area 12h of the instant film 12 (composed of the same margins as the printed result (printed object)). This makes it easier to check the final print result on the screen.

[0142] The print button PB and the image editing menu buttons (zoom & rotate button EB1, filter button EB2, and image quality correction button EB3) are displayed in the button display area EA2. The button display area EA2 is located at the bottom of the screen. The print button PB and the image editing menu buttons (zoom & rotate button EB1, filter button EB2, and image quality correction button EB3) are displayed in a single row along the width direction of the screen (the X direction in Figure 16) within this button display area EA2. In this arrangement, the print button PB is positioned in the center of the width direction (X direction), with the three image editing menu buttons (zoom & rotate button EB1, filter button EB2, and image quality correction button EB3) positioned on either side of it.

[0143] The print button PB and the image editing menu buttons (zoom & rotate button EB1, filter button EB2, and image quality correction button EB3) are each displayed as icons. Furthermore, the central print button PB is larger than the other buttons (zoom & rotate button EB1, filter button EB2, and image quality correction button EB3) (the image portion of the button is larger). In this embodiment, the print button PB is a different color from the other buttons. Specifically, while the other buttons are white, the print button PB is red. This makes the print instruction operation easier to understand. The other buttons change color when selected (touched), clearly indicating the selected function.

[0144] For the image editing menu buttons (Zoom & Rotate button EB1, Filter button EB2, Image Quality Correction button EB3), the menu title is displayed below them. Figure 16 shows an example where the image editing menu includes zoom and rotate functions, a filter function, and an image quality correction function.

[0145] The zoom and rotate function allows you to enlarge and rotate an image. This function is assigned to the zoom & rotate button EB1. Touching the zoom & rotate button EB1 on the screen activates the zoom and rotate function, allowing you to enlarge and rotate the printed image PI.

[0146] The filter function applies a filter effect to an image. The filter function is assigned to the filter button EB2. Touching the filter button EB2 on the screen activates the filter function, allowing you to apply a filter to the print image PI.

[0147] The image quality correction function adjusts the brightness, contrast, and saturation of an image. This function is assigned to the image quality correction button EB3. Touching the image quality correction button EB3 on the screen activates the image quality correction function, allowing for image quality correction (adjustment of brightness, contrast, and saturation) of the printed image PI.

[0148] Each function is turned on (activated) by touching the corresponding button on the screen, and turned off by touching it again. Also, if a button for another function is touched while one function is active, the function will switch to the one that was touched. For example, if the image quality correction button EB3 is touched while the filter function is active, the filter function will end and the image quality correction function will be turned on.

[0149] As shown in Figure 16, the print image confirmation screen 202 displays a back button BB and a top button TB. The back button BB is a button that instructs the user to return to the previous screen. The top button TB is a button that instructs the user to return to the top screen 200. The back button BB and top button TB are located at the top of the screen.

[0150] To return to the top screen, the top screen corresponding to the orientation of the printer unit 14 is displayed. Specifically, if the printer unit 14 is placed vertically, the first top screen 200A (see Figure 13) is displayed, and if it is placed horizontally, the second top screen 200B (see Figure 14) is displayed. In this case, first, the smartphone 100 outputs a command to detect the orientation of the printer 10. Upon receiving this command, the printer 10 detects the orientation of the printer unit 14. Then, it generates a control signal corresponding to the detected orientation and sends it to the smartphone 100. The smartphone 100 receives the control signal sent from the printer 10 and determines which top screen to display.

[0151] [Zoom and rotate operation screen] When the zoom & rotate button EB1 is touched on the screen, the screen switches to the operation screen for the zoom and rotate functions, i.e., the operation screen for zooming in and rotating the image (zoom & rotate operation screen) 203.

[0152] Figure 17 shows an example of the zoom and rotation operation screen.

[0153] On the zoom and rotate operation screen 203, in addition to the content displayed on the print image confirmation screen 202, a zoom slider SB1 for zooming and a rotate slider SB2 for rotation are displayed.

[0154] The zoom slider SB1 is operated by sliding its knob NB1 (touch knob NB1 and slide it). When the zoom slider SB1 is operated, the image is enlarged according to the amount of movement. The printed image PI is enlarged when knob NB1 is slid to the right on the screen, and reduced when it is slid to the left.

[0155] The rotation slider bar SB2 is operated by sliding its knob NB2. Operating the rotation slider bar SB2 rotates the image according to the amount of movement. The printed image PI rotates clockwise when knob NB2 is slid to the right, and counterclockwise when slid to the left. Sliding knob NB2 from the left end to the right end of the bar completes a full rotation of the image.

[0156] The zoom slider SB1 and the rotation slider SB2 are displayed in the operation area EA3. The operation area EA3 is set between the image display area EA1 and the button display area EA2 in the vertical direction (Y direction) of the screen. As shown in Figure 17, the zoom slider SB1 and the rotation slider SB2 are arranged vertically in this area. Furthermore, both the zoom slider SB1 and the rotation slider SB2 are displayed in an arc-shaped curve. More specifically, they are displayed along a circle centered on a point set on a straight line passing through the center of the screen in the width direction (X direction), and are displayed symmetrically with respect to the straight line passing through the center of the screen in the width direction. By displaying them in an arc shape in this way, the overall length can be increased compared to displaying them as straight lines. This improves the resolution of the operation, allowing for finer control. This is particularly effective when the screen display size is small.

[0157] [Filter operation screen] When the filter button EB2 is touched on the screen, the screen switches to the filter operation screen, that is, the operation screen for applying filters to images (filter operation screen) 204.

[0158] Figure 18 shows an example of a filter operation screen.

[0159] On the filter operation screen 204, in addition to the information displayed on the print image confirmation screen 202, buttons for selecting the filter to apply are displayed. Figure 18 shows an example where four buttons are displayed as selection buttons. Specifically, it shows an example where the normal button FB1 returns to the normal state, the monochrome button FB2 applies the monochrome filter, the sepia button FB3 applies the sepia filter, and the auto button FB4 applies the auto filter.

[0160] Here, the monochrome filter is a filter that converts an image to black and white. When the monochrome button FB2 is touched on the screen, the print image PI displayed in the image display area EA1 is converted to black and white.

[0161] A sepia filter is a filter that gives an image a sepia tone. When the sepia button FB3 is touched on the screen, the print image PI displayed in the image display area EA1 will be given a sepia tone.

[0162] AutoFilter is a filter that automatically optimizes the color tone of an image. When the Auto button FB4 is touched on the screen, the color tone of the print image PI displayed in the image display area EA1 is automatically corrected.

[0163] When the normal button FB1 is touched on the screen, the applied filter is canceled and the screen returns to its original state.

[0164] The filter selection buttons (Normal button FB1, Monochrome button FB2, Sepia button FB3, Auto button FB4) have a rectangular shape corresponding to the outline of the print image PI displayed in the image display area EA1. More specifically, they have a shape similar to the outline of the print image PI (including shapes that are considered nearly similar).

[0165] Additionally, each button displays a common image that has been filtered in the same way as the filter being applied. For example, the image that makes up the monochrome button FB2 will display a chrome-processed image even in black and white.

[0166] Furthermore, each button is displayed in the operation area EA3, radiating outwards from a point set on a straight line passing through the center of the screen's width. By displaying them radially in this way, the number and size of buttons that can be displayed can be increased compared to displaying them in a straight line. This improves usability. The number of buttons displayed on one screen can be adjusted by adjusting the curvature of the arc. In other words, for the same button size, increasing the curvature (the greater the curve) allows more buttons to be displayed at once.

[0167] [Image quality correction operation screen] When the image quality correction button EB3 is touched on the screen, the screen switches to the image quality correction function operation screen 205, which is the operation screen for adjusting the brightness, contrast, and saturation of the image.

[0168] Figure 19 shows an example of the image quality correction operation screen.

[0169] On the image quality correction operation screen 205, in addition to the information displayed on the print image confirmation screen 202, a brightness adjustment slider bar SB3 for adjusting the brightness of the image, a contrast adjustment slider bar SB4 for adjusting the contrast of the image, a saturation adjustment slider bar SB5 for adjusting the saturation of the image, and a reset button RSB are displayed.

[0170] The brightness adjustment slider bar SB3 is operated by sliding its knob NB3. Operating the brightness adjustment slider bar SB3 changes the image brightness according to the amount of movement. Knob NB3 is in the center position by default. For the printed image PI, sliding knob NB3 to the right brightens the image, and sliding it to the left darkens it.

[0171] The contrast adjustment slider bar SB4 is operated by sliding its knob NB4. Operating the contrast adjustment slider bar SB4 changes the image contrast according to the amount of movement. Knob NB4 is in the center position by default. For printed images (PI), sliding knob NB4 to the right increases the contrast, while sliding it to the left decreases the contrast.

[0172] The saturation adjustment slider SB5 is operated by sliding its knob NB5. Operating the saturation adjustment slider SB5 changes the image saturation according to the amount of movement. Knob NB5 is positioned in the center of the bar by default. For printed images (PI), sliding knob NB5 to the right increases saturation, while sliding it to the left decreases saturation.

[0173] The Reset Button RSB resets the operation of each slider bar (brightness adjustment slider SB3, contrast adjustment slider SB4, and saturation adjustment slider SB5). When the Reset Button RSB is touched, the operation of each slider bar is reset. In other words, the knobs of each slider bar return to their default position (center).

[0174] Each slider (brightness adjustment slider SB3, contrast adjustment slider SB4, and saturation adjustment slider SB5), and the reset button RSB are displayed in the operation area EA3. As shown in Figure 19, each slider is arranged vertically within this area. Furthermore, each slider is displayed in an arc-shaped curve. More specifically, it is displayed along a circle centered on a point set on a straight line passing through the center in the width direction, and is displayed symmetrically with respect to the straight line passing through the center in the width direction. This improves the resolution of the operation, allowing for finer control. The reset button RSB is located at the right end of the operation area E3.

[0175] [Screen displayed when printing is performed] When the print button PB is touched on the screen, the print command for the print image PI displayed in the image display area EA1 is issued. When the print command is issued, the image data of the print image PI is sent to the printer 10.

[0176] When the print image PI is sent, the image transmission is displayed as an animation. Specifically, the print image PI moves along with the frame FL and disappears from the edge of the screen as an animation is displayed.

[0177] Figure 20 shows an example of an animation display when printing is instructed.

[0178] When printing is initiated, the screen changes chronologically as follows: screen 206A, screen 206B, and screen 206C. As shown in the figure, the printed image PI moves upward along the length of the screen along with the frame FL, and disappears from the top edge of the screen (mimicking the image of instant film being fed). This makes it easy to recognize that the image has been sent to the printer.

[0179] (B) [Printing using the template print function] The following describes the procedure for printing images saved on Smartphone 100 using the template print function. As described above, template print prints an image by compositing a template image onto the image. The general processing steps are: (1) select a template, (2) select the image to print, and (3) issue a print command. Image processing and editing can be performed as needed.

[0180] [Template selection screen] On the top screen (see Figures 13 and 14), touching the template print button MB5 activates the template print function. When the template print function is activated, the touch panel 120 screen switches to the template selection screen 210. This screen is used to select the template image to be superimposed on the image to be printed.

[0181] Figure 21 shows an example of the template print selection screen.

[0182] As shown in the figure, the template selection screen 210 displays a list of available template images in thumbnail format. The user selects the desired template image by touching it on the screen.

[0183] [Image selection screen] When a template image is selected on the template selection screen 210, the touch panel 120 screen switches to the image selection screen 201 (see Figure 15). The user selects the image to print on this screen.

[0184] [Print image confirmation screen] Once an image to be printed is selected, the touch panel 120 screen switches to the print image confirmation screen 202. This screen is for confirming the image to be printed (the print image).

[0185] Figure 22 shows an example of a print image confirmation screen when using a template print.

[0186] The screen layout is the same as the print image confirmation screen 202 of Easy Print, except that the template button EB4 has been added as a menu button for image editing. The template button EB4 is a button that invokes the function to switch between template images.

[0187] [Template switching operation screen] The functions for zooming in and out, filtering, and image quality correction are the same as in the Easy Print function, so here we will explain the template image switching function.

[0188] When the template button EB4 is touched, the screen switches to the operation screen (template switching operation screen) 212 for switching template images.

[0189] Figure 23 shows an example of the template switching operation screen.

[0190] On the template switching operation screen 212, in addition to the information displayed on the print image confirmation screen 202, selection buttons TB1, TB2, ... for the switchable template images are displayed. The user selects the desired template image by touching the selection button on the screen.

[0191] Each button consists of a scaled-down version of the template image selected by that button. Therefore, its outline is similar to (or nearly similar to) the outline of the print image PI.

[0192] The template image selection buttons TB1, TB2, ... are displayed in the operation area EA3, similar to the filter selection buttons, and are arranged radially from a point set on a straight line passing through the center of the screen width.

[0193] The operation area EA3 displays a certain number of selection buttons TB1, TB2, ... Figure 23 shows an example of displaying four selection buttons at once (when the total number of buttons that can be displayed is four). Other selection buttons are displayed by scrolling. Scrolling is performed by swiping or flicking the screen on the selection buttons displayed in the operation area EA3. Here, swiping is the operation of sliding your finger across the screen while touching it. Flicking is the operation of swiping more forcefully, flicking the screen and sliding your finger away from it.

[0194] Figure 24 is a conceptual diagram of the scrolling of the selection buttons displayed in the operation area.

[0195] As shown in the figure, the selection buttons TB1, TB2, ... displayed in the operation area EA3 scroll along the arc to the right (arrow R+ direction) by swiping or flicking the screen to the right (scrolling clockwise). Conversely, swiping or flicking the screen to the left scrolls along the arc to the left (arrow R- direction) (scrolling counterclockwise).

[0196] [Screen displayed when printing is performed] The printing process is the same as with the Easy Print function. That is, you touch the print button PB on the screen to initiate printing. When printing is initiated, the image data of the print image PI is sent to the printer 10. The image transmission process is displayed as an animation, just like with the Easy Print function (see Figure 20).

[0197] (C) [Print using the collage print function] The following describes the procedure for printing images saved on the Smartphone 100 using the collage print function. As described above, collage print prints images by fitting them into each area of ​​a divided frame. The general procedure is (1) selecting the divided frame, (2) selecting the images to be combined, and (3) issuing the print command. If necessary, the images to be combined can be edited.

[0198] [Screen selection screen] On the top screen (see Figures 13 and 14), touching the collage print button MB6 activates the collage print function. When the collage print function is activated, the touch panel 120 screen switches to the split frame selection screen 220. This screen is used to select the split frame.

[0199] Figure 25 shows an example of the split frame selection screen.

[0200] As shown in the figure, the split frame selection screen 220 displays a list of images of selectable split frames (images showing the division patterns within the frame) in thumbnail format. The user selects the desired split frame by touching the image on the screen.

[0201] [Collage image creation screen] When a split frame is selected on the split frame selection screen 220, the touch panel 120 screen switches to the collage image creation screen 221. This screen is used to create the collage image.

[0202] Figure 26 shows an example of a collage image creation screen.

[0203] The screen layout is the same as the print image confirmation screen 202 of Easy Print, except that the inside of the image display area EA1 is divided according to the selected division frame, a boundary button FBB is displayed to switch the display of the division boundary on and off, and a division frame button EB5 has been added as an image editing menu button.

[0204] The image display area EA1 is divided according to the selected division frame. The boundary button FBB turns the display of the boundary line FBL for that division on and off. Each time the user touches the boundary button FBB on the screen, it switches on and off. When the boundary button FBB is turned on, the boundary line FBL is displayed in the image display area EA1. Figure 26 shows the case when the display of the boundary line FBL is turned on. When the display of the boundary line is turned on, the boundary line will also be displayed in the printed image.

[0205] When the user touches the area to be combined in the image display area EA1, the touch panel 120 screen switches to the image selection screen (see Figure 15). The user selects the images to be combined on this screen. After selecting the images, the user returns to the collage image creation screen 221. At this time, the selected images are placed over the selected area and displayed.

[0206] Figure 27 shows an example of the collage image creation screen after selecting images.

[0207] The figure shows an example of the screen display when an image to be composited is selected by selecting the upper area of ​​the screen in a split frame where the frame is divided into upper and lower halves. As shown in the figure, the selected image is fitted and displayed in the selected area.

[0208] When you touch an image in a selected area and move your finger, the image's position will be adjusted. To change the selected image, touch the area where you want to change the image, and then touch the back button BB. This will switch the screen to the image selection screen (see Figure 15), allowing you to select an image. Alternatively, the images may be switched sequentially by flicking the screen within the selected area.

[0209] Select images for all areas of the divided frame to complete the collage image.

[0210] Each selected area of ​​the image can be individually edited using zoom, rotation, filter, and image quality correction functions. These functions are the same as those used in the Easy Print feature.

[0211] [Screen for switching between split frames] The split frame button EB5 displayed in the button display area EA2 is a button that invokes the function to switch between split frames. When the split frame button EB5 is touched, the screen switches to the operation screen (split frame switching operation screen) 222 for performing the split frame switching operation.

[0212] Figure 28 shows an example of the split frame switching operation screen.

[0213] On the split frame switching operation screen 222, in addition to the content displayed on the collage image creation screen 221, split frame selection buttons SFB1, SFB2, ... are displayed for selecting the split frame that can be switched. The user selects the desired split frame by touching the selection button on the screen.

[0214] Each button consists of a scaled-down image of the divided frame selected by that button. Therefore, its outline is similar to (or nearly similar to) the outline of the printed image.

[0215] The split frame selection buttons SFB1, SFB2, ... are displayed in the operation area EA3, similar to the template image selection buttons, and are displayed radially from a point set on a straight line passing through the center of the screen width. A certain number of split frame selection buttons SFB1, SFB2, ... are displayed in the operation area EA3. Other split frame selection buttons are displayed by scrolling, similar to the template image selection buttons (see Figure 24).

[0216] If the divided frame is switched, the image of each region will be selected again.

[0217] [Screen displayed when printing is performed] Once the collage image is complete, it can be printed. Printing is performed in the same way as with the easy print function. That is, you touch the print button PB on the screen to initiate printing. When printing is initiated, the image data of the print image (the generated collage image) is sent to the printer 10. The image transmission process is displayed as an animation, just like with the easy print function (see Figure 20).

[0218] (D) [Printing using the photo collage function] The following describes the procedure for printing images saved on the Smartphone 100 using the photo collage function. As mentioned above, the photo collage function divides a single image into multiple parts for printing. The general procedure is (1) selecting the layout, (2) selecting the images, and (3) issuing the print command. Image processing and editing can be performed as needed.

[0219] [Layout Selection Screen] On the top screen (see Figures 13 and 14), touching the photo collage button MB7 activates the photo collage function. When the photo collage function is activated, the touch panel 120 screen switches to the layout selection screen 230. This screen is used to select the layout for the split image.

[0220] Figure 29 shows an example of a layout selection screen.

[0221] As shown in the figure, the layout selection screen 230 displays a list of images for the selectable layouts. The images for the selectable layouts consist of images that mimic instant film, arranged according to the division pattern. The user selects the desired layout image by touching it on the screen.

[0222] [Image selection screen] On the layout selection screen 230, once a layout is selected, the touch panel 120 screen switches to the image selection screen 201 (see Figure 15). On this screen, the user selects the image to print.

[0223] [Print image confirmation screen] Once an image to be printed is selected, the touch panel 120 screen switches to the print image confirmation screen 231. This screen is for confirming the image to be printed (the print image).

[0224] Figure 30 shows an example of a print image confirmation screen in a photo composite.

[0225] In the print image confirmation screen 231 for composite photographs, the image display area is set according to the selected layout. Figure 30 shows an example of the display when generating a composite photograph divided into two sections vertically. In this case, two image display areas (the first image display area EA1a and the second image display area EA1b) are set. Frames FL1 and FL2 are displayed around each image display area.

[0226] In the print image confirmation screen 231 for composite photos, the layout button EB6 is added and displayed as a menu button for image editing. The layout button EB6 is a button that invokes the function to change the layout.

[0227] [Layout operation screen] When the layout button EB6 is touched, the screen switches to the layout change operation screen 232.

[0228] Figure 31 shows an example of the template switching operation screen.

[0229] On the layout change operation screen 232, in addition to the information displayed on the print image confirmation screen 231, the select buttons LB1, LB2, ... for the changeable layouts are displayed. The user selects the desired layout by touching the selection button on the screen. Each button consists of a reduced image of the layout selected by that button.

[0230] The layout selection buttons LB1, LB2, ... are displayed in the operation area EA3, similar to the filter selection buttons, and are arranged radially from a point set on a straight line passing through the center of the screen width. The display can also be scrolled by swiping.

[0231] [Screen displayed when printing is performed] The printing process is the same as with the easy print function. That is, you touch the print button PB on the screen to initiate printing. When printing is initiated, the image data of the print image is sent to the printer 10. The image transmission process is also displayed as an animation on the screen.

[0232] In the case of photo collages, multiple images will be printed according to the selected layout. Therefore, animations will also be displayed as images are sent one by one.

[0233] (D) [Printing using camera functions] The following describes the procedure for printing images using the camera's functions. The general procedure is (1) taking a picture, and (2) instructing the camera to print. Image processing and editing may be performed as needed.

[0234] [Shooting operation screen] When the camera button MB3 is touched on the top screen (see Figures 13 and 14), the camera function is activated. When the camera function is activated, the touch panel 120 screen switches to the shooting operation screen 240.

[0235] Figure 32 shows an example of the shooting operation screen.

[0236] On the shooting operation screen 240, the live view image LVI is displayed in the image display area EA1. Live view is a function that displays the image captured by the image sensor in real time.

[0237] Additionally, on the shooting operation screen 240, the camera's operation buttons are displayed in the button display area EA2. Specifically, the flash button CB1, in / out switch button CB2, shutter button CB3, timer button CB4, and date button CB5 are displayed. The flash button CB1 is used to switch the flash mode. The in / out switch button CB2 is used to switch between the front and rear cameras. The shutter button CB3 is used to initiate the shutter release. The timer button CB4 is used to switch the timer function on and off. The date button CB5 is used to switch the date function on and off. The date function is a function that imprints the date in a designated position on the printed image.

[0238] The user takes a picture by touching the shutter button CB3 while viewing the live view image LVI displayed in the image display area EA1.

[0239] [Print image confirmation screen] When a photo is taken, the touch panel 120 screen switches to the print image confirmation screen. This screen is the same as the print image confirmation screen 202 in Easy Print. The user can edit the image to be printed on this screen as needed. If no editing is required, the user touches the print button PB to initiate printing. When printing is initiated, the image data of the print image is sent to the printer 10. As with Easy Print, an animation of the image transmission is displayed when the image is sent (see Figure 20).

[0240] [Display status information] When a connection is established between the printer 10 and the smartphone 100, and the printer body 14 is lifted, the status information of the printer 10 is displayed on the screen of the smartphone 100.

[0241] When the printer body 14 is lifted, the movement is detected by the motion detection unit 66. When the movement of lifting the printer body 14 (the third movement) is detected by the motion detection unit 66, the printer 10 collects and acquires its own status information. Specifically, it acquires information on the number of printable pages and the battery level. Then, it sends the acquired information as status information to the smartphone 100.

[0242] When the smartphone 100 receives status information, it displays the status information of the printer 10 on the touch panel 120.

[0243] Figure 33 shows an example of how status information is displayed.

[0244] As shown in the figure, status information SI is displayed overlaid on the current display. Figure 33 shows an example where the printer body 14 is lifted while the print image confirmation screen 202 of Easy Print is displayed.

[0245] The example shown in Figure 33 displays a circle, and within that circle, it shows status information including the number of printable pages (remaining film count) SI1 and the battery level information SI2. The example shown in Figure 32 also shows an example where the name of the connected printer 10 (for example, the model name) is also displayed.

[0246] In this way, by displaying the status information of the printer 10, even when using a printer that does not have a display, such as the printer 10 in this embodiment, its status can be understood. This improves the convenience of the system.

[0247] In addition, status information is also displayed on the top screen (see Figures 13 and 14), and similarly, if the printer body 14 is lifted while the top screen is displayed, the status information SI will also be displayed.

[0248] Regarding the display of the status information SI, it is preferable to adopt a configuration that allows the user to arbitrarily select on and off. That is, it is preferable to adopt a configuration that enables selection of a setting where the status information SI is not displayed even when the printer main body 14 is lifted. Moreover, it is more preferable to adopt a configuration that enables individual setting of on and off for each scenario. For example, it is more preferable to adopt a configuration that enables a setting to always turn off the display on the top screen. The setting of on and off of the display is performed on the setting screen of the print application. The setting screen is called by touching the setting button SEB on the top screen.

[0249] [Relationship between the movement of the printer main body and the display on the touch panel of the smartphone] FIG. 34 is a table showing the relationship between the movement of the printer main body and the display on the touch panel of the smartphone.

[0250] As shown in the figure, when the top screen is displayed on the touch panel 120 of the smartphone 100, when the printer main body 14 is placed vertically, the first top screen 200A is displayed as the top screen. On the other hand, when the printer main body 14 is placed horizontally, the second top screen 200B is displayed as the top screen.

[0251] On the first top screen 200A, function buttons (compatibility diagnosis button MB4, template print button MB5, collage print button MB6, and group photo button MB7) including play elements and work creation elements are displayed large and prominently. Therefore, when the user wants to create a work or the like, when displaying the top screen, the printer main body 14 is placed vertically. Thereby, the target function can be easily activated.

[0252] On the other hand, on the second top screen 200B, buttons for functions that can be easily printed (easy print button MB1, video print button MB2, and camera button MB3) are displayed large and prominently. Therefore, when the user wants to print easily, when displaying the top screen, the printer main body 14 is placed horizontally. Thereby, the target function can be easily activated.

[0253] Also, as shown in FIG. 34, when the printer main body 14 is lifted in a state where the connection between the printer 10 and the smartphone 100 is established, status information SI is displayed on the screen of the touch panel 120 of the smartphone 100. Thereby, the state of the printer 10 can be grasped instantly.

[0254] [Modified Example] When the communication connection with the printer 10 cannot be established when the print application is started, it is preferable to display either the first top screen or the second top screen as the default top screen. For example, if the communication connection with the printer 10 cannot be established within a certain time after starting the print application, the first top screen is displayed as the default top screen. Note that a configuration may be adopted in which the user can select and set the top screen to be displayed when the communication connection with the printer 10 cannot be established. Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which the previously displayed top screen is displayed.

[0255] Also, switching the top screen in relation to the printer 10 may be limited to only when the print application is started. That is, in a case where the top screen is displayed again after the print application is started (for example, when the top button TB is touched to display the top screen), the top screen at startup is displayed. For example, if the first top screen is displayed at startup, the first top screen is displayed as the top screen until the print application is terminated.

[0256] Furthermore, if the orientation of the printer unit 14 is changed while the top screen is displayed, the top screen may also be configured to change accordingly. This makes it easy to switch between top screens.

[0257] In this embodiment, two types of top screens are provided, but the types of top screens are not limited to these. Multiple types can be provided depending on the movement of the printer body 14 to be detected. When the printer is placed horizontally, a distinction can be made between placing it with the front side facing up and placing it with the front side facing down, and a top screen can be prepared for each case. Furthermore, it is also possible to detect movement where the printer is placed with the right side or left side facing down and prepare a top screen for each case.

[0258] Furthermore, the configuration of the top screen is not limited to that of the above embodiment, and can be configured according to the functions provided by the print application.

[0259] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the last printed image is displayed on each top screen, but this image can be omitted. Also, if the last printed image is displayed on the top screen as in the above embodiment, this image may function as a reprint instruction button. That is, when the user touches this part of the image, the image is set as the print image and the easy print screen is launched. This allows for easy reprint operation on the smartphone. Alternatively, this image may function as a print history confirmation button. That is, when the user touches this part of the image, the screen switches to a screen that plays back images that have been printed so far. On the print history playback screen, for example, the images that have been printed so far are played back in order frame by frame according to the user's frame-by-frame instruction (for example, a horizontal swipe operation) (the prints are played back in order from newest to oldest). Note that in order to operate this function, it is necessary to separately store print history information.

[0260] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the printer 10 displays information on the number of printable pages and the remaining battery level as status information, but the information displayed as status information for the printer 10 is not limited to this. In addition, for example, if the printer 10 is equipped with an image storage unit, information on the number of pages that can be stored, information on available storage space, etc., may be acquired and displayed.

[0261] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the printer body 14 is lifted to display the status information SI, but the movement assigned to displaying the status information SI is not limited to this.

[0262] Furthermore, if the printer body is equipped with a light-emitting unit, it is preferable to illuminate the unit in conjunction with the detection of a specific movement. In particular, if the printer body is equipped with a light-emitting unit (power button 16) capable of color illumination, as in the printer 10 of this embodiment, it is preferable for the light-emitting control unit 80E to illuminate the light-emitting unit with an illumination color and / or illumination pattern corresponding to the movement detected by the motion detection unit 66. For example, if it is detected that the printer body 14 is placed vertically, the power button 16, which is the light-emitting unit, is illuminated in red. On the other hand, if it is detected that the printer is placed horizontally, it is illuminated in blue. This makes it possible to visually confirm that the orientation has been detected correctly.

[0263] [Second Embodiment] In the printing system of the above embodiment, the display on the smartphone 100 is controlled according to the movement of the printer body 14. In this embodiment, the printing system further controls the operation of the printer itself according to the movement of the printer body 14. Specifically, it reprints the image according to a specific movement. Also, it turns off the power of the printer 10 according to a specific movement.

[0264] Figure 35 is a block diagram of the main functions implemented by the printer microcontroller of this embodiment of the printer.

[0265] This device differs from the printer 10 in the above embodiment in that the print control unit 80C reprints the previously printed image based on the detection result of the motion detection unit 66, and the power control unit 80F turns off the power to the printer 10 based on the detection result of the motion detection unit 66. Therefore, only these differences will be explained below.

[0266] The print control unit 80C executes a reprint process when the printer body 14 is lifted and inverted for a certain period of time. The movement of inverting the printer body 14 is the movement of lifting the printer body 14 and pointing the output port 18 downwards (the fourth movement). The certain period of time is, for example, 5 seconds. Furthermore, "pointing downwards" here includes a range that is considered to be substantially pointed vertically downwards. That is, it includes a range that is considered to be almost downwards.

[0267] The motion detection unit 66 detects a movement in which the printer body 14 is lifted and turned upside down, and if this state is maintained for a certain period of time, the image data of the previously printed image is read from the printer storage unit 62 by the image acquisition unit 80A and acquired. The acquired image data is added to the print data generation unit 80B and converted into a data format that can be printed by the print unit. The print control unit 80C acquires the print data from the print data generation unit 80B and prints it onto the instant film 12. This reprints the previously printed image.

[0268] The power control unit 80F detects a movement (the fifth movement) in which the printer body 14 is placed horizontally and the power button 16 is pointed downwards (vertically downwards) by the movement detection unit 66, and if this state is maintained for a certain period of time, it turns off the power to the printer 10. This period of time is, for example, 10 seconds. Therefore, for example, if the printer is placed horizontally with the power button 16 pointing downwards, the power will be automatically turned off after a certain period of time has elapsed since it was placed horizontally.

[0269] Figure 36 is a table showing the relationship between the movement of the printer body and the operation of the printer.

[0270] As shown in the figure, when the printer main body 14 is lifted and turned upside down, after a certain period of time, the previously printed image will be reprinted. This enables easy reprinting.

[0271] Also, as shown in the figure, when the printer main body 14 is placed horizontally and the power button 16 is turned downward, the power of the printer 10 will be turned off after a certain period of time. For example, when the printer main body 14 is placed horizontally with the power button 16 turned downward, the power of the printer 10 will be turned off after a certain period of time. This enables easy power-off.

[0272] In the case of a configuration where the power is turned off when the power button 16 is turned downward, such as in the printer 10 of this embodiment, when changing the top screen of the print app to the second top screen, the printer main body 14 is placed horizontally with the power button 16 turned upward. Also, the "turned downward" here includes the range recognized as being substantially vertically downward. That is, it includes the range recognized as being almost downward.

[0273] [Modification Example] In the above embodiment, when the printer main body 14 is turned upside down for a certain period of time or more, the configuration is such that the previously printed image is reprinted. However, the operation of the printer main body 14 assigned to the reprinting process is not limited to this. Additionally, for example, when the printer main body 14 is turned upside down and tilted for a certain period of time or more, a configuration can be adopted where the previously printed image is reprinted. Preferably, when the printer main body 14 is tilted with the discharge port 18 facing downward within a predetermined angle range, a reprinting configuration is adopted. For example, when the printer main body 14 is tilted with the discharge port 18 facing downward within the range of 30° to 60°, a reprinting configuration is adopted. Here, the "turned upside down and tilted" refers to the movement of tilting the printer main body 14 with the discharge port 18 facing downward.

[0274] The printer body 14 can also be configured to reprint by combining the movement of turning it upside down or tilting it upside down with other movements. For example, the printer body 14 can be configured to reprint by shaking it up and down after being turned upside down for a certain period of time or longer. In this case, the number of prints can be set according to the number of times it is shaken. For example, if the printer body 14 is turned upside down for a certain period of time or longer and then shaken up and down twice, it can be configured to reprint two pages.

[0275] Furthermore, the printer can be configured to reprint based on a combination of movement and operation buttons. For example, it can be configured so that reprinting occurs when the printer body 14 is turned upside down, or when the printer body 14 is turned upside down and tilted, and the power button 16 is pressed.

[0276] The same applies to turning off the printer 10; actions other than pointing the power button 16 downwards can be assigned to it. For example, tilting the power button 16 downwards can be assigned. Furthermore, it can be assigned in combination with other actions. It is also possible to configure the power to be turned off by a combination of action and operation button. For example, the power can be turned off by pointing the power button 16 downwards and pressing (short press) the power button 16 (normally, the power is turned off by long-pressing the power button 16).

[0277] Furthermore, the operation of the printer 10 controlled by the movement of the printer body 14 is not limited to that of the above embodiment. It can be set appropriately according to the functions of the printer 10.

[0278] Furthermore, even when controlling the operation of the printer itself in accordance with the movement of the printer body 14, as in this embodiment, it is preferable to illuminate the light-emitting part (power button 16) in accordance with the detected movement.

[0279] [Third Embodiment] In this embodiment, the printing system uses the printer 10 as a remote controller for the smartphone 100 to remotely control the smartphone 100.

[0280] The following explanation will use the case where the camera function of the smartphone 100 is remotely controlled by the printer 10 as an example.

[0281] Figure 37 is a block diagram of the main functions implemented by the printer microcontroller of this embodiment.

[0282] As shown in the figure, the printer microcontroller 80 of the printer 10 in this embodiment further includes the functions of a mode setting unit 80J and an operation signal transmission unit 80K.

[0283] The mode setting unit 80J sets the operating mode of the printer 10. In this embodiment, the printer 10 has two operating modes: printer mode and remote control mode. Printer mode is the mode in which the printer 10 is used as a normal printer. Remote control mode is the mode in which the printer 10 is used as a remote controller for the smartphone 100.

[0284] The mode setting unit 80J sets the operating mode of the printer 10 in response to a mode switching command sent from the smartphone 100. The printer 10 starts in printer mode when powered on. Therefore, it is set to remote control mode only when a command to switch to remote control mode is received from the smartphone 100. Mode switching is performed on the print application's operation screen. Accordingly, the print application includes a printer mode setting function as one of its menu items.

[0285] When the printer 10's operating mode is set to remote control mode, the operation signal transmission unit 80K transmits signals (operation signals) to operate the smartphone 100 in response to the movement of the printer body 14 detected by the motion detection unit 66 and the operation of the power button 16. Specifically, it transmits operation signals to operate the zoom of the camera unit (front camera unit 108A and rear camera unit 108B) and operation signals to operate the shutter release.

[0286] Zoom is controlled by the movement of the printer body 14. Specifically, the zoom is controlled by tilting the printer forward or backward from an upright position (vertical position) (seventh movement). In this embodiment, tilting forward (towards the front) zooms in on the telephoto side (zoom up), and tilting backward (towards the back) zooms in on the wide-angle side (zoom out). The zoom is a step zoom, zooming in and out by a constant zoom magnification each time the printer body 14 is tilted. The zoom operation signal is transmitted when the printer body 14 is tilted within a certain angular range. In this embodiment, zooming in occurs when tilting forward in the range of 30° to 60° (45°±15°), and zooming in occurs when tilting backward in the range of 30° to 60° (45°±15°). The zooming method is not particularly limited. If the target smartphone 100 has an optical zoom function, zooming in and out is performed by optical zoom. Furthermore, if the target smartphone 100 only has an electronic zoom function, zooming in and out will be done using the electronic zoom. If the target smartphone 100 has both optical zoom and electronic zoom functions, both zoom functions may be used. For example, if you want to zoom in further after zooming in to the telephoto end with optical zoom, you can switch to electronic zoom. Alternatively, the system may be configured to only function with one of the zoom functions, depending on the user's settings.

[0287] When the motion detection unit 66 detects that the printer body 14 is tilted forward, the operation signal transmission unit 80K transmits a zoom-up operation signal to the smartphone 100 via the wireless communication unit 56. Also, when the motion detection unit 66 detects that the printer body 14 is tilted backward, the operation signal transmission unit 80K transmits a zoom-out operation signal to the smartphone 100 via the wireless communication unit 56.

[0288] Furthermore, when the operation detection unit 50 detects 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.

[0289] When the smartphone 100 sets the printer 10's operating mode to printer mode, upon receiving a zoom operation signal from the printer 10, it operates the zoom of the camera unit (front camera unit 108A or rear camera unit 108B) via the shooting control unit 100C. Furthermore, upon receiving a shutter release operation signal, it executes the recording process via the shooting control unit 100C.

[0290] Note that the shooting control unit 100C in the smartphone 100 is an example of a terminal control unit. Also, the communication control unit 100F is an example of an operation signal receiving unit.

[0291] Figure 38 is a table showing the relationship between the printer's movement in remote control mode and the smartphone's camera operation.

[0292] As shown in the figure, when the printer 10 is set to remote control mode and the printer body 14 is tilted forward, a zoom-up operation signal is sent from the printer 10 to the smartphone 100. The smartphone 100 receives this zoom-up operation signal and operates the zoom of the camera unit (front camera unit 108A or rear camera unit 108B) to the telephoto side.

[0293] Furthermore, 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 this zoom-out operation signal and moves the camera's zoom to the wide-angle side.

[0294] Furthermore, when the power button 16 is pressed (short press), a shutter release signal is sent from the printer 10 to the smartphone 100. The smartphone 100 receives this shutter release signal and performs the shooting process for recording.

[0295] Thus, according to the printing system of this embodiment, the printer 10 can be used as a remote controller for the smartphone 100. This further improves convenience during shooting.

[0296] [Differentiation] In the above embodiment, the zoom of the smartphone 100's camera was explained using the example of tilting the printer body 14 forward and backward. However, the actions assigned to the zoom operation are not limited to this. For example, the zoom can be operated by tilting the printer body left and right. The zoom can also be operated by operating an operating member provided on the printer body. Furthermore, the zoom can be operated by a combination of an operating member provided on the printer body and movement.

[0297] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the printer body 14 is configured to zoom in and out at a constant zoom magnification each time it is tilted, but the zoom operation is not limited to this. For example, it is also possible to configure it to zoom continuously while it is tilted.

[0298] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the release is operated by pressing the power button 16, but the operation assigned to the release is not limited to this. For example, the release operation may be assigned to a specific movement (sixth movement) of the printer body 14. For example, the release can be operated by shaking the printer body 14 up and down. Alternatively, the release may be operated by a combination of a specific movement of the printer body 14 and the operation of an operating member.

[0299] Furthermore, although the above embodiment was described using the example of remotely controlling the camera unit of the smartphone 100 using the printer 10, the objects of operation are not limited to this. For example, in image playback, frame-by-frame forward and / or backward can be operated by tilting the printer body 14 back and forth.

[0300] Furthermore, when remotely controlling the camera unit, the operations that can be remotely controlled are not limited to zooming and shutter release. Other operations can also be targeted. For example, switching between shooting modes (shutter speed priority mode, aperture priority mode, auto mode, etc.), switching shutter speeds, switching aperture values, switching sensitivity, etc., may be remotely controlled by the movement of the printer body 14 and / or by operating the operating members provided on the printer body 14.

[0301] Furthermore, the system may be configured so that the user can arbitrarily set the operation of the smartphone 100 and the operation of the printer body 14 assigned to that operation (a so-called customization function). The operations to be assigned can include, for example, tilting the printer body 14, shaking it up and down, shaking it back and forth, shaking it left and right, shaking it diagonally, flipping it up and down, flipping it front and back, etc. These operations may also be combined with the operation of the operating parts provided on the printer body 14. When making an assignment, the operation to be assigned may be actually performed and detected by the motion detection unit 66, and the detected operation may be assigned to a specific operation. For example, if tilting the printer body 14 back and forth is assigned to the zoom operation of the camera unit, the printer body 14 is actually tilted back and forth, the motion is detected by the motion detection unit 66, and the operation is assigned to the zoom operation. This allows for the reflection of each user's habits in how they move, further improving usability.

[0302] In this embodiment as well, it is preferable to illuminate the light-emitting unit (power button 16) in response to the detected movement of the printer body 14.

[0303] In the above embodiment, a case in which a terminal (smartphone 100) is remotely controlled by a printer 10 was described. However, a similar operating system (a system for remotely controlling a terminal) can be configured by using a device equipped with a function to detect the movement of the main unit (a device equipped with a motion detection unit). For example, an operating system can be configured to operate a terminal using a portable electronic device equipped with a motion detection unit that detects the movement of the main unit. In particular, an operating system can be configured in which a terminal equipped with a camera is operated by the movement of the portable electronic device, or by operating an operating member provided on the portable electronic device.

[0304] [Other embodiments] [Screen transition animation display] If the orientation of the printer body 14 is changed while the top screen is displayed, it is preferable to display the screen switching with an animation. For example, if the orientation of the printer body 14 is changed from vertical to horizontal while the first top screen 200A is displayed, the top screen switches from the first top screen 200A to the second top screen 200B, and it is preferable to display this switching with an animation. Similarly, if the orientation of the printer body 14 is changed from horizontal to vertical while the second top screen 200B is displayed, the top screen switches from the second top screen 200B to the first top screen 200A, and it is preferable to display this switching with an animation.

[0305] Figure 39 shows an example of an animation display for the top screen transition. The figure shows the animation transitions in chronological order (displayed frame by frame at predetermined intervals).

[0306] When switching from the first top screen 200A to the second top screen 200B, the screens transition in the order of screen 200a, screen 200b, ..., screen 200r, screen 200s before switching 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 screens transition in the order of screen 200s, screen 200r, ..., screen 200b, screen 200a before switching to the first top screen 200A.

[0307] In this way, the animation of screen transitions makes the transitions clearer and improves usability. Furthermore, it makes it easier for users to recognize that the screen changes depending on the orientation of the printer unit 14, enabling intuitive operation. Moreover, it can provide users with an enjoyable experience.

[0308] [Example of print instruction operation] In the above embodiment, the print command for the image displayed in the image display area EA1 is issued by touching the print button PB displayed in the button display area EA2. Alternatively, or in addition to the above method, the print command may be issued by the following method: that is, the print command is issued by swiping or flicking the screen over the print image PI or frame FL displayed in the image display area EA1.

[0309] Figure 40 is a conceptual diagram of the operation when instructing a print command using a flick gesture.

[0310] As shown in the diagram, touch the frame FL displayed on the screen with your finger and slide it upwards to initiate printing.

[0311] As described above, when a print command is issued, an animation of the image transmission is displayed. The direction of movement of the print image PI during the animation matches the direction of the print command operation. This enables intuitive operation and further improves usability.

[0312] [Cancel printing] It is preferable to allow printing to be canceled as needed. In particular, allowing printing to be canceled before it starts can further improve the usability of the printing system.

[0313] One way to instruct a user to cancel printing from their mobile device is to display a button on the screen that instructs them to cancel printing.

[0314] Figure 41 shows an example of a screen that accepts a print cancellation request. The same figure shows an example of a screen that accepts a print cancellation request while an image is being sent.

[0315] As described above, when printing is instructed, an animation of the image transmission is displayed. Overlaid on the print image PI during the animation display is a message MI1 ("Image Transferring") indicating that the image is being transmitted, and a print cancel button PCB. The print cancel button PCB is a button that instructs the printer to cancel the print. The print cancel button PCB consists of a button with the word "cancel" written inside a rectangular frame.

[0316] Message MI1 and the print cancel button PCB move along with the print image PI during animation display. Therefore, they eventually disappear from the top edge of the screen. Touching the print cancel button PCB during display will cancel the print operation.

[0317] If the print cancel button PCB is touched after the print command is issued, and the print is canceled, the print image PI moves in the reverse direction and returns to its original position. That is, it moves downwards and returns to the position it was in before the movement started (see screen 206A in Figure 20).

[0318] By displaying the print cancel button on the PCB in this way, users can understand that they can stop printing and the time limit for doing so, thereby improving usability.

[0319] [Examples of how to perform image editing operations on the screen] Images to be printed can be enlarged and rotated using specific gestures. For example, pinching out and pinching in on the image displayed in the image display area EA1 will enlarge and reduce the image. Swiping on the image displayed in the image display area EA1 will move the image in the direction of the operation. Additionally, touching the image displayed in the image display area EA1 with two fingers (for example, the thumb and index finger) and rotating (twisting) it will rotate the image. A pinch-in operation is when you touch the screen with two fingers (for example, the thumb and index finger) and move them as if pinching. A pinch-out operation is when you touch the screen with two fingers (for example, the thumb and index finger) and move them as if spreading them apart.

[0320] Furthermore, when performing operations such as zooming, moving, and rotating using on-screen gestures, it is preferable to have a configuration that allows switching the function on and off. For example, a configuration can be adopted in which the function can be switched on and off by touching the frame FL surrounding the printed image PI. In this case, each time the frame FL is touched, the function will alternately switch between on and off.

[0321] Furthermore, when performing operations such as zooming, moving, and rotating using on-screen gestures, it is preferable to display a guide screen for these operations.

[0322] Figure 42 shows an example of an operation guide screen.

[0323] As shown in the figure, a message MI2 ("You can edit the image by making gestures on the image.") indicating that the image can be enlarged, moved, and rotated by gestures on the screen is displayed on the print image confirmation screen 202. This message MI2 is displayed, for example, when the print image confirmation screen 202 is first displayed.

[0324] In the example shown in Figure 42, an OK button (OKB) is displayed to prompt the user for confirmation. Message MI2 disappears from the screen when the OK button (OKB) is touched. It is preferable to allow the user to select whether to display or hide message MI2 in the settings.

[0325] Furthermore, as in this example, when images are enlarged and rotated using on-screen gestures, the display of the button that invokes the enlargement and rotation functions (Enlarge & Rotate button EB1) can be omitted. Figure 42 shows an example where the display of the Enlarge & Rotate button is omitted.

[0326] [Variations in button layout] In the above embodiment, the printed buttons PB are arranged on a straight line passing through the center in the width direction within the button display area EA2. However, the type of buttons arranged on this straight line passing through the center is not limited to this. Buttons for other functions may also be arranged.

[0327] However, on the operation screen for printing, the print button PB can be placed on a straight line passing through the center in the width direction and displayed in a larger size than other buttons, making the print instruction operation clearer.

[0328] 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 for other functions may also be displayed in the button display area EA2. For example, the settings button SEB may be displayed.

[0329] [Example of an image editing menu] In the above embodiment, we have described an example where the image editing menu includes functions for zooming and rotating, filtering, and image quality correction. However, the items that can be provided in the image editing menu are not limited to these. In place of the above items, or in addition to the above items, other image editing functions may be provided. For example, noise reduction and sharpness adjustment may be provided.

[0330] Additionally, the touch panel could be used to allow users to write text, draw pictures, or place stamps on images (a so-called drawing mode). Furthermore, a keyboard could be displayed on the screen, allowing users to copy entered text. For example, text could be copied into the blank areas.

[0331] [Screenshot when the printer is not connected] If printer 10 is not connected (if communication with printer 10 has not been established), a communication connection button may be displayed instead of the print button on each operation screen.

[0332] Figure 43 shows an example of how the communication connection button is displayed. This figure shows an example of how the communication connection button is displayed on the operation screen of the Simple Print function.

[0333] As shown in the figure, the communication connection button CCB is displayed in place of the print button. The communication connection button CCB is a button used to establish a communication connection with the printer 10. When the communication connection button CCB is touched, a process is performed to detect a communicable printer 10, and a process is performed to establish communication with the detected printer 10. At this time, a screen for setting up communication is displayed on the touch panel 120 of the smartphone 100. For example, a screen is displayed in which a list of communicable printers is displayed and the printer to connect to is selected.

[0334] [Other printer examples] In the above embodiment, the example described was one in which the printer is an instant printer, but the printer configuration is not limited to this. In addition, it can be applied to various types of printers, such as thermal printers that print on thermal paper, thermal transfer printers that print using ink ribbons, and inkjet printers that print using an inkjet method. Furthermore, there are no particular limitations on the type of media used, and it can be applied to printers that print on roll paper as well as sheet paper. Moreover, it can be applied to printers that print on labels (including stickers), etc.

[0335] Furthermore, although the above embodiment described the application of the present invention to a mobile printer as an example, the application of the present invention is not limited to this. It can also be applied to so-called stationary type printers.

[0336] [Other examples of devices] In the embodiments described above, the terminal was described using a smartphone as an example, but the terminal to which the present invention can be applied is not limited to this. The present invention can be similarly applied to any device that is wirelessly connected to a printer and has a screen for operating it. Therefore, for example, in addition to smartphones, tablet terminals, PDAs (Personal Data Assistance), and notebook computers can be used as terminals. Furthermore, in addition to these mobile computers, digital cameras equipped with wireless communication functions can also be used as terminals. In this case, the operation screen is displayed on a monitor (such as a rear monitor) provided on the digital camera to operate the printer. Similarly, portable game consoles, mobile phones, etc. equipped with wireless communication functions can also be used as terminals.

[0337] [Hardware configuration of printer and terminal control units] The functions of the printer and terminal control units can be comprised of various processors. Various types of processors include CPUs (Central Processing Units), which are general-purpose processors that execute programs and function as various processing units; Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs), such as FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), which are processors whose circuit configuration can be changed after manufacturing; and Dedicated Electrical Circuits, such as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), which are processors with circuit configurations specifically designed to perform particular processing. One processing unit constituting an inspection support device may be composed of one of the above types of processors, or it may be composed of two or more processors of the same or different type. For example, one processing unit may be composed of multiple FPGAs, or a combination of a CPU and an FPGA. Alternatively, multiple processing units may be composed of one processor. Examples of composing multiple processing units with one processor include, firstly, a configuration in which one processor is composed of a combination of one or more CPUs and software, as is typical of computers such as clients and servers, and this processor functions as multiple processing units. Secondly, a configuration using a processor that realizes the functions of the entire system, including multiple processing units, on a single IC (Integrated Circuit) chip, as is typical of System-on-a-Chip (SoC) systems. Thus, each processing unit is configured using one or more of the above-mentioned processors as its hardware structure. Furthermore, the hardware structure of these various processors is more specifically an electrical circuit, which is a combination of circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

[0338] [Variations in communication methods] In the above embodiment, the case where a printer and a mobile terminal communicate using short-range wireless communication was described as an example, but the communication method is not particularly limited. Any known wireless communication method can be used.

[0339] [Motion detection unit] The motion detection unit 66 only needs to be able to detect at least the assigned motion. Therefore, depending on the motion to be detected, it may consist only of an acceleration sensor, or it may consist only of a gyroscope sensor.

[0340] [Operating components included in the printer] In the printer of the above embodiment, the printer body is equipped only with a power button as an operating element, but other operating elements (so-called mechanical switches) may also be provided. For example, a separate reprint button for reprinting may be provided.

[0341] Furthermore, as in the above embodiment, the configuration can be simplified by limiting the operating elements on the printer body to only the power button.

[0342] [Modified version of the light-emitting part] In the printer of the above embodiment, the power button is configured to emit light, but a separate light-emitting unit may also be provided. Furthermore, this light-emitting unit may be provided in multiple locations. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0343] 10 Printers 12 Instant Films 12a Exposure surface 12b Observation surface 12c exposure area 12d Pod Section 12e Developer Pod 12f Trap section 12g absorbent material 12h Observation Area 12i frame 14. Printer body 16 Power button 18 Outlet 20 Film pack lids 22. Lock release lever 24 USB cable connector cover 30 Film pack loading chamber 32 Film transport mechanism 32a Claw 34 Film transport mechanism 34A Conveyor Roller Pair 34B Deployment Roller 36 printheads 40 Film Pack 42 cases 42a Exposure aperture 42b Film output port 42c Claw opening 50 Operation detection unit 52 Light source section 56 Wireless Communication Section 56A Antenna 58 Power supply section 62 Printer storage unit 66 Motion detection unit 68 Film transport mechanism drive unit 70 Film transport mechanism drive unit 72 Printhead Control Unit 80 Printer Microcontroller 80A Image acquisition unit 80B Print Data Generation Unit 80C Print Control Unit 80D Representative Color Detection Unit 80E Light Emission Control Unit 80F Power Control Unit 80G Control Signal Transmitter 80H Status Information Acquisition Unit 80I Status Information Transmission Unit 80J Mode Setting Section 80K control signal transmission unit 100 Smartphones 100A Display Control Unit 100B Input Control Unit 100C Image Capture Control Unit 100D Playback Control Unit 100E Image Processing Unit 100F Communication Control Unit 101 CPU 102 ROM 103 RAM 104 Internal memory 105 displays 106 Touchpad 107 GPS receiver 108A Front Camera Section 108B Rear Camera Section 109 Microphone section 110 Speaker section 111 Wireless Communication Section 111A Antenna 112 Near Field Wireless Communication Department 112A antenna 113 Sensor section 114 Media Drive 115 memory card 120 Touch Panel 200 Top screen 200A First top screen 200B Second Top Screen 200a~200s Screen 201 Image selection screen, which is part of the animation that transitions between top screens. 201A Cancel button 202 Print Image Confirmation Screen 203 Rotation Operation Screen 204 Filter operation screen 205 Image Quality Correction Operation Screen 206A~206C Screen 210 Template selection screen, which makes up one frame of the animation when printing is instructed. 212 Template switching operation screen 220-frame selection screen 221 Collage image creation screen 222-frame switching operation screen 230 Layout Selection Screen 231 Print Image Confirmation Screen 232 Layout Change Operation Screen 240 Shooting operation screen BB Back Button CB1 Flash Button CB2 Output Switching Button CB3 Shutter Button CB4 Timer Button CB5 Date Button CCB Communication Connection Button E3 operation area EA1 Image display area EA1a First image display area EA1b Second image display area EA2 Button Display Area EA3 operating area EB1 Rotation Button EB2 filter button EB3 Image Quality Correction Button EB4 Template Button EB5 Split Frame Button EB6 Layout Buttons F Instant film feeding direction FB1 Normal Button FB2 Monochrome Button FB3 Sepia Button FB4 Auto Button FBB Boundary Button FBL Border FL print frame surrounding the image FL1: A frame surrounding the images that make up a composite photograph. FL2: A frame surrounding the images that make up a composite photograph. FLO Image Display Frame LB1, LB2, ... Layout selection buttons LIM Last printed image LVI Live View Images MA1 1st Group Display Area MA2 2nd Group Display Area MA3 Status Information Display Area MB1 Easy Print Button MB2 Video Print Button MB3 Camera Button MB4 Compatibility Test Button MB5 Template Print Button MB6 Collage Print Buttons MB7 Photo Assembly Button MG1 Group 1 MG2 Group 2 MI1 Message MI2 Message NB1 Magnification Slide Bar Knob NB2 Rotation Slide Bar Knob NB3 Brightness adjustment slider knob NB4 Contrast Adjustment Slide Bar Knob NB5 Adjustment Slide Bar Knob OKB OK button PB Print Button PI print image R + Scroll direction R - Scroll direction RSB Reset Button S1~S10 Procedure for displaying the top screen when the print application is launched SB1 Magnification Slide Bar SB2 Rotating Slide Bar SB3 Brightness Adjustment Slide Bar SB4 Contrast Adjustment Slide Bar SB5 Saturation Adjustment Slide Bar SEB Settings Button SFB1 Split Frame Selection Button SFB2 Split Frame Selection Button SI Status Information SI1 Printable Pages (Remaining Film) Information SI2 Battery Level Information TB Top Button TB1, TB2, ... Template image selection button

Claims

1. A portable electronic device capable of communicating wirelessly with a terminal, A motion detection unit that detects the tilting motion of the main body, the shaking motion of the main body, and a third motion relative to the main body, Processor and Equipped with, The aforementioned processor, In response to the detection of a tilting motion of the main unit, an operation signal is sent to the terminal to perform a zoom operation on the camera provided in the terminal. In response to the detection of shaking motion of the main unit, an operation signal is transmitted to the terminal to perform a shutter release operation on the camera provided in the terminal. In response to the detection of the third movement, the system acquires status information of the portable electronic device to be displayed on the display unit of the terminal and transmits it to the terminal. Portable electronic devices.

2. The motion detection unit further detects the first and second movements relative to the main body. The aforementioned processor, In response to the detection of the first movement, a first control signal is transmitted to the terminal to cause the terminal's display unit to display a first operation screen. In response to the detection of the second movement, a second control signal is transmitted to the terminal to cause the terminal's display unit to display a second operation screen. The portable electronic device according to claim 1.

3. It is further equipped with a light-emitting section, The processor, when the motion detection unit detects a tilting motion of the main body, and when the motion detection unit detects a shaking motion of the main body, causes the light-emitting unit to emit light in a light-emitting color and / or light-emitting pattern corresponding to the detected movement of the main body. The portable electronic device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A portable electronic device capable of communicating wirelessly with a terminal, A motion detection unit that detects the tilting motion of the main body and the shaking motion of the main body, Processor and Equipped with, The processor, in response to the detection of tilting motion of the main unit, transmits operation signals to the terminal for frame-by-frame advancement and / or frame-by-frame rewind of the image played back on the terminal, and in response to the detection of shaking motion of the main unit, transmits an operation signal to the terminal for the release of the camera provided on the terminal. Portable electronic devices.

5. The processor, in combination with the operation of the operating member provided on the main body, transmits the release operation signal to the terminal when a shaking motion of the main body is detected. The portable electronic device according to claim 4.

6. It is further equipped with a light-emitting section, The processor, when the motion detection unit detects a tilting motion of the main body, and when the motion detection unit detects a shaking motion of the main body, causes the light-emitting unit to emit light in a light-emitting color and / or light-emitting pattern corresponding to the detected movement of the main body. The portable electronic device according to claim 4 or 5.

7. The motion detection unit further detects a third movement relative to the main body, The processor, in response to the detection of the third movement, acquires status information of the portable electronic device to be displayed on the display unit of the terminal and transmits it to the terminal. A portable electronic device according to any one of claims 4 to 6.

8. The motion detection unit further detects the first and second movements relative to the main body. The aforementioned processor, In response to the detection of the first movement, a first control signal is transmitted to the terminal to cause the terminal's display unit to display a first operation screen. In response to the detection of the second movement, a second control signal is transmitted to the terminal to cause the terminal's display unit to display a second operation screen. A portable electronic device according to any one of claims 4 to 7.

9. A portable electronic device capable of communicating wirelessly with a terminal, A motion detection unit that detects the movement of the main unit, Processor and Equipped with, The aforementioned processor, The system receives and sets from the user multiple operations of the terminal to be operated, and the operation of the main unit to be assigned to each of the multiple operations of the terminal. When the motion detection unit detects the set movement of the main unit, it transmits an operation signal to the terminal corresponding to the detected movement of the main unit. Portable electronic devices.

10. The movement of the main body is set in combination with the operation of the operating member provided on the main body. The portable electronic device according to claim 9.

11. The movement of the main body to be assigned is a movement that tilts the main body, a movement that shakes it, a movement that inverts it up and down, or a movement that inverts it front and back. The portable electronic device according to claim 9 or 10.

12. The operation of the terminal to be operated is the zoom operation, shutter release operation, shooting mode switching operation, shutter speed switching operation, aperture value switching operation, sensitivity switching operation, or image playback operation of the camera unit provided in the terminal. A portable electronic device according to any one of claims 9 to 10.

13. It is further equipped with a light-emitting section, When the motion detection unit detects the set movement of the main unit, the processor causes the light-emitting unit to emit light in a light-emitting color and / or light-emitting pattern corresponding to the detected movement of the main unit. A portable electronic device according to any one of claims 9 to 12.

14. The motion detection unit further detects a third movement relative to the main body, The processor, in response to the detection of the third movement, acquires status information of the portable electronic device to be displayed on the display unit of the terminal and transmits it to the terminal. A portable electronic device according to any one of claims 9 to 13.

15. The motion detection unit further detects the first and second movements relative to the main body. The aforementioned processor, In response to the detection of the first movement, a first control signal is transmitted to the terminal to cause the terminal's display unit to display a first operation screen. In response to the detection of the second movement, a second control signal is transmitted to the terminal to cause the terminal's display unit to display a second operation screen. A portable electronic device according to any one of claims 9 to 14.

16. A portable electronic device capable of communicating wirelessly with a terminal, A motion detection unit that detects the movement of the main unit assigned to each of the multiple operations of the terminal, Light-emitting part, Processor and Equipped with, The aforementioned processor, The operation signal for the terminal corresponding to the detected movement of the main unit is transmitted to the terminal. When the movement of the main unit assigned to each of the multiple operations of the terminal is detected, the light-emitting unit is made to emit light in a light-emitting color and / or light-emitting pattern corresponding to the detected movement of the main unit. Portable electronic devices.

17. The motion detection unit further detects a third movement relative to the main body, The processor, in response to the detection of the third movement, acquires status information of the portable electronic device to be displayed on the display unit of the terminal and transmits it to the terminal. The portable electronic device according to claim 16.

18. The motion detection unit further detects the first and second movements relative to the main body. The aforementioned processor, In response to the detection of the first movement, a first control signal is transmitted to the terminal to cause the terminal's display unit to display a first operation screen. In response to the detection of the second movement, a second control signal is transmitted to the terminal to cause the terminal's display unit to display a second operation screen. The portable electronic device according to claim 16 or 17.

19. A method for remotely controlling a terminal using a portable electronic device capable of wireless communication with the terminal, The aforementioned portable electronic device is The motion detection unit provided in the portable electronic device detects tilting motion of the main body of the portable electronic device, shaking motion of the main body, and a third motion relative to the main body. In response to the detection of a tilting motion of the main unit, an operation signal is sent to the terminal to perform a zoom operation on the camera provided in the terminal. In response to the detection of shaking motion of the main unit, an operation signal is transmitted to the terminal to perform a shutter release operation on the camera provided in the terminal. In response to the detection of the third movement, the system acquires status information of the portable electronic device to be displayed on the display unit of the terminal and transmits it to the terminal. How to operate.

20. A method for remotely controlling a terminal using a portable electronic device capable of wireless communication with the terminal, The aforementioned portable electronic device is The motion detection unit provided in the portable electronic device detects tilting and shaking movements of the main body of the portable electronic device. In response to the detection of tilting motion of the main unit, the system transmits operation signals to the terminal for frame-by-frame forward and / or frame-by-frame backward playback of the image played back on the terminal, and in response to the detection of shaking motion of the main unit, the system transmits an operation signal to the terminal for the release of the camera provided on the terminal. How to operate.

21. A method for remotely controlling a terminal using a portable electronic device capable of wireless communication with the terminal, The aforementioned portable electronic device is The system receives and sets from the user multiple operations of the terminal to be operated, and the operation of the main unit to be assigned to each of the multiple operations of the terminal. The motion detection unit provided in the portable electronic device detects the set movement of the main unit, In response to the detection of the configured movement of the main unit, an operation signal for the terminal corresponding to the detected movement of the main unit is transmitted to the terminal. How to operate.

22. A method for remotely controlling a terminal using a portable electronic device capable of wireless communication with the terminal, The aforementioned portable electronic device is The motion detection unit provided in the portable electronic device detects the movement of the main unit assigned to each of the multiple operations of the terminal, In response to the detection of movement of the main unit assigned to each of the multiple operations of the terminal, an operation signal for the terminal corresponding to the detected movement of the main unit is transmitted to the terminal, and a light-emitting part provided in the portable electronic device is made to emit light in a light-emitting color and / or light-emitting pattern corresponding to the detected movement of the main unit. How to operate.

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