Printer device, printing method, and program

Abstract

To provide a printer device, a printing method, and a program that can appropriately output an exposure start signal without requiring a film detection device.SOLUTION: A printer device includes a loading chamber into which a film cartridge is to be loaded, an exposure head device 25 that is disposed to face a photosensitive surface side of a film discharged from the film cartridge and exposes the film to light, a spreading roller 40 that splits a developer pod of the film to spread a developer to the film, transport rollers (35 and 39) that transport the film, and a load measuring device 49 that measures a change in load occurring in a case where the film enters at least the spreading roller or the transport roller.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a printer device, a printing method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] As a photosensitive instant film, a photosensitive sheet on the photosensitive surface (exposure surface) side that is photosensitive to the incident three primary colors (red, green, and blue), a cover sheet on the observation surface side opposite to the photosensitive surface, and one end (tip) of the instant film are provided. There is known an instant film composed of a developing solution pod containing a developing solution and a trap portion provided at the other end (rear end) of the instant film for recovering excess developing solution.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a technique related to printing when using the above-described instant film.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0005] One embodiment according to the technology of the present disclosure is to provide a printer device, a printing method, and a program that can appropriately output an exposure start signal without requiring a film detection device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A printer device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a loading chamber for loading a film cartridge containing a film filled with a developer, an exposure head device disposed opposite to the photosensitive surface side of the film discharged from the film cartridge for exposing the film, a developing roller for splitting the developer pod of the film and spreading the developer in the film, a transport roller for transporting the film, and a load measuring device for measuring at least a load change generated when the film enters the developing roller or the transport roller.

[0007] Preferably, the load measuring device includes a rotary encoder device, and the rotary encoder device is provided at an end of the rotation axis of the transport roller and outputs a pulse signal in accordance with the rotation of the transport roller.

[0008] Preferably, a processor for controlling the exposure head device based on the measurement result of the load measuring device is provided.

[0009] Preferably, the processor outputs an exposure start signal to the exposure head device based on the measurement result of the load measuring device and causes the exposure head device to start exposure.

[0010] Preferably, the processor outputs an exposure start signal based on a pulse time indicating a time interval between pulses in the pulse signal and a first threshold value.

[0011] Preferably, the processor outputs an exposure start signal when the pulse time continuously exceeds the first threshold value by a specified number of times.

[0012] Preferably, the processor sets the first threshold value based on the measurement result of the load measuring device during a first period after starting the transport of the film from the film cartridge and before the film enters the transport roller.

[0013] Preferably, the processor detects the timing when the film enters the developing roller based on the measurement result and outputs an exposure start signal.

[0014] Preferably, the processor outputs an exposure start signal based on the increase and decrease amounts of the pulse time indicating the time interval of the pulses in the pulse signal.

[0015] Preferably, the processor detects the timing when the film enters the conveyance roller based on the measurement result and outputs an exposure start signal.

[0016] Preferably, the processor controls the exposure by the exposure head device after outputting the exposure start signal in synchronization with the pulse signal output from the rotary encoder device.

[0017] Preferably, the exposure range in the film width direction of the exposure head device is larger than the photosensitive surface of the film.

[0018] Preferably, the developing roller is provided on the downstream side in the film conveyance direction of the exposure head device.

[0019] Preferably, the conveyance roller is disposed between the exposure head device and the developing roller.

[0020] Preferably, the distance between the exposure head device and the developing roller is equal to or less than the distance between the developing solution pod of the film and the photosensitive surface.

[0021] Preferably, it includes a photographing lens and an imaging element that images the image of the subject imaged by the photographing lens.

[0022] A camera with a printer device, which is another aspect of the present invention, mounts the above-described printer device.

[0023] Another aspect of the present invention, a printing method, includes a loading chamber for loading a film cartridge containing a film having a developing solution pod filled with a developing solution, an exposure head device disposed opposite to the photosensitive surface side of the film discharged from the film cartridge for exposing the film, a developing roller for splitting the developing solution pod of the film and spreading the developing solution in the film, and a conveying roller for conveying the film. The printing method of a printer device includes: a step of measuring, by a load measuring device of the printer device, at least a load change generated when the film enters the developing roller or the conveying roller; and a step of outputting, by a processor of the printer device, an exposure start signal to the exposure head device and starting exposure of the exposure head device based on the measurement result of the load measuring device.

[0024] Another aspect of the present invention, a program, is a program for causing a printer device including a loading chamber for loading a film cartridge containing a film having a developing solution pod filled with a developing solution, an exposure head device disposed opposite to the photosensitive surface side of the film discharged from the film cartridge for exposing the film, a developing roller for splitting the developing solution pod of the film and spreading the developing solution in the film, and a conveying roller for conveying the film to execute a printing method. The program causes the printer device to execute: a step of measuring, by a load measuring device of the printer device, at least a load change generated when the film enters the developing roller or the conveying roller; and a step of outputting, by a processor of the printer device, an exposure start signal to the exposure head device and starting exposure of the exposure head device based on the measurement result of the load measuring device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Figure 17

Figure 18

Figure 19

Figure 20

Figure 21

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0026] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of a printer device, a printing method, and a program according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0027] <Printer Device> FIG. 1 is an external view showing the configuration of a printing system including a printer device according to the present invention. The printing system 100 shown in FIG. 1 is composed of a smartphone 200 and a printer device 300.

[0028] The smartphone 200 includes a photographing optical system and a wireless communication unit (not shown), and transmits image data of an image photographed by the user through the photographing optical system and a printing instruction for this image data to the printer device 300 by the wireless communication unit. At this time, data of so-called templates (characters, numbers, symbols, illustrations, etc.) may be transmitted together and printed together with the image. As long as the smartphone 200 is of a type capable of photographing and wireless communication, a generally used smartphone can be used. The data management and transmission of the above-described image data, printing instruction, and templates can be performed by installing a dedicated application in the smartphone 200.

[0029] The printer device 300 is capable of wireless communication, and performs printing on the instant film 10 as a printing medium described later based on the image data received from the smartphone 200, the template (when transmitted from the smartphone 200), and the printing instruction by the wireless communication unit 75 (see FIG. 9; image data input unit). The printed instant film 10 is discharged from the film discharge port 311 provided at the end of the printer device 300. The printer device 300 includes an operation unit and a display unit (not shown).

[0030] Note that the device for transmitting image data to the printer device 300 is not limited to the smartphone 200, and may be a digital camera, an information terminal, a tablet terminal, etc. having a wireless communication function. Further, the printer device 300 may receive image data not only by wireless communication but also via a recording medium such as a communication cable or a memory card.

[0031] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a state in which the film cartridge 1 is loaded into the printer device 300. The printer device 300 is provided with a loading chamber 315, and the film cartridge 1 is loaded into this loading chamber 315. The loading chamber 315 is provided with an openable and closable lid member 302, and the user closes the lid member 302 after loading the film cartridge 1. The lid member 302 is provided with a push-up member 304 biased by a spring (not shown). When the film cartridge 1 is loaded into the loading chamber 315 and the lid member 302 is closed, the push-up member 304 is inserted into the push-up member insertion portion 33 provided on the back surface of the film cartridge 1, and the light shielding sheet 50 (see FIG. 3) is pushed up to the front side (the side opposite to the opening surface of the push-up member insertion portion 33), and the instant film 10 is pressed against the inner surface of the case 20.

[0032] <<Configuration of Film Cartridge>> FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the film cartridge 1. The film cartridge 1 includes an instant film 10, a case 20 (see FIG. 2) for housing the instant film 10, a light-shielding sheet 50, and a film cover 60. The case 20 is composed of a case body 22 and a case lid 24 that closes the back surface of the case body 22.

[0033] The case body 22 has a flat rectangular box shape with an open back surface. The case body 22 is provided with an exposure opening 26 for exposing the exposure amount area of the instant film 10, a discharge port 28 for discharging the instant film 10, a case flap member 29 for shielding the discharge port 28 from light, and a closing opening 32 for inserting a closing member 72 (see FIGS. 9 to 12). The exposure opening 26 has a shape corresponding to the shape of the exposure portion 12 (see FIG. 4) of the instant film 10. The exposure opening 26 is arranged at a position where the exposure portion 12 of the instant film 10 housed in the case 20 is exposed.

[0034] The discharge port 28 is provided on the top surface of the case body 22 and has a slit shape of a size through which the instant film 10 can pass. The discharge port 28 is arranged at a position where the instant film 10 located at the uppermost position in the stacking direction can be discharged.

[0035] The case flap member 29 is composed of a rectangular film piece and is adhered to the case body 22 along one long side to shield the discharge port 28 in an openable and closable manner.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 6, the close opening 32 is provided in the front portion 22a and the bottom portion 22c of the case body 22. The close opening 32 has a slit shape and is linearly arranged in the front portion 22a with the bottom portion 22c as a base point. As shown in FIG. 6, the bottom portion 22c of the case body 22 is provided with a notch-shaped inlet portion 32a that forms a part of the close opening 32. The front portion 22a of the case body 22 is provided with a slit-shaped passage portion 32b that forms a part of the close opening 32. The passage portion 32b is linearly arranged along the conveyance direction F of the instant film 10. The end point of the passage portion 32b is the exposure opening 26. That is, the close opening 32 is arranged in a shape that linearly connects the bottom portion 22c of the case body 22 and the exposure opening 26. The width of the close opening 32 is set to a width into which the close member 72 can be inserted.

[0037] The case lid 24 has a rectangular plate shape and is attached to the back portion of the case body 22 to close the back of the opened case body 22. The case lid 24 is provided with a pair of push-up member insertion portions 33, a pair of film support portions 31, and a pair of light-shielding sheet attachment portions 42. The push-up member insertion portion 33 is an opening for inserting the above-described push-up member 304 (see FIG. 2). The film support portion 31 is a support portion for supporting the film cartridge 1 housed in the case 20. The film support portion 31 is formed of an arc-shaped thin plate and is arranged inside the case lid 24 along the long sides on both sides of the case lid 24. The instant film 10 housed in the case 20 is supported in a convex shape by this film support portion 31. The light-shielding sheet attachment portion 42 is an attachment portion for the light-shielding sheet 50. The light-shielding sheet attachment portion 42 is formed of a columnar pin and is arranged in parallel in the central portion of the case lid 24.

[0038] The light-shielding sheet 50 supports the instant film 10 inside the case 20 and shields light. The light-shielding sheet 50 is configured by combining a first light-shielding sheet 53 having a function as a leaf spring and a second light-shielding sheet 54 having a function as a support plate. The integrated light-shielding sheet 50 of the first light-shielding sheet 53 and the second light-shielding sheet 54 is attached to the case lid 24 by inserting the fixing portion 53b of the first light-shielding sheet 53 into the light-shielding sheet attachment portion 42 of the case lid 24 and further adhering the inserted portion. The light-shielding sheet 50 attached to the case lid 24 is disposed between the pair of film support portions 31.

[0039] As described above, when the film cartridge 1 is loaded into the loading chamber 315 and the lid member 302 is closed, the push-up member 304 is inserted into the push-up member insertion portion 33. The light-shielding sheet 50 is pushed by the push-up member 304 inserted into the push-up member insertion portion 33, and presses the instant film 10 against the inner surface of the case 20. At this time, the first light-shielding sheet 53 is elastically deformed to elastically press the instant film 10 and press it against the inner surface of the case 20.

[0040] The film cover 60 shields light from the exposure opening 26. The film cover 60 is disposed so as to overlap the uppermost layer of the stacked instant films 10 as shown in FIG. 3 and is housed in the case 20. The film cover 60 is provided with a notch portion 62 and a film cover skirt member 64. The notch portion 62 has a slit shape and is provided at the rear end portion of the film cover 60. The notch portion 62 is disposed along the feeding direction of the film cover 60. The position where the notch portion 62 is disposed is set at the same position as the close opening 32. Thereby, when the film cover 60 is housed in the case 20, the notch portion 62 is disposed so as to be continuous with the close opening 32. The notch portion 62 has the same width as the close opening 32. Note that "the same width" includes substantially the same width.

[0041] The film cover skirt member 64 is an example of a light-shielding member, which is attached to the film cover 60 to shield light from the close opening 32 and the notch 62. The film cover skirt member 64 is composed of a rectangular sheet piece. The film cover skirt member 64 is attached to the back surface portion of the film cover 60 to shield the notch 62. At this time, a part thereof protrudes from the film cover 60 and is attached. The protruding portion functions as a skirt portion for shielding the entrance portion 32a of the close opening 32. When the film cover 60 is accommodated in the case 20, the entrance portion 32a of the close opening 32 is shielded by the skirt portion, and the light from the entrance portion 32a is shielded.

[0042] The film cover skirt member 64 is attached to the film cover 60 by adhesion. Further, in the film cover 60 attached to the case 20, the skirt portion of the film cover skirt member 64 is adhered to the inner surface of the case 20 and fixed. The film cover skirt member 64 moves together with the film cover 60 when the close member 72 starts to convey the film cover 60, and is discharged from the discharge port 28.

[0043] <<Instant Film>> The instant film 10 is a known self-developing instant film 10 and has a rectangular card shape. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, one surface of the instant film 10 is configured as a photosensitive surface (exposure surface) (photosensitive sheet) 10a, and the other surface is configured as an observation surface (cover sheet) 10b. The instant film 10 in this example is a positive-sensitive agent in which the concentrations of red, green, and blue become brighter as the amount of incident light of the three primary colors (red, green, and blue) increases.

[0044] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the instant film 10 as viewed from the photosensitive surface 10a side. In the figure, the direction indicated by the arrow is the feeding direction (transport direction F) of the instant film 10. The feeding direction is synonymous with the using direction of the instant film 10. When the instant film 10 is housed in the case 20, the feeding direction of the instant film 10 becomes the discharging direction of the instant film 10. The photosensitive surface 10a is provided with an exposure portion 12, a pod portion 14, and a trap portion 16. The exposure portion 12 is an exposure area and is arranged as a rectangular area between the pod portion 14 and the trap portion 16. The pod portion 14 is arranged on the front end side in the feeding direction of the instant film 10. The pod portion 14 houses a developing solution pod 14a filled with a developing solution. The trap portion 16 is arranged on the rear end side in the feeding direction of the instant film 10. The trap portion 16 houses an absorbent 16a.

[0045] FIG. 5 is a plan view of the instant film 10 as viewed from the observation surface 10b side. In FIG. 5, the direction indicated by the arrow is the feeding direction (transport direction F) of the instant film 10. The observation surface 10b is provided with an observation portion 18 that is an observation area for the photographed image. The observation portion 18 is arranged corresponding to the exposure portion 12 on the photosensitive surface side.

[0046] After exposure, the instant film 10 is developed by spreading the developing solution in the pod portion 14 onto the exposure portion 12. The instant film 10 passes between a pair of developing rollers 40 (see FIGS. 6 to 8), whereby the developing solution in the pod portion 14 is squeezed out and spread onto the exposure portion 12. At this time, excess developing solution is captured by the trap portion 16.

[0047] The film cartridge 1 is assembled by housing the film cover 60 and the instant film 10 in the case body 22 and closing the back of the case body 22 with the case lid 24. At this time, first, the film cover 60 is housed in the case body 22. Then, the skirt portion of the film cover skirt material 64 is adhered to the inner surface of the case 20. Thereby, the exposure opening 26 and the close opening 32 are shielded by the film cover 60. After that, the instant film 10 is housed in the case body 22 in a stacked state. The instant film 10 is stacked with the photosensitive surface 10a (see FIG. 4) facing up. Then, the photosensitive surface 10a is housed in the case body 22 facing the side of the exposure opening 26. Thereby, the film cover 60 and the instant film 10 are housed in the case body 22 with the film cover 60 placed on the photosensitive surface 10a of the topmost instant film 10. After that, the back of the case body 22 is closed with the case lid 24 to which the light-shielding sheet 50 is attached. Thus, the assembly of the film cartridge 1 is completed.

[0048] The film cartridge 1 can be used in both a form in which the film cover 60 is removed and a form in which the film cover 60 is not removed. However, in the printer device 300 of the present embodiment, after the film cartridge 1 is loaded into the printer device 300, the film cover 60 is removed (discharged) and used. In this case, after the instant film 10 is conveyed from the case 20, it is exposed by an exposure head device 25 (see FIGS. 6 and 7) disposed opposite to the photosensitive surface side of the instant film 10, and development of the developer is performed by a developing roller 40 (see FIGS. 6 and 7) to print. The conveyance and exposure (printing) are sequentially performed on the instant film 10 located at the lower position from the instant film 10 located at the topmost position in the case. The conveyance, discharge, and exposure of the film cover 60 and the instant film 10 will be described later.

[0049] <Main configuration of the printer device> Next, the arrangement of the main components related to the conveyance, discharge, and exposure of the film cover 60 and the instant film 10 in the printer device 300 will be described. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the arrangement of the components related to conveyance, discharge, and exposure, and FIG. 7 is a top view of the state shown in FIG. 6. In FIGS. 6 and 7, components not subject to explanation are appropriately omitted from the illustration, and the shapes, dimensions, and arrangements of the components are appropriately simplified for illustration. Further, the schematic configuration of the control system of the printer device 300 is shown in FIG. 9.

[0050] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, downstream of the film cartridge 1 in the conveyance direction F of the film cartridge 1, an exposure head device 25 (line head), conveyance rollers (capstan roller 35 and pinch roller 39), a film discharge guide 27, and a pair of developing rollers 40 (roller 40a and roller 40b) are arranged in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side. Each position is fixed. Here, the distance between the exposure head device 25 and the developing roller 40 is arranged to be equal to or less than the distance between the developer pod 14a and the photosensitive surface 10a of the instant film 10. In FIG. 6, the illustration of the film discharge guide 27 is omitted, and the arrangement of the exposure head device 25 is also appropriately changed.

[0051] <<Exposure Head and Exposure Head Driving Unit>> The exposure head device 25 is a line-type exposure head, and its longitudinal direction is arranged perpendicular to the conveyance direction F of the film cover 60 and the instant film 10. The exposure range in the width direction of the instant film 10 of the exposure head device 25 is designed to be larger than the photosensitive surface 10a of the instant film 10. Inside the exposure head device 25, an LED array (not shown) in which minute LEDs (Light-Emitting Diodes) that emit colors in pixel units of red, green, and blue are arranged in the longitudinal direction is provided, and the light from the LED arrays of each color passes through a microlens array (not shown) arranged in front thereof and is irradiated onto the same line of the instant film 10. Therefore, the instant film 10 is exposed with three colors simultaneously for each line, and exposure corresponding to a line image for one line is performed by one exposure by the exposure head device 25.

[0052] The exposure head driving unit 73 (see FIG. 9) drives the exposure head device 25 based on the image data received from the smartphone 200. At this time, as will be described later, the exposure head driving unit 73 receives an exposure start signal from the system controller (processor) 45 based on the encoder pulse signal output by the rotary encoder 36, and controls the exposure timing of the line image by the exposure head device 25 and the like.

[0053] In the printer device 300, the exposure head device 25 and the exposure head driving unit 73 having the above-described configuration irradiate the photosensitive surface 10a of the instant film 10 conveyed by the conveyance rollers (capstan roller 35 and pinch roller 39) with printing light one line at a time, and print an image on the instant film 10. When the printer device 300 has received the data of the above-described template from the smartphone 200, the received template is printed on the instant film 10 together with the image.

[0054] <<Capstan Roller>> The capstan roller 35 is connected to a DC motor 30 as an electric motor (see FIG. 9) via a power transmission mechanism such as a reduction gear train (not shown) provided in the capstan roller drive unit 34, and the rotational driving force of the DC motor 30 is transmitted via the reduction gear train. Further, the capstan roller 35 is incorporated on the photosensitive surface 10a side of the instant film 10. As shown in FIG. 7, the capstan roller 35 is disposed in the vicinity of the light emitting portion of the exposure head device 25. At the end of the capstan roller 35, a film cover 60 and a pair of disk-shaped rollers 35a and 35b for gripping the ends of the instant film 10 are disposed, and the rollers 35a and 35b securely grip the ends of the instant film 10 by a large number of minute protrusions 35c on the roller surfaces.

[0055] <<Rotary Encoder Device>> As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, a rotary slit plate (disk) 37 constituting an optical rotary encoder (encoder) 36 is disposed at the end of the rotating shaft of the capstan roller 35, and a detection unit 38 including a light emitting element made of a light emitting diode or the like and a light receiving element such as a photodiode is fixed with the rotary slit plate 37 interposed therebetween.

[0056] In the rotary slit plate 37 of this example, 200 slits 37a (FIG. 6) having a slit width of 100 μm and a pitch between slits of 200 μm are formed around the periphery thereof.

[0057] When the rotary slit plate 37 rotates as the rotating shaft of the capstan roller 35 rotates, each time the slit 37a formed in the rotary slit plate 37 passes between the light emitting element and the light receiving element, the light irradiated from the light emitting element by the rotary slit plate 37 passes through the slit 37a and enters the light receiving element, and an electric signal corresponding to the incident light amount is output from the light receiving element. Therefore, an electric signal (triangular wave-shaped electric signal) having the same period as the period of the slit 37a passing through the detection unit 38 is output from the detection unit 38 of the rotary encoder 36.

[0058] The rotary encoder 36 has a comparator that amplifies the triangular electrical signal output from the detection unit 38 and shapes the waveform into a rectangular wave (pulse signal), and outputs an encoder pulse signal with a period corresponding to the rotation speed of the rotary slit plate 37 (capstan roller 35) (the conveyance speed of the instant film 10).

[0059] The encoder signal processing device 52 inputs an encoder signal from the rotary encoder 36, detects the pulse signal (rise and / or fall of the pulse signal) included in the encoder signal, and outputs the encoder pulse signal to the measurement unit 49b and the system controller 45 based on the detected pulse signal. For each 1 pulse signal of the encoder pulse signal output in this way, the instant film 10 is conveyed by a predetermined distance. For example, it is designed such that the instant film 10 is conveyed 80 μm for each 1 pulse signal. Also, by measuring the encoder pulse time (pulse time) indicating the time interval between pulses in the encoder pulse signal, it becomes possible to measure the conveyance speed of the instant film 10. Further, although it will be described later, it is also possible to measure the change in the load during the conveyance of the instant film 10 based on the change in the encoder pulse time.

[0060] The system controller 45 controls the printing timing (exposure timing) of the line image by the exposure head device 25 as described later in synchronization with the encoder pulse signal input from the encoder signal processing device 52.

[0061] <<Pinch roller>> The pinch roller 39 is formed of an elastic material such as hard urethane, and is disposed opposite to the capstan roller 35. Further, the pinch roller 39 rotates in a driven manner following the capstan roller 35. Coil springs (not shown) are connected to both ends of the pinch roller 39, and normally the pinch roller 39 is in contact with the capstan roller 35 by the biasing force of these coil springs. By rotating while sandwiching the instant film 10 between the pinch roller 39 and the capstan roller 35 (see FIG. 8), the instant film 10 can be conveyed to the developing roller 40 and functions as a conveying roller. The pinch roller 39, the capstan roller 35, and the conveyed instant film 10 enter the developing roller 40 through a film discharge guide 27 provided on the downstream side.

[0062] <<Developing Roller>> As shown in FIG. 6, the developing roller 40 is configured as a set of two and these are disposed opposite to each other. The developing roller 40 is formed of, for example, a metal member and is formed with the same diameter as the capstan roller 35. One roller 40a of this set of developing rollers 40 is disposed on the same side as the capstan roller 35 and is connected to the DC motor 30 through a power transmission mechanism such as a reduction gear train (not shown) and a torque limiter of the developing roller drive unit 41 (see FIG. 9), and the rotational driving force of the DC motor 30 is transmitted. By incorporating the torque limiter, when the torque generated by the developing roller 40 exceeds the set torque, the torque generated by the developing roller 40 can be regulated. Further, the roller 40b facing the roller 40a has coil springs (not shown) connected to both ends in the same manner as the pinch roller 39, and sandwiches the instant film 10 by the biasing force thereof and rotates in a driven manner following the fixed-side roller 40a. This developing roller 40 crushes the pod portion 14 provided on the instant film 10 to crack the sealing portion of the developing solution pod 14a, and while pressurizing and feeding out the instant film 10, causes the developing solution in the developing solution pod 14a to flow out from the pod portion 14 and uniformly develop it between the photosensitive sheet and the cover sheet (see FIG. 8).

[0063] <<Load Measuring Device>> The load measuring device 49 (see FIG. 9) measures the load change during the conveyance of the instant film 10, which is generated when the instant film 10 enters the developing roller 40 or the conveyance roller (capstan roller 35 and pinch roller 39).

[0064] The load measuring device 49 is composed of the rotary encoder 36 and the encoder signal processing device 52 described above, and a measuring unit 49b to be described below. Note that the rotary encoder 36 and the encoder signal processing device 52 constitute a rotary encoder device 49a.

[0065] The measuring unit 49b (see FIG. 9) measures the encoder pulse time, which is the time between pulses, as a measurement result based on the encoder pulse signal input from the encoder signal processing device 52. Then, the measuring unit 49b outputs the encoder pulse time to the system controller 45. The system controller 45 detects the load change during the conveyance of the instant film 10 based on the received encoder pulse time.

[0066] <Conveyance of Film Cover and Instant Film> When an unused film cartridge 1 is loaded into the printer device 300, the system controller 45 detects the loading of the unused film cartridge 1 and drives and controls the DC motor 30 via the motor driver 46 to automatically convey (discharge) the film cover 60. Further, when the system controller 45 receives image data and a printing instruction from the smartphone 200, it drives and controls the DC motor 30 via the motor driver 46 to expose while conveying the unexposed instant film 10 and perform development and expansion.

[0067] Note that a DC power supply is supplied to the motor driver 46 from a battery or an AC (alternating current) adapter (not shown), and the motor driver 46 supplies drive power of a predetermined voltage to the DC motor 30 based on a drive command input from the system controller 45. In this example, during the conveyance of the film cover 60 and the instant film 10, a constant voltage (for example, 5 volts) is applied to the DC motor 30 from the motor driver 46, and speed control such as speed feedback is not performed, resulting in an inexpensive film conveyance device. Since the film cover 60 and the instant film 10 are conveyed in the same manner, the conveyance of the instant film 10 will be described below as a representative example.

[0068] The system controller 45 sends signals to the exposure control unit 47 and the line memory 48. The rotational driving force of the DC motor 30 is transmitted to the claw driving unit 71 such as a parallel link mechanism or a cam mechanism that reciprocates the claw member 72, and the claw member 72 is reciprocated. When the claw member 72 moves forward, the claw member 72 enters through the claw opening 32 formed in the film cartridge 1 and is locked to the rear end of the instant film 10 (see FIG. 10). Then, the leading end of the instant film 10 is sent out from the discharge port 28 in the conveyance direction F. Further, when the DC motor 30 is driven, the capstan roller 35 starts to rotate, and the pinch roller 39 rotates following the rotation of the capstan roller 35.

[0069] The instant film 10 moves in the conveyance direction F as the claw member 72 moves. Also, the system controller 45 starts counting the encoder pulse signals input from the encoder signal processing device 52 in accordance with the rotation of the conveyance roller (capstan roller 35). In this example, the start of counting the encoder pulse signals is synchronized with the start of rotation of the conveyance roller, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the system controller 45 may start counting the encoder pulse signals in accordance with the movement of the claw member 72. Exposure and conveyance are controlled based on the count number of these encoder pulse signals.

[0070] The claw member 72 continues to move from the state shown in FIG. 10 (the "initial state") and feeds the instant film 10 between the capstan roller 35 and the pinch roller 39 (see FIG. 11). In the state shown in FIG. 11 (the "conveying roller entry state"), the instant film 10 begins to bite into the space between the capstan roller 35 and the pinch roller 39. Then, the instant film 10 is transferred from the claw member 72 to the capstan roller 35 and the pinch roller 39. While this transfer is taking place, the instant film 10 is conveyed by the capstan roller 35 and the pinch roller 39 in addition to the claw member 72.

[0071] Thereafter, when the conveyance continues and the claw member 72 enters the end of the movement range (the state shown in FIG. 12, the "post-entry state"), the instant film 10 is completely bitten into the space between the capstan roller 35 and the pinch roller 39. As a result, the transfer of the instant film 10 is completed, and the claw member 72 starts to retract in the direction opposite to the conveyance direction F. After the transfer, the instant film 10 is continuously conveyed by the capstan roller 35 and the pinch roller 39. Thereafter, the instant film 10 starts to enter the developing roller 40 (the state shown in FIG. 13, the "developing roller entry state"). When the instant film 10 enters the developing roller 40, then, as described above, the pod portion 14 (and the developing liquid pod 14a) is cleaved and the developing liquid is developed.

[0072] In the conveyance described above, the movement range of the claw member 72 (the distance between the position shown in FIG. 10 and the position shown in FIG. 12) and the movement speed can be set by using gears, cam members, link members, etc. (not shown) in the claw driving unit 71 in addition to the rotation speed of the DC motor 30. Similarly, the rotation speed of the capstan roller 35 can also be set by using gears, etc. (not shown) in the capstan roller driving unit 34 in addition to the rotation speed of the DC motor 30.

[0073] <Encoder pulse signal> Next, the encoder pulse signal detected by the encoder signal processing device 52 will be described.

[0074] FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing an encoder signal processing device 52 (FIG. 9) provided in the printer device 300.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 14, the encoder signal processing device 52 mainly includes an encoder signal input unit 521 and a pulse signal detection unit 522. The encoder signal processing device 52 may be configured by a digital circuit, or may be configured by one or more CPUs (Central Processing Units) in the printer device 300 and software for encoder signal processing.

[0076] The rotary encoder 36 outputs an encoder signal including an encoder pulse signal having a period corresponding to the rotation speed of the rotary slit plate 37 (capstan roller 35) (the conveyance speed of the instant film 10). As described above, since 200 slits 37a (FIG. 6) are formed around the rotary slit plate 37 in this example, the rotary encoder 36 generates one encoder pulse signal every time the capstan roller 35 rotates 1.8 degrees.

[0077] The encoder signal input unit 521 receives the above encoder signal from the rotary encoder 36.

[0078] FIG. 15 is a diagram conceptually showing an encoder signal and an encoder pulse signal. The encoder signal shown in FIG. 15 includes a rectangular pulse signal A generated corresponding to the slit 37a of the rotary slit plate 37. The pulse signal detection unit 522 detects the pulse signal A from the encoder signal input to the encoder signal input unit 521 and outputs an encoder pulse signal. Further, the encoder pulse time T, which is the time between pulses in the encoder pulse signal, is measured by the measurement unit 49b based on the encoder pulse signal output from the encoder signal processing device 52.

[0079] <Detection of Exposure Start Position by Encoder Pulse Signal> In the present invention, based on the encoder pulse signal described above, the system controller 45 outputs an exposure start signal to the exposure head drive unit 73 and the exposure control unit 47.

[0080] First, the detection of the exposure start position and the detection of the exposure start position in a conventional printer (for example, the printer described in Patent Document 1 (International Publication No. 2018 / 008223) mentioned above) will be described.

[0081] When exposing the instant film 10 during conveyance, it is necessary to start the exposure at the correct position timing with respect to the photosensitive surface 10a of the instant film 10. For this purpose, in a conventional printer device, from the detection of the start of passage by the film PI (Photointerrupter), the distance calculated from the relationship of each dimension (the film PI, the mounting position distance of the exposure head device 25, and the film dimension) has elapsed (the passage of a predetermined number of pulses), and this is set as the exposure start position, thereby detecting an appropriate exposure start position. That is, in a conventional printer device, the exposure start position was detected based on two pieces of information, the film PI and the encoder pulse signal. However, if the film PI is provided for detecting the exposure start position in this way, it will require space for providing the film PI in the printer device, and the printer device cost will be additionally required. Therefore, in the present invention, based on the encoder pulse signal, the load change during film conveyance of the instant film 10 is monitored, and the exposure start position is detected. As a result, the film PI component in the printer device becomes unnecessary, the space for the film PI in the printer device can be reduced, and the manufacturing cost for providing the film PI in the printer device can be reduced.

[0082] Hereinafter, monitoring the load change during film conveyance of the instant film 10 based on the encoder pulse signal and detecting the exposure start position will be described.

[0083] As described above, the instant film 10 conveyed as such enters in the order of the conveyance rollers (capstan roller 35 and pinch roller 39) and the deployment roller 40. And, at the timing of this entry, a change occurs in the load of the conveyance of the instant film 10. This load change can be detected as a change in the encoder pulse time via the capstan roller 35.

[0084] FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining the change in the encoder pulse time in the conveyance of the instant film 10. In FIG. 16, the horizontal axis indicates the number of pulses of the encoder pulse signal, and the vertical axis indicates the encoder pulse time (milliseconds: ms). Also, in FIG. 16, the thin line L1 indicates the encoder pulse time T, and the thick line L2 indicates the average of the encoder pulse time T.

[0085] Peak P1 indicates the change in the encoder pulse time at the timing when the instant film 10 enters the conveyance roller. Also, peak P2 indicates the change in the encoder pulse time at the timing when the instant film 10 enters the deployment roller 40. As shown in peak P1 and peak P2, at the timing when the instant film 10 enters the conveyance roller or the deployment roller 40, the load applied to the capstan roller 35 increases and the encoder pulse time becomes longer. That is, in this case, the conveyance speed of the instant film 10 becomes slower due to the change in the conveyance load. Also, as shown in peak P1 and peak P2, the increase in the load when the instant film 10 enters the deployment roller 40 is larger than the increase in the load when the instant film 10 enters the conveyance roller. This is because, as described above, in the deployment roller 40, the fact that the developing solution pod 14a is cleaved by the instant film 10 is one of the factors.

[0086] On the other hand, the symbol C indicates the detection position of the exposure start position when using the film PI as in a conventional printer device. Specifically, after detecting the passage of the instant film 10 by the film PI, the number of pulses of the encoder pulse signal is counted, and an exposure start signal is output at the timing when a predetermined number of pulses is reached. In this way, based on the detection signal of the film PI, by counting the number of pulses of the encoder pulse signal, it is possible to output an exposure start signal within the range of the print startable range M (exposure margin).

[0087] As shown in FIG. 16, in a conventional printer device, the passage start signal of the instant film 10 of the film PI is detected, and based on the detected passage start signal, the counting of the number of pulses of the encoder pulse signal is started. Then, by outputting an exposure start signal at the timing when a predetermined number of pulses is reached, exposure is started within the range of the print startable range M.

[0088] FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining the change in the encoder pulse time in the conveyance of the instant film 10 as in FIG. 16, and is a diagram for explaining the output of the exposure start signal in the printer device 300 which is one of the embodiments of the present invention. Note that the same parts as in FIG. 16 are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted. Also, hereinafter, an example of detecting the timing of outputting the exposure start signal by setting a threshold pulse time will be described.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 17, in an example of the present invention, a threshold pulse time (first threshold) TH1 is set. Note that the threshold pulse time may be a predetermined value, or may be calculated based on, for example, the value of the encoder pulse time in the period R (first period) (illustrated in FIG. 17) as will be described later.

[0090] The threshold pulse time TH1 is a threshold value for detecting the timing at which the instant film 10 enters the developing roller 40. When the encoder pulse time T exceeds the threshold pulse time TH1, the system controller 45 determines that the instant film 10 has entered the developing roller 40, and then outputs an exposure start signal after a predetermined period has elapsed. In the case shown in FIG. 17, an example of the threshold pulse time TH1 for detecting the timing of the instant film 10 entering the developing roller 40 (detecting the peak P2) has been described, but it is not limited thereto. For example, a threshold pulse time (first threshold value) TH2 for detecting that the instant film 10 has entered the conveying roller (detecting the peak P1) may be set. As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, since the load change tends to be larger at the timing of entering the developing roller 40, it is possible to detect the timing at which the instant film 10 enters the developing roller 40 more accurately.

[0091] A specific example of the threshold pulse time TH1 will be described below.

[0092] <<Specific Example of Threshold Pulse Time>> A specific example of the threshold pulse time TH1 for detecting the timing of the instant film 10 entering the developing roller 40 will be described.

[0093] The threshold pulse time TH1 in this example is calculated by the system controller 45 using the following formula.

[0094] Threshold pulse time TH1 = Vave + σ × n In the above formula, Vave, σ, and n are defined as follows. Vave: The average speed (ms) in the interval of the number of pulses from 100 to 250 counted from the start of receiving the encoder pulse signal σ: The standard deviation of the speed in the interval of the number of pulses from 100 to 250 counted from the start of receiving the encoder pulse signal n: Coefficient (an integer of 1 or more) (for example, n = 5) Based on the threshold pulse time TH1 calculated as described above, the system controller 45 counts from the start of receiving the encoder pulse signal. When the speed after the 251st pulse exceeds the threshold pulse time TH1 five times in a row, it immediately outputs an exposure start signal. In this example, it is assumed that the threshold pulse time TH1 is exceeded five times in a row, but this specified number of times can be set as appropriate.

[0095] As described above, by calculating the threshold pulse time based on the encoder pulse time before the instant film 10 enters the conveyance roller or the deployment roller 40, it is possible to suppress the influence of variations in the encoder pulse time due to the driving voltage of the DC motor 30.

[0096] <Exposure control> As shown in FIG. 9, the system controller 45 controls the exposure by the exposure head device 25 after outputting an exposure start signal in synchronization with the encoder pulse signal input from the encoder signal processing device 52. Specifically, the system controller 45 drives the exposure head drive unit 73 in synchronization with the encoder pulse signal input from the encoder signal processing device 52, thereby controlling the exposure timing of the exposure head device 25, and controlling the emission light amounts of red, green, and blue emitted from the exposure head device 25 through the exposure control unit 47, the line memory 48, and the exposure head drive unit 73.

[0097] The system controller 45 sequentially supplies the red, green, and blue image data for one line of the image data received via the wireless communication unit 75 to the line memory 48, and temporarily holds the red, green, and blue image data for one line in the line memory 48.

[0098] Also, the system controller 45 has a function as a speed detection unit, obtains the current conveyance speed of the instant film 10 based on the encoder pulse signal input from the encoder signal processing device 52, and outputs a conveyance speed signal indicating the obtained conveyance speed to the exposure control unit 47.

[0099] The exposure control unit 47 includes a density correction unit 47a, and outputs a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signal to the exposure head device 25 so that the light emission amount of the light emitted from each LED of the exposure head device 25 becomes the light emission amount corresponding to each pixel value (for example, 0 to 255) of the image data. However, the density correction unit 47a outputs a PWM signal with the pulse width corrected.

[0100] That is, the exposure control unit 47 generates a PWM signal in which each pixel value of the image data is pulse-width modulated based on the one-line worth of red, green, and blue image data temporarily held in the line memory 48.

[0101] The density correction unit 47a is a part that corrects so that the density of the image printed on the instant film 10 becomes the same density as when the instant film 10 is conveyed at the reference conveyance speed regardless of the conveyance speed of the instant film 10, and corrects the pulse width of the generated PWM signal based on the conveyance speed signal indicating the current conveyance speed of the instant film 10 input from the system controller 45.

[0102] The correction of the pulse width of the PWM signal by the density correction unit 47a corrects so that the light emission time of the exposure head device 25 becomes shorter when the conveyance speed of the instant film 10 is slower than the reference conveyance speed V0, and corrects so that the light emission time of the exposure head device 25 becomes longer when it is faster.

[0103] The PWM signal corrected by the density correction unit 47a is output to the exposure head drive unit 73.

[0104] Another input to the exposure head drive unit 73 is an exposure timing signal synchronized with the encoder pulse signal from the system controller 45. The exposure head drive unit 73 amplifies the PWM signal input from the exposure control unit 47 and outputs the amplified PWM signal to the exposure head device 25 in synchronization with the exposure timing signal input from the system controller 45.

[0105] The exposure head device 25 emits light from each LED of the exposure head device 25 based on the PWM signal applied from the exposure head drive unit 73, and simultaneously exposes the photosensitive surface 10a of the instant film 10 in three colors.

[0106] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the exposure timing and the correction of the light emission amount (density correction) of the exposure head device 25 that exposes in synchronization with the encoder pulse signal. Note that the example shown in FIG. 18 shows a PWM signal for controlling the light emission of one red (R) LED of the exposure head device 25.

[0107] As shown in the figure, the exposure timing of the exposure head device 25 is controlled in synchronization with the encoder pulse signal (rising edge of the pulse signal).

[0108] Also, in the example shown in FIG. 18, the conveyance speed V of the instant film 10 becomes slower than the reference conveyance speed V0. As a result, the pulse width is corrected to be narrower by ΔW than the pulse width of the PWM signal when the instant film 10 is conveyed at the reference conveyance speed V0. That is, the light emission time is shortened by ΔW, and the light emission amount is corrected to be reduced.

[0109] Note that the correction amount ΔW of the pulse width corresponds to the amount of speed variation of the instant film 10 with respect to the reference conveyance speed V0.

[0110] On the other hand, when the conveyance speed V of the instant film 10 fluctuates and the conveyance speed V becomes slower or faster than the reference conveyance speed V0, streak-like unevenness occurs in the portion where the conveyance speed V has fluctuated. However, as described above, since the light emission amount is corrected (density correction) according to the conveyance speed of the instant film 10 through the density correction unit 47a, it is possible to prevent streak-like unevenness from occurring in the image (photo print) printed on the instant film 10.

[0111] Note that in this example, the instant film 10 is an instant film with a positive sensitizer. However, for an instant film with a negative sensitizer, the correction of the light emission amount is opposite to that of the instant film with a positive sensitizer. For example, as the conveyance speed of the instant film with a negative sensitizer decreases, the light emission amount of the exposure head device 25 is increased.

[0112] Also, in this example, the light emission amount of the exposure head device 25 is controlled by a PWM signal (light emission time). However, it is not limited to this, and the light emission amount of the exposure head device 25 may be realized by controlling the light emission intensity of the exposure head or by controlling both the light emission time and the light emission intensity.

[0113] <Printing method> FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the printing method of the printer device 300. Note that each step of the printing method is executed by the processor of the printer device 300 executing a dedicated program. Also, in the following, an example of detecting the timing at which the exposure start signal is output by setting a threshold pulse time will be described.

[0114] First, the pulse signal detector 522 of the encoder signal processor 52 detects an encoder pulse signal from the encoder signal output from the rotary encoder 36 (step S10). Then, the measurement unit 49b detects the encoder pulse time T based on the encoder pulse signal detected by the pulse signal detector 522 (step S11). The encoder pulse time T detected by the measurement unit 49b is input to the system controller 45. The system controller 45 outputs an exposure start signal based on the threshold pulse time and the encoder pulse time T. Specifically, the system controller 45 determines whether the encoder pulse time T exceeds the threshold pulse time (step S12). If the encoder pulse time T does not exceed the threshold pulse time, the next encoder pulse signal and encoder pulse time T are detected. On the other hand, when the encoder pulse time T exceeds the threshold pulse time, the system controller 45 determines whether the encoder pulse time T exceeds the threshold pulse time continuously for a specified number of times (step S13). If the encoder pulse time T does not exceed the threshold pulse time continuously for the specified number of times, the next encoder pulse signal and encoder pulse time T are detected. On the other hand, when the encoder pulse time continuously exceeds the threshold pulse time for the specified number of times, the system controller 45 outputs an exposure start signal (step S14).

[0115] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the exposure start signal is output according to the encoder pulse time measured based on the encoder pulse signal. Thus, in the present embodiment, based on the encoder pulse signal, the load change during film conveyance of the instant film 10 is monitored, and the exposure start position is detected. As a result, the components for the film PI in the printer device become unnecessary, the space for the film PI in the printer device can be reduced, and the manufacturing cost for providing the film PI in the printer device can be reduced.

[0116] <Imaging device with printer device> FIG. 20 is an external perspective view of a camera 500 with a printer device (imaging device with a printer device) equipped with the above-described printer device according to another embodiment, as viewed from the front side. Similar to the printer device 300 (see FIG. 2), the camera 500 with a printer device is provided with a loading chamber 515 into which a film pack is loaded, and the loading chamber 515 is closed by an openable and closable lid member 509. As the film pack, the same film cartridge 1 as that of the printer device 300 is used. When the film cartridge 1 is loaded and the lid member 509 is closed, a push-up member 520 provided on the lid member 509 is inserted into a push-up member insertion portion 33, and a light-shielding sheet 50 (see FIG. 3) is pushed up to the front side (the side opposite to the opening surface of the push-up member insertion portion 33), and the instant film 10 is pressed against the inner surface of the case 20. In the following description, the same components as those of the printer device 300 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0117] <<Camera body>> As shown in FIG. 20, on the front surface of the camera body 503, an objective viewfinder window 504, a photographing lens 505 with a zoom function, a release button 506, a strobe light-emitting portion, and a light-receiving window for photometry are exposed. Further, a lid member 509 is provided at the central portion of the camera body 503. A film discharge port 510 (dotted line in the figure) is provided on the upper surface of the camera body 503, and is normally closed by a lid 511 for the discharge port.

[0118] <<Configuration of camera with printer device>> FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the camera 500 with a printer device. An imaging element 575 is disposed behind the photographing lens 505, and a subject image is formed on the light-receiving surface of the imaging element 575 by the photographing lens 505. The imaging element 575 is driven by an imaging element driver 576, and converts an optical subject image into an electrical imaging signal and outputs it. As the imaging element 575, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) type or a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor) type imaging element can be used.

[0119] On the photoelectric surface of the imaging element 575, red, green, and blue color filters are arranged in a matrix. The imaging signals output for each color are amplified by the amplifier 577 and then digitally converted by the A / D (Analog to Digital) converter 578. The A / D converter 578 digitally converts the imaging signal to generate image data and inputs this to the image data processing circuit 579. The photographing lens 505, imaging element 575, imaging element driver 576, A / D converter 578, and image data processing circuit 579, which function as an imaging unit, constitute an image data input unit. Note that, in this example, an example of converting an analog signal to a digital signal is described, but the application of the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the technology of the present disclosure is also applicable when subsequent processing is performed without converting the analog signal to a digital signal.

[0120] The image data processing circuit 579 performs signal processing such as white balance adjustment and gamma correction on the input image data and outputs it to the output terminal 582 for a video signal via the D / A (Digital to Analog) converter 580 and the amplifier 581, and also outputs it to the LCD driver 554 to display the video on the LCD panel 532. Further, the image data output by the image data processing circuit 579 is printed on the instant film 10 using the exposure head device 25 or the like under the control of the system controller 45.

[0121] <Detection Based on the Increase Amount and Decrease Amount of the Pulse Time> In the above embodiment, an example of detecting the timing for outputting the exposure start signal by setting the threshold pulse time has been described. However, in the present invention, it is also possible to detect the timing for outputting the exposure start signal based on the increase amount and decrease amount of the pulse time.

[0122] In the following description, an example of detecting the timing when the instant film 10 enters the transport roller based on the increase amount and decrease amount of the pulse time and detecting the timing for outputting the exposure start signal will be described.

[0123] In this example, the system controller 45 detects VmaxN (the position where the deceleration amount of the pulse time + the adjacent acceleration amount of the pulse time is the maximum (the speed fluctuation peak position of the pinch roller 39)) within a certain pulse interval, and outputs an exposure start signal after the set number of pulses has elapsed from VmaxN.

[0124] VmaxN is the position (number of pulses) where the deceleration amount of the pulse time + the adjacent acceleration amount of the pulse time becomes the maximum value (Vmax). Here, Vmax is the maximum value of InteM + InteP shown below.

[0125] InteM: The deceleration amount of the pulse time... In the 250 - 400 pulse interval, the value obtained by integrating the absolute value with respect to the negative side value of the differential speed (moving average value [n + 1] - moving average value [n - 1]). InteP: The acceleration amount of the pulse time... In the 250 - 400 pulse interval, the value obtained by integrating the absolute value with respect to the positive side value of the differential speed (moving average value [n + 1] - moving average value [n - 1]). Note that the above moving average value is preferably calculated with the half - width value of the peak P1 when the peak P1 can be predicted in advance when the instant film 10 enters the conveying roller.

[0126] As described above, in this example, based on the increase amount and decrease amount of the pulse time, by detecting the timing when the instant film 10 enters the conveying roller, the exposure start signal can be output at an appropriate timing.

[0127] <Others> In the above embodiment, the hardware structure of the processing unit (for example, system controller 45, exposure control unit 47, encoder signal processing device 52, and measurement unit 49b) that executes various processes is various processors as shown below. The various processors include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), which is a general-purpose processor that executes software (program) and functions as various processing units, a programmable logic device (PLD) such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), which is a processor whose circuit configuration can be changed after manufacturing, and a dedicated electric circuit, which is a processor having a circuit configuration specifically designed to execute specific processes such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0128] One processing unit may be composed of one of these various processors, or may be composed of two or more processors of the same type or different types (for example, a plurality of FPGAs, or a combination of a CPU and an FPGA). Also, a plurality of processing units may be composed of one processor. As an example of configuring a plurality of processing units with one processor, first, as represented by a computer such as a client or a server, one processor is configured by a combination of one or more CPUs and software, and this processor functions as a plurality of processing units. Second, as represented by a system on chip (SoC), there is a form in which a processor that realizes the functions of the entire system including a plurality of processing units with one IC (Integrated Circuit) chip is used. Thus, the various processing units are configured using one or more of the above various processors as the hardware structure.

[0129] Furthermore, the hardware structure of these various processors is more specifically an electric circuit (circuitry) that combines circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

[0130] Each of the above configurations and functions can be appropriately implemented by any hardware, software, or a combination of both. For example, the present invention can also be applied to a program that causes a computer to execute the above-described processing steps (processing procedures), a computer-readable recording medium (non-transitory recording medium) that records such a program, or a computer to which such a program can be installed.

[0131] Although the examples of the present invention have been described above, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0132] 1: Film cartridge 10: Instant film 10a: Photosensitive surface 10b: Observation surface 12: Exposure unit 14: Pod portion 14a: Developing solution pod 16: Trap portion 16a: Absorbent 18: Observation unit 20: Case 22: Case body 22a: Front portion 22c: Bottom portion 24: Case lid 25: Exposure head device 26: Exposure opening 27: Film discharge guide 28: Outlet 29: Case flap material 30: DC motor 31: Film support portion 32: Claw opening 32a: Inlet portion 32b: Passage portion 33: Pusher member insertion portion 34: Capstan roller drive portion 35: Capstan roller 35a: Roller 35c: Microprotrusion 36: Rotary encoder 37: Rotating slit plate 37a: Slit 38: Detection unit 39: Pinch roller 40: Unwinding roller 40a: Roller 40b: Roller 41: Unwinding roller drive unit 42: Light-shielding sheet attachment part 45: System controller 46: Motor driver 47: Exposure control unit 47a: Density correction unit 48: Line memory 49: Load measuring device 49a: Rotary encoder device 49b: Measuring part 50: Light-shielding sheet 52: Encoder signal processing device 53: First light-shielding sheet 53b: Fixing part 54: Second light-shielding sheet 60: Film cover 62: Notch part 64: Film cover skirt material 71: Claw drive unit 72: Claw member 73: Exposure head drive unit 75: Wireless communication part 100: Printing system 200: Smartphone 300: Printer device 302: Cover member 304: Pushing-up member 311: Film discharge port 315: Loading chamber

Claims

1. A loading chamber for loading a film cartridge containing a film having a developing solution pod filled with a developing solution, An exposure head device disposed opposite to the photosensitive surface side of the film discharged from the film cartridge for exposing the film, A developing roller for splitting the developing solution pod of the film and developing the developing solution in the film, A transport roller for transporting the film, A load measuring device for measuring at least a load change generated when the film enters the developing roller or the transport roller, A processor for controlling the exposure head device based on the measurement result of the load measuring device, A printer device comprising: The load measuring device is provided at an end of a rotation axis of the transport roller and includes a rotary encoder device that outputs a pulse signal in response to the rotation of the transport roller, The processor outputs an exposure start signal to the exposure head device based on a pulse time indicating a time interval between pulses in the pulse signal, and causes the exposure head device to start exposure, Printer device.

2. The processor outputs the exposure start signal based on the pulse time and a first threshold value, The printer device according to claim 1.

3. The printer device according to claim 2, wherein the processor outputs the exposure start signal when the pulse time continuously exceeds the first threshold value by a specified number of times.

4. The printer device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the processor sets the first threshold value based on the measurement result of the load measuring device during a first period before the film enters the transport roller after starting the transport of the film from the film cartridge.

5. The printer device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the processor detects the timing when the film enters the developing roller based on the measurement result and outputs the exposure start signal.

6. A loading chamber for loading a film cartridge containing a film having a developing solution pod filled with a developing solution, An exposure head device disposed opposite to the photosensitive surface side of the film discharged from the film cartridge for exposing the film, A developing roller for splitting the developing solution pod of the film and developing the developing solution in the film, A transport roller for transporting the film, A load measuring device that measures at least a load change generated when the film enters the developing roller or the conveying roller, A processor that controls the exposure head device based on the measurement result of the load measuring device, A printer device comprising: The load measuring device is provided at an end of a rotating shaft of the conveying roller and includes a rotary encoder device that outputs a pulse signal in response to rotation of the conveying roller, The processor outputs an exposure start signal to the exposure head device based on an increase amount and a decrease amount of a pulse time indicating a time interval between pulses in the pulse signal, and causes the exposure head device to start exposure, Printer device.

7. The printer device according to claim 6, wherein the processor detects a timing at which the film enters the conveying roller based on the measurement result and outputs the exposure start signal.

8. The processor, The printer device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein exposure by the exposure head device after outputting the exposure start signal is controlled in synchronization with the pulse signal output from the rotary encoder device.

9. The printer device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein an exposure range in a film width direction of the exposure head device is larger than a photosensitive surface of the film.

10. The printer device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the developing roller is provided on a downstream side in a film conveying direction of the exposure head device.

11. The printer device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the conveying roller is disposed between the exposure head device and the developing roller.

12. The printer device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein a distance between the exposure head device and the developing roller is equal to or less than a distance between a developing solution pod of the film and the photosensitive surface.

13. A photographing lens, An imaging element that images an image of a subject imaged by the photographing lens, The printer device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising:

14. A camera with a printer device that mounts the printer device according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

15. A loading chamber for loading a film cartridge containing a film having a developing solution pod filled with a developing solution, an exposure head device disposed opposite to the photosensitive surface side of the film discharged from the film cartridge for exposing the film, a developing roller for splitting the developing solution pod of the film and developing the developing solution in the film, a transport roller for transporting the film, a load measuring device for measuring a load change generated at least when the film enters the developing roller or the transport roller, and a processor for controlling the exposure head device based on the measurement result of the load measuring device. The load measuring device is provided at a rotating shaft end of the transport roller and includes a rotary encoder device that outputs a pulse signal in response to the rotation of the transport roller. A printing method of a printer device, A printing method including a step of outputting an exposure start signal to the exposure head device based on a pulse time indicating a time interval of pulses in the pulse signal by the processor and starting exposure by the exposure head device. In the step according to claim 16, an exposure start signal is output to the exposure head device based on the pulse time and a first threshold value, and exposure is started by the exposure head device. The printing method according to claim 15.

17. A loading chamber for loading a film cartridge containing a film having a developing solution pod filled with a developing solution, an exposure head device disposed opposite to the photosensitive surface side of the film discharged from the film cartridge for exposing the film, a developing roller for splitting the developing solution pod of the film and developing the developing solution in the film, a transport roller for transporting the film, a load measuring device for measuring a load change generated at least when the film enters the developing roller or the transport roller, and a processor for controlling the exposure head device based on the measurement result of the load measuring device. The load measuring device is provided at a rotating shaft end of the transport roller and includes a rotary encoder device that outputs a pulse signal in response to the rotation of the transport roller. A printing method of a printer device, A printing method including a step of outputting an exposure start signal to the exposure head device and causing the exposure head device to start exposure based on an increase amount and a decrease amount of a pulse time indicating a time interval of pulses in the pulse signal by the processor.

18. A loading chamber for loading a film cartridge containing a film having a developing solution pod filled with a developing solution, an exposure head device disposed opposite to a photosensitive surface side of the film discharged from the film cartridge for exposing the film, a developing roller for splitting the developing solution pod of the film and developing the developing solution in the film, a conveying roller for conveying the film, a load measuring device for measuring a load change generated when at least the film enters the developing roller or the conveying roller, and a processor for controlling the exposure head device based on a measurement result of the load measuring device. The load measuring device is provided at a rotation shaft end portion of the conveying roller and includes a rotary encoder device that outputs a pulse signal in accordance with rotation of the conveying roller. A program for causing a printer device to execute a printing method. A program for causing the processor to execute a step of outputting an exposure start signal to the exposure head device and causing the exposure head device to start exposure based on a pulse time indicating a time interval of pulses in the pulse signal.

19. In the step, an exposure start signal is output to the exposure head device and the exposure head device is caused to start exposure based on the pulse time and a first threshold value. The program according to claim 18.

20. A loading chamber for loading a film cartridge containing a film having a developing solution pod filled with a developing solution, an exposure head device disposed opposite to the photosensitive surface side of the film discharged from the film cartridge for exposing the film, a developing roller for splitting the developing solution pod of the film and developing the developing solution in the film, a transport roller for transporting the film, a load measuring device for measuring a load change generated when at least the film enters the developing roller or the transport roller, and a processor for controlling the exposure head device based on a measurement result of the load measuring device. The load measuring device is provided at an end of a rotation axis of the transport roller and includes a rotary encoder device that outputs a pulse signal in response to rotation of the transport roller. A program for causing a printer device including the load measuring device to execute a printing method, A program for causing the processor to execute a step of outputting an exposure start signal to the exposure head device and causing the exposure head device to start exposure based on an increase amount and a decrease amount of a pulse time indicating a time interval of pulses in the pulse signal.

Images