Operating System

Abstract

To provide an operation system and an operation method having high operability.SOLUTION: A print system includes a printer and a terminal capable of communicating with each other by radio, transmits data from the terminal to the printer by radio and performs printing by the printer. The printer includes: a portable printer body; a motion detection part for detecting motion of the printer body; and a control signal transmission part for transmitting a first control signal to the terminal if the motion detection part detects first motion, and transmitting a second control signal to the terminal if the motion detection part detects second motion. The terminal includes: a display part; a display control part for controlling a display of the display part; and a control signal reception part for receiving a control signal from the printer. A display control part of the terminal displays a first operation screen on the display part if the control signal reception part receives the first control signal, and displays a second operation screen on the display part if the control signal reception part receives the second control signal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 34

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an operation system and an operation method, and more particularly to a print system including a printer and a terminal capable of wirelessly communicating with each other, an operation system, a printer, and a terminal. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a technology for detecting the installation orientation of a printer equipped with a keyboard and automatically switching the printer's operating mode depending on the detected installation orientation. Specifically, it describes that when the printer is placed horizontally, it is set to a mode that prints information entered from the keyboard, and when it is placed vertically, it is set to a mode that receives print data wirelessly from a mobile device such as a smartphone and prints it. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-144668 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Smartphones and other mobile devices are becoming more powerful every year, and the number of functions they can perform is also increasing. In relation to printers, they are no longer simply able to print stored data, but are now also able to process and generate data to be printed.

[0005] However, as the number of executable functions increases, the amount of information that must be displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal also increases, which has the drawback of reducing operability.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to provide an operation system and an operation method that are easy to operate. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] (1) A printing system comprising a printer and a terminal capable of wirelessly communicating with each other, in which data is sent wirelessly from the terminal to the printer and printed by the printer, wherein the printer comprises a portable printer body, a motion detection unit that detects the motion of the printer body, and a control signal transmission unit that transmits a first control signal to the terminal when the motion detection unit detects a first motion and transmits a second control signal to the terminal when the motion detection unit detects a second motion; 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; and the display control unit displays a first operation screen on the display unit when the control signal receiving unit receives the first control signal, and displays a second operation screen on the display unit when the control signal receiving unit receives the second control signal.

[0008] (2) A printing system according to (1) above, in which, when the printer body can be placed horizontally or vertically, the first movement is a movement to place the printer body horizontally, and the second movement is a movement to place the printer body vertically.

[0009] (3) A printing system according to (1) or (2) above, wherein 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 the terminal when a third movement is detected by the motion detection unit, the terminal further comprises a status information receiving unit that receives status information from the printer, and the display control unit displays the printer's status information on the display unit when the status information receiving unit receives the status information.

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

[0011] (5) The printing system of (3) above, wherein the third movement is a movement of lifting the printer.

[0012] (6) A printing system according to any one of (1) to (5) above, wherein the printer further comprises a print image storage unit that stores the printed image, and the print control unit that controls the printing of the printer reprints the image that was previously printed when the motion detection unit detects a fourth movement.

[0013] (7) A printing system according to any one of (1) to (5) above, wherein the printer further comprises a print image memory unit that stores the printed image, and the print control unit that controls the printing of the printer reprints the image that was previously printed when the movement detection unit detects a fourth movement 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 of pointing the media outlet downward or tilting it downward for a certain period of time or longer.

[0015] (9) The printing system according to any one of (1) to (8) above, wherein the printer further comprises a power supply control unit that turns off the power supply when the motion detection unit detects a fifth motion.

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

[0017] (11) A printing system according to any one of (1) to (10) above, wherein the printer further comprises a light-emitting unit and a light-emitting control unit that controls the light emission of the light-emitting unit, and when a specific movement is detected by the movement detection unit, the light-emitting control unit causes the light-emitting unit to emit light in a color and / or a light-emitting pattern that corresponds to the detected movement.

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

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

[0020] (14) A printing system as described in (13) above, wherein the operation signal transmitting unit transmits an operation signal to operate the release of the camera unit when the sixth movement is detected by the movement detecting unit and / or when an operating member provided on the printer is operated, and the terminal control unit controls the operation of the release of the camera unit in accordance with the operation signal.

[0021] (15) A printing system according to (13) or (14) above, wherein the operation signal transmitting unit controls the zoom operation of the camera unit in response to the operation signal when the seventh movement is detected by the movement detecting unit and / or when an operation member provided on the printer is operated.

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

[0023] (17) The printing system according to any one of (1) to (16) above, wherein the motion detection unit is configured by combining a plurality of sensors including an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor.

[0024] (18) An operation system comprising: a terminal equipped with a camera unit; and a portable electronic device capable of wirelessly communicating with the terminal; the portable electronic device comprising a motion detection unit that detects motion of the main body; and an operation signal transmission unit that transmits an operation signal to the terminal in accordance with the motion detected by the motion detection unit; and the terminal comprising an operation signal receiving unit that receives the operation signal from the portable electronic device; and a terminal control unit that controls the operation of the camera unit in accordance with the operation signal received by the operation signal receiving unit.

[0025] (19) An operation system as described above in (18), in which the movement detected by the movement detection unit is a movement of tilting the main body, and the terminal control unit controls the zoom operation of the camera unit in response to the operation signal received by the operation signal receiving 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 in response to the operation signal received by the operation signal receiving unit.

[0027] (21) An operation system according to (18) or (19) above, wherein the operation signal transmitting unit further transmits an operation signal to the terminal in response to the operation of an operation member provided on the main body, and the terminal control unit controls the release operation of the camera unit in response 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, comprising: a portable printer body; a motion detection unit that detects the motion of the printer body; and a control signal transmission unit that, when a first motion is detected by the motion detection unit, transmits a first control signal to the terminal that causes a first operation screen to be displayed on the display unit of the terminal, and, when a second motion is detected by the motion detection unit, transmits a second control signal to the terminal that causes a second operation screen to be displayed on the display unit of the terminal.

[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 on the display unit, and a control signal receiving unit that receives a control signal from the printer in response to a 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 response to 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 response to a second movement of the printer body. [Effects of the Invention]

[0030] According to the present invention, an operation system with good operability can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of a printing system. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view showing an example of the external configuration of a printer. [Figure 3] Rear perspective view of the printer shown in Figure 2 [Figure 4] A cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of a printing unit of a printer. [Figure 5] Perspective view of a film pack [Figure 6] Instant film front view [Figure 7] Rear view of instant film [Figure 8] Block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the printer [Figure 9] Block diagram of the main functions realized by the printer microcontroller [Figure 10] Block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a smartphone [Figure 11] Block diagram of the main functions of a smartphone for printing images [Figure 12] 1 is a flowchart showing the procedure for displaying the top screen when the print application is started. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a first top screen. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a second top screen. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an image selection screen. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a print image confirmation screen. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an enlargement and rotation operation screen. [Figure 18] An example of a filter operation screen [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an image quality correction operation screen. [Figure 20] An example of an animation displayed when a print command is issued [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a template print selection screen. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a print image confirmation screen for template printing. [Figure 23] A diagram showing an example of a template switching operation screen. [Figure 24] Conceptual diagram of scrolling selection buttons displayed in the operation area [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a division frame selection screen. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a collage image creation screen. [Figure 27] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a collage image creation screen after image selection. [Figure 28] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a split frame switching operation screen. [Figure 29] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a layout selection screen. [Figure 30] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a print image confirmation screen for a composite photograph; [Figure 31] A diagram showing an example of a template switching operation screen. [Figure 32] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a shooting operation screen. [Figure 33] A diagram showing an example of status information display [Figure 34] A table showing the relationship between the printer's movements and the display on the smartphone's touch panel [Figure 35]Block diagram of the main functions realized by the printer microcontroller [Figure 36] A table showing the relationship between the printer body movement and the printer operation [Figure 37] Block diagram of the main functions realized by the printer microcontroller [Figure 38] A table showing the relationship between the printer body movement and the smartphone camera operation in remote control mode. [Figure 39] An example of an animation display for switching the top screen [Figure 40] Conceptual diagram of operations when issuing a print command using a flick operation [Figure 41] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for accepting input of a command to cancel printing. [Figure 42] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an operation guide screen. [Figure 43] A diagram showing an example of a display of a communication connection button. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

[0033] [First embodiment] [Print System] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the system configuration of a print system according to the present embodiment.

[0034] As shown in the figure, the print system of this embodiment includes a printer 10 and a smartphone 100 that can communicate with each other wirelessly, and is configured as a system in which print data is sent from the smartphone 100 to the printer 10 and printed by the printer 10. The smartphone 100 is an example of a terminal.

[0035] The printer 10 is a portable mobile printer. The printer 10 is also an instant printer that prints images on instant film 12. The instant film 12 is of the sheet film type (also called mono-sheet type).

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

[0037] [Printer appearance configuration] 2 is a front perspective view showing an example of the external configuration of the printer, and FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the printer shown in FIG.

[0038] As described above, the printer 10 is configured as an instant printer (a printer that prints on instant film). The instant film 12 is loaded into the printer 10 in the form of a film pack (see FIG. 5) in which multiple sheets of film are housed in a case.

[0039] The printer main body 14 that constitutes the body of the printer 10 has a rounded, flat, rectangular box shape and is configured to be portable (handheld) and can be held in one hand. The printer main body 14 is also configured to be able to be placed vertically (standing up on a flat surface) or horizontally (laying down on a flat surface). Figures 1 and 2 show the printer 10 placed vertically.

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

[0041] An outlet 18 is provided at the top of the printer body 14 (at the top when placed vertically). The printed instant film 12 is discharged from this outlet 18.

[0042] A film pack lid 20 that opens and closes the film pack loading chamber (see FIG. 4) is provided on the rear side of the printer body 14. Also provided is a lock release lever 22 that unlocks 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 chamber is exposed. 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-tight state.

[0043] A USB cable connection cover 24 that opens and closes a connection portion (not shown) for a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable is provided on one side of the printer body 14. The printer 10 has an internal battery that is charged via the USB cable connection portion that is exposed when the USB cable connection cover 24 is opened.

[0044] [Printer Printing Section Configuration] 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of the printing unit of the printer, in which the printer is placed horizontally.

[0045] As shown in the figure, the printer 10 includes a film pack loading chamber 30, a film feeding mechanism 32 that feeds out the 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 from the film pack, and a print head 36 that records images on the instant film 12. The film feeding mechanism 32, film transport mechanism 34, and print head 36 make up 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] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the film pack. Fig. 6 is a front view of the instant film, and Fig. 7 is a rear view of the instant film. In Figs. 5 to 7, the direction indicated by arrow F is the feed direction of the instant film 12. The instant film 12 is fed in the direction indicated by arrow F and ejected from the case 42.

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

[0049] As shown in FIG. 7, the exposure surface 12a of the instant film 12 is provided with an exposure area 12c, a pod portion 12d, and a trap portion 12f. The exposure area 12c is an area where an image is recorded by exposure. The exposure area 12c is the printable area of ​​the instant film 12. The pod portion 12d and the trap portion 12f are arranged at the front and rear of the exposure area 12c in the feed direction F. The pod portion 12d is arranged in front of the exposure area 12c in the feed direction F. The pod portion 12d contains a developing treatment liquid pod 12e containing a developing treatment liquid. The trap portion 12f is arranged in the rear of the exposure area 12c in the feed direction F. The trap portion 12f contains an absorbent material 12g.

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

[0051] The instant film 12 is viewed with the trap portion 12f facing up and the pod portion 12d facing down, so the image is printed with the trap portion 12f facing up and the pod portion 12d facing down.

[0052] After exposure, the instant film 12 is developed by spreading the developing solution in the pod portion 12d in the exposure area 12c. The developing solution in the pod portion 12d is squeezed out of the pod portion 12d by passing the instant film 12 between the pair of spreading rollers 34B, and spread in the exposure area 12c. Any remaining developing solution during the spreading process is captured in the trap portion 12f.

[0053] The case 42 has a rectangular box shape. The case 42 has a rectangular exposure opening 42a on the front side. The case 42 also has a slit-shaped film discharge opening 42b on the top side. The instant films 12 are stacked and stored inside the case with the exposure surface 12a facing the front side of the case 42 (the exposure opening 42a side) and the pod section 12d facing the top side of the case 42 (the film discharge opening 42b side). The case 42 also has a slit-shaped claw opening 42c on the bottom side. The instant films 12 stored in the case 42 are fed one by one toward the film discharge opening 42b by inserting the claw 32a through this claw opening 42c, and are discharged from the film discharge opening 42b.

[0054] One film pack 40 contains a plurality of (for example, 10) instant films 12 stacked together.

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

[0056] The film transport mechanism 34 transports the instant film 12 fed out of the film pack 40 by the film delivery mechanism 32 at a constant speed. The film transport mechanism 34 includes a transport roller pair 34A and an unfolding roller pair 34B. The transport roller pair 34A is driven to rotate by a motor (not shown) and grips both sides of the instant film 12 to transport it. The unfolding roller pair 34B is driven to rotate by a motor (not shown) and grips the entire instant film 12 to transport it. As the instant film 12 is transported by the unfolding roller pair 34B, the pod portion 12d is crushed and the film is developed.

[0057] The print head 36 records an image on the instant film 12 fed out of the film pack 40. The print head 36 is composed of a line-type exposure head. The print head 36 irradiates the exposure surface 12a of the instant film 12, which is transported by the film transport mechanism 34, with printing light, line by line, and records an image on the instant film 12 in a single pass.

[0058] [Printer electrical configuration] FIG. 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 operation of the power button 16, a light source unit 52 that illuminates the power button 16, 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 unit of the printer 10, a printer memory unit 62 that stores image data, etc., a motion detection unit 66 that detects movement of the printer 10, a film feed mechanism drive unit 68 that drives the film feed 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.

[0060] The operation detection unit 50 detects the operation of the power button 16. The power button 16 is composed of 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 reprints the last printed image. While the printer 10 is powered on, the operation detection unit 50 detects a short press of the power button 16 (an operation of pressing and immediately releasing the button) and outputs a detection signal to the printer microcomputer 80.

[0061] The light source unit 52 includes a light source and its control circuit. The light source used is one that can switch the emitted color. In the printer 10 of this embodiment, a three-color LED (also called a full-color LED) equipped with elements of the three colors R (red), G (green), and B (blue) is used as the light source. The emitted color of the three-color LED can be switched by selecting the mixing ratio of the three colors R, G, and B. Alternatively, 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 disposed inside the power button 16 (see FIG. 4). The power button 16 is entirely or partially transparent or semi-transparent. When the light source unit 52 is made to emit light, the power button 16 emits light as light passes through the transparent or semi-transparent portion.

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

[0064] The power supply unit 58 includes a battery as a power source and its control circuit. The power supply unit 58 supplies power to each unit of the printer 10 under the control of the printer microcomputer 80. The battery is 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 charge (function of a battery charge detector).

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

[0066] Image data for printed images is stored for a preset number of pages. When the maximum number of pages that can be stored is reached, the oldest images are deleted. The minimum number of pages that can be stored is 1. This means that at least the image data for the last printed image is stored. In this case, the data is rewritten each time you print.

[0067] The motion detection unit 66 detects the movement of the printer main body 14. The motion detection unit 66 is configured, for example, by a motion sensor. Motion sensors themselves are well known, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted. Generally, a motion sensor is configured by combining an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor. The motion detection unit 66 detects the orientation (portrait, landscape, tilt, etc.) and movement (lifting, putting down, turning over, etc.) of the printer main body 14.

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

[0069] The film transport mechanism drive unit 70 includes a motor and its drive circuit that drives the transport roller pair 34A of the film transport mechanism 34, as well as a motor and its drive circuit that drives 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 microcomputer 80 is a control unit that controls the overall operation of the printer 10. The printer microcomputer 80 is composed of a microcomputer equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), and RAM (Random Access Memory), and realizes various functions by executing predetermined control programs.

[0072] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of the main functions realized by the printer microcomputer.

[0073] The printer microcomputer 80 mainly functions as an image acquisition unit 80A, a print data generation unit 80B, a print control unit 80C, a representative color detection unit 80D, a light emission control unit 80E, a power 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, the image data of the image that was last printed is read from the printer storage unit 62 and acquired.

[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 the instant film 12 by the print head 36) and generates data for printing (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. It also controls the driving of the print head 36 via the print head control unit 72. The driving of the print head 36 is controlled in synchronization with the transport of the instant film 12 based on the print data generated by the print data generation unit 80B.

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

[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 calculates 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 an image of a sunset in which the entire screen is dyed orange, orange is detected as the representative color. Also, for example, in 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 calculated from a portion of the image to be printed, or may be calculated by dividing the image to be printed into multiple regions. When calculating the representative color from a portion of the image, for example, a detection region is set in the center of the image, and the representative color is detected from that detection region. When calculating the representative color by dividing the image into multiple regions, for example, the image to be printed is divided equally into multiple regions vertically (for example, into thirds), 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 timing. For example, the power button 16 emits light 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 emits light by switching between multiple predetermined colors at regular intervals. For example, the power button 16 emits light by switching between seven colors (red, orange, yellow, green, light blue, blue, and purple) at regular intervals. The light emission continues while the image is being received. On the other hand, when the image is to be printed, the representative color detected by the representative color detection unit 80D is emitted. The light emission continues while the image is being printed. Note that if the representative colors are determined by dividing the image into multiple regions, the power button 16 emits light by switching between the determined representative colors in order. For example, if the image to be printed is divided vertically into thirds and a representative color is detected from each area, the representative colors detected in each area are illuminated in order from top to bottom at regular intervals. If achromatic colors such as black and gray are detected as representative colors, a specific color is illuminated instead. Alternatively, illumination is made in a specific illumination pattern (for example, illumination is made in seven colors (red, orange, yellow, green, light blue, blue, and purple) (so-called rainbow colors) in sequence at regular intervals, or a specific color is made to flash (for example, white is made to flash)). Alternatively, illumination is stopped.

[0080] The power supply control unit 80F controls the power supply unit 58, and controls the supply of power to each unit and the charging of the battery. The power supply control unit 80F controls the power on and off of the printer 10. The power supply 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 motion, the control signal transmission unit 80G generates a control signal corresponding to the motion and wirelessly transmits the control signal to the smartphone 100 via the wireless communication unit 56. The smartphone 100 executes a predetermined operation upon receiving the control signal. Specifically, when the motion detection unit 66 detects a motion (first motion) in which the printer body 14 is placed horizontally, the control signal transmission unit 80G transmits a first control signal to the smartphone 100. Furthermore, when the motion detection unit 66 detects a motion (second motion) in which the printer body 14 is placed vertically, the control signal transmission unit 80G transmits a second control signal to the smartphone 100. When the smartphone 100 receives the first control signal, the smartphone 100 displays a first top screen (first operation screen) with a predetermined screen configuration as the top screen on the touch panel 120. On the other hand, when the smartphone 100 receives the second control signal, the smartphone 100 displays a second top screen (second operation screen) with a predetermined screen configuration as the top screen on the touch panel 120. 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 started, and displays buttons for executable functions, etc.

[0082] The status information acquisition unit 80H acquires status information of the printer 10. The status information of the printer 10 includes information on the number of printable sheets and information on the remaining battery charge. The status information acquisition unit 80H acquires information on the remaining battery charge from the power supply unit 58. It also acquires information on the number of printable sheets 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 motion is detected by the motion detection unit 66, the status information transmission unit 80I transmits the status information acquired by the status information acquisition unit 80H to the smartphone 100. Specifically, when the motion detection unit 66 detects a motion of lifting the printer body 14 (third motion), the status information transmission unit 80I transmits the status information to the smartphone 100. This point will be described in detail later.

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

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

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

[0087] In relation to the printer 10, the smartphone 100 has a function of causing the printer 10 to print an image taken by the in-camera unit 108A or the out-camera unit 108B, a function of causing the printer 10 to print an image recorded in the built-in memory 104, and a function of checking the status of the printer 10 (for example, the remaining battery level and the number of printable sheets, etc.). In addition, in relation to printing images, the smartphone 100 has a function of processing and editing the image to be printed.

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

[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 shooting of the image to be printed, a playback control unit 100D that controls playback of the image to be printed, an image processing unit 100E that processes and edits the image 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] Display control unit 100A controls the display of the screen of touch panel 120, and causes an operation screen for printing an image to be displayed on touch panel 120. Display control unit 100A controls the display of display 105, which is a display unit, and controls the display of the screen of 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 operation input to the touch panel 120 to control the operation input when printing an image. The input control unit 100B controls the input to the touch pad 106, which is the position input unit of the touch panel 120, to control the operation input to the touch panel 120.

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

[0093] The reproduction control unit 100D controls access to the internal memory 104 based on an operation input to the touch panel 120, and controls the reproduction of the image to be printed.

[0094] Image processing unit 100E processes and edits the image to be printed based on operation input to touch panel 120. For example, image processing such as image enlargement (trimming), image rotation, filter processing, template composition, and collage is performed to process and edit the image to be printed. Filter processing refers to a function that changes the color tone of an image or deforms an image. Examples include color correction, noise removal, mosaic processing, and embossing. Template composition is a process of combining an image with a template image to generate a composite image. Furthermore, collage here refers to a process of applying an image to each area of ​​a frame (divided frame) that is divided into multiple areas to generate a single composite image. 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 operation input to the touch panel 120, and controls communication with the printer 10. Data of an image to be printed and a print command for that image are transmitted from the smartphone 100 to the printer 10. Meanwhile, status information, control signals, and the like are transmitted from the printer 10 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 as a control signal receiving unit that receives control signals transmitted from the printer 10.

[0096] [How to print images] [Top screen display] When images stored in the smartphone 100 or images captured by the smartphone 100 are to be printed on the printer 10, a predetermined application program (hereinafter referred to as a print application) is started on the smartphone.

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

[0098] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure for displaying the top screen when the print application is started.

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

[0100] Once a connection via short-range wireless communication is established, the printer 10 detects the movement (installation posture) of the printer 10 (step S4). Here, it detects whether the printer body 14 is in portrait orientation (first movement) or landscape orientation (second movement). Then, based on the detection result, a control signal is generated (step S5) and transmitted to the smartphone 100 (step S6). If portrait orientation (first movement) is detected as the installation posture, the first control signal is transmitted. On the other hand, if landscape orientation (second movement) is detected as the installation posture, the second control signal is transmitted.

[0101] The smartphone 100 receives a control signal transmitted from the printer 10 (step S7). Then, based on the received control signal, it selects a screen to be displayed as the top screen. In this case, it first determines whether the received control signal is a first control signal (step S8). If the received control signal is the first control signal, it displays the first top screen 200A (see FIG. 13) on the touch panel 120 (step S9). On the other hand, if the received control signal is the second control signal, it displays the second top screen 200B (see FIG. 14) on the touch panel 120 (step S10).

[0102] [Screen layout of the first and second top screens] Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the first top screen, and Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the second top screen.

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

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

[0105] The "Easy Print" function is a function for printing images (still images) stored in the smartphone 100. This function is activated by touching the Easy Print button MB1 on the screen.

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

[0107] The "camera" function is a function for taking pictures using the camera function of the smartphone 100 and printing the taken images with the printer 10. This function is activated by touching the camera button MB3 on the screen.

[0108] The "compatibility diagnosis" function is a function that diagnoses compatibility from an image. For example, it analyzes an image using a trained model and diagnoses the compatibility between the people (two people) depicted 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 combine a template image with an image and print it. This function is activated by touching the Template Print button MB5 on the screen.

[0110] The "Collage Print" function generates and prints a collage image. As mentioned above, a collage image is generated by fitting an image into each area of ​​a frame (split frame) that is divided into multiple areas. This function is activated by touching the Collage Print button MB6 on the screen.

[0111] The "Photo Stitch" function splits one image into multiple parts and prints them. This function is activated by touching the Photo Stitch button MB7 on the screen.

[0112] Each function button is displayed as an icon. That is, it is displayed by a combination of a diagram, symbol, or picture. In this embodiment, each function button is configured as a graphic that combines a circle and a picture. The circle defines the outer shape of the button.

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

[0114] The last printed image LIM is displayed inside the image display frame FLO. The image display frame FLO is configured as an image that resembles the instant film 12. In other words, it is configured as a figure that resembles the frame 12i that is provided around 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 displayed by being fitted into this image display area.

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

[0116] The first group MG1 is a group to which the buttons for the easy print, movie print, and camera functions belong. The first group MG1 is a group of print modes, and is a group of functions for easily printing images.

[0117] The second group MG2 is a group to which the buttons for the compatibility diagnosis, template print, collage print, and composite photo functions belong. The second group MG2 is a play mode group, and is a group of functions that include elements of play and elements of creating artwork.

[0118] The buttons belonging to the first group MG1 (the easy print button MB1, the moving image print button MB2, and the camera button MB3) are displayed in a first group display area MA1 indicated by a dashed line in FIGS.

[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 composite photo button MB7) are displayed in a second group display area MA2 indicated by dashed lines in FIGS.

[0120] The first group display area MA1 is set along the horizontal direction (X direction) at the bottom of the screen, while the second group display area MA2 is set along the vertical direction (Y direction) at the right edge of the screen.

[0121] The first group display area MA1 and the group of buttons displayed in the first group display area MA1 (EASY PRINT button MB1, VIDEO PRINT button MB2, and CAMERA button MB3) 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 small size as shown in FIG. 13, and on the second top screen 200B, they are displayed in a large size as shown in FIG. 14. More specifically, on the second top screen 200B, as shown in FIG. 14, the entire area in the width direction (X direction) of the bottom of the screen is the first group display area MA1, whereas on the first top screen 200A, as shown in FIG. 13, the width is reduced (reduced toward the left of the screen). Accordingly, the size of each button is also reduced.

[0122] Furthermore, the first group display area MA1 and the buttons displayed in the 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 in which the colors are inverted.

[0123] Similarly, the second group display area MA2 and the buttons displayed in the second group display area MA2 (compatibility diagnosis button MB4, template print button MB5, collage print button MB6, and composite photo 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 FIG. 13, and on the second top screen 200B, they are displayed in a small size as shown in FIG. 14. More specifically, on the first top screen 200A, as shown in FIG. 13, the entire area in the vertical direction (Y direction) of the right edge of the screen is the second group display area MA2, whereas on the second top screen 200B, as shown in FIG. 13, its length is reduced (reduced toward the top of the screen). Accordingly, the size of each button is also reduced.

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

[0125] The print application setting button SEB is displayed in the second group display area MA2 on the first top screen 200A as shown in Fig. 13. On the other hand, on the second top screen 200B, it is displayed in the first group display area MA1 as shown in Fig. 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 in the area to the left of the second group display area MA2. As shown in Fig. 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 an image has not yet been printed, the inside of the image display frame FLO is left blank. Alternatively, a default image is displayed. The print app's settings can be used to turn the display of the last printed image on or off. It is also possible 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 the display as needed, operability can be improved. That is, if a user wants to simply print, the user selects and displays the second top screen 200B, which prominently displays the buttons for those functions (Easy Print button MB1, Movie Print button MB2, and Camera button MB3). On the other hand, if a user wants to create a work such as a collage, the user selects and displays the first top screen 200A, which prominently displays the buttons for those functions (Compatibility Check button MB4, Template Print button MB5, Collage Print button MB6, and Photo Composition button MB7). This improves operability. Even on mobile devices with small screens such as smartphones, the user can easily understand and ensure good operability. Furthermore, switching the top screen can be performed simply by changing the installation position of the printer main body 14, making the operation simple. Typically, this type of operation is performed through application program settings. The system of this embodiment allows the user to easily switch the top screen without performing such cumbersome setup operations.

[0130] (A) [Printing using the Easy Print function] The following describes the procedure for printing an image stored in the smartphone 100 using the easy print function.

[0131] The general process is as follows: (1) select the image to be printed, and (2) give the print command. If necessary, the image is edited.

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

[0133] When the easy print function is activated, the screen of the touch panel 120 switches to an image selection screen 201. This screen is used to select an image to be printed.

[0134] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the image selection screen.

[0135] 15, the image selection screen 201 displays a list of images stored in the smartphone 100 in thumbnail format. That is, the images are displayed in a reduced size. The user selects the image to print by touching the thumbnail image of the image to be printed on the screen.

[0136] 15 shows an example in which all images stored in the smartphone 100 are displayed in a list. Alternatively, a format in which only images in a specified folder are displayed may be used.

[0137] 15, a cancel button 201A is displayed on the image selection screen 201. The cancel button 201A is a button for instructing cancellation of the image selection process. When the cancel button 201A is touched, the easy print function is terminated. In this case, the screen display switches to the top screen 200.

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

[0139] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the print image confirmation screen.

[0140] As shown in FIG. 16, the print image confirmation screen 202 displays a print image PI, a print button PB for instructing printing of the print image PI, an image editing menu button, and the like.

[0141] The print image PI is displayed in an image display area EA1 set within the screen. A frame FL is displayed around the image display area EA1, surrounding the image (print image PI) displayed in the image display area EA1. This frame FL is composed of an image that resembles the instant film 12. In other words, it is composed of a figure that resembles the frame 12i that is provided around the observation area 12h of the instant film 12 (it has the same margins as the printed result (printed object)). This makes it easy to check the final print result on the screen.

[0142] The print button PB and image editing menu buttons (enlarge & rotate button EB1, filter button EB2, image quality correction button EB3) are displayed in a button display area EA2. The button display area EA2 is set at the bottom of the screen. The print button PB and image editing menu buttons (enlarge & rotate button EB1, filter button EB2, image quality correction button EB3) are displayed in this button display area EA2, arranged in a row along the width direction of the screen (X direction in FIG. 16). In this case, the print button PB is placed in the center of the width direction (X direction), and the three image editing menu buttons (enlarge & rotate button EB1, filter button EB2, image quality correction button EB3) are placed and displayed on both sides of it.

[0143] The print button PB and image editing menu buttons (Enlarge & Rotate button EB1, Filter button EB2, and Image Quality Correction button EB3) are each displayed as an icon. The central print button PB is larger in size than the other buttons (Enlarge & Rotate button EB1, Filter button EB2, and Image Quality Correction button EB3) (the image portion of the button is larger in size). Furthermore, in this embodiment, the print button PB is a different color from the other buttons. Specifically, the other buttons are white, while the print button PB is red. This makes it easier to understand the print instruction operation. The other buttons change color when selected (touched). This makes it clear which function is selected.

[0144] The menu titles of the image editing menu buttons (Enlarge & Rotate button EB1, Filter button EB2, and Image Quality Correction button EB3) are displayed below them. Note that Figure 16 shows an example in which the image editing menu includes functions for enlarging and rotating, filtering, and image quality correction.

[0145] The enlargement and rotation function is a function for enlarging and rotating an image. The enlargement and rotation function is assigned to the enlargement & rotation button EB1. When the enlargement & rotation button EB1 is touched on the screen, the enlargement and rotation function is activated, and it becomes possible to enlarge and rotate the image relative to the print image PI.

[0146] The filter function is a function for applying filter processing to an image. The filter function button is assigned to the filter button EB2. When the filter button EB2 is touched on the screen, the filter function is activated, and filter processing can be applied to the print image PI.

[0147] The image quality correction function is a function that corrects the brightness, contrast, and saturation of an image. The image quality correction function is assigned to the image quality correction button EB3. When the image quality correction button EB3 is touched on the screen, the image quality correction function is activated, and image quality correction (correction of the image brightness, contrast, and saturation) becomes possible for the print 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 function is activated and another function button is touched, the function will switch to the touched function. For example, if the image quality correction button EB3 is touched while the filter function is activated, the filter function will end and the image quality correction function will be activated.

[0149] As shown in Fig. 16, a back button BB and a top button TB are displayed on the print image confirmation screen 202. The back button BB is a button for instructing to return to the previous screen. The top button TB is a button for instructing to return to the top screen 200. The back button BB and the top button TB are arranged at the top of the screen.

[0150] When returning to the top screen, a top screen corresponding to the installation orientation of the printer main body 14 is displayed. That is, when the printer main body 14 is installed vertically, a first top screen 200A (see FIG. 13) is displayed, and when it is installed horizontally, a second top screen 200B (see FIG. 14) is displayed. In this case, first, an installation orientation detection command is output from the smartphone 100 to the printer 10. Upon receiving this detection command, the printer 10 detects the installation orientation of the printer main body 14. Then, a control signal corresponding to the detected installation orientation is generated and transmitted to the smartphone 100. The smartphone 100 receives the control signal transmitted from the printer 10 and determines the top screen to be displayed.

[0151] [Zoom and rotate screen] When the enlargement and rotation button EB1 is touched on the screen, the screen switches to an operation screen for the enlargement and rotation functions, that is, an operation screen (enlargement and rotation operation screen) 203 for enlarging and rotating an image.

[0152] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the enlargement and rotation operation screen.

[0153] In addition to the display contents of the print image confirmation screen 202, the enlargement and rotation operation screen 203 displays an enlargement slide bar SB1 for enlargement operation and a rotation slide bar SB2 for rotation operation.

[0154] The enlargement slide bar SB1 is operated by sliding its knob NB1 (touch and slide the knob NB1). When the enlargement slide bar SB1 is operated, the image is enlarged according to the amount of operation. The print image PI is enlarged by sliding the knob NB1 to the right of the screen, and reduced by sliding it to the left.

[0155] The rotation slide bar SB2 is operated by sliding its knob NB2. When the rotation slide bar SB2 is operated, the image rotates according to the amount of operation. The print image PI rotates clockwise when the knob NB2 is slid to the right of the screen, and counterclockwise when slid to the left. The image rotates once when the knob NB2 is slid from the left end of the bar to the right end.

[0156] The zoom slide bar SB1 and the rotation slide bar 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 FIG. 17, the zoom slide bar SB1 and the rotation slide bar SB2 are arranged side by side in this area. Furthermore, both the zoom slide bar SB1 and the rotation slide bar SB2 are displayed in an arc-shaped curve. More specifically, they are displayed along a circle whose center is a point set on a line passing through the center of the screen in the width direction (X direction), and are displayed symmetrically with respect to the line passing through the center of the screen in the width direction. Displaying them in an arc-shaped curve allows for a longer overall length than when they are displayed as straight lines. This improves the resolution of operations, enabling more precise operations. 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 an operation screen for the filter function, that is, an operation screen (filter operation screen) 204 for applying filter processing to an image.

[0158] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the filter operation screen.

[0159] The filter operation screen 204 displays buttons for selecting the filter to be applied in addition to the content displayed on the print image confirmation screen 202. Fig. 18 shows an example in which four buttons are displayed as selection buttons. Specifically, this example shows a normal button FB1 for returning to the normal state, a monochrome button FB2 for applying a monochrome filter, a sepia button FB3 for applying a sepia filter, and an auto button FB4 for applying an auto filter.

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

[0161] The sepia filter is a filter that changes the color tone of an image to sepia. When the sepia button FB3 is touched on the screen, the color tone of the print image PI displayed in the image display area EA1 is changed to sepia.

[0162] The auto filter is a filter that automatically optimizes the color tone of an image. When the auto button FB4 on the screen is touched, 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 cancelled and the screen returns to its original state.

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

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

[0166] Furthermore, each button is displayed in the operation area EA3, and is displayed radially from a point set on a line passing through the center of the width direction of the screen. By displaying the buttons radially in this way, the number and size of buttons that can be displayed can be increased compared to when they are displayed in a straight line. This improves operability. 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, the larger the curvature (the greater the curve), the more buttons can be displayed at one time.

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

[0168] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the image quality correction operation screen.

[0169] In addition to the contents displayed on the print image confirmation screen 202, the image quality correction operation screen 205 displays a brightness adjustment slide bar SB3 for adjusting the brightness of the image, a contrast adjustment slide bar SB4 for adjusting the contrast of the image, a saturation adjustment slide bar SB5 for adjusting the saturation of the image, and a reset button RSB.

[0170] The brightness adjustment slider bar SB3 is operated by sliding its knob NB3. When the brightness adjustment slider bar SB3 is operated, the brightness of the image changes according to the amount of operation. The knob NB3 is located in the center of the bar by default. When the knob NB3 is slid to the right of the screen, the print image PI becomes brighter, and when it is slid to the left, the print image PI becomes darker.

[0171] The contrast adjustment slide bar SB4 is operated by sliding its knob NB4. When the contrast adjustment slide bar SB4 is operated, the image contrast changes according to the amount of operation. The knob NB4 is located in the center of the bar by default. For the print image PI, sliding the knob NB4 to the right of the screen increases the contrast, and sliding it to the left decreases the contrast.

[0172] The saturation adjustment slider bar SB5 is operated by sliding its knob NB5. When the saturation adjustment slider bar SB5 is operated, the saturation of the image changes according to the amount of operation. The knob NB5 is located in the center of the bar by default. For the print image PI, sliding the knob NB5 to the right of the screen increases the saturation, and sliding it to the left decreases the saturation.

[0173] The reset button RSB is a button that resets the operation of each slide bar (brightness adjustment slide bar SB3, contrast adjustment slide bar SB4, and saturation adjustment slide bar SB5). When the reset button RSB is touched, the operation of each slide bar is reset. In other words, the knob of each slide bar returns to its default position (center).

[0174] Each slide bar (brightness adjustment slide bar SB3, contrast adjustment slide bar SB4, and saturation adjustment slide bar SB5) and the reset button RSB are displayed in the operation area EA3. As shown in FIG. 19, each slide bar is arranged vertically in this area. Each slide bar is also displayed in an arc-like curve. More specifically, they are displayed along a circle whose center is a point set on a line passing through the center in the width direction, and are displayed symmetrically with respect to the line passing through the center in the width direction. This improves the resolution of operations, allowing for more precise operations. The reset button RSB is located at the right end of the operation area E3.

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

[0176] When the print image PI is transmitted, an image of the transmitted image is displayed as an animation. Specifically, the print image PI moves together with the frame FL, and an image of it disappearing from the edge of the screen is displayed as an animation.

[0177] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of an animation display when a print instruction is given.

[0178] When a print command is given, the screen changes in chronological order from screen 206A to screen 206B to screen 206C. As shown in the figure, the print image PI moves upward along the length of the screen together with the frame FL, disappearing from the top edge of the screen (simulating 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 an image stored in the smartphone 100 using the template print function. As described above, template print involves combining an image with a template image and then printing it. The general processing steps are (1) selecting a template, (2) selecting an image to print, and (3) issuing a print command. The image is then edited as necessary.

[0180] [Template selection screen] When the template print button MB5 is touched on the top screen (see FIGS. 13 and 14), the template print function is activated. When the template print function is activated, the screen on the touch panel 120 switches to a template selection screen 210. This screen is used to select a template image to be combined with the image to be printed.

[0181] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of the template print selection screen.

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

[0183] [Image selection screen] When a template image to be used is selected on the template selection screen 210, the screen of the touch panel 120 switches to an image selection screen 201 (see FIG. 15). On this screen, the user selects an image to be printed.

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

[0185] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a print image confirmation screen for template printing.

[0186] Except for the addition of a template button EB4 as a menu button for image editing, the screen configuration is the same as the print image confirmation screen 202 for easy printing. The template button EB4 is a button that calls up a function for switching template images.

[0187] [Template switching operation screen] The functions of enlarging and rotating, filtering and image quality correction are the same as those for easy printing, so here we will explain the template image switching function.

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

[0189] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of the template switching operation screen.

[0190] The template switching operation screen 212 displays selection buttons TB1, TB2, ... for switchable template images in addition to the content displayed on the print image confirmation screen 202. The user touches the selection button for the template image they wish to switch to on the screen to select it.

[0191] Each button is composed of a reduced image of the template image selected by that button, and therefore its outer shape is similar to the outer shape of the print image PI (including shapes that are considered to be approximately similar).

[0192] Similar to the filter selection buttons, the template image selection buttons TB1, TB2, . . . are displayed in the operation area EA3 in a radial pattern centered on a point on a line passing through the center of the screen in the width direction.

[0193] Note that a certain number of selection buttons TB1, TB2, ... are displayed in the operation area EA3. FIG. 23 shows an example in which four selection buttons are displayed at a time (four buttons are enough to display the entire buttons). The other selection buttons are displayed by scrolling. Scrolling is performed by swiping or flicking the screen over the selection buttons displayed in the operation area EA3. Here, a swipe operation is an operation in which a finger is slid while touching the screen. A flick operation is an operation in which a swipe is performed more vigorously, and the finger is slid away from the screen as if flicking.

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

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

[0196] [Operation screen when printing] Printing is performed in the same way as with Easy Print. That is, the user touches the print button PB on the screen to instruct printing. When printing is instructed, image data of the print image PI is sent to the printer 10. As with Easy Print, the image of the image transmission is displayed as an animation (see FIG. 20).

[0197] (C) [Printing using the collage print function] The following describes the procedure for printing images stored in smartphone 100 using the collage print function. As described above, in collage print, images are printed by fitting them into the areas of the divided frames. The general processing steps are (1) selecting the divided frames, (2) selecting the images to be combined, and (3) issuing a print command. If necessary, the images to be combined are processed and edited.

[0198] [Split frame selection screen] When the collage print button MB6 is touched on the top screen (see FIGS. 13 and 14), the collage print function is activated. When the collage print function is activated, the screen on the touch panel 120 switches to a divided frame selection screen 220. This screen is used to select divided frames.

[0199] FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example of the divided frame selection screen.

[0200] As shown in the figure, selectable divided frame images (images showing the division within the frame) are displayed in thumbnail format on the divided frame selection screen 220. The user selects the desired divided frame image by touching it on the screen.

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

[0202] FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an example of a collage image creation screen.

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

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

[0205] When the area in image display area EA1 where the images are to be combined is touched, the screen of touch panel 120 switches to an image selection screen (see FIG. 15). The user selects the images to be combined on this screen. Once the images are selected, the screen returns to collage image creation screen 221. At this time, the selected images are fitted into the selected area and displayed.

[0206] FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an example of the collage image creation screen after image selection.

[0207] The figure shows an example of a screen display when the upper area of ​​the screen is selected and an image to be combined is selected in a divided frame that is divided into two equal parts, top and bottom. As shown in the figure, the selected image is displayed fitted to the selected area.

[0208] In the selected area, the image position is adjusted by touching the image and moving the finger. To change the selected image, touch the area where you want to change the image, and then touch the back button BB. This operation switches the screen to the image selection screen (see Figure 15), allowing you to select an image. Note that the images may also be switched in order by flicking the screen within the area.

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

[0210] The image of each selected area can be individually processed and edited using the functions of enlargement and rotation, filter and image quality correction. The functions of enlargement and rotation, filter and image quality correction are the same as those for Easy Print.

[0211] [Split frame switching operation screen] The split frame button EB5 displayed in the button display area EA2 is a button that calls up a function for switching split frames. When the split frame button EB5 is touched, the screen switches to an operation screen (split frame switching operation screen) 222 for switching split frames.

[0212] FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an example of the divided frame switching operation screen.

[0213] The divided frame switching operation screen 222 displays divided frame selection buttons SFB1, SFB2, ... for selecting switchable divided frames in addition to the display content on the collage image creation screen 221. The user touches the selection button for the divided frame they wish to switch to on the screen to select it.

[0214] Each button is composed of a reduced image of the split frame selected by that button, and therefore its outer shape is similar to the outer shape of the printed image (including shapes that are considered to be approximately similar).

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

[0216] When the divided frames are switched, the images of each region are selected again.

[0217] [Operation screen when printing] Once the collage image is complete, it can be printed. Printing is performed in the same way as with easy printing. That is, the print button PB is touched on the screen to instruct printing. When printing is instructed, image data of the print image (the generated collage image) is sent to the printer 10. As with easy printing, the image sent is displayed as an animation (see Figure 20).

[0218] (D) [Printing using the photo combination function] The following describes the procedure for printing images stored in the smartphone 100 using the composite photo function. As described above, in composite photos, one image is divided into multiple parts and printed. The general processing steps are (1) selecting a layout, (2) selecting images, and (3) issuing a print command. The images are then edited as necessary.

[0219] [Layout selection screen] When the combined photograph button MB7 is touched on the top screen (see FIGS. 13 and 14), the combined photograph function is activated. When the combined photograph function is activated, the screen of the touch panel 120 switches to a layout selection screen 230. This screen is a screen for selecting the layout of divisions.

[0220] FIG. 29 is a diagram showing an example of the layout selection screen.

[0221] As shown in the figure, a list of images with selectable layouts is displayed on the layout selection screen 230. The images with selectable layouts are configured by arranging images that resemble instant film in accordance with the manner of division. The user selects the image of the desired layout by touching it on the screen.

[0222] [Image selection screen] When a layout is selected on the layout selection screen 230, the screen on the touch panel 120 switches to the image selection screen 201 (see FIG. 15). On this screen, the user selects the images to be printed.

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

[0224] FIG. 30 is a diagram showing an example of a print image confirmation screen for a combined photograph.

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

[0226] A layout button EB6 is additionally displayed as an image editing menu button on the combined photo print image confirmation screen 231. The layout button EB6 is a button that calls up a function for changing the layout.

[0227] [Layout operation screen] When the layout button EB6 is touched, the screen switches to an operation screen (layout change operation screen) 232 for performing a layout change operation.

[0228] FIG. 31 is a diagram showing an example of the template switching operation screen.

[0229] In addition to the contents displayed on the print image confirmation screen 231, the layout change operation screen 232 displays selection buttons LB1, LB2, ... for layouts that can be changed. The user touches the selection button for the layout they wish to change to on the screen to select it. Each button is composed of a reduced image of the image of the layout selected by that button.

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

[0231] [Operation screen when printing] Printing is performed in the same way as with simple printing. That is, the user touches the print button PB on the screen to instruct printing. When printing is instructed, image data of the print image is sent to the printer 10. An animation of the image transmission is also displayed on the screen.

[0232] In the case of a composite photo, multiple images are printed according to the selected layout, and therefore animation is also displayed with each image sent individually.

[0233] (D) [Printing using camera functions] The following explains the procedure for printing an image using the camera's functions. The general procedure is (1) taking a photo, and (2) issuing a print command. If necessary, the image can be edited or processed.

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

[0235] FIG. 32 is a diagram showing an example of the shooting operation screen.

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

[0237] Furthermore, on the shooting operation screen 240, camera operation buttons are displayed in the button display area EA2. Specifically, a flash button CB1, an in / out switch button CB2, a shutter button CB3, a timer button CB4, and a date button CB5 are displayed. The flash button CB1 is a button for switching the flash mode. The in / out switch button CB2 is a button for switching between the in-camera and out-camera. The shutter button CB3 is a button for issuing a release command. The timer button CB4 is a button for switching the timer function on and off. The date button CB5 is a button for switching the date function on and off. The date function is a function for imprinting the date in a specified position on a printed image.

[0238] While viewing the live view image LVI displayed in the image display area EA1, the user touches the shutter button CB3 to take a picture.

[0239] [Print image confirmation screen] Once photography is performed, the screen on the touch panel 120 switches to a print image confirmation screen. This screen is the same as the print image confirmation screen 202 in easy print. The user can process and edit the image to be printed on this screen as needed. If no processing or editing is required, the user touches the print button PB to instruct printing. When printing is instructed, the image data of the print image is sent to the printer 10. When the image is sent, an animated image of the image being sent is displayed, just like in the easy print mode (see FIG. 20).

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

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

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

[0243] FIG. 33 is a diagram showing an example of a display of status information.

[0244] As shown in the figure, the status information SI is displayed superimposed on the current display. Note that Figure 33 shows an example in which the printer main body 14 is lifted while the print image confirmation screen 202 for easy printing is displayed.

[0245] The example shown in Fig. 33 shows a case where a circle is displayed and, within the circle, status information such as information SI1 on the number of prints that can be made (number of films remaining) and information SI2 on the remaining battery charge is displayed. Also, the example shown in Fig. 32 shows a case where the name of the connected printer 10 (for example, 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 of this embodiment, the status can be grasped, thereby improving the convenience of the system.

[0247] The status information is also displayed on the top screen (see FIGS. 13 and 14), but if the printer main body 14 is lifted while the top screen is displayed, the status information SI is also displayed.

[0248] It is preferable that the display of the status information SI be configured so that the user can arbitrarily select whether to turn it on or off. In other words, it is preferable that the user can select a setting so that the status information SI is not displayed even when the printer body 14 is lifted. It is also more preferable that the display can be individually turned on or off for each situation. For example, it is more preferable that the top screen can be set to always have the display turned off. The display on or off setting is performed on the setting screen of the print application. The setting screen is called up by touching the setting button SEB on the top screen.

[0249] [Relationship between printer body movement and smartphone touch panel display] Figure 34 is a table showing the relationship between the movement of the printer 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, if the printer main body 14 is oriented vertically, a first top screen 200A is displayed as the top screen. On the other hand, if the printer main body 14 is oriented horizontally, a second top screen 200B is displayed as the top screen.

[0251] The first top screen 200A prominently displays buttons for functions including play and creation elements (compatibility diagnosis button MB4, template print button MB5, collage print button MB6, and composite photo button MB7). Therefore, when the user wants to create a work of art, the user places the printer main body 14 vertically when the top screen is displayed. This allows the user to easily activate the desired function.

[0252] On the other hand, the second top screen 200B displays buttons for functions that allow for easy printing (Easy Print button MB1, Movie Print button MB2, and Camera button MB3) in a large, conspicuous manner. Therefore, when the user wants to print simply, the user places the printer main body 14 horizontally when displaying the top screen. This allows the user to easily activate the desired function.

[0253] 34, when the printer main body 14 is picked up while 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. This allows the status of the printer 10 to be instantly known.

[0254] [Variations] If a communication connection with the printer 10 cannot be established when the print app is launched, it is preferable to display either the first top screen or the second top screen as the default top screen. For example, if a communication connection with the printer 10 cannot be established within a certain time after the print app is launched, the first top screen is displayed as the default top screen. Note that the configuration may be such that the user can select and set the top screen to be displayed when a communication connection with the printer 10 cannot be established. Alternatively, the previously displayed top screen may be displayed.

[0255] Furthermore, switching of the top screen in relation to the printer 10 may be limited to only when the print application is started. That is, when the top screen is displayed again after the print application is started (for example, when the top button TB is touched to display the top screen), the top screen at the time of start-up is displayed. For example, if the first top screen is displayed at the time of start-up, the first top screen is displayed as the top screen until the print application is closed.

[0256] Furthermore, if the installation position of the printer main body 14 is changed while the top screen is displayed, the top screen may be configured to change in accordance with the change in installation position. This allows for easy switching of the top screen.

[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 main body 14 to be detected. When the printer is placed horizontally, it is possible to distinguish between when the front side is facing up and when it is facing down, and provide a top screen for each. Furthermore, it is also possible to detect when the printer is placed with the right side or left side facing down, and provide a top screen for each.

[0258] Furthermore, the configuration of the top screen is not limited to that of the above embodiment, but may be configured in accordance with the functions of the print application.

[0259] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the last printed image is displayed on each top screen, but this image can be omitted. Furthermore, when the last printed image is displayed on the top screen as in the above-described embodiment, this image can function as a reprint instruction button. That is, when the user touches a portion of this image, this image is set as the print image and the easy print screen is launched. This allows for easy reprint operations on the smartphone. This image can also function as a print history confirmation button. That is, when the user touches a portion of this image, the screen switches to a screen that plays back images that have been printed. On the print history playback screen, for example, images that have been printed are played back frame by frame in order (from the most recent to the oldest print) in accordance with a frame-by-frame instruction from the user (e.g., a horizontal swipe operation). Note that, in order to activate this function, print history information must be separately stored.

[0260] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, information on the number of printable sheets and information on the remaining battery capacity are displayed as status information of the printer 10, but the information displayed as status information of the printer 10 is not limited to this. In addition, for example, if the printer 10 has an image storage unit, information on the number of printable sheets, information on available capacity, etc. may be acquired and displayed.

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

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

[0263] [Second embodiment] The print system of the above embodiment is configured to control the display of the smartphone 100 in response to the movement of the printer main body 14. In the print system of this embodiment, the operation of the printer itself is further controlled in response to the movement of the printer main body 14. Specifically, an image is reprinted in response to a specific movement. Also, the power of the printer 10 is turned off in response to a specific movement.

[0264] FIG. 35 is a block diagram of the main functions realized by the printer microcomputer of the printer of this embodiment.

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

[0266] The print control unit 80C executes a reprint process when the printer body 14 is lifted and held upside down for a certain period of time. The movement of turning the printer body 14 upside down is the movement of lifting the printer body 14 and pointing the discharge port 18 downward (fourth movement). The certain period of time is, for example, five seconds. Furthermore, "pointing downward" here includes a range that is recognized as being substantially facing vertically downward. In other words, it includes a range that is recognized as being facing almost downward.

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

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

[0269] FIG. 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, if you lift the printer body 14 and turn it upside down, and after a certain period of time has passed, the image that was printed last time will be reprinted. This allows for easy reprinting.

[0271] Also, as shown in the figure, if the printer body 14 is placed horizontally with the power button 16 facing downwards, the printer 10 will be powered off after a certain time has passed. For example, if the printer body 14 is placed horizontally with the power button 16 facing downwards, the printer 10 will be powered off after a certain time has passed. This makes it easy to turn off the power.

[0272] In the case of a configuration in which the power is turned off when the power button 16 is pointed downward, as in the printer 10 of this embodiment, if the top screen of the print application is to be the second top screen, the printer is placed horizontally with the power button 16 pointed upward. Also, "pointing downward" here includes a range that is recognized as being pointed substantially vertically downward. In other words, it includes a range that is recognized as being pointed almost downward.

[0273] [Variations] In the above embodiment, the printer 14 is configured to reprint the previously printed image when it is turned upside down for a certain period of time or longer, but the operation of the printer 14 assigned to the reprint process is not limited to this. Alternatively, for example, the printer 14 can be configured to reprint the previously printed image when it is turned upside down and tilted for a certain period of time or longer. Preferably, the printer 14 is configured to reprint when it is tilted within a predetermined angle range with the discharge opening 18 facing downward. For example, the printer 14 is configured to reprint when it is tilted within a range of 30° to 60° with the discharge opening 18 facing downward. Note that "turning upside down and tilting" here refers to tilting the printer 14 with the discharge opening 18 facing downward.

[0274] Reprinting can also be achieved by combining the movement of turning the printer body 14 upside down or tilting it upside down with other movements. For example, reprinting can be achieved by turning the printer body 14 upside down for a certain period of time or more and then shaking it up and down. In this case, the number of prints can be set depending on the number of shakes. For example, if the printer body 14 is turned upside down for a certain period of time or more and then shaken up and down twice, two reprints can be achieved.

[0275] It is also possible to configure the printer to reprint by a combination of movement and an operation button. For example, it is possible to configure the printer to reprint by turning the printer body 14 upside down, or by tilting the printer body 14 upside down and pressing the power button 16.

[0276] The same applies to turning off the printer 10, and a motion other than pointing the power button 16 downward can be assigned. For example, tilting the power button 16 downward can be assigned. Furthermore, it can be assigned in combination with other motions. It is also possible to configure the power to be turned off by combining a motion with an operation button. For example, it is possible to configure the power to be turned off by pointing the power button 16 downward and pressing the power button 16 (short press) (normally, the power is turned off by pressing the power button 16 for a long time).

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

[0278] Also, even when the operation of the printer itself is controlled in accordance with the movement of the printer body 14, as in this embodiment, it is preferable to make the light-emitting section (power button 16) emit light in accordance with the detected movement.

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

[0280] In the following, an example will be described in which the camera function of the smartphone 100 is remotely controlled by the printer 10.

[0281] FIG. 37 is a block diagram of the main functions realized by the printer microcomputer of the printer of this embodiment.

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

[0283] The mode setting unit 80J sets the operation mode of the printer 10. The printer 10 of this embodiment has a printer mode and a remote control mode as its operation modes. The printer mode is a mode in which the printer 10 is used as a normal printer. The remote control mode is a mode in which the printer 10 is used as a remote controller for the smartphone 100 in relation to the smartphone 100.

[0284] The mode setting unit 80J sets the operation mode of the printer 10 in response to a mode switching command sent from the smartphone 100. The printer 10 starts up in printer mode when powered on. Therefore, the printer 10 is set to remote control mode when a command to switch to remote control mode is received from the smartphone 100. The mode switching operation is performed on the operation screen of the print app. Therefore, the print app has a printer mode setting function as one of its menu items.

[0285] When the operation mode of the printer 10 is set to the remote control mode, the operation signal transmission unit 80K transmits a signal (operation signal) for operating the smartphone 100 in response to the movement of the printer body 14 detected by the movement detection unit 66 and the operation of the power button 16. Specifically, it transmits an operation signal for operating the zoom of the camera unit (in-camera unit 108A and out-camera unit 108B) and an operation signal for operating the release.

[0286] Zooming is controlled by the movement of the printer body 14. Specifically, zooming is controlled by tilting the printer body 14 forward or backward from an upright position (vertical orientation) (seventh movement). In this embodiment, when the printer body 14 is tilted forward (toward the front), zooming is performed toward the telephoto side (zooming up), and when the printer body 14 is tilted backward (toward the rear), zooming is performed toward the wide-angle side (zooming out). Zooming is performed in steps, and the printer body 14 zooms up and out at a constant zoom factor each time the printer body 14 is tilted. A zoom control signal is transmitted when the printer body 14 is tilted within a certain angle range. In this embodiment, zooming is performed when the printer body 14 is tilted forward within a range of 30° to 60° (45°±15°), and zooming is performed when the printer body 14 is tilted backward within a range of 30° to 60° (45°±15°). The zooming method is not particularly limited. If the smartphone 100 to be operated has an optical zoom function, zooming in and out is performed using optical zoom. Furthermore, if the smartphone 100 to be operated only has an electronic zoom function, zooming in and out is performed using the electronic zoom. If the smartphone 100 to be operated has both an optical zoom and an electronic zoom function, both zoom functions may be used. For example, after zooming up to the telephoto end using the optical zoom, if further zooming is required, the optical zoom is switched to the electronic zoom. Furthermore, a configuration may be adopted in which only one of the zooms is enabled 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. 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 operation mode of the printer 10 is set to the printer mode, the smartphone 100 operates the zoom of the camera unit (the in-camera unit 108A or the out-camera unit 108B) via the photographing control unit 100C upon receiving a zoom operation signal from the printer 10. Furthermore, upon receiving a release operation signal, the smartphone 100 executes photographing processing for recording via the photographing control unit 100C.

[0290] The photographing control unit 100C in the smartphone 100 is an example of a terminal control unit, and the communication control unit 100F is an example of an operation signal receiving unit.

[0291] FIG. 38 is a table showing the relationship between the movement of the printer body and the camera operation of the smartphone in the remote control mode.

[0292] As shown in the figure, when the operation mode of the printer 10 is set to the 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 (the in-camera unit 108A or the out-camera unit 108B) to the telephoto side.

[0293] Furthermore, when the printer body 14 is tilted backward, a zoom-out operation signal is transmitted from the printer 10 to the smartphone 100. The smartphone 100 receives this zoom-out operation signal and operates the zoom of the camera unit to the wide side.

[0294] Furthermore, when the power button 16 is operated (shortly pressed), a release operation signal is transmitted from the printer 10 to the smartphone 100. The smartphone 100 receives this release operation signal and executes a photographing process for recording.

[0295] In this way, 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 when taking pictures.

[0296] [Variations] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the zoom of the camera unit of the smartphone 100 is operated by tilting the printer body 14 back and forth, but the operation assigned to the zoom operation is not limited to this. Alternatively, for example, the zoom can be operated by tilting the printer body left and right. Also, the zoom can 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 its movement.

[0297] In the above embodiment, the printer is configured to zoom in and out at a fixed zoom factor each time the printer body 14 is tilted, but the zoom operation is not limited to this. For example, the printer may be configured to zoom continuously while the printer body is tilted.

[0298] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the release is operated by operating the power button 16, but the operation assigned to the release operation 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 may be operated by shaking the printer body 14 up and down. Furthermore, 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] In the above embodiment, the case where the camera unit of the smartphone 100 is remotely controlled by the printer 10 has been described as an example, but the object of control is not limited to this. For example, in image playback, the printer main body 14 can be tilted forward and / or backward to advance and / or rewind frames.

[0300] Furthermore, when remotely controlling the camera unit, the operations that can be remotely controlled are not limited to zooming and releasing. Other operations can also be remotely controlled. For example, switching the shooting mode (shutter speed priority mode, aperture priority mode, auto mode, etc.), switching the shutter speed, switching the aperture value, switching the sensitivity, etc. can be remotely controlled by moving the printer main body 14 and / or operating an operating member provided on the printer main body 14.

[0301] The smartphone 100 may also be configured so that the user can arbitrarily set the actions of the printer body 14 to be assigned to those actions (a so-called customization function). The actions to be assigned may include, for example, tilting the printer body 14 as described above, shaking it up and down, shaking it back and forth, shaking it left and right, shaking it diagonally, flipping it upside down, and flipping it over. These actions may also be combined with the operation of an operating member provided on the printer body 14. When assigning an action, the action to be assigned may be actually performed and detected by the motion detection unit 66, and the detected motion may be assigned to a specific action. For example, if tilting the printer body 14 back and forth is assigned to zooming the camera unit, the printer body 14 may actually be tilted back and forth, and the motion may be detected by the motion detection unit 66 and assigned to zooming. This allows the user's movement habits to be reflected, further improving usability.

[0302] Also in this embodiment, it is preferable to make the light emitting section (power button 16) emit light in response to the detected movement of the printer main body 14.

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

[0304] [Other embodiments] [Screen switching animation display] If the installation orientation of the printer main body 14 is changed while the top screen is being displayed, it is preferable to display the screen change using animation. For example, if the installation orientation of the printer main body 14 is changed from portrait to landscape while the first top screen 200A is being displayed, the top screen will change from the first top screen 200A to the second top screen 200B, and it is preferable to display this change using animation. Similarly, if the installation orientation of the printer main body 14 is changed from landscape to portrait while the second top screen 200B is being displayed, the top screen will change from the second top screen 200B to the first top screen 200A, and it is preferable to display this change using animation.

[0305] 39 is a diagram showing an example of an animation display of a change in the top screen. The figure shows the change in animation in chronological order (displayed frame by frame at a predetermined interval).

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

[0307] In this way, by displaying the screen changes as animations, the changes can be clearly understood, further improving operability. Also, it is easier for the user to recognize that the screen changes depending on the installation position of the printer main body 14, enabling intuitive operation. Furthermore, it is possible to give the user the enjoyment of operation.

[0308] [Variations of print instruction operation] In the above embodiment, a command to print the image displayed in the image display area EA1 is issued by touching the print button PB displayed in the button display area EA2. Instead of or in addition to this method, a command to print may be issued by the following method. That is, a command to print is issued by swiping or flicking the screen on the print image PI or on the frame FL displayed in the image display area EA1.

[0309] FIG. 40 is a conceptual diagram of an operation when instructing printing by a flick operation.

[0310] As shown in the figure, a user touches a frame FL displayed on the screen with a finger and slides it upward as if flicking it to instruct printing.

[0311] As described above, when a print command is issued, the image to be sent is displayed as an animation. The direction of movement of the print image PI during the animation display matches the direction of operation for issuing a print command. This allows for intuitive operation and further improves operability.

[0312] [Stop printing] It is preferable to be able to stop printing as necessary, especially before printing starts, as this will improve the convenience of the printing system.

[0313] As a method for instructing the mobile terminal to stop printing, a method of displaying a button for instructing the mobile terminal to stop printing on the screen can be adopted.

[0314] 41 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for accepting an instruction to cancel printing. This diagram shows an example of a screen for accepting a command to cancel printing while an image is being sent.

[0315] As shown above, when a print command is issued, an image of the image being sent is displayed in animation. A message MI1 ("Image being transferred") indicating that the image is being sent, and a print cancel button PCB are displayed over the print image PI during the animation display. The print cancel button PCB is a button that commands the user to stop printing. The print cancel button PCB consists of a button with the word "cancel" written inside a rectangular frame.

[0316] The message MI1 and the print cancel button PCB move together 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 while it is displayed will cancel printing.

[0317] If the print cancel button PCB is touched after issuing a print instruction to cancel the print, the print image PI moves in the opposite direction and returns to its original position, i.e., moves downward and returns to the position before the movement started (see screen 206A in FIG. 20).

[0318] By displaying the print cancel button PCB in this way, the user can know that printing can be stopped and the time limit for doing so, thereby improving operability.

[0319] [Variations of on-screen image processing operation methods] Operations such as enlarging and rotating an image to be printed may be performed using predetermined gestures. For example, pinching out and pinching in on an image displayed in image display area EA1 enlarges and reduces the image. Swiping on an image displayed in image display area EA1 moves the image in the direction of the operation. Touching an image displayed in image display area EA1 with two fingers (e.g., thumb and index finger) and rotating (twisting) it rotates the image. Note that a pinch-in operation refers to touching the screen with two fingers (e.g., thumb and index finger) and moving them in a pinching motion. A pinch-out operation refers to touching the screen with two fingers (e.g., thumb and index finger) and moving them in a spreading motion.

[0320] When performing operations such as enlarging, moving, and rotating using gestures on the screen, it is preferable to configure the device so that the functions can be switched on and off. For example, the functions can be switched on and off by touching the frame FL that surrounds the print image PI. In this case, the functions are alternately switched on and off each time the frame FL is touched.

[0321] Furthermore, when performing operations such as enlarging, moving, and rotating using gestures on the screen, it is preferable to display an operation guide screen.

[0322] FIG. 42 is a diagram showing an example of an operation guide screen.

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

[0324] In the example shown in Fig. 42, an OK button OKB is displayed to prompt the user for confirmation. The message MI2 disappears from the screen when the OK button OKB is touched. It is preferable that the display or non-display of this message MI2 can be selected in the settings.

[0325] Also, when enlarging and rotating an image by gestures on the screen as in this example, the display of the button for calling up the enlargement and rotation functions (Enlarge & Rotate button EB1) can be omitted. Figure 42 shows an example in which the display of the Enlarge & Rotate button is omitted.

[0326] [Modified button layout] In the above embodiment, the print button PB is arranged on a straight line passing through the center of the width of the button display area EA2, but the types of buttons arranged on a straight line passing through the center of the width are not limited to this. Buttons with other functions may also be arranged.

[0327] However, on the operation screen for performing operations related to printing, the print button PB is arranged on a straight line passing through the center in the width direction and is displayed in a larger size than the other buttons, thereby making it possible to clearly indicate the print instruction operation.

[0328] 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 functions other than these may also be displayed in the button display area EA2. For example, a setting button SEB may also be displayed.

[0329] [Image editing menu variations] In the above embodiment, the image editing menu is described as having functions for enlarging and rotating, a filter, and an image quality correction, but the items provided in the image editing menu are not limited to these. Instead of or in addition to the above items, other image editing functions may be provided. For example, noise removal, sharpness adjustment, etc. may be provided.

[0330] The touch panel may also be used to write text, draw pictures, or stamp images on the image (a so-called drawing mode). Furthermore, a keyboard may be displayed on the screen, allowing input text to be imprinted. For example, text may be imprinted in a blank area.

[0331] [Operation screen when no printer is connected] If the printer 10 is not connected (if communication with the printer 10 is not established), a communication connection button may be displayed on each operation screen instead of the print button.

[0332] 43 is a diagram showing an example of the display of the communication connection button. Note that this diagram shows an example of the case where the communication connection button is displayed on the operation screen for the simple print function.

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

[0334] [Other printer examples] In the above embodiment, the printer is configured as an instant printer, but the printer configuration is not limited to this. The present invention can be applied to various printers, such as a thermal printer that prints on thermal paper, a thermal transfer printer that prints using an ink ribbon, and an inkjet printer that prints using an inkjet method. The type of media used is also not particularly limited, and the present invention can be applied to printers that print on roll paper as well as sheet paper. Furthermore, the present invention can be applied to printers that print on labels (including stickers), etc.

[0335] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the present invention has been described as being applied to a mobile printer, but the application of the present invention is not limited to this, and it can also be applied to so-called stationary printers.

[0336] [Other examples of terminals] In the above embodiments, the terminal is a smartphone, but the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can be applied to any device that is wirelessly connected to a printer and has a screen for operating the printer. Therefore, for example, in addition to smartphones, tablet terminals, PDAs (personal data assistance devices), and laptop computer mobile computers can also be used as terminals. In addition to these mobile computers, digital cameras equipped with wireless communication capabilities can also be used as terminals. In this case, the printer can be operated by displaying an operation screen on a monitor (such as a rear monitor) equipped on the digital camera. Similarly, portable game consoles, mobile phones, and other devices equipped with wireless communication capabilities can also be used as terminals.

[0337] [Hardware configuration of printer and terminal control unit] The functions of the printer and terminal control units can be configured using various processors. These processors include a central processing unit (CPU), a general-purpose processor that executes programs and functions as various processing units; a programmable logic device (PLD), such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA), whose circuit configuration can be changed after manufacture; and a dedicated electrical circuit, such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), which is a processor with a circuit configuration specifically designed to perform specific processing. A processing unit constituting an inspection support device may be configured using one of the above processors, or may be configured using two or more processors of the same or different types. For example, a processing unit may be configured using multiple FPGAs or a combination of a CPU and an FPGA. Alternatively, multiple processing units may be configured using a single processor. A first example of multiple processing units configured using a single processor is a configuration in which a single processor is configured using a combination of one or more CPUs and software, as typified by computers such as client and server computers, and this processor functions as multiple processing units. Second, there is a form in which a processor is used to realize the functions of an entire system including multiple processing units on a single IC (Integrated Circuit) chip, as typified by a System on Chip (SoC). In this way, various processing units are configured as a hardware structure using one or more of the above-mentioned various processors. Furthermore, the hardware structure of these various processors is, more specifically, an electric circuit that combines circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

[0338] [Variations in communication format] In the above embodiment, the printer and the mobile terminal communicate with each other via short-range wireless communication, but the communication method is not particularly limited. Any known wireless communication method can be used.

[0339] [Motion detection section] The motion detection unit 66 is only required to be able to detect at least the assigned motion, and therefore may be configured with only an acceleration sensor or only a gyro sensor depending on the motion to be detected.

[0340] [Operating parts provided on the printer] In the printer of the above embodiment, the printer body is configured to have only a power button as an operation member, but other operation members (so-called mechanical switches) may also be provided. For example, a reprint button for reprinting may also be provided separately.

[0341] As in the above embodiment, the configuration can be simplified by limiting the operation member provided on the printer body to a power button.

[0342] [Modification 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 be provided. Also, this light emitting unit may be provided in multiple locations. [Explanation of symbols]

[0343] 10 Printers 12 Instant Film 12a Exposure surface 12b Observation surface 12c Exposure area 12d pod section 12e Processing Solution 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 connection cover 30 Film pack loading chamber 32 Film delivery mechanism 32a Claw 34 Film transport mechanism 34A Conveyor roller pair 34B Spreading roller pair 36 print heads 40 film packs 42 cases 42a Exposure opening 42b Film outlet 42c claw opening 50 Operation detection unit 52 Light source section 56 Radio Communication Department 56A Antenna 58 Power supply section 62 Printer memory section 66 Motion detection unit 68 Film feeding mechanism drive unit 70 Film transport mechanism drive unit 72 Print head control unit 80 Printer microcomputer 80A Image acquisition unit 80B Print data generation unit 80C Print control unit 80D Representative Color Detection Unit 80E Light Emission Control Unit 80F Power supply control unit 80G control signal transmitter 80H Status information acquisition section 80I Status information transmitter 80J Mode setting section 80K operation signal transmitter 100 smartphones 100A Display control unit 100B Input control section 100C Shooting control unit 100D Playback control unit 100E Image Processing Unit 100F Communication control unit 101 CPU 102 ROM 103 RAM 104 Internal Memory 105 Display 106 Touchpad 107 GPS receiver 108A In-camera unit 108B Outer Camera Unit 109 Microphone section 110 Speaker section 111 Radio Communication Department 111A Antenna 112 Near Field Wireless Communication Department 112A Antenna 113 Sensor unit 114 Media Drive 115 Memory Card 120 Touch Panel 200 Top screen 200A First Top Screen 200B Second top screen 200a~200s Screens that make up one frame of the animation that switches to the top screen 201 Image selection screen 201A Cancel button 202 Print image confirmation screen 203 Rotation operation screen 204 Filter operation screen 205 Image quality correction operation screen 206A to 206C: Screens constituting one frame of animation when printing is instructed 210: Template selection screen 212 Template switching operation screen 220 Split Frame Selection Screen 221 Collage image creation screen 222 Split frame switching operation screen 230 Layout selection screen 231 Print image confirmation screen 232 Layout change operation screen 240 Shooting operation screen BB back button CB1 Flash Button CB2 Out Switch 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 Button F Instant film feed direction FB1 Normal button FB2 Monochrome button FB3 Sepia button FB4 Auto button FBB Border Button FBL Border FL Frame surrounding the printed image FL1 Frame that surrounds the images that make up the composite photo FL2 Frame that surrounds the images that make up the composite photo FLO Image Display Frame LB1, LB2, ... Layout selection buttons LIM Last printed image LVI Live View Image MA1 First group display area MA2 Second group display area MA3 Status Information Display Area MB1 Easy Print Button MB2 Video print button MB3 Camera Button MB4 Compatibility Diagnosis Button MB5 Template Print Button MB6 Collage Print Button MB7 Photo Composition Button MG1 Group 1 MG2 2nd Group MI1 Messages MI2 Message NB1 Magnification Slider Knob NB2 Rotation Slide Bar Knob NB3 Brightness adjustment slider knob NB4 Contrast adjustment slider knob NB5 Adjustment slider knob OKB OK button PB Print button PI print image R+ Scroll direction R- Scroll direction RSB Reset Button S1~S10 Processing procedure for displaying the top screen when starting the print app SB1 Magnification Slider SB2 Rotation Slide Bar SB3 Brightness adjustment slider SB4 contrast adjustment slider SB5 Saturation adjustment slider SEB setting button SFB1 Split Frame Selection Button SFB2 Split Frame Selection Button SI Status Information SI1 Number of prints remaining (film remaining) SI2 Battery level information TB Top Button TB1, TB2, ... Template image selection buttons

Claims

1. A terminal and a portable electronic device capable of wirelessly communicating with the terminal, The portable electronic device includes: a motion detection unit that detects a tilting motion of the main body, a shaking motion of the main body, a first motion relative to the main body, and a third motion relative to the main body; an operation signal transmitting unit that transmits a zoom operation signal to the terminal in response to detection of a tilting motion of the main body, and transmits the release operation signal to the terminal in response to detection of a shaking motion of the main body; a control signal transmitter configured to transmit a first control signal to the terminal in response to detection of the first movement; a status information acquisition unit that acquires status information of the portable electronic device; a status information transmitting unit configured to transmit the status information acquired by the status information acquiring unit to the terminal in response to detection of the third movement; A light-emitting portion; a light emission control unit that controls light emission of the light emitting unit; Equipped with the light emission control unit causes the light emitting unit to emit light in a light emission color and / or a light emission pattern according to the detected motion of the main body when the motion detection unit detects a motion of tilting the main body and when the motion detection unit detects a motion of shaking the main body; The terminal A display unit; a display control unit that controls the display of the display unit; a control signal receiving unit that receives the first control signal from the portable electronic device; an operation signal receiving unit that receives the operation signal from the portable electronic device; a terminal control unit that operates a zoom of a camera unit provided in the terminal in response to receiving the zoom operation signal, and operates a release of the camera unit in response to receiving the release operation signal; a status information receiving unit that receives the status information from the portable electronic device; Equipped with the display control unit causes the display unit to display a first operation screen in response to receiving the first control signal, and causes the display unit to display status information of the portable electronic device in response to receiving the status information; Operation system.

2. the motion detection unit of the portable electronic device further detects a second motion with respect to the main body; the control signal transmitter transmits a second control signal to the terminal in response to the detection of the second movement; the control signal receiving unit receives the second control signal; the display control unit causes the display unit to display a second operation screen in response to receiving the second control signal; The operating system according to claim 1 .

3. the operation signal transmitter transmits the zoom operation signal when a movement of tilting the main body within a predetermined angle range from a predetermined attitude is detected. The operating system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the operation signal transmitter transmits the operation signal for zooming up when a motion of tilting the main body in a first direction is detected, and transmits the operation signal for zooming out when a motion of tilting the main body in a second direction opposite to the first direction is detected; The operating system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the operation signal transmitter transmits the zoom operation signal when a tilting motion of the main body is detected in combination with an operation of an operation member provided on the main body. The operating system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. the operation signal transmitter transmits the operation signal for performing a zoom operation at a specified zoom magnification every time a movement of tilting the main body within a predetermined angle range from a predetermined attitude is detected; the terminal control unit operates the zoom of the camera unit at the zoom magnification every time the zoom operation signal is received; The operating system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. the operation signal transmitter transmits the release operation signal when a shaking motion of the main body is detected in combination with an operation of an operation member provided on the main body; The operating system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

Images