JPH02253331A - image recording device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to an image recording device that records an image on a recording medium based on a manually generated video signal.

[Conventional technology]

Conventionally, this type of device includes a video recording system that records images using a silver salt recording method that records color images by connecting to a television, VTR, various computers, etc. as a color image signal source, or a sublimation type thermal transfer method, etc. Printers have been put into practical use.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, in the conventional example described above, the input color image signal (for example, NTSC signal) is recorded on recording paper in units of one screen, so the image is zoomed to a desired size at the time of recording. However, there is a problem in that the color image signal must be converted into a desired format through a dedicated image processor before being input.

In addition, because the recording paper used as the recording medium is configured to record images while being transported inside the device, it is necessary to use standard-sized special paper (more expensive than plain paper). There have been problems such as the inability to obtain images at desired positions and sizes of postcards, stationery, etc.

This invention was made to solve the above problems, and it is possible to record images by changing the position and size of the recording medium on which the image is recorded and by setting the recording area corresponding to the recording medium so that it is visible. To provide an image recording device that can accurately confirm the recording position and size on a recording medium before recording, and can accurately record an input image in a set recording area.

[Means to solve the problem]

An image recording device according to the present invention includes an image memory that stores a recorded image signal obtained by converting an input video signal into a recorded signal, a recording means that records an image on a recording medium, and a recording medium that the recording means records. an area setting means for arbitrarily setting a recording area for the area, a monitor means for monitoring an arbitrary recording area set by the area setting means, and a detection means for detecting area information for the recording area set by the area setting means. , data creation means for creating predetermined output recording data from the recorded image signal stored in the image memory based on the area information detected by the detection means;
and image recording control means for controlling image recording on the recording medium of the recording means based on the output recording data created by the data creation means.

(Operation) In the present invention, an input video signal is converted into a predetermined recording signal and then written into the image memory. Then, when a recording area on the recording medium that can be visually observed via the monitor means is set by the area setting means, the detection means detects area information regarding the recording area and outputs it to the data creation means. The data creation means analyzes the input area information and creates predetermined output recording data based on the recording image signal stored in the image memory. The image recording control means controls image recording on the recording medium of the recording means based on the created output recording data, and records an image of a desired size at the position of the recording medium set by the area setting means.

[First Embodiment] FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b) are perspective views illustrating the configuration of an image recording apparatus showing a first embodiment of the present invention.

In these figures, reference numeral 1 denotes a recording paper serving as a recording medium, which can be used, for example, from standard postcards, letter paper, etc. to irregularly shaped sheets.

2 is pattern information such as characters recorded on the recording paper 1 in advance. A recording paper holding member 3 is provided at the bottom of the apparatus, and a monitor window 4 for monitoring the recording surface of the recording paper 1 is provided near the center of the member. Reference numeral 5 denotes an area setting board for specifying an image recording area, which can be fixed with high precision by a board fixing member 6 provided on the recording paper holding member 3.

Reference numeral 7a denotes an X-direction pointer section that clearly indicates the boundary portion of the image recording area. The X-direction pointer section 7a is positioned and fixed to the sliding wire 8a, and by rotating the adjustment dial 9a in the direction of the arrow, the sliding wire 8a moves in the X direction and moves the X-direction pointer section 7a. . Note that the adjustment dial 9a is provided with a potentiometer for position detection, which will be described later, and position information in the X direction is generated by operating the adjustment dial 9a.

Reference numeral 7b denotes an X-direction pointer section that clearly indicates the boundary portion of the image recording area. The y-direction pointer section 7b is positioned and fixed to the sliding wire 8b, and by rotating the adjustment dial 9b in the direction of the arrow, the sliding wire 8b moves in the X direction and moves the y-direction pointer section 7b. . The adjustment dial 9b is provided with a potentiometer for position detection, which will be described later, and position information in the X direction is generated by operating the adjustment dial 9b. In this embodiment, the adjustment dials 9a and 9b constitute area setting means.

10a and 10b are connectors that electrically connect the potentiometer and the main body of the device.

20 is a recording head section serving as a recording means, yellow (Y);
・, Magenta (M), Cyan (C), Black (BK)
Recording heads 20-1, 20-2, 20 corresponding to the four colors of
-3, 20-4, and is moved in the direction of the arrow by a scanning means (not shown).

First, the recording area setting process will be explained.

To set the recording area, after setting the main body of the apparatus at the desired position on the recording paper 1, move the X-direction pointer section 7a and the Y-direction pointer section 7b to the
This is done by setting the recording width in the direction and the X direction.

As a result, in the X direction, the edge of the monitor window 4 and the
The portion sandwiched between the direction indicator portions 7a becomes the recording width. Here, the X-direction pointer section 7a is fixed to a sliding wire 8a, and is movable in the X-axis direction by an X-direction adjustment dial 9a. In addition, the X direction pointer section 7a has an adjustment dial 9a.
The setting is such that the rotation is about 4 times, and the entire width of the monitor window 4 in the X direction is moved.

Furthermore, the X-direction adjustment dial 9a is interlocked with a potentiometer described later, and the resistance value of the potentiometer changes in proportion to the position of the X-direction pointer 7a. The position of the X-direction pointer 7a of the potentiometer is detected as a change in voltage value via the connectors 10a and 10b.

On the other hand, when setting the recording width in the X direction, the sliding wire 8
By moving the y-direction pointer section 7b fixed at point b using the adjustment dial 9b, the position of the y-direction pointer section 7b is detected as a voltage value by a potentiometer described later.

When the recording width in the X direction and the It becomes an area.

Note that when performing the above operations, the image recording area 1 is actually
1 can be set, and the input video signal (for example, NTS
Color image information such as C signal) can be outputted to the recording paper 1 as a color image. Furthermore, it is also possible to synthesize pre-stored pattern information such as characters and a color recorded image, if necessary.

Next, the recording method will be explained.

In this embodiment, the recording spatula E section 20 serving as an image recording means uses, for example, an inkjet recording head,
Four recording heads 20-1.20-2.20 arranged with 256 dots at a density of 16 dots/am for each color of M, C, and BK.
-3.20-4 are arranged at a pitch of 5 mm each, and a color image is recorded by sequentially scanning a 16 mm wide band on the recording paper 1 corresponding to the image recording area 11. .

Next, the control structure of the image recording apparatus shown in FIG. 1 will be explained with reference to FIG.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the control configuration of the image recording apparatus shown in FIG. The color separation signals R, G, and B are developed in the memory 32. 3
Reference numeral 3 denotes a memory controller that controls data writing/reading into/from the memory 32 based on commands from the CPU 34 and timing signals output from the timing generation circuit 51.

The CPU 34 transfers the control program (including the procedure of the flowchart described later) stored in the ROM 38 to the RAM 3.
7 as a work area, executes various control information processing such as recording area detection and 1 magnification calculation, and sends various control information to the CPU 57 which serves as a recording controller.

A console 35 includes operation keys SW, a display, and the like.

36 is an A/D converter and an area detection circuit 39a.

The voltage value detected from 39b is A/D converted, and the position information set by the X-direction pointer section 7a and the Y-direction pointer section 7b is output to the CPU 34. The area detection circuits 39a and 39b are equipped with potentiometers, and as described above,
It is configured such that a voltage corresponding to the position indicated by the direction pointers 7a and 7b is detected. CPU3
4 sets the magnification ratio and recording control address during image recording from the position information output from the A/D converter 36. A timing generation circuit 51 reads R data, G data, and B data from the memory 32 and generates a timing signal for synchronizing drive control and scanning control of the recording head section 20.

52 is a digital signal processor (DSP), R
The control program stored in the ROM 54 is executed using the AM 53 as a work, and the R data, G data, and B data stored in a color-separated manner in the memory 32 constituting the image memory of the present invention are read out, and the data notified from the CPU 34 are read out. Data interpolation processing and data thinning processing are performed at high speed based on area information and control information, and two
Output recording data DY, DM, DC, and DBK of Y, M, C, and BK, which serve as digitized recording signals, are written for a predetermined line. 5
6 is a recording head drive circuit which outputs each output recording data DY, DM, DC, DB written in the delay buffer memory 55;
K to each recording head 20-1.20-2.20-3 according to the synchronization signal output from the timing generation circuit 51.
．． 20-4 is driven to record a color image on the recording paper 1 by a predetermined line width.

The console on the 5th is arranged with keys and displays for inputting various mode information such as recording mode, recording start instructions, recording stop instructions, etc.

59 is a recording head scanning circuit which outputs a drive command to a pulse motor, for example, a stepping motor (not shown), which scans the recording head section 20 in a predetermined direction, and scans the scanning path points A-*B-#C# as shown in FIG. D-m E # )'#
The recording head section 20 is caused to scan the recording paper 1 in a scanning path called Q#)I.

Note that the input video signal is converted into predetermined recording signals, that is, R data, G data, and B data, and then stored in the memory 3.
2 is written. When the recording area on the recording paper 1 that can be visually viewed through the monitoring window 4 serving as the monitoring means is set by the adjustment dials 9a and 9b constituting the area setting means, the area detection circuit 39a constituting the detection means, 3
9b detects area information for the recording area and outputs it to the CPU 34 or CPU 57, which also serves as data creation means. The CPU 34 or CPU 57 analyzes and processes the manually inputted area information and converts the recorded image signal (
Each output recording data DY, DM.

(DC, DBK) to create predetermined output recording data. The CPU 57, which also serves as an image recording control means, controls image recording on the recording paper 1 by the recording head section 20 constituting the recording means based on the created output recording data, and controls the recording set by operating the adjustment dials 9a and 9b. An image of a desired size is recorded at the position of paper 1.

In addition, each output recording data DY, DM, DC, DBK (
Since the binary recording signal) is developed in the subsequent delay buffer memory 55 and sequentially outputted, each recording head 20-1.20- of the recording head unit 20 shown in FIG. 1(b)
Even though the 2.20-3.20-4 are arranged at a pitch of approximately 5 m111, image information can be recorded on the same line.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the scanning path of the recording head unit 20 shown in FIG. hand,
The shaded area in the figure corresponds to the setting recording area 70, and the setting recording area 7o is defined by the y end address YE and the X end address XE.

Next, Fig. 4<8), (b) and Fig. 5 (a) to (C)
The processing operations of the CPUs 34 and 57 shown in FIG. 2 will be explained with reference to FIG.

FIG. 4(a) is a flowchart showing an example of a setting recording area determination processing procedure by the CPU 34 shown in FIG. Note that (1) to (7) indicate each step.

First, the CPU 34 waits for the area setting key SW on the console 35 to be pressed to instruct the start of area setting (1), and if the area setting key SW is pressed, it waits for the area setting key SW to be pressed to request a memory write request, which will be described later. After disabling interrupts (2
), the recording area coordinates are detected from the output voltage (A/D converted and input) of the area setting board 5 (3), and the detected recording area coordinate values are calculated in the X direction in the entire image recording area. Convert to catering control address (X control address) and use CFI
At the same time as outputting to the LJ 57 (4), the detected recording area coordinate value is converted into an X-direction recording control address (y control address) in the entire image recording area and output to the CPU 57 (5). Next, based on the image recording control address value, the x and y magnification factors that can be used during image recording are calculated and output to the memory controller 33 (6). Next, the memory controller 33 executes necessary data interpolation or thinning processing based on the x, y scaling factors, and sequentially sends the color separation signal data R, G, B stored in the memory 32 to the DSP 52.
Output for.

Next, enable interrupts for memory write requests.
), the generation and output of recording control data ends.

On the other hand, when writing a color image signal to the memory 32 from the outside, when a memory write request interrupt is enabled, pressing of the memory write start key SW on the console 35 is detected, and 4) shown in Figure (b)).

FIG. 4(b) is a flowchart showing an example of an interrupt processing routine by the CPU 34 shown in FIG. Note that (1) to (3) indicate each step.

When an interrupt occurs, the CPU 34
To execute the initialization of step 3, 1) output a write permission signal to the memory controller 33 instructing writing of image data into the memory 32 (2).

Note that the memory controller 33 executes a process of sequentially storing each RGB image data in the memory 32 in synchronization with the output of the RGB separation circuit 31 at the previous stage.

Next, the process waits until the storage of one screen's worth of image data in the memory 32 is completed (3), and returns when the storage is completed.

FIG. 5(a) is a flowchart showing an example of image recording processing by the CPtJ57 shown in FIG. In addition,
(1) to (9) indicate each step.

First, after initializing each part of the device, the CPU 57 waits for an instruction to start recording from the console 5B by pressing the recording start key SW (1), and when the recording start key SW is pressed, the CPU 34 A read request signal is output (2). Here, after confirming that the area setting boat 11 has been removed, the DSP
3) to output a line synchronization signal to instruct the recording head section 52 to start data processing and image recording.
0 is scanned, and image recording is performed on the designated area according to, for example, the scanning path shown in FIG. 3 (4).

Next, it is determined whether the scanning recording of the recording head section 20 has completed one scanning step 5) If No, step (
Returning to step 3), if YES, it is determined whether the entire surface scanning recording has been completed.6) If no, shift scanning (dotted line scanning in the figure) is executed.9), and the process returns to step (3).

On the other hand, if YES in step (6), the scanning route point G
Perform a return scan to return to the scanning route point H from 7),
Stop all drive systems 8) and end the process.

For example, when performing color image recording over the entire effective recording area of 7° as shown in Fig. 3, the scans in the X direction from the scanning path point H, which is the home position, to the scanning path point A with a width of 16+ nm are counted. while continuously outputting drive pulses to the drive pulse motor. When this one scan is completed and the judgment in step 6 becomes NO, the scanning route point A-6B.

The pulse motor is controlled to rotate in the reverse direction in the X direction and in the forward direction in the X direction in order to perform shift scanning from the scanning path point CmD to the scanning path point EF, and the determination in step (6) is YE.
When S is reached (in this embodiment, a total of four recording scans have been completed), a return scan is executed to return to the scanning route point GH,
Color image recording for one screen is completed.

On the other hand, if the recording area 11 shown in FIG.
), and a variable magnification image (vertical and horizontal magnification ratios are independent) is recorded in the recording area 11.

FIG. 5(b) is a flowchart showing an example of a three-color separation image processing procedure by the DSP 52 shown in FIG.

Note that (1) to (5) indicate each step. Also, D
SP52 is processed in synchronization with the timing signal output from the timing generation circuit 51.

First, the DSP 52 processes the 8-bit three-color image data read from the memory 32 and stores it in the RAM 53.
The data is corrected based on the correction data stored in the internal memory (1).

This correction processing is configured to prevent changes in image quality due to variations in input color image signals due to differences in color image signal generation devices.

Next, each 8-bit recording data (each output recording data DY,
DM, DC) are obtained by arithmetic processing, so-called masking processing is performed (2), and black extraction processing is performed by performing product-sum calculation processing of respective pre-stored coefficients and RGB color separation data (2).

Next, among the output recording data DY, DM, and DC of the MMC obtained by the above calculation process, the minimum (light) value is set as data DBK, and the minimum value is subtracted from each of the output recording data DY, DM, and DC data. The recorded value is recorded data.

Next, we perform so-called dither processing using 8×8 pixels as a unit matrix, and perform binarization processing in which each color is processed independently using a different dither threshold value with a different dot arrangement (
4).

Next, Y and M obtained by the binarization processing.

C, BK 4-color recording signal (each output recording data DY
, DM, and DC) are each output to the delay buffer memory 26 (5), and the process ends.

The above image data processing is performed for each pixel, but the line synchronization signal output from the CPU 57
In step (1) of FIG. 5(C), the address value of the memory area where the correction data for each pixel is stored is preset to the first value, and the dither ROM address value used for binarization is also updated sequentially. .

FIG. 5(C) is a flowchart showing an example of an interrupt processing routine based on the CPU 57 shown in FIG.

Note that (1) indicates a step.

When the CPU 5.7 outputs a 1-line synchronization signal image, line interrupt processing is started, address initialization processing is performed (1), and the processing is ended.

In the above embodiment, the sequence control CPU 34 executes the image processing, and the dedicated digital signal processor (DSP) 52 executes the image processing. You may also try to

Further, in the above embodiment, the recording head unit 20 is an inkjet type recording head 20-1.20-2.20-3.2.
0-4 has been described, however, it may be configured with a recording means that executes a sublimation type thermal transfer process, and a color image may be recorded by overlapping each color ink using a donor film serving as a recording material.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the adjustment dial 9a.

9b to set the recording area using the X-direction pointer section 7a and the Y-direction pointer section 7b.
As shown in the figure, a transmissive liquid crystal display section is provided on the area setting board 5 made of a transparent member, and as shown in FIG.
A D controller may be provided and the recording area may be set as described later by key operations from the console 35.

(Second Embodiment) FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of an image recording device showing a second embodiment of the present invention, and the same components as in FIG. 1(a) are given the same reference numerals. It is.

In the figure, reference numeral 111 denotes a transmissive liquid crystal display section, in which a center marker 113 indicating the center position of the image recording area 11 and a plurality of identically shaped liquid crystal patterns (for example, A corner marker 114 consisting of (") is displayed to clearly indicate the recording area on the recording paper 1.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating the control configuration of the image recording apparatus shown in FIG. 6, and the same components as in FIG. 2 are given the same reference numerals.

In the figure, an LCD controller 112 displays corner markers 114 and center markers 113 on the liquid crystal display section 111 according to instructions from an area change key KE provided on the console 35.

The operation will be explained below.

The CPU 34 selects L according to the instruction from the area change key KE.
A control pulse is output to the CD controller 112. The LCD controller 112 sequentially changes the display position of the corner marker 114 every time the control pulse is input, and updates the area of the image recording area 1G1.

On the other hand, by pressing the area change key KE, the CPU 34
Based on the marker position data output from the CD controller 112, the recording area coordinate detection process is executed in step (3) shown in FIG. 4(a), and in step (4)
In step (5), the recording control address in the x and y directions is output to the CPU 57, and in step (6), the magnification ratio is output to the memory controller 33. below,
Similarly, a color image recording process is executed to record a color image on the recording paper 1.

In this way, compared to manually specifying the image recording area on the area setting board 5 as shown in FIG. The image recording area can be set, and damage to the area setting board 5 etc. due to erroneous operation can be prevented.

Note that in the first and second embodiments described above, the case where the binarization process is performed by the dither method is described, but the invention is not limited to this method, and a known binarization process (for example, the density pattern method) is used. etc.) does not preclude the application of this invention.

〔Effect of the invention〕

As explained above, the present invention includes an image memory for storing a recorded image signal obtained by converting an input video signal into a recording signal, a recording means for recording an image on a recording medium, and a recording medium on which the recording means records. an area setting means for arbitrarily setting a recording area for the area, a monitor means for monitoring an arbitrary recording area set by the area setting means, and a detection means for detecting area information for the recording area set by the area setting means. , data creation means for creating predetermined output recording data from the recorded image signal stored in the image memory based on the area information detected by the detection means;
and an image recording control means for controlling image recording on the recording medium of the recording means based on the output recording data created by this data creation means, so that the manually created color image can be enlarged or reduced to any size. The area for image recording can be set as a finished image rather than a numerical value, and the magnification can be set independently in the vertical and horizontal directions. Therefore, it is possible to record not only fixed-sized images but also images with arbitrary aspect ratios with a simple operation.

Furthermore, since the image recording area can be set while directly monitoring the recording medium, the recording area on the recording medium can be clearly recognized.

Furthermore, since regularity as a recording medium is not required,
An image can be recorded in a desired size at any position on an irregularly shaped recording medium, such as stationery of any size.

Therefore, with a simple configuration, excellent effects such as being able to record compact and easily operable images at low cost are achieved.

[BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS] FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b) are perspective views illustrating the configuration of an image recording apparatus showing a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the control configuration of the image recording apparatus shown in the figure, FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the scanning path of the recording head section shown in FIG. A flowchart showing an example of the setting recording area determination processing procedure by the CPU shown in FIG. 2, and FIG.
FIG. 5(a) is a flowchart showing an example of an interrupt processing routine by the PU, and FIG. 5(b) is a flowchart showing an example of the image recording process by the CPU shown in FIG.
5(C) is a flowchart showing an example of the three-color separation image processing procedure by the DSP shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 5(C) is a flowchart showing an example of the interrupt processing routine based on the CPU shown in FIG. The figure is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of an image recording apparatus showing a second embodiment of the invention, and FIG.
7 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of the image recording apparatus shown in FIG. 6. FIG. In the figure, 1 is the recording paper, 2 is the pattern information, 3 is the recording paper holding member, 4 is the monitor window, 5 is the area setting board, 6 is the board fixing member, 7a is the X-direction pointer, and 7b is the X-direction pointer. 8 is a sliding wire, 9a and 9b are adjustment dials, 10
a, 10b are connectors, 11 is an image recording area, 20 is a recording head section, 31 is an RGB separation circuit, 32 is a memory, 3
3 is a memory controller, and 34.57 is a CPU. 35.58 is the console, 37.80 is the RAM. 38.61 is a ROM, 39a and 39b are area detection circuits, 51 is a timing generation circuit, 52 is a DSP 155 is a delay buffer memory, 56 is a recording head drive circuit, 59 is a recording head scanning circuit, 7o is an effective recording area, 111 is a In the liquid crystal display section, 112 is an LCD controller, 113 is a center marker, and 4 in FIG. 3A is a corner marker. Figure (b) 8 Self-L, C part No. 1○ 70, Effective recording area diagram Figure Figure Figure Coat t marker

Claims (1)

[Claims] An image memory for storing a recorded image signal obtained by converting an input video signal into a recording signal, a recording means for recording an image on a recording medium, and an area for arbitrarily setting a recording area for the recording medium on which this recording means records. a setting means, a monitor means for monitoring an arbitrary recording area set by the area setting means, a detection means for detecting area information for the recording area set by the area setting means, and a detection means for detecting area information for the recording area set by the area setting means; data creation means for creating predetermined output recording data from the recording image signal stored in the image memory based on area information; 1. An image recording apparatus comprising: an image recording control means for controlling image recording.