Printing apparatus, control method therefor, and storage medium

A printing apparatus includes a slot in which a PC card which stores image data is mounted, a terminal for connecting a digital camera, and an operation panel which is operated by the user and inputs an instruction and data. Whether the digital camera is connected via the terminal is checked. If connection of the digital camera is detected, input of image data from the PC card mounted in the slot and user operation on the operation panel are invalidated. Image data is input from the digital camera and printed in accordance with digital camera operation.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a printing apparatus which receives image data from an image supply device such as a digital camera, a memory, or the like and prints the image data on a print medium, a control method therefor, and a storage medium.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In recent years, digital cameras (image sensing apparatuses) capable of photographing an image by a simple operation and converting the image into digital image data have been widely used. To print an image photographed by this camera and use the print as a photograph, the photographed digital image data is input from the digital camera to a PC (computer), and undergoes image processing by the PC. Then, the processed data is output to a color printer, which prints the data.

To the contrary, there have been developed color print systems capable of directly transferring digital image data from a digital camera to a color printer and printing the data without the mediacy of any PC, and so-called photo-direct (PD) printers capable of directly mounting in a color printer a memory card which is mounted in a digital camera and stores a sensed image, reading out image data stored in the memory card to the color printer, and printing the photographed image.

The photo-direct printer can be connected to a digital camera, memory card, PC, and the like. If these devices are simultaneously connected, the printer operability decreases or an operation error occurs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above situation, and has as its object to provide a printing apparatus which preferentially processes image data from an image supply device when the image supply device is connected, a control method therefor, and a storage medium.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a printing apparatus which increases the image print operability by validating the operation of an image supply device and invalidating the operation of another printing apparatus when the image supply device is connected, a control method therefor, and a storage medium.

In order to attain the above described objects, the printing apparatus of the present invention for printing an image on the basis of received image data, comprises; a mounting unit in which a storage medium storing image data is mounted; a terminal for connecting an image supply device for supplying image data; processing means for processing image data input via the mounting unit or the terminal; an operation unit adapted to be operated by a user and input an instruction and data; detection means for detecting whether the image supply device has been connected via the terminal; invalidation means for invalidating input of image data from the storage medium mounted in the mounting unit and operation on the operation unit when the detection means detects that the image supply device has been connected; and image print control means for printing an image on the basis of image data from the image supply device.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the figures thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1is a schematic perspective view showing a photo-direct printer apparatus1000according to the embodiment of the present invention. The photo-direct printer has a general PC printer function of receiving data from a host computer (PC) and printing the data, and a function of directly reading and printing image data stored in a storage medium such as a memory card, or receiving image data from a digital camera connected to the printer apparatus and printing the data.

InFIG. 1, the main body which defines the casing of the photo-direct printer apparatus1000according to this embodiment has casing members: a lower case1001, upper case1002, access cover1003, and discharge tray1004. The lower case1001forms almost the lower half of the apparatus1000, whereas the upper case1002forms almost the upper half of the main body. A combination of these cases forms a hollow structure with a storage space where each mechanism (to be described later) is accommodated. The upper and front surfaces have openings. The discharge tray1004is rotatably held at one end by the lower case1001, and the opening in the front surface of the lower case1001is opened/closed by rotating the discharge tray1004. To execute print operation, the discharge tray1004is rotated toward the front side to open the opening. Print sheets can be discharged from the opening, and the discharged print sheets can be sequentially stacked. The discharge tray1004houses two auxiliary trays1004aand1004b. These trays are selectively pulled out to enlarge/reduce the paper support area in three stages, as needed.

The access cover1003is rotatably held at one end by the upper case1002so as to open/close the opening formed in the upper surface. Opening the access cover1003enables exchanging a print head cartridge (not shown), ink tank (not shown), or the like accommodated in the main body. Although not shown, a projection formed on the back surface of the access cover1003rotates a cover opening/closing lever when the access cover1003is opened/closed. The lever rotation position is detected by a microswitch or the like, thereby detecting the open/closed state of the access cover.

A power switch1005is provided with the upper surface of the upper case1002. An operation panel1010having a liquid crystal display1006, various key switches, and the like is arranged on the right side of the upper case1002. The structure of the operation panel1010will be described in detail with reference toFIG. 2. Reference numeral1007denotes an automatic feeder which automatically feeds print sheets into the apparatus main body; numeral1008denotes a paper interval selection lever for adjusting the interval between the print head and the print sheet; and numeral1009denotes a card slot into which an adapter capable of mounting a memory card is inserted. Image data stored in a memory card can be directly received and printed via the adapter. The memory card (PC) includes, e.g., a compact flash memory™, smart media, and memory stick. Reference numeral1011denotes a viewer (liquid crystal display) which is detachable from the apparatus main body and is used to display an image of one frame, an index image, and the like when images stored in the PC card are searched for an image to be printed; and numeral1012denotes a terminal (input terminal for inputting image data) for connecting a digital camera (to be described later). A USB bus connector1013inFIG. 3for connecting a personal computer (PC) is provided with the back side of the apparatus main body.

FIG. 2is a schematic view showing the operation panel1010according to this embodiment.

InFIG. 2, the liquid crystal display1006displays menu items for various settings of data on items printed on the right and left of the display1006. The displayed items are the first photograph number of a print range, a designated frame number (start/-designate), the last photograph number of the print range (end), the number of prints (number of copies), the type of paper (print sheet) used for printing (paper type), setting of the number of photographs to be printed on one paper sheet (layout), designation of the print quality (quality), designation whether to print a photographing date (date printing), designation whether to correct and print a photograph (image correction), and display of the number of paper sheets necessary for printing (number of paper sheets). These items are selected or designated with cursor keys2001. Reference numeral2002denotes a mode key which allows switching the type of printing (index printing, printing of all frames, printing of one frame, or the like) every time the key is pressed; numeral2004denotes a maintenance key for performing printer maintenance such as cleaning of the printer head; numeral2005denotes a print start key which is pressed to designate the start of printing or establish maintenance setting; and numeral2006denotes a stop key which is pressed to stop printing or designate to stop a maintenance processing.

The arrangement of the main part concerning control of the photo-direct printer apparatus according to this embodiment will be explained with reference toFIG. 3. InFIG. 3, the same reference numerals as in the foregoing drawings denote the same parts, and a description thereof will be omitted.

InFIG. 3, reference numeral3000denotes a controller (control board); numeral3001denotes an ASIC (application specific LSI) whose arrangement will be described in detail below with reference to the block diagram ofFIG. 4; numeral3002denotes a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) which incorporates a CPU and performs various control processes (to be described later), and image processes such as conversion from an RGB signal (RGB signal indicates three primary color signals for display and is called as a luminance signal ) to a CMYK signal (CMY signal indicates three primary color signal for printing and a CMYK signal including a black signal is called as a density signal), scaling, gamma conversion, and error diffusion; numeral3003denotes a memory having a program memory3003awhich stores the control program of the CPU of the DSP3002, a RAM area which stores variables and the like in executing a program, and a memory area functioning as a work memory which stores image data and various data; numeral3004denotes a printer engine which is an ink-jet print type printer engine for printing a color image by using a plurality of color inks in this embodiment; numeral3005denotes a connector serving as a port for connecting a digital camera3012; numeral3006denotes a connector for connecting the viewer1011; and numeral3008denotes a USB bus hub which transmits data from a PC3010and outputs the data to the printer engine3004via a USB bus3021when the printer apparatus1000performs printing based on image data from the PC3010. The connected PC3010can directly exchange data and signals with the printer engine3004and execute printing (functions as a general PC printer). Reference numeral3009denotes a power connector which receives from a power supply3013a DC voltage converted from a commercial AC voltage. The PC3010is a general personal computer. Reference numeral3011denotes a memory card (PC card) described above; and3012, the digital camera.

Signal exchange between the controller3000and the printer engine3004is performed via the USB bus3021or an IEEE 1284 bus3022.

FIG. 4is a block diagram mainly showing the arrangement of the ASIC3001. Also inFIG. 4, the same reference numerals as in the foregoing drawings denote the same parts, and a description thereof will be omitted.

Reference numeral4001denotes a PC card interface which reads image data stored in the mounted PC card3011or writes data in the PC card3011; and numeral4002denotes an IEEE 1284 interface which exchanges data with the printer engine3004. The IEEE 1284 interface is a bus used to print image data stored in the digital camera3012or PC card3011. Reference numeral4003denotes a USB interface which exchanges data with the PC3010; numeral4004denotes a USB host interface which exchanges data with the digital camera3012; numeral4005denotes an operation panel interface which receives various operation signals from the operation panel1010or outputs display data to the display1006; numeral4006denotes a viewer interface which controls display of image data on the viewer1011; numeral4007denotes an interface which controls an interface between various switches, an LED4009, and the like; numeral4008denotes a CPU interface which controls data exchange between these interfaces and the DSP3002; and numeral4010denotes an internal bus (ASIC bus) which is connected to these units.

The outline of the operation based on the above arrangement will be described.

The general PC printer mode is a print mode in which an image is printed on the basis of print data from the PC3010.

In this PC printer mode, when data from the PC3010is input via the USB bus connector1013, the data is directly sent to the printer engine3004via the USB bus hub3008and USB bus3021(FIG. 3). Printing is executed based on the data from the PC3010.

<Direct Print Mode from PC Card>

When the PC card3011is mounted/dismounted in/from the card slot1009, an interrupt occurs, and the DSP3002can detect mounting/dismounting (removal) of the PC card3011. If the PC card3011is mounted, image data which is compressed (e.g., JPEG-compressed) and stored in the PC card3011is read out and stored in the memory3003. The compressed image data is decompressed and stored in the memory3003again. If printing of the stored image data is designated on the operation panel1010, conversion from an RGB signal to a YMCK signal, gamma correction, error diffusion, and the like are executed to convert the data into print data printable by the printer engine3004. The resultant data is output to the printer engine3004via the IEEE 1284 interface4002to print the data.

<Direct Print Mode from Camera>

FIG. 5is a view for explaining connection between the photo-direct printer apparatus1000and the digital camera3012according to this embodiment.

InFIG. 5, a cable5000comprises a connector5001connected to the connector1012of the printer apparatus1000, and a connector5002connected to a connector5003of the digital camera3012. The digital camera3012can output via the connector5003image data saved in an internal memory. The digital camera3012can adopt various arrangements such as one incorporating a memory as a storage means and one having a slot for mounting a detachable memory. By connecting the printer apparatus1000and digital camera3012via the cable5000shown inFIG. 5, image data from the digital camera3012can be directly printed by the printer1000.

FIG. 6depicts a view showing the display state of the display1006of the operation panel1010when the digital camera3012is connected to the printer apparatus1000. In this case, the display1006displays only a camera mark6000. The display and operation on the operation panel1010are invalidated, and image display on the viewer1011is also invalidated. As subsequent operation, only key operation on the digital camera3012and image display on the display (not shown) of the digital camera3012are valid. The user can designate printing by using the digital camera3012.

Processing in the photo-direct printer apparatus1000according to the embodiment based on the above arrangement will be explained with reference to flow charts shown inFIGS. 7 to 12. This processing is executed by multitask processing by the CPU of the DSP3002.

FIG. 7is a flow chart showing processing when the printer apparatus1000and digital camera3012are connected.

In step S1, the CPU checks whether the digital camera3012has been connected to the USB bus by a USB host task. If YES in step S1, the procedure proceeds to step S2and sets an “ON” camera flag of the memory3003representing that the digital camera3012has been connected. Then proceeds to step S3and checks whether the print mode by the PC card3011or the print mode based on data from the PC3010is being executed. If YES in step S3, it waits until the end of the mode, and advances to step S4. The camera mark6000is displayed on the display1006of the operation panel1010, and notifies the user of connection of the digital camera3012. The flow advances to step S5, in accordance with an operation instruction input from the operation unit of the digital camera3012, image data from the digital camera are received and an image which is sensed by the digital camera3012and stored in the storage medium (memory card) of the camera3012or the memory, is printed.

If the digital camera3012is not connected but its connection is canceled, i.e., the digital camera3012is disconnected in step S1, the process proceeds to step S6and checks whether the camera flag is ON, i.e., whether the camera3012has been connected and is just disconnected. If YES in step S6, the process proceeds to step S7, sets the camera flag OFF, and deletes the camera mark6000displayed on the display1006in step S8. The process advances to step S9and checks whether a card flag representing mounting of the PC card3011is ON. If YES in step S9, the process advances to step S10for read of image data from the PC card3011which has been invalid, and print processing of the readout image data. These processes are implemented because reading process of image data from the PC card3011and its print processing process have been suspended while the digital camera3012is connected. If NO in step S6or S9, the CPU ends the processing.

FIG. 8is a flow chart for explaining processing along with mounting of the PC card3011into the main body of the printer apparatus1000or dismounting from the main body.

Mounting/dismounting of the PC card3011is detected by an interrupt. In step S21, it is checked whether the PC card3011is mounted or dismounted. If the PC card3011is mounted, the process proceeds to step S22and sets an “ON” card flag (in the memory3003) representing that the PC card3011is mounted. Then, the process advances to step S23and it is checked based on the camera flag (in the memory3003) whether the camera3012has been connected. If the camera flag is ON, the CPU ends the processing without receiving data.

If the camera flag is OFF, the process proceeds to step S24and it is checked whether a print job is being executed in the PC mode, i.e., in accordance with a print instruction from the PC3010. If NO in step S24, the process proceeds to step S26; if YES, to S25, waits until the print job ends, and then the process advances to step S26. In step S26, data is read out from the PC card3011in accordance with an operation instruction from the operation panel1010. In step S27, the readout image data is printed in accordance with an instruction from the operation panel1010.

If the PC card3011is dismounted in step S21, the process proceeds to step S28, the card flag is reset (OFF), and it is stored that the PC card3011has been dismounted.

FIG. 9is a flow chart for explaining processing of receiving and printing print data from the PC3010.

Upon reception of print data from the PC3010, in step S31, it is checked whether the camera flag is ON, i.e., the digital camera3012has been connected. If YES in step S31, the process advances to step S32, a busy signal is output to the PC3010, and it notifies the PC3010that image data from the PC3010cannot be printed.

If NO in step S31, the process advances to step S33and it is checked whether the card flag is ON, i.e., the PC card3011has been connected. If NO in step S32, the process proceeds to step S35, receives data from the PC3010, and prints it. If YES in step S32, the process proceeds to step S34and it is checked whether print processing of image data from the PC card3011is being executed. If NO in step S34, the process returns to step S33, and waits until printing of image data from the PC card3011ends. Then, the process proceeds from step S34to step S35and executes a general PC printer operation of receiving and printing image data from the PC3010.

FIG. 10is a flow chart for explaining image display processing on the viewer1011.

If a display event to the viewer1011occurs, the process proceeds to step S41and it is checked whether the camera flag is ON. If the camera flag is not ON, i.e., the camera3012is not connected, the process proceeds to step S42, outputs data to be displayed to the viewer1011, and displays the display-designated image. If the camera flag is ON, i.e., the digital camera3012has been connected, the CPU ends the processing.

In this manner, image display on the viewer1011is inhibited while the digital camera3012is connected.

FIG. 11is a flow chart showing input/output control with the operation panel1010.

If a key input event on the operation panel1010or a display event to the display1006occurs, the process proceeds to step S51and it is checked whether the camera flag is ON. If NO in step S51, the process proceeds to step S52and executes processing corresponding to the generated key input event or display event. If the camera flag is ON, i.e., the digital camera3012has been connected, the process proceeds to step S53, displays the above-described camera mark6000on the display1006, and ends the processing.

Key operation on the operation panel1010becomes invalid while the digital camera3012is connected.

FIG. 12is a flow chart showing access from the PC3010to the PC card3011while the PC3010is connected to the printer1000via the USB bus connector1013.

If an access request from the PC3010to the PC card3011is input, the process proceeds to step S61and it is checked whether the card flag is ON, i.e., the PC card3011has been mounted. If NO in step S61, this means that the PC card3011is not mounted. The CPU notifies the PC3010of a message to this effect, and ends the processing. If YES in step S61, the process proceeds to step S62and it is checked whether the camera flag is ON, i.e., the digital camera3012has been connected. If YES in step S62, the process advances to step S63, and the time period for data exchange between the printer1000and the digital camera3012is divided into plural periods, and an access from the PC3010to the PC card3011is permitted in divided periods. If NO in step S62, the process advances to step S64, and permits the PC3010to write image data in the PC card3011or read out image data from the PC card3011.

Thus, even while the digital camera3012is connected, the PC3010can access the PC card3011mounted in the printer1000in a time sharing.

In the above description, the top priority is given to digital camera operation when the digital camera3012is connected. For example, which of the digital camera3012, PC card3011, and PC3010is given the top priority may be arbitrarily set.

Alternatively, the top priority may be given to the digital camera3012as a default, and manually given to the PC card3011or PC3010by the user.

For example, a switch which always enables display on the viewer1011maybe arranged, and even when the digital camera3012is connected, image data from the camera3012may be displayed on the viewer1011. The switch for this setting may also be arranged on, e.g., the operation panel1010, or may be another switch on the printer apparatus1000.

The present invention may be applied to a system constituted by a plurality of devices (e.g., a host computer, interface device, reader, and printer) or an apparatus (e.g., a copying machine or facsimile apparatus) formed from a single device.

The object of the present invention is also achieved when a storage medium (or recording medium) which stores software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiment is supplied to a system or apparatus, and the computer (or the CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus reads out and executes the program codes stored in the storage medium. In this case, the program codes read out from the storage medium realize the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium which stores the program codes constitutes the present invention. The functions of the above-described embodiment are realized when the computer executes the readout program codes. Also, the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized when an OS (Operating System) running on the computer performs part or all of actual processing on the basis of the instructions of the program codes.

The functions of the above-described embodiment are also realized when the program codes readout from the storage medium are written in the memory of a function expansion card inserted into the computer or the memory of a function expansion unit connected to the computer, and the CPU of the function expansion card or function expansion unit performs part or all of actual processing on the basis of the instructions of the program codes.

As has been described above, according to the above-described embodiment, a printer apparatus which is connected to a PC, memory card, and digital camera, receives image data from them, and prints the image data can receive and print image data from the PC, memory card, and digital camera in the order of priority. Printing of image data from a device or memory not intended by the user can be prevented.

In the above-described embodiment, the image supply device is a digital camera serving as an image sensing apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the image supply device may be a digital video camera or an apparatus which has a storage medium for storing image data and can read out image data from the storage medium and output the data. In recent years, there is known a cell phone with a function of saving sensed or received image data. Such a cell phone may be connected via a connection cable, instead of a digital camera described in the embodiment.

As a portable information terminal, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistances) with a liquid crystal monitor capable of displaying an image and a memory capable of saving a sensed image are recently being available. Such a PDA may be connected to the printer apparatus1000of the embodiment via a connection cable, and may store image data saved in the PDA, similar to the digital camera of the above-described embodiment.

According to the photo-direct printer apparatus of this embodiment, one printer apparatus can implement the functions of a PC printer, camera printer, and memory printer.