Still video camera having a printer capable of printing a photographed image in a plurality of printing modes

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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND RELATED ART STATEMENT

This invention relates to a still video camera, particularly to a still video camera capable of reproducing a photographed image at a photographing spot with the use of a printer or TV.

There has been conventionally known a still video camera which converts a light image into an electric signal with the use of a photoelectric conversion element and stores image information electrically. An image photographed by this still video camera can be readily reproduced any time after the photographing operation with the use of a TV reproduction device or a printer. In view of this, it has been recently designed to produce a multifunction still video camera with a TV reproduction device, a printer, or like device provided therein so as to increase added value thereof and attain higher quality.

For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 61-189785 discloses a still video camera provided with a built-in printer and a roll of recording sheet therein and capable of printing a stored image on the recording sheet. Also, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 1-204575 discloses a still video camera including a reproduction/display unit removably attachable to a camera main body in which a stored image can be reproduced in the reproduction/display unit.

Further, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2-26771 discloses a thermal printing device having two print modes of the sublimation type and the melt-out type, the print mode being changeable one over the other, in which a color image is printed in the selected print mode.

In the camera provided with a printer disclosed in JPP No. 61-189785 or commercially available, one type of print mode, for example, a thermal transfer mode, is adopted. However, this camera neither teaches a concept of changing a print mode from one to the other, nor has a construction for that purpose accordingly.

The thermal printing device disclosed in JPP No. 2-26771 is capable of printing mainly the color image of a computer, and is not directly pertinent to a camera. Accordingly, the device has no such a construction as to be incorporated into the camera.

Also, the above thermal printing device having two changeable print modes is only capable of selecting a recording sheet corresponding to an ink ribbon mounted thereto, or displaying an indication indicative of absence of recording sheet in the case where the corresponding recording sheet is not mounted therein. However, this device does not determine compatibility of the ink ribbon and the recording sheet.

The camera provided with a printer disclosed in JPP No. 61-189785 or commercially available prints the photographed image on the rolled recording sheet provided in the camera. However, this camera does not have a printer whose construction allows the photographed image to be printed on an external recording sheet.

It is convenient to provide a printer capable of printing the image also on the external recording sheet in a camera main body since various print modes can be used depending on the applications. However, in the printer capable of printing the image on the external recording sheet, in the case where the recording sheet is not placed properly relative to a printer head, a printing position may be dislocated. Particularly, in case of color printing, respective color images may not be superimposed properly one over another.

Further, if a printer is capable of printing a stored image freely on plain paper of an unspecified size, it will increase readiness for confirmation and easy recording of photographed images, and recording sheet costs can be reduced, thereby further improving convenience of a printing function of a camera-provided with a built-in printer. However, in the camera provided with a printer disclosed in JPP No. 61-189785 or commercially available, the photographed image is recorded on the rolled recording sheet provided in the camera, and therefore the type and the size of recording sheet is subject to limitation. Further, in the case where a melting transfer print mode is adopted, the image can be printed on plain paper. However, in the existing camera provided with a built-in printer, the recording sheet in use is limited to a rolled sheet of a specified size, and accordingly the image cannot be printed freely on plain paper of an unspecified size.

Moreover, some of the cameras provided with a built-in printer include a storage capacity for storing image data for one frame and a printer for printing the stored image any time. Some include a memory capable of storing image data for a plurality of frames and a printer for printing the desired stored image(s) when it is necessary.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 64-868 discloses a digital still camera including a semiconductor memory for storing a plurality of frames of photographed images.

Further, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2-21482 discloses a still image transfer system in which a plurality of still images are read out of a first storage medium and outputted to TV as a multi-image on a picture screen, from which desired still images are selected, and the selected still images are transferred from the first storage medium to another one.

The camera provided with a built-in printer disclosed in JPP No. 61-189785 is capable of storing the image data only for one frame, and therefore cannot output a multi-image.

The digital still camera disclosed in JPP No. 64-868 includes the semiconductor memory for storing image data for more than one frame. However, this camera is not provided with a printer for printing the images stored in the memory.

Further, the above still image transfer system is designed to facilitate transfer of the stored images from one storage medium to the other, and does not relate to a camera provided with a built-in printer capable of printing the photographed image.

It has been considered to provide peripheral devices such as a printer unit, a TV reproduction unit, and a CRT display unit in a main body of a still video camera in order to produce a multifunction camera. However, this makes the camera larger and heavier, which in turn reduces operability of the camera during the photographing operation. Also, there are a variety of reproduction devices for reproducing the stored images. However, it is uneconomical to provide such devices which are not normally in use. Accordingly, in a still video camera, it is more practical to form an image forming function, TV reproduction function, display function, and printing function respectively into units which can be generally and widely used, and combine some of these units according to needs to be systemized into a camera.

The still video camera disclosed in JPP No. 61-189785 is a camera provided integrally with a printer, and does not teach a concept of forming a systematic camera from units. Also, in JPP No. 1-204575, the display function is formed into the display unit removably attachable to the camera main body. However, this document neither teaches formation of the printing function into a unit, nor indicates a concept of systemizing the still video camera.

In a still video camera, a photographed image is converted into an electric signal and stored in a storage medium electrically or magnetically, obviating the need for providing a film take-up device as in a silver-salt camera. Therefore, an interior of the camera can be designed more freely. In a still video camera disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 1-186069, an external recording medium mounting portion is provided between an image forming section in which an optical system of the camera is arranged, and a release section in which operation buttons and the like of the camera are arranged. It is thereby designed to make the camera smaller-sized and utilize the space in the camera main body effectively.

In the case where a printer of the thermal transfer type or heat sensitive type is incorporated into the still video camera, the image forming section is adversely affected by the heat generated from a printer head at the time of printing. Accordingly, it is preferable to provide the image forming section including a photoelectric conversion element as far away from the printer as possible.

However, in the still video camera with the built-in printer disclosed in JPP No. 61-189785, the printer section is provided below the image forming section. This suggests the likelihood that the image forming section is adversely affected by the heat generated from the printer section, and thereby the photographed image is deteriorated.

Further, in the camera disclosed in JPP No. 1-186069, the image forming section and the release section are spaced away from each other by providing the external recording medium mounting portion therebetween. However, this arrangement is designed only to utilize the space in the camera main body effectively. This document does not disclose any arrangement in order to solve the aforementioned drawback in the case where the printer is provided internally in the camera main body.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a still video camera which has overcome the foregoing drawbacks.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, a camera of the present invention comprises means for photographing an object, printing means for printing a photographed image of the object, said printing means having a plurality of selectable printing modes, image data provision means for processing the photographed image to a plurality of sorts of image data corresponding to the plurality of selectable printing modes respectively, and supplying the image data to said printing means, selection means for selecting a desired printing mode of said printing means, and controller means responsive to said selection means for controlling said image data provision means so as to provide the sort of image data suitable for the selected printing mode to said printing means.

Also, a camera of the present invention comprises means for photographing an object, printing means for printing a photographed image of the object, said printing means having a plurality of selectable printing modes, paper feeder means for feeding print paper to said printing means, selection means for selecting a desired printing mode of said printing means, and controller means responsive to said selection means for controlling said paper feeder means so as to feed the print paper under a feeding condition suitable to the selected printing mode.

Further, a camera of the present invention comprises means for photographing an object, printing means for printing a photographed image of the object, said printing means having a first portion for carrying an ink ribbon and a second portion for carrying print paper, and having plurality of printing modes, first detector means for detecting whether an ink ribbon is carried or not, second detector means for detecting whether print paper is carried or not, and determining means for determining a printing mode based on the detection result of said first and second detector means.

Furthermore, a camera of the present invention comprises means for photographing an object, printing means for printing a photographed image of the object, said printing means having a first portion for carrying an ink ribbon and a second portion for carrying print paper, and having a plurality of printing modes, first detector means for detecting what kind of ink ribbon is carried by the first portion, second detector means for detecting what kind of print paper is carried by the second portion, and determining means for determining a printing mode based on the detection result of said first and second detector means.

Moreover, a camera of the present invention comprises means for photographing an object, printing means for printing a photographed image of the object, said printing means having a first portion for carrying an ink ribbon and a second portion for carrying print paper, and having a plurality of printing modes, first detector means for detecting what kind of ink ribbon is carried by the first portion, second detector means for detecting what kind of print paper is carried by the second portion, discriminating means for discriminating what combination of ink ribbon and print paper is carried by said printing means based on the detection result of said first and second detector means, and controller means responsive to said discriminating means for controlling said printing means.

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon a reading of the following detailed description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a still video camera provided with a built-in printer embodying the invention;

FIG. 2A is a diagram showing power supply relationship of a power supply unit of the camera;

FIG. 2B is a diagram showing control lines between a CPU and a DC/DC converter;

FIG. 2C is a diagram showing supply relationship of the power supplied to a camera section;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view showing the camera of the invention;

FIG. 3B is a diagram showing an arrangement of a memory card mounting portion, an image forming section, and printer section of the camera;

FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C are detailed block diagrams combinedly showing a signal processing unit;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a printer section;

FIG. 6 is a front view in section of the printer section;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along the line VII--VII in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along the line VIII--VIII in FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration of an ink ribbon of the sublimation type;

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration of an ink ribbon of the melt-out type;

FIG. 11 diagram showing a recording sheet of the is a sublimation type with markers affixed to specified positions thereon;

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a recording sheet of the thermal type with markers affixed to specified positions thereon;

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an ink ribbon of the hand scanning type;

FIG. 14 is a plan view in section showing a construction of the printer section used for printing an image on a precut recording sheet;

FIG. 15 is a plan view in section showing a construction of the printer section for use in a hand scanning mode;

FIG. 16 is a plan view in section showing a construction of the printer section used for printing an image on a roll of thermal recording sheet;

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a modified recording sheet inlet according to the invention;

FIG. 18 is a circuit diagram of a thermal head;

FIG. 19 is a timing chart showing input timings of print signals in a melting transfer or a hand scanning mode;

FIG. 20 is a timing chart showing input timings of print signals in a sublimation or a thermo-sensitive mode;

FIG. 21 is a timing chart showing a time-divided driving of the thermal head;

FIGS. 22A and 22B are flow charts combinedly showing a main routine of the camera;

FIG. 23A and 23B are flow charts combinedly showing a "S1 ROUTINE";

FIG. 24 is a flow chart showing an "EXPOSURE ROUTINE";

FIG. 25A and 25B are flow charts combinedly showing a "REPRODUCTION ROUTINE";

FIGS. 26A to 26E are flow charts combinedly showing a "PRINT ROUTINE";

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a camera provided with a built-in printer embodying the invention as a second embodiment;

FIGS. 28 to 30 are diagrams respectively showing arrangements of a memory card mounting portion, an image forming section, and a printer section;

FIG. 31 is a perspective view showing a camera unit;

FIG. 32 is a perspective view showing a TV reproduction unit;

FIG. 33 is a perspective view showing a display unit;

FIG. 34 is a perspective view showing a printer unit;

FIG. 35 is a perspective view showing a state in which the printer unit is connected to the camera unit;

FIG. 36 is a perspective view showing a state in which the display unit is connected to the camera unit;

FIG. 37 is a perspective view showing a state in which the TV reproduction unit is connected to the camera unit; and

FIG. 38 is a perspective view showing a state in which the camera unit, display unit, and printer unit are connected.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 3A is a perspective view showing a still video camera provided with a built-in printer of the present invention.

In FIG. 3A, indicated at 1 is a camera main body, and at 2 a printer case removably attachable to the camera main body 1 and having a construction necessary for a printing operation to be described hereinafter incorporated therein. On a front portion of the camera main body 1 are provided a taking lens 3, a viewfinder 4, an autofocus projector (hereinafter referred to as an AF projector) 5, a light emission window of an electronic flash 6, and a release/print start button 7. The AF projector 5 is adapted for projecting the light on an object so as to automatically detect an object distance.

On an upper face of the camera main body 1 are provided various kinds of operable members as follows. An operation mode changeover switch 8 is adapted for changing one operation mode to another among the following four modes, "OFF" mode, "RECORD" mode, "REPRODUCTION" mode and "PRINT" mode. A protect switch 9 is adapted for preventing already stored images from being inadvertently erased by an operator. A multi-image output switch 10 is adapted for outputting a plurality of stored images as one multi-image. A flash mode changeover switch 11 is adapted for changing one flash mode to another among the following three modes, "non-flash (OFF) mode," "automatic flash (AUTO) mode," "forcible flash (ON) mode." A date setting switch 12 is adapted for allowing a state where a photographing date can be set. A photographing mode changeover switch 13 is adapting for changing a photographing mode from one photographing mode to another among the following three modes. "SINGLE" mode, "SELF-TIMER" mode and "CONTINUOUS" mode each time it is turned on. "SINGLE" mode is a photographing mode in which a single frame of photograph is obtained each time the release start button 7 is pressed. "SELF-TIMER" mode is a photographing mode in which the photographing operation is executed with the use of a self-timer. "CONTINUOUS" mode is a photographing mode in which a plurality of frames of photographs are continuously obtained at a predetermined speed while the release start button 7 is pressed. A forward access button 14 is adapted for advancing (UP) stored images one by one each time it is turned on. A reverse access button 15 is adapted for reversing (DOWN) the stored images one by one each time it is turned on. A macro/binary photographing mode changeover switch 16 is slidable in a lateral direction of the camera and adapted for changing from a macrophotographing mode to a binary photographing mode, and vice versa by being slid. An indicator 17 comprises, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), and is adapted for displaying a date, a frame number in a photographing or printing operation, and other set modes thereon. A memory card inlet 18 is formed in the shape of a slit, and adapted for inserting an external storage medium (hereinafter referred to as a memory card) to the camera main body 1 therethrough. Television (TV) output terminals 19 are provided in specified positions on a front surface of the camera main body body 1. A printer case detaching button 20 is operated so as to detach the printer case 2. A recording sheet inlet 21 is adapted for introducing therethrough a precut recording sheet into a printer provided in the printer case 2.

FIG. 3B shows an arrangement of a memory card mounting portion, a printer section 111, an image forming section 202 provided in the camera main body 1. The memory card mounting portion is provided substantially between the printer section 111 and the image forming section 202. With this arrangement, the space within the camera main body can be effectively utilized. In addition, it can be prevented that the heat generated by the printer section 111 adversely affects the image forming section 202.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall construction of the camera.

A system controller (hereinafter referred to as CPU) 100 is adapted for controlling overall operations of the camera, including the printing operation. An object image formed through the taking lens 3 is picked up by a solid photoelectric conversion element (hereinafter referred to as CCD) 101 to be converted into an image signal. The image signal is sent from the CCD 101 to a signal processing unit 102 to be processed therein. The signal processing unit 102 will be described more in detail below. A lens driving unit 103 is adapted for controllably moving the taking lens 3 so as to attain an in-focus condition based on a measured object distance. A distance measuring unit 104 is adapted for measuring a distance to an object by using, for example, a phase difference detecting method. Based on the measured distance is calculated a driven amount of the taking lens 3 by the lens driving unit 103. A light measuring unit 105 is adapted for measuring luminance of the light illuminating the object and sending data representative of the measured luminance of the object to the CPU 100. An exposure controller 106 is adapted for executing an exposure control of the camera upon receipt of an exposure time (shutter speed) Tv and an aperture value Av from the CPU 100, both of which are obtained based on the measured object distance and the measured luminance of the object. A display unit 107 comprises the indicator 17 and a device for driving the indicator 17. An electronic flash device 108 is controlled in accordance with a booster control signal and a flash control signal for charging from the CPU 100, and emits flash light through the light emission window. A power supply unit 109 is adapted for supplying a high voltage of a predetermined level to the CCD 101, and a lower voltage of a predetermined level to other individual circuit elements. The power supply unit 109 will be described more in detail below. A battery checking circuit (hereinafter referred to as a BC circuit) 110 is connected to a main battery EB provided in the power supply unit 109, and adapted for checking the amount of power source in the main battery EB. The result of the battery checking is outputted to the CPU 100. The printer section 111 is controllably driven by the CPU 100, and adapted for printing an image on a recording sheet upon receipt of the image signal from the signal processing unit 102. The printer section 111 will be described more in detail below. A memory card 112 is a storage medium comprising, for example, a static random access memory (SRAM) and capable of storing a plurality of images. The memory card 112 is removably attachable to the camera main body 1. Indicated at Vout is a terminal corresponding to the TV output terminal 19.

Next, there will be described switches Soff to Smode.

Soff: A switch Soff is turned on when the operation mode changeover switch 8 is in the "OFF" mode position, to prohibit any camera operation.

Srec: A switch Srec is turned on when the operation mode changeover switch 8 is in the "RECORD" mode position, to enable a photographing operation.

Srep: A switch Srep is turned on when the operation mode changeover switch 8 is in the "REPRODUCTION" mode position, to enable a reproduction operation.

Spri: A switch Spri is turned on when the operation mode changeover switch 8 is in the "PRINT" mode position, to enable a printing operation of the stored images.

S1: A switch S1 is turned on when a release/print start button 7 is pressed halfway, to prepare for the photographing operation.

S2: A switch S2 is turned on when a release/print start button 7 is pressed all the way, to execute an exposure operation in the "RECORD" mode.

It should be noted that the switch S1 and the switch S2 are turned on to prepare for the printing operation and execute the printing operation in the "PRINT" mode respectively.

Sup: A switch Sup is turned on each time the forward access button 14 is pressed, to sequentially reproduce the stored images in a forward order.

Sdown: A switch Sdown is turned on each time the reverse access button 15 is pressed, to sequentially reproduce the stored images in a reverse order.

Spro: A switch Spro is actuated each time the protect switch 9 is pressed. The switch Spro is turned on to protect the stored images while being turned off to release protection of the stored images.

Smal: A switch Smal, corresponding to the multi-image output switch 10, is turned on to enable a multi-image output.

Smac: A switch Smac is a macrophotographing switch which is turned on when the macro/binary photographing mode changeover switch 16 is depressed, to enable macrophotography by inserting and placing an unillustrated macro lens on an optical axis.

Smono: A switch Smono is a binary photographing switch which is turned on when the macro/binary photographing mode changeover switch 16 is slid while being depressed, to enable character photographing or the like.

Scard: A switch Scard is turned on when the memory card is mounted to the camera main body 1.

SFl: A switch Sfl is turned on when the flash mode changeover switch 11 is pressed, to cylically change from one flash mode to another