JP2007331294A - Thermal transfer recording device and id photo taking device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a thermal transfer recording device capable of printing high quality images and an ID photo taking device having the thermal transfer recording device. <P>SOLUTION: It has a thermal head 81 which prints images on a recording medium P by pressing a plurality of heat-generating elements, to which power is selectively distributed based on image data in synchronization with the transporting speed of the recording medium P, against the recording medium P via an ink ribbon R1. It is configured so that the temperature of the recording medium P is adjusted to a predetermined temperature before images are printed on the recording medium P by the thermal head 81. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a thermal transfer recording apparatus and an identification photograph photographing apparatus.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known a thermal transfer recording apparatus including a thermal head that selectively drives a heat generating element according to input image data to generate heat and prints an image on a recording medium with the heat energy.

As described above, since the thermal transfer recording apparatus prints an image by thermal energy, the quality of the printed image greatly depends on the temperature.
Therefore, for example, a thermal transfer recording apparatus that can adjust the temperature of the heating element has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).
Specifically, Patent Document 1 proposes a thermal transfer recording apparatus (thermal transfer printer) that includes a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the thermal head and corrects the energization energy to the heating element based on the detection result of the temperature sensor. In Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-228688, a thermal transfer recording apparatus (provided with ambient temperature detection means for detecting the ambient temperature of the printer, and determining the voltage application time for energizing the heating element based on the detection result by the ambient temperature detection means ( Thermal printer) was proposed.
JP-A-5-104769 JP 2002-292919 A

However, the quality of the image printed by the thermal transfer recording apparatus greatly depends not only on the temperature of the heating element but also on the temperature of the recording medium.
For example, when installed in a low temperature environment, the thermal transfer recording apparatus warms up by continuously repeating printing. Accordingly, for example, a recording medium placed in or near the thermal transfer recording apparatus is also warmed. For this reason, there is a problem that the temperature of the recording medium differs between the case where the elapsed time from the previous print is short and the case where the elapsed time is long, resulting in a difference in the color density and color of the image.
In addition, the thermal transfer recording apparatus prints an image by placing colors on a recording medium in the order of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C), for example, when the recording medium is cold, There is also a problem that the recording medium warms up as the colors are placed, so that there is a difference in the state of the colors.
Therefore, for example, as in Patent Documents 1 and 2, it is not possible to print a higher quality image simply by adjusting the temperature of the heating element.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a thermal transfer recording apparatus capable of printing a higher quality image and an ID photo photographing apparatus including the thermal transfer recording apparatus.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention described in claim 1
An image is printed on the recording medium by pressing a plurality of heating elements selectively energized on the basis of the image data in synchronization with the conveyance speed of the recording medium onto the recording medium via the ink ribbon. In a thermal transfer recording apparatus including a thermal head to be
Before the image is printed on the recording medium by the thermal head, there is provided adjusting means for adjusting the temperature of the recording medium to a predetermined temperature.

The invention described in claim 2
The thermal transfer recording apparatus according to claim 1,
The adjusting unit includes a heating / cooling unit disposed on the upstream side of the thermal head on the recording medium conveyance path and capable of heating and / or cooling the recording medium.

The invention described in claim 3
The thermal transfer recording apparatus according to claim 2,
The adjusting means includes
Temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of a predetermined location;
Temperature control means for controlling the heating and cooling means based on the temperature detected by the temperature detection means so that the recording medium is at the predetermined temperature;
It is characterized by providing.

The invention according to claim 4
The thermal transfer recording apparatus according to claim 2,
The adjusting means includes
An elapsed time detecting means for detecting an elapsed time from the previous print;
Temperature control means for controlling the heating and cooling means based on the elapsed time detected by the elapsed time detection means so that the recording medium is at the predetermined temperature;
It is characterized by providing.

The invention described in claim 5
The thermal transfer recording apparatus according to claim 1,
The ink ribbon has a plurality of printing areas coated with a dye ink and a protective material used when printing an image on the one recording medium,
The adjusting means includes
Rewinding means for rewinding the ink ribbon so that a portion of the plurality of print areas to which the protective material included in the used print area is applied is disposed immediately below the thermal head. When,
Reciprocating means for reciprocating the recording medium on a conveying path of the recording medium in a state where the recording medium is disposed directly under the thermal head;
The thermal head is controlled so that the plurality of energized heating elements are pressed onto the recording medium reciprocated by the reciprocating means via the ink ribbon rewound by the rewinding means. Thermal head control means;
It is characterized by providing.

The invention described in claim 6
The thermal transfer recording apparatus according to claim 1,
The ink ribbon has a plurality of printing areas coated with a dye ink and a protective material that are used when an image is printed on the one recording medium, and the dye ink and the printing ink are disposed between the printing areas. It has an adjustment area where no protective material is applied,
The adjusting means includes
Of the plurality of adjustment areas, an adjustment area between the print area used for the previous print and the print area used for the current print is directly below the thermal head. A delivery means for delivering the ink ribbon so as to be disposed;
Reciprocating means for reciprocating the recording medium on a conveying path of the recording medium in a state where the recording medium is disposed directly under the thermal head;
A thermal head for controlling the thermal head so that the plurality of energized heating elements are pressed onto the recording medium reciprocated by the reciprocating means via the ink ribbon delivered by the delivery means. Control means;
It is characterized by providing.

The invention described in claim 7
In the thermal transfer recording apparatus according to claim 5 or 6,
The adjusting means includes temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature at a predetermined location,
The thermal head control means controls a voltage when energizing the plurality of heating elements based on the temperature detected by the temperature detection means.

The invention according to claim 8 provides:
In the thermal transfer recording apparatus according to claim 5 or 6,
The adjusting means includes temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature at a predetermined location,
The reciprocating means controls a speed at which the recording medium is reciprocated based on the temperature detected by the temperature detecting means.

The invention according to claim 9 is:
In the thermal transfer recording apparatus according to claim 5 or 6,
The adjusting means includes temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature at a predetermined location,
The reciprocating means controls the number of times the recording medium is reciprocated based on the temperature detected by the temperature detecting means.

The invention according to claim 10 is:
In the thermal transfer recording apparatus according to claim 5 or 6,
The adjusting means includes an elapsed time detecting means for detecting an elapsed time from the previous print,
The thermal head control means controls a voltage when energizing the plurality of heating elements based on the elapsed time detected by the elapsed time detection means.

The invention according to claim 11
In the thermal transfer recording apparatus according to claim 5 or 6,
The adjusting means includes an elapsed time detecting means for detecting an elapsed time from the previous print,
The reciprocating means controls the speed at which the recording medium is reciprocated based on the elapsed time detected by the elapsed time detecting means.

The invention according to claim 12
In the thermal transfer recording apparatus according to claim 5 or 6,
The adjusting means includes an elapsed time detecting means for detecting an elapsed time from the previous print,
The reciprocating means controls the number of times the recording medium is reciprocated based on the elapsed time detected by the elapsed time detecting means.

The invention according to claim 13
In the ID photo shooting device,
An identification photograph is created using the thermal transfer recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the temperature of the recording medium can be adjusted to a predetermined temperature before the image is printed on the recording medium. Therefore, conventionally, it is possible to reduce the difference in color density and tint that has occurred for each printed image, the difference in the color of each color that has occurred in one printed image, and the like. A higher quality image can be printed.

  According to the invention described in claim 2, it is needless to say that the same effect as that of the invention described in claim 1 can be obtained, and before the image is printed on the recording medium, the recording medium is heated by the heating / cooling means. By heating and / or cooling the recording medium, the temperature of the recording medium can be adjusted to a predetermined temperature. That is, for example, when the thermal transfer recording apparatus is installed in a low temperature environment, the recording medium can be heated. For example, when the thermal transfer recording apparatus is installed in a high temperature environment, the recording medium can be cooled. Therefore, the temperature of the recording medium can be adjusted to an appropriate temperature regardless of the installation environment of the thermal transfer recording apparatus.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, it is needless to say that the same effect as that of the second aspect of the invention can be obtained, and because the temperature of the recording medium is adjusted based on the temperature at a predetermined location, The temperature of the recording medium can be adjusted to an appropriate temperature.

  According to the invention described in claim 4, it is needless to say that the same effect as that of the invention described in claim 2 can be obtained. In order to adjust the temperature of the recording medium based on the elapsed time from the previous printing, The temperature of the recording medium can be reliably adjusted to an appropriate temperature.

According to the invention described in claim 5, it is needless to say that the same effect as that of the invention described in claim 1 can be obtained. Before the image is printed on the recording medium, the recording medium is By heating, the temperature of the recording medium can be adjusted to a predetermined temperature. That is, since an existing component (thermal head) can be applied, the temperature of the recording medium can be adjusted to an appropriate temperature easily and at low cost.
Further, when adjusting the temperature of the recording medium, the ink ribbon can be rewound by the rewound means. Therefore, since an existing ink ribbon can be used, the temperature of the recording medium can be adjusted to an appropriate temperature even more easily and at a low cost.

According to the invention described in claim 6, it is needless to say that the same effect as that of the invention described in claim 1 can be obtained. Before the image is printed on the recording medium, the recording medium is loaded by the thermal head. By heating, the temperature of the recording medium can be adjusted to a predetermined temperature. That is, since an existing component (thermal head) can be applied, the temperature of the recording medium can be adjusted to an appropriate temperature easily and at low cost.
Further, the ink ribbon has an adjustment region where the dye ink and the protective material are not applied. Accordingly, since it is not necessary to newly provide a means for rewinding the ink ribbon when adjusting the temperature of the recording medium, the temperature of the recording medium can be adjusted to an appropriate temperature even more easily and at a low cost.

  According to the seventh to ninth aspects of the invention, it is possible to obtain the same effect as that of the fifth or sixth aspect of the invention, and to adjust the temperature of the recording medium based on the temperature at a predetermined location. The temperature of the recording medium can be surely adjusted to an appropriate temperature.

  According to the invention described in claims 10 to 12, it is needless to say that the same effect as in the invention described in claim 5 or 6 can be obtained, and the temperature of the recording medium is adjusted based on the elapsed time from the previous printing. Therefore, the temperature of the recording medium can be reliably adjusted to an appropriate temperature.

  According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, an identification photograph can be created using the thermal transfer recording apparatus according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects. Therefore, in the case of ID photo shooting devices, the elapsed time from the previous print tends to be long, so color density and tint differences between images, color differences in color, etc. are likely to occur. Since the difference can be reduced by the thermal transfer recording apparatus according to any one of Items 1 to 12, an ID photo on which a higher quality image is printed can be created.

  Hereinafter, the best mode of an ID photograph apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The scope of the invention is not limited to the illustrated example.

[First embodiment]
First, the ID photograph apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment will be described.

<Configuration of ID photo camera>
First, the configuration of the ID photograph apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.
The ID photo photographing apparatus 1 is an apparatus that creates an ID photo using a thermal transfer recording apparatus including a sublimation printer 80 or the like.
Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, the ID photograph apparatus 1 is formed in a box shape. For example, the ID photograph apparatus 1 is provided on the outer wall of the ID photograph apparatus 1 for taking out a printed ID photograph. An outlet 81 is installed.
In addition, for example, a photography room 1 a is installed inside the ID photo photography apparatus 1.

In the photographing room 1a, for example, a chair 1b on which the subject M sits is rotatably provided, and the chair 1b is configured to move up and down by rotation.
Further, for example, lighting strobes 20a are installed at positions corresponding to the upper side, the front side, and the back side of the subject M in the shooting room 1a.
In addition, for example, at a position corresponding to the front of the subject M in the photographing room 1a, a display unit 40 for displaying various screens related to photographing, such as operation procedures, photographed ID photo images, and the like, and the subject An entrance sensor 50 for detecting that M has entered the photographing room 1a, a coin mech 60 for adjusting the photographing fee, an operation button 70a for the subject M to input an operation instruction, and a touch panel 70b. Etc. are installed.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the ID photograph apparatus 1 includes a main body unit 10, a strobe unit 20, a digital camera 30, a display unit 40, an entrance sensor 50, a coin mech 60, and an operation unit 70. A sublimation printer 80, and the like.

  The strobe unit 20 controls, for example, the light emission timing and the light emission amount of the strobe 20 a installed at each position in the photographing room 1 a according to a control signal input from the main body unit 10.

The digital camera 30 includes, for example, an optical lens, an image sensor such as a charge coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS), an A / D converter, and the like.
For example, the digital camera 30 generates an analog image signal by photoelectrically converting a subject image input via an optical lens by an imaging device in accordance with a control signal input from the main body unit 10, and an A / D conversion unit Thus, digital image data is generated from the analog image signal, and the image data is output to the main body unit 10.
In place of the digital camera 30, a digital video camera or the like capable of recording a moving image may be applied.

  The display unit 40 includes, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) panel, and performs a given display process according to a display signal input from the main body unit 10, for example.

The entrance sensor 50 is, for example, for detecting that the photographed person M has entered the photography room 1 a, and outputs a detection signal to the main body 10 when the entry of the photographed person M is detected.
As the room entry sensor 50, for example, an optical sensor composed of a light emitter and a light receiver can be applied.

  The coin mech 60 is, for example, a cash registering machine provided with a deposit port for coins and bills, a refund port for change, and the like. For example, the coin mech 60 outputs information related to the amount deposited from the deposit slot to the main body unit 10 and discharges coins and banknotes according to the change amount to the refund port according to the control signal input from the main body unit 10.

  The operation unit 70 includes, for example, an operation button 70a provided on the inner wall of the shooting room 1a, a touch panel 70b configured integrally with the display unit 40, and the like, for example, according to an operation by the subject M. A pressing signal is output to the main unit 10.

(Configuration of sublimation printer)
For example, the sublimation printer 80 prints an image based on the image data captured and generated by the digital camera 30 on the recording medium P in accordance with a control signal input from the main body unit 10 to create an ID photo.
Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, for example, the sublimation printer 80 has a direction (sub-scanning direction) substantially orthogonal to the transport direction (sub-scanning direction) of the recording medium P transported along a predetermined transport path Q. A thermal head 81 having a plurality of rows of heating elements 811 arranged over the entire width of the recording medium P in the main scanning direction), a platen roller 82 disposed at a position facing the thermal head 81, and upstream of the platen roller 82 Two transport rollers 83, 83 disposed on the downstream side, two transport rollers 83, 83 disposed on the downstream side, a first drive motor 84 that rotationally drives the platen roller 82 and the transport roller 83, a thermal head 81, and a platen A first ink ribbon roller 85 that stretches an ink ribbon R1 between the roller 82 (recording medium P) and feeds the ink ribbon R1 from upstream to downstream. The second ink ribbon roller 86, the second drive motor 87 that rotationally drives the first ink ribbon roller 85 and the second ink ribbon roller 86, and the upstream side immediately below the thermal head 81 on the conveyance path Q of the recording medium P And a temperature detector 89 disposed on the upstream side of the temperature controller 88 on the conveyance path Q of the recording medium P, and the like.

  For example, the thermal head 81 uses a plurality of heating elements 811 that are selectively energized based on image data in synchronization with the conveyance speed of the recording medium P in accordance with a control signal input from the main body 10, and the ink ribbon R 1. Then, an image is printed on the recording medium P by being pressed onto the recording medium P.

  For example, the platen roller 82 supports the recording medium P directly below the thermal head 81 and is rotated by the first drive motor 84 to convey the recording medium P along the conveyance path Q.

  For example, the transport roller 83 is driven to rotate by the first drive motor 84 to transport the recording medium P along the transport path Q.

For example, the first drive motor 84 rotates the platen roller 82 and the transport roller 83 in accordance with a control signal input from the main body 10.
Specifically, the platen roller 82 and the transport roller 83 that are rotationally driven by the first drive motor 84 feed the recording medium P on which an image is printed by the thermal head 81 to the lower side of the thermal head 81 from the upstream side. Thereafter, the recording medium P on which an image is printed by the thermal head 81 is discharged from the lower side of the thermal head 81 to the downstream side.

  For example, the first ink ribbon roller 85 is provided on the upstream side of the thermal head 81, and is driven to rotate by the second drive motor 87, thereby sending the ink ribbon R 1 from the upstream to the downstream.

  The second ink ribbon roller 86 is provided, for example, on the downstream side of the thermal head 81, and is rotated by the second drive motor 87 to wind the ink ribbon R 1 sent out by the first ink ribbon 85. To take.

The second drive motor 87 rotates the first ink ribbon roller 85 and the second ink ribbon roller 86 in accordance with a control signal input from the main body unit 10.
Specifically, the first ink ribbon roller 85 and the second ink ribbon roller 86 that are rotationally driven by the second drive motor 87 deliver the ink ribbon R1 from upstream to downstream.

For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the ink ribbon R <b> 1 includes a portion where sublimation dye inks of three primary colors of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) are applied in a planar shape, and a transparent protective material ( And a plurality of printing regions T1 including a portion coated with OP in a planar shape.
Here, one printing area T1 is an area where a sublimation dye ink and a transparent protective material used for printing an image on one recording medium P are applied.

  The temperature controller 88 includes, for example, a heater, a blower, and the like, is configured to be able to heat and / or cool the recording medium P, and functions as a heating and cooling unit. The temperature controller 88 adjusts the temperature of the recording medium P to a predetermined temperature by heating and / or cooling the recording medium P in accordance with a control signal input from the main body unit 10.

The temperature detection unit 89 detects, for example, a temperature at a predetermined location as a temperature detection unit, and outputs a detection signal to the main body unit 10.
Here, the predetermined location is, for example, a location where the temperature detection unit 89 is disposed (further upstream than the temperature controller 88), that is, a location where the recording medium P is waiting for printing, for example. .

(Configuration of main unit)
As shown in FIG. 2, the main body unit 10 includes, for example, a control unit 11, an I / O (Input / Output) control 12, an I / F (InterFace) 13, and a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) storage unit 14. A RAM (Random Access Memory) 15 and a ROM (Read Only Memory) 16 are provided. The main body 10 is connected to, for example, the strobe unit 20, the coin mech 60, the operation unit 70, etc. via the I / O control 12, and is connected to the sublimation printer 80, etc. via the I / F 13. is doing.

For example, the control unit 11 performs centralized control of each unit of the ID photo photographing apparatus 1.
Specifically, the control unit 11 performs various control operations according to various processing programs for the ID photo photographing apparatus 1 stored in the ROM 16, for example.

  The I / O control 12 is an interface for inputting / outputting various information to / from the strobe unit 20, the coin mech 60, the operation unit 80, and the like.

  The I / F 13 is an interface for inputting / outputting various information to / from the sublimation printer 80, for example.

  The DVD storage unit 14 stores, for example, image data shot and generated by the digital camera 30, image data of various screens displayed on the display unit 40, and the like.

  The RAM 15 includes a program storage area for expanding a processing program executed by the control unit 11, a data storage area for storing input data, a processing result generated when the processing program is executed, and the like.

The ROM 16 is a system program that can be executed by the ID photograph apparatus 1, various processing programs that can be executed by the system program, data that is used when these various processing programs are executed, and processing results that are arithmetically processed by the control unit 11. The data etc. are memorized. The program is stored in the ROM 16 in the form of a computer readable program code.
Specifically, the ROM 16 stores, for example, an adjustment control program 161, a creation control program 162, and the like as shown in FIG.

For example, the adjustment control program 161 sets the recording medium P to a predetermined temperature based on the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 89 before the thermal head 81 prints an image on the recording medium P. A function for controlling the temperature controller 88 is realized by the control unit 11.
Note that the control unit 11 also executes the creation control program 162 together with the adjustment control program 161, for example. As a result, the recording medium P conveyed below the thermal head 81 by the conveyance roller 83 rotated by the first drive motor 84 controlled by the control unit 11 that has executed the creation control program 162 is in the middle of the conveyance. Then, it is heated or cooled by the temperature controller 88.
Here, the predetermined temperature is, for example, the temperature of the recording medium P optimal for printing an image.
The control unit 11 functions as a temperature control unit by executing the adjustment control program 161.

  Here, before the image is printed on the recording medium P by the thermal head 81, the adjusting means for adjusting the temperature of the recording medium P to a predetermined temperature is, for example, a temperature controller 88, a temperature detection unit 89, The control unit 11 executes the adjustment control program 161, and the like.

For example, the creation control program 162 performs predetermined ID photo processing on the image data captured and generated by the digital camera 30, and controls the sublimation printer 80 to generate an image based on the image data. The control unit 11 is caused to realize a function of printing on the recording medium P whose temperature has been adjusted by the adjustment unit configured by the control unit 11 or the like that has executed the adjustment control program 161.
Specifically, for example, the control unit 11 controls the first drive motor 84 and the second drive motor 87 so that the conveyance speed of the recording medium P and the delivery speed of the ink ribbon R1 are the same timing. The thermal head 81 is controlled by controlling the voltage at the time of energization so that the plurality of heat generating elements 811 are selectively energized based on the image data in synchronization with the timing.

  Here, the thermal transfer recording apparatus includes, for example, a sublimation printer 80, a control unit 11 that executes an adjustment control program 161, and the like.

  According to the ID photograph photographing apparatus 1 in the first embodiment described above, the thermal transfer recording apparatus including the sublimation printer 80 and the control unit 11 that executes the adjustment control program 161 is provided. This thermal transfer recording apparatus presses a plurality of heating elements 811 that are selectively energized based on image data in synchronization with the conveyance speed of the recording medium P onto the recording medium P via the ink ribbon R1. And a thermal head 81 for printing an image on the recording medium P, and the thermal controller 81, the temperature detection unit 89, and the control unit 11 that has executed the adjustment control program 161 perform the thermal head 81 on the recording medium P. Before the image is printed, the temperature of the recording medium P can be adjusted to a predetermined temperature. Therefore, conventionally, it is possible to reduce the difference in color density and tint that has been generated for each printed image, the difference in the color condition of each color that has occurred in one printed image, and the like. A higher quality image can be printed.

  Specifically, the recording medium P can be heated and / or cooled by the temperature controller 88 disposed on the upstream side of the thermal head 81 on the conveyance path Q of the recording medium P. That is, for example, when the ID photograph apparatus 1 is installed in a low temperature environment, the recording medium P can be heated. For example, when the ID photograph apparatus 1 is installed in a high temperature environment, the recording medium P is cooled. Therefore, the temperature of the recording medium P can be adjusted to an appropriate temperature regardless of the installation environment of the ID photograph apparatus 1.

  Further, the temperature detection unit 89 can detect the temperature at a predetermined location, and the recording medium P is determined based on the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 89 by the control unit 11 that has executed the adjustment control program 161. The temperature controller 88 can be controlled to reach the temperature. Therefore, the temperature of the recording medium P can be reliably adjusted to an appropriate temperature.

  Then, the ID photo photographing apparatus 1 can create an ID photo using the thermal transfer recording apparatus. Therefore, in the case of the ID photograph apparatus 1, since the elapsed time from the previous print tends to be particularly long, a difference in color density and color for each image, a difference in the color condition of each color, etc. are likely to occur. Since the difference can be reduced by the thermal transfer recording apparatus, an ID photo on which a higher quality image is printed can be created.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, an ID photo photographing apparatus 1A according to the second embodiment will be described.

<Configuration of ID photo camera>
First, the configuration of the ID photograph apparatus 1A will be described with reference to FIGS.
The ID photograph apparatus 1A of the second embodiment differs from the ID photograph apparatus 1 of the first embodiment only in information based on adjusting the temperature of the recording medium P. Specifically, a part of the configuration of the main body 10 and the sublimation printer 80 in the ID photograph apparatus 1 is different. Therefore, only different parts will be described, and other common parts will be described with the same reference numerals.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the ID photograph apparatus 1 </ b> A includes a main unit 10 </ b> A, a strobe unit 20, a digital camera 30, a display unit 40, an entrance sensor 50, a coin mech 60, and an operation unit 70. And a sublimation printer 80A.

(Configuration of sublimation printer)
For example, the sublimation printer 80A prints an image based on the image data photographed and generated by the digital camera 30 on the recording medium P in accordance with a control signal input from the main body 10A, and creates an ID photo.
Specifically, the sublimation printer 80A includes, for example, a thermal head 81 having a plurality of heating element 811 rows, a platen roller 82, a transport roller 83, and a first drive motor 84, as shown in FIGS. A first ink ribbon roller 85, a second ink ribbon roller 86, a second drive motor 87, a temperature controller 88, an elapsed time detector 89A, and the like.

  The elapsed time detection unit 89A detects, for example, an elapsed time from the previous print as an elapsed time detection unit, and outputs a detection signal to the main body unit 10A.

(Configuration of main unit)
The main body unit 10A includes, for example, a control unit 11, an I / O control 12, an I / F 13, a DVD storage unit 14, a RAM 15, a ROM 16A, and the like. The main unit 10A is connected to the strobe unit 20, the coin mech 60, the operation unit 70 and the like via the I / O control 12, for example, and is connected to the sublimation printer 80A and the like via the I / F 13. is doing.

The ROM 16A is a system program that can be executed by the ID photograph apparatus 1A, various processing programs that can be executed by the system program, data that is used when these various processing programs are executed, and processing results that are calculated by the control unit 11. The data etc. are memorized. The program is stored in the ROM 16A in the form of a computer readable program code.
Specifically, the ROM 16A stores an adjustment control program 161A, a creation control program 162, and the like, for example, as shown in FIG.

The adjustment control program 161A, for example, makes the recording medium P reach a predetermined temperature based on the elapsed time detected by the elapsed time detector 89A before the image is printed on the recording medium P by the thermal head 81. Further, the control unit 11 is made to realize the function of controlling the temperature controller 88.
Specifically, for example, the control unit 11 uses an elapsed time detection unit stored in advance in the ROM 16A, for example, from data (not shown) indicating the correlation between the elapsed time from the previous print and the temperature of the recording medium P. The temperature of the recording medium P corresponding to the elapsed time detected by 89A is extracted, and based on the extracted temperature, the temperature controller 88 is controlled so that the recording medium P becomes a predetermined temperature. Here, the data corresponds to, for example, the environment where the ID photograph apparatus 1A is installed.
Note that the control unit 11 also executes the creation control program 162 together with the adjustment control program 161A, for example.
The control unit 11 functions as a temperature control unit by executing the adjustment control program 161A.

Here, before the image is printed on the recording medium P by the thermal head 81, the adjusting means for adjusting the temperature of the recording medium P to a predetermined temperature is, for example, a temperature controller 88, an elapsed time detector 89A, and the like. The control unit 11 executes the adjustment control program 161A, and the like.
The thermal transfer recording apparatus includes, for example, a sublimation printer 80A and a control unit 11 that executes an adjustment control program 161A.

  According to the ID photograph apparatus 1A in the second embodiment described above, the elapsed time detector 89A can detect the elapsed time from the previous print, and the controller 11 that has executed the adjustment control program 161A. Thus, based on the elapsed time detected by the elapsed time detector 89A, the temperature controller 88 can be controlled so that the recording medium P reaches a predetermined temperature. Therefore, the temperature of the recording medium P can be reliably adjusted to an appropriate temperature.

[Third embodiment]
Next, an identification photograph photographing apparatus 1B according to the third embodiment will be described.

<Configuration of ID photo camera>
First, the configuration of the ID photograph apparatus 1B will be described with reference to FIGS.
The ID photograph apparatus 1B of the third embodiment differs from the ID photograph apparatus 1 of the first embodiment only in that a thermal head is used when adjusting the temperature of the recording medium P. Specifically, a part of the configuration of the main body 10 and the sublimation printer 80 in the ID photograph apparatus 1 is different. Therefore, only different parts will be described, and other common parts will be described with the same reference numerals.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the ID photograph apparatus 1 </ b> B includes a main body unit 10 </ b> B, a strobe unit 20, a digital camera 30, a display unit 40, an entrance sensor 50, a coin mech 60, and an operation unit 70. And a sublimation printer 80B.

(Configuration of sublimation printer)
For example, the sublimation printer 80B prints an image based on the image data photographed and generated by the digital camera 30 on the recording medium P in accordance with a control signal input from the main body 10B, and creates an ID photo.
Specifically, the sublimation printer 80B, for example, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, is a direction (sub-scanning direction) substantially orthogonal to the conveyance direction (sub-scanning direction) of the recording medium P conveyed along a predetermined conveyance path Q. A thermal head 81B having a plurality of rows of heating elements 811 arranged in the entire width of the recording medium P in the main scanning direction), a platen roller 82B disposed at a position facing the thermal head 81B, and upstream of the platen roller 82B. Two conveying rollers 83B, 83B arranged on the downstream side, two conveying rollers 83B, 83B arranged on the downstream side, a first drive motor 84B that rotationally drives the platen roller 82B and the conveying roller 83B, a thermal head 81B, and a platen Ink ribbon R1 is stretched between roller 82B (recording medium P) and ink ribbon R1 is sent from upstream to downstream. Or the first ink ribbon roller 85B and the second ink ribbon roller 86B that are sent from the downstream side to the upstream side and rewound, and the second drive motor 87B that rotates the first ink ribbon roller 85B and the second ink ribbon roller 86B. And a temperature detection unit 89.

For example, the thermal head 81B uses a plurality of heating elements 811 that are selectively energized based on image data in synchronization with the conveyance speed of the recording medium P in accordance with a control signal input from the main body 10B, and the ink ribbon R1. Then, an image is printed on the recording medium P by being pressed onto the recording medium P.
Furthermore, the thermal head 81B, for example, before printing an image on the recording medium P in accordance with a control signal input from the main body 10B, replaces the plurality of energized heating elements 811 with the first ink ribbon roller 85B and the first ink ribbon roller 85B. The temperature of the recording medium P is adjusted to a predetermined temperature by pressing against the recording medium P reciprocated by the platen roller 82B and the conveying roller 83B via the ink ribbon R1 rewound by the two-ink ribbon roller 86B. To do.

The platen roller 82B, for example, supports the recording medium P directly below the thermal head 81B, and conveys the recording medium P along the conveyance path Q by being driven to rotate by the first drive motor 84B.
Further, the platen roller 82B is configured to reciprocate by, for example, being driven to rotate by the first drive motor 84B, and before the image is printed on the recording medium P by the thermal head 81B, the recording medium P is In a state where it is arranged directly below the thermal head 81B, it is reciprocated on the conveyance path Q of the recording medium P.

The transport roller 83B transports the recording medium P along the transport path Q by being driven to rotate by the first drive motor 84B, for example.
Further, for example, the conveyance roller 83B is configured to reciprocate by being driven to rotate by the first drive motor 84B, and before the image is printed on the recording medium P by the thermal head 81B, the recording medium P is In a state where it is arranged directly below the thermal head 81B, it is reciprocated on the conveyance path Q of the recording medium P.

For example, the first drive motor 84B rotates the platen roller 82B and the conveyance roller 83B in accordance with a control signal input from the main body 10B.
Specifically, the platen roller 82B and the conveyance roller 83B that are rotationally driven by the first drive motor 84B feed the recording medium P on which an image is printed by the thermal head 81B from the upstream side to the lower side of the thermal head 81B. Thereafter, the recording medium P on which an image is printed by the thermal head 81B is discharged from the lower side of the thermal head 81B to the downstream side.
Further, the first drive motor 84B constitutes a reciprocating means, for example. That is, the platen roller 82B and the transport roller 83B that are rotationally driven by the first drive motor 84B cause the thermal head 81B to transfer the recording medium P fed below the thermal head 81B in order to print an image by the thermal head 81B. Before an image is printed on the recording medium P, the image is reciprocated on the conveyance path Q of the recording medium P in a state of being disposed immediately below the thermal head 81B.

The first ink ribbon roller 85B is provided on the upstream side of the thermal head 81B, for example, and is driven to rotate by the second drive motor 87B, thereby sending the ink ribbon R1 from upstream to downstream.
Further, the first ink ribbon roller 85B, for example, is rotatively driven by the second drive motor 87B to form a rewinding unit, and a plurality of ink ribbons before the image is printed on the recording medium P by the thermal head 81B. Of the printing area T1,..., The second ink ribbon so that the portion to which the transparent protective material (OP) included in the used printing area T1 is applied is disposed immediately below the thermal head 81B. The ink ribbon R1 sent out and rewound by the roller 86B is taken up.

For example, the second ink ribbon roller 86B is provided on the downstream side of the thermal head 81B, and is rotated by the second drive motor 87B to wind the ink ribbon R1 sent out by the first ink ribbon 85B. To take.
Further, for example, the second ink ribbon roller 86B is rotated by a second drive motor 87B to constitute a rewinding unit, and a plurality of ink ribbon rollers 86B are printed before an image is printed on the recording medium P by the thermal head 81B. The ink ribbon R1 is placed so that the portion where the transparent protective material (OP) included in the used printing region T1 is disposed directly below the thermal head 81B in the printing regions T1,. Send from downstream to upstream and rewind.

The second drive motor 87B rotates and drives the first ink ribbon roller 85B and the second ink ribbon roller 86B in accordance with the control signal input from the main body 10B.
Specifically, the first ink ribbon roller 85B and the second ink ribbon roller 86B that are rotationally driven by the second drive motor 87B deliver the ink ribbon R1 from upstream to downstream.
Furthermore, the 2nd drive motor 87B comprises a rewinding means, for example. That is, the first ink ribbon roller 85B and the second ink ribbon roller 86B that are rotationally driven by the second drive motor 87B have a plurality of printing regions T1 before an image is printed on the recording medium P by the thermal head 81B. ,... Are rewound so that the portion where the transparent protective material (OP) included in the used printing region T1 is applied is disposed immediately below the thermal head 81.

(Configuration of main unit)
The main body unit 10B includes, for example, a control unit 11, an I / O control 12, an I / F 13, a DVD storage unit 14, a RAM 15, a ROM 16B, and the like. The main body 10B is connected to, for example, the strobe unit 20, the coin mech 60, the operation unit 70, etc. via the I / O control 12, and is connected to the sublimation printer 80B, etc. via the I / F 13. is doing.

The ROM 16B is a system program that can be executed by the ID photograph apparatus 1B, various processing programs that can be executed by the system program, data that is used when these various processing programs are executed, and processing results that are arithmetically processed by the control unit 11. The data etc. are memorized. The program is stored in the ROM 16B in the form of a program code that can be read by a computer.
Specifically, the ROM 16B stores an adjustment control program 161B, a creation control program 162, and the like, for example, as shown in FIG.

The adjustment control program 161B, for example, controls the second drive motor 87B before the image is printed on the recording medium P by the thermal head 81B, so that the used print in the plurality of print regions T1,. The ink ribbon R1 is rewound, and the first drive motor 84B is executed so that the portion where the transparent protective material (OP) included in the area T1 is applied is disposed immediately below the thermal head 81B, and recording is performed. The medium P is reciprocated on the conveyance path Q of the recording medium P in a state where the medium P is disposed immediately below the thermal head 81, and the plurality of energized heating elements 811 are rewound into the ink ribbon R1 that has been rewound. The control unit 11 is caused to realize a function of controlling the thermal head 81 so as to be pressed against the reciprocally moved recording medium P.
Specifically, for example, the control unit 11 controls the first drive motor 84B so that the recording medium P reciprocates a predetermined number of times at a predetermined speed, and the recording medium P moves to the thermal head during the reciprocation. The thermal head 81B is controlled by controlling the voltage at the time of energizing the plurality of heating elements 811 based on the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 89 so that it is heated to a predetermined temperature by 81B. .
Alternatively, for example, the control unit 11 controls the thermal head 81B so that the plurality of heating elements 811 are energized at a predetermined voltage, and the recording medium P is controlled during the reciprocating movement. The first drive motor 84B is controlled by controlling the speed or number of times the recording medium P is reciprocated on the basis of the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 89 so that it is heated to a predetermined temperature. .
The control unit 11 functions as a rewinding unit, a reciprocating unit, and a thermal head control unit by executing the adjustment control program 161B.

Here, before the image is printed on the recording medium P by the thermal head 81B, adjustment means for adjusting the temperature of the recording medium P to a predetermined temperature is, for example, the thermal head 81B, the temperature detection unit 89, and adjustment. The control unit 11 executes the control program 161B, and the like.
The thermal transfer recording apparatus includes, for example, a sublimation printer 80B and a control unit 11 that executes an adjustment control program 161B.

According to the ID photography apparatus 1B in the third embodiment described above, the ink ribbon R1 is used for sublimation dye ink (Y, M, C) used when an image is printed on one recording medium P. ) And a transparent protective material (OP) are applied, and the control unit 11 that executes the adjustment control program 161B controls the second drive motor 87B to control the plurality of print areas. Rewind the ink ribbon R1 so that the portion of T1,... Where the transparent protective material (OP) included in the used printing region T1 has been applied is disposed immediately below the thermal head 81B. 1 The drive motor 84B is controlled so that the recording medium P is reciprocated on the conveyance path Q of the recording medium P in a state where the recording medium P is disposed directly below the thermal head 81B. 1, via the ink ribbon R1 returned the wound, as can be pressed to the reciprocating printing media on P, it is possible to control the thermal head 81B. That is, since the existing component (thermal head 81B) can be applied, the temperature of the recording medium P can be adjusted to an appropriate temperature easily and at low cost.
Further, when adjusting the temperature of the recording medium P, the second drive motor 87B can be controlled to rewind the ink ribbon R1. Therefore, since the existing ink ribbon R1 can be used, the temperature of the recording medium P can be adjusted to an appropriate temperature even more easily and at a low cost.

  Specifically, the control unit 11 that executes the adjustment control program 161B controls the voltage when energizing the plurality of heating elements 811 based on the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 89, and the temperature detection unit 89. The speed at which the recording medium P is reciprocated is controlled based on the temperature detected by the above, or the number of times the recording medium P is reciprocated is controlled based on the temperature detected by the temperature detector 89. Therefore, the temperature of the recording medium P can be reliably adjusted to an appropriate temperature.

[Fourth embodiment]
Next, an ID photo photographing apparatus 1C according to the fourth embodiment will be described.

<Configuration of ID photo camera>
First, the configuration of the ID photograph apparatus 1C will be described with reference to FIGS.
The ID photograph apparatus 1C according to the fourth embodiment is different from the ID photograph apparatus 1B according to the third embodiment only in information based on adjusting the temperature of the recording medium P. Specifically, a part of the configuration of the main body 10B and the sublimation printer 80B in the ID photograph apparatus 1B is different. Therefore, only different parts will be described, and other common parts will be described with the same reference numerals.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the ID photograph apparatus 1C includes a main unit 10C, a strobe unit 20, a digital camera 30, a display unit 40, an entrance sensor 50, a coin mech 60, and an operation unit 70. And a sublimation printer 80C.

(Configuration of sublimation printer)
For example, the sublimation printer 80C prints an image based on the image data photographed and generated by the digital camera 30 on the recording medium P in accordance with a control signal input from the main unit 10C, and creates an ID photo.
Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, for example, the sublimation printer 80C includes a thermal head 81B having a plurality of heating element 811 rows, a platen roller 82B, a transport roller 83B, and a first drive motor 84B. A first ink ribbon roller 85B, a second ink ribbon roller 86B, a second drive motor 87B, an elapsed time detector 89C, and the like.

  The elapsed time detection unit 89C detects, for example, the elapsed time from the previous print as an elapsed time detection unit, and outputs the detection signal to the main body unit 10C.

(Configuration of main unit)
The main body unit 10C includes, for example, a control unit 11, an I / O control 12, an I / F 13, a DVD storage unit 14, a RAM 15, a ROM 16C, and the like. The main unit 10C is connected to, for example, the strobe unit 20, the coin mech 60, the operation unit 70, etc. via the I / O control 12, and is connected to the sublimation printer 80C, etc. via the I / F 13. is doing.

The ROM 16C is a system program that can be executed by the ID photograph apparatus 1C, various processing programs that can be executed by the system program, data that is used when these various processing programs are executed, and processing results that are arithmetically processed by the control unit 11. The data etc. are memorized. The program is stored in the ROM 16C in the form of a computer readable program code.
Specifically, the ROM 16C stores an adjustment control program 161C, a creation control program 162, and the like as shown in FIG.

The adjustment control program 161C, for example, controls the second drive motor 87B before the image is printed on the recording medium P by the thermal head 81B, so that the used print in the plurality of print regions T1,. The ink ribbon R1 is rewound, and the first drive motor 84B is executed so that the portion where the transparent protective material (OP) included in the area T1 is applied is disposed immediately below the thermal head 81B, and recording is performed. The medium P is reciprocated on the conveyance path Q of the recording medium P in a state where the medium P is disposed immediately below the thermal head 81B, and the plurality of energized heating elements 811 are rewound into the ink ribbon R1 that has been rewound. The control unit 11 is made to realize the function of controlling the thermal head 81B so as to be pressed against the reciprocally moved recording medium P.
Specifically, for example, the control unit 11 controls the first drive motor 84B so that the recording medium P reciprocates a predetermined number of times at a predetermined speed, and the recording medium P moves to the thermal head during the reciprocation. The thermal head 81B is controlled by controlling the voltage at the time of energizing the plurality of heating elements 811 based on the elapsed time detected by the elapsed time detector 89C so as to be heated to a predetermined temperature by 81B. Control.
Alternatively, for example, the control unit 11 controls the thermal head 81B so that the plurality of heating elements 811 are energized at a predetermined voltage, and the recording medium P is controlled during the reciprocating movement. The first drive motor 84B is controlled by controlling the speed or number of times the recording medium P is reciprocated based on the elapsed time detected by the elapsed time detector 89C so that the first drive motor 84B is heated to a predetermined temperature. Control.
The control unit 11 functions as a rewinding unit, a reciprocating unit, and a thermal head control unit by executing the adjustment control program 161C.

Here, adjustment means for adjusting the temperature of the recording medium P to a predetermined temperature before an image is printed on the recording medium P by the thermal head 81B includes, for example, the thermal head 81B, an elapsed time detection unit 89C, The control unit 11 executes the adjustment control program 161C, and the like.
The thermal transfer recording apparatus includes, for example, a sublimation printer 80C and a control unit 11 that executes an adjustment control program 161C.

  According to the ID photograph photographing apparatus 1C in the fourth embodiment described above, a plurality of heating elements based on the elapsed time detected by the elapsed time detection unit 89C by the control unit 11 that has executed the adjustment control program 161C. 811 is controlled, the speed at which the recording medium P is reciprocated based on the elapsed time detected by the elapsed time detector 89C, or detected by the elapsed time detector 98C. Since the number of times the recording medium P is reciprocated can be controlled based on the elapsed time, the temperature of the recording medium P can be reliably adjusted to an appropriate temperature.

[Fifth embodiment]
Next, an identification photograph photographing apparatus 1D in the fifth embodiment will be described.

<Configuration of ID photo camera>
First, the configuration of the ID photograph apparatus 1D will be described with reference to FIGS.
It should be noted that only the portion in the ink ribbon that is arranged immediately below the thermal head 81B when adjusting the temperature of the recording medium P is the proof of the third embodiment. Different from the photography apparatus 1B. Specifically, some of the configurations of the main body 10B, the sublimation printer 80B, and the ink ribbon R1 in the ID photograph apparatus 1B are different. Therefore, only different parts will be described, and other common parts will be described with the same reference numerals.

  As shown in FIG. 15, for example, the ID photograph apparatus 1 </ b> D includes a main body unit 10 </ b> D, a strobe unit 20, a digital camera 30, a display unit 40, an entrance sensor 50, a coin mech 60, and an operation unit 70. And a sublimation printer 80D.

(Configuration of sublimation printer)
For example, the sublimation printer 80D prints an image based on the image data photographed and generated by the digital camera 30 on the recording medium P in accordance with a control signal input from the main body 10D, and creates an ID photo.
Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, for example, the sublimation printer 80D includes a thermal head 81B having a plurality of heating element 811 rows, a platen roller 82B, a transport roller 83B, and a first drive motor 84B. A first ink ribbon roller 85D and a second ink ribbon roller 86D that stretch the ink ribbon R2 between the thermal head 81B and the platen roller 82B (recording medium P) and send the ink ribbon R2 from upstream to downstream; , A second drive motor 87D for rotating the first ink ribbon roller 85D and the second ink ribbon roller 86D, a temperature detection unit 89, and the like.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 18, the ink ribbon R <b> 2 includes a portion where sublimable dye inks of three primary colors of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) are applied in a planar shape, and a transparent protective material ( OP) and a plurality of printing areas T1 each having a surface applied, and sublimation dye ink (Y, M, C) and a transparent protective material (OP) between the printing areas T1. Has an adjustment region T2 that is not applied.

For example, the first ink ribbon roller 85D is provided on the upstream side of the thermal head 81B, and is driven to rotate by the second drive motor 87D, thereby sending the ink ribbon R2 from the upstream to the downstream.
Furthermore, the first ink ribbon roller 85D constitutes a sending unit by being driven to rotate by, for example, a second drive motor 87D, and a plurality of ink ribbons before the image is printed on the recording medium P by the thermal head 81B. Among the adjustment areas T2,..., An adjustment area T2 between the print area T1 used in the previous print and the print area T1 used in the current print is the thermal head 81B. The ink ribbon R2 is sent from the upstream to the downstream so as to be arranged immediately below.

For example, the second ink ribbon roller 86D is provided on the downstream side of the thermal head 81B, and is rotated by the second drive motor 87D to wind the ink ribbon R1 sent out by the first ink ribbon 85D. To take.
Further, the second ink ribbon roller 86D constitutes a sending means by being driven to rotate by, for example, a second drive motor 87D, and before the image is printed on the recording medium P by the thermal head 81B, a plurality of ink ribbon rollers 86D are provided. Among the adjustment areas T2,..., An adjustment area T2 between the print area T1 used in the previous print and the print area T1 used in the current print is the thermal head 81B. The ink ribbon R2 sent out by the first ink ribbon 85D is wound up so as to be disposed immediately below the ink ribbon.

The second drive motor 87D rotationally drives the first ink ribbon roller 85D and the second ink ribbon roller 86D according to the control signal input from the main body 10D.
Specifically, the first ink ribbon roller 85D and the second ink ribbon roller 86D that are rotationally driven by the second drive motor 87D deliver the ink ribbon R2 from upstream to downstream.
Further, the second drive motor 87D constitutes a delivery unit, for example. In other words, the first ink ribbon roller 85D and the second ink ribbon roller 86D that are rotationally driven by the second drive motor 87D have a plurality of adjustment regions T2 before an image is printed on the recording medium P by the thermal head 81B. ,..., An adjustment area T2 between the printing area T1 used for the previous printing and the printing area T1 used for the current printing is arranged immediately below the thermal head 81B. As described above, the ink ribbon R2 is sent from upstream to downstream.

(Configuration of main unit)
The main body unit 10D includes, for example, a control unit 11, an I / O control 12, an I / F 13, a DVD storage unit 14, a RAM 15, a ROM 16D, and the like. The main unit 10D is connected to, for example, the strobe unit 20, the coin mech 60, the operation unit 70, etc. via the I / O control 12, and is connected to the sublimation printer 80D, etc. via the I / F 13. is doing.

The ROM 16D is a system program that can be executed by the ID photograph apparatus 1D, various processing programs that can be executed by the system program, data that is used when these various processing programs are executed, and processing results that are arithmetically processed by the control unit 11. The data etc. are memorized. The program is stored in the ROM 16D in the form of a computer readable program code.
Specifically, the ROM 16D stores, for example, an adjustment control program 161D, a creation control program 162, and the like as shown in FIG.

The adjustment control program 161D controls, for example, the second drive motor 87D before the image is printed on the recording medium P by the thermal head 81B, and the previous print of the plurality of adjustment regions T2,. The ink ribbon R2 is placed so that the adjustment region T2 between the printing region T1 used at the time of printing and the printing region T1 used at the time of the current printing is arranged immediately below the thermal head 81B. The recording medium P is reciprocated on the conveyance path Q of the recording medium P in a state where the recording medium P is arranged immediately below the thermal head 81B and the first drive motor 84B is executed. The control unit 11 has a function of controlling the thermal head 81B so that the heating element 811 is pressed against the reciprocated recording medium P via the sent ink ribbon R2. To realize.
Specifically, for example, the control unit 11 controls the first drive motor 84B so that the recording medium P reciprocates a predetermined number of times at a predetermined speed, and the recording medium P moves to the thermal head during the reciprocation. The thermal head 81B is controlled by controlling the voltage at the time of energizing the plurality of heating elements 811 based on the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 89 so that it is heated to a predetermined temperature by 81B. .
Alternatively, for example, the control unit 11 controls the thermal head 81B so that the plurality of heating elements 811 are energized at a predetermined voltage, and the recording medium P is controlled during the reciprocating movement. The first drive motor 84B is controlled by controlling the speed or number of times the recording medium P is reciprocated on the basis of the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 89 so that it is heated to a predetermined temperature. .
The control unit 11 functions as a sending unit, a reciprocating unit, and a thermal head control unit by executing the adjustment control program 161D.

Here, before the image is printed on the recording medium P by the thermal head 81B, adjustment means for adjusting the temperature of the recording medium P to a predetermined temperature is, for example, the thermal head 81B, the temperature detection unit 89, and adjustment. The control unit 11 executes the control program 161D, and the like.
The thermal transfer recording apparatus includes, for example, a sublimation printer 80D and a control unit 11 that executes an adjustment control program 161D.

According to the ID photograph photographing apparatus 1D in the fifth embodiment described above, the ink ribbon R2 is used for sublimation dye ink (Y, M, C) used when an image is printed on one recording medium P. ) And a transparent protective material (OP) are applied, and there is an adjustment area T2 where nothing is applied between the print areas T1, and an adjustment control program 161D. The second driving motor 87D is controlled by the control unit 11 that has executed the above, and the printing area T1 used in the previous printing out of the plurality of adjustment areas T2,... And used in the current printing. The ink ribbon R2 is sent out and the first drive motor 84B is controlled so that the adjustment area T2 located between the print area T1 and the adjustment area T2 is disposed immediately below the thermal head 81B. , Thermal A plurality of energized heating elements 811 that are reciprocated on the conveyance path Q of the recording medium P in a state of being disposed directly below the print head 81B, are reciprocated via the delivered ink ribbon R2. The thermal head 1B can be controlled so as to be pressed onto the recorded recording medium P. That is, since the existing component (thermal head 81B) can be applied, the temperature of the recording medium P can be adjusted to an appropriate temperature easily and at low cost.
Further, the ink ribbon R2 has an adjustment region T2 where nothing is applied. Therefore, since it is not necessary to newly provide a mechanism for rewinding the ink ribbon R2 when adjusting the temperature of the recording medium P, the temperature of the recording medium P can be adjusted to an appropriate temperature even more easily and at low cost. it can.

  Specifically, the control unit 11 that has executed the adjustment control program 161D controls the voltage at the time of energizing the plurality of heating elements 811 based on the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 89, and the temperature detection unit 89. The speed at which the recording medium P is reciprocated is controlled based on the temperature detected by the above, or the number of times the recording medium P is reciprocated is controlled based on the temperature detected by the temperature detector 89. Therefore, the temperature of the recording medium P can be reliably adjusted to an appropriate temperature.

[Sixth embodiment]
Next, an identification photograph photographing apparatus 1E according to the sixth embodiment will be described.

<Configuration of ID photo camera>
First, the configuration of the ID photograph apparatus 1E will be described with reference to FIGS.
The ID photograph apparatus 1E according to the sixth embodiment is different from the ID photograph apparatus 1D according to the fifth embodiment only in information based on adjusting the temperature of the recording medium P. Specifically, a part of the configuration of the main body 10D and the sublimation printer 80D in the ID photograph apparatus 1D is different. Therefore, only different parts will be described, and other common parts will be described with the same reference numerals.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 19, the ID photograph apparatus 1 </ b> E includes a main body unit 10 </ b> E, a strobe unit 20, a digital camera 30, a display unit 40, an entrance sensor 50, a coin mech 60, and an operation unit 70. And a sublimation printer 80E.

(Configuration of sublimation printer)
For example, the sublimation printer 80E prints an image based on the image data photographed and generated by the digital camera 30 on the recording medium P in accordance with a control signal input from the main body 10E, and creates an ID photo.
Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, for example, the sublimation printer 80E includes a thermal head 81B having a plurality of heating element 811 rows, a platen roller 82B, a transport roller 83B, and a first drive motor 84B. A first ink ribbon roller 85D, a second ink ribbon roller 86D, a second drive motor 87D, an elapsed time detector 89E, and the like.

  The elapsed time detection unit 89E detects, for example, the elapsed time from the previous print as an elapsed time detection unit, and outputs the detection signal to the main body unit 10E.

(Configuration of main unit)
The main body unit 10E includes, for example, a control unit 11, an I / O control 12, an I / F 13, a DVD storage unit 14, a RAM 15, a ROM 16E, and the like. The main unit 10E is connected to the strobe unit 20, the coin mech 60, the operation unit 70, etc. via, for example, the I / O control 12, and connected to the sublimation printer 80E, etc. via the I / F 13. is doing.

The ROM 16E includes a system program that can be executed by the ID photograph apparatus 1E, various processing programs that can be executed by the system program, data that is used when these various processing programs are executed, and processing results that are calculated by the control unit 11. The data etc. are memorized. The program is stored in the ROM 16E in the form of a computer readable program code.
Specifically, the ROM 16E stores, for example, an adjustment control program 161E, a creation control program 162, and the like as shown in FIG.

The adjustment control program 161E, for example, controls the second drive motor 87D before the image is printed on the recording medium P by the thermal head 81B, so that the previous print in the plurality of adjustment regions T2,. The ink ribbon R2 is placed so that the adjustment region T2 between the printing region T1 used at the time of printing and the printing region T1 used at the time of the current printing is arranged immediately below the thermal head 81B. The recording medium P is reciprocated on the conveyance path Q of the recording medium P in a state where the recording medium P is arranged immediately below the thermal head 81B and the first drive motor 84B is executed. The control unit 11 has a function of controlling the thermal head 81B so that the heating element 811 is pressed against the reciprocated recording medium P via the sent ink ribbon R2. To realize.
Specifically, for example, the control unit 11 controls the first drive motor 84B so that the recording medium P reciprocates a predetermined number of times at a predetermined speed, and the recording medium P moves to the thermal head during the reciprocation. The thermal head 81B is controlled by controlling the voltage at the time of energizing the plurality of heating elements 811 based on the elapsed time detected by the elapsed time detection unit 89E so as to be heated to a predetermined temperature by 81B. Control.
Alternatively, for example, the control unit 11 controls the thermal head 81B so that the plurality of heating elements 811 are energized at a predetermined voltage, and the recording medium P is controlled during the reciprocating movement. The first drive motor 84B is controlled by controlling the speed or number of times the recording medium P is reciprocated based on the elapsed time detected by the elapsed time detector 89E so that the first drive motor 84B is heated to a predetermined temperature. Control.
The control unit 11 functions as a sending unit, a reciprocating unit, and a thermal head control unit by executing the adjustment control program 161E.

Here, before the image is printed on the recording medium P by the thermal head 81B, adjustment means for adjusting the temperature of the recording medium P to a predetermined temperature includes, for example, the thermal head 81B, an elapsed time detection unit 89E, The control unit 11 executes the adjustment control program 161E, and the like.
The thermal transfer recording apparatus includes, for example, a sublimation printer 80E and a control unit 11 that executes an adjustment control program 161E.

  According to the ID photo shooting apparatus 1E in the sixth embodiment described above, a plurality of heating elements are based on the elapsed time detected by the elapsed time detection unit 89E by the control unit 11 that has executed the adjustment control program 161E. Based on the elapsed time detected by the elapsed time detector 89E, the voltage at which the recording medium P is reciprocated or controlled by the elapsed time detector 98E is controlled. Since the number of times the recording medium P is reciprocated can be controlled based on the elapsed time, the temperature of the recording medium P can be reliably adjusted to an appropriate temperature.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist thereof.
In the first, third, and fifth embodiments, the temperature detector 89 detects the temperature of the place where the recording medium P is waiting for printing, for example. For example, the predetermined location where the temperature is detected is arbitrary as long as the temperature of the recording medium P waiting for printing can be predicted.

  In the third to sixth embodiments, the voltage at the time of energizing the plurality of heating elements 811 is controlled, the speed at which the recording medium P is reciprocated, or the number of times the recording medium P is reciprocated. Although the temperature of the recording medium P is adjusted by controlling the temperature of the recording medium P, that is, the temperature of the recording medium P is adjusted by executing only one of these three controls. If the temperature of the recording medium P can be adjusted to an appropriate temperature, for example, any two of these three controls may be executed, or all these three controls are executed. You may do it.

  In the fifth and sixth embodiments, when adjusting the temperature of the recording medium P, the print area T1 used in the previous print out of the plurality of adjustment areas T2,. The ink ribbon R2 is sent from upstream to downstream so that the adjustment area T2 between the print area T1 and the print area T1 used in the printing is disposed immediately below the thermal head 81B. For example, one adjustment region T2 of the plurality of adjustment regions T2,... May be disposed immediately below the thermal head 81B, as long as the adjustment region T2 is disposed immediately below the thermal head 81B. The ink ribbon R2 may be sent out or rewound.

It is a perspective view which shows the ID photography apparatus concerning 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the ID photo photography device concerning 1st Embodiment. It is a schematic block diagram of the sublimation type printer of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the sublimation type printer of FIG. It is a figure which shows the ink ribbon incorporated in the sublimation type printer of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the ID photo photography device concerning 2nd Embodiment. It is a schematic block diagram of the sublimation type printer of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the sublimation type printer of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the ID photo photography device concerning 3rd Embodiment. It is a schematic block diagram of the sublimation type printer of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the sublimation type printer of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the ID photo photography device concerning 4th Embodiment. It is a schematic block diagram of the sublimation type printer of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the sublimation type printer of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the ID photo photography device concerning 5th Embodiment. It is a schematic block diagram of the sublimation type printer of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the sublimation type printer of FIG. It is a figure which shows the ink ribbon incorporated in the sublimation type printer of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the ID photography apparatus concerning 6th Embodiment. It is a schematic block diagram of the sublimation type printer of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the sublimation type printer of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E ID Photographing Device 11 Controller (Temperature control means, rewinding means, sending means, reciprocating means, thermal head control means, adjusting means, thermal transfer recording apparatus)
80, 80A, 80B, 80C, 80D, 80E Sublimation printer (thermal transfer recording device)
81 thermal head 81B thermal head (adjustment means)
82B Platen roller (reciprocating means)
83B Transport roller (reciprocating means)
84B First drive motor (reciprocating means)
85B First ink ribbon roller (rewinding means)
85D first ink ribbon roller (feeding means)
86B Second ink ribbon roller (rewinding means)
86D Second ink ribbon roller (feeding means)
87B Second drive motor (rewinding means)
87D Second drive motor (sending means)
88 Temperature controller (heating / cooling means, adjusting means)
89 Temperature detection unit (temperature detection means, adjustment means)
89A, 89C, 89E Elapsed time detection unit (elapsed time detection means, adjustment means)
161, 161A Adjustment control program (temperature control means, adjustment means, thermal transfer recording apparatus)
161B, 161C Adjustment control program (rewinding means, reciprocating means, thermal head control means adjusting means, adjusting means, thermal transfer recording apparatus)
161D, 161E Adjustment control program (sending means, reciprocating means, thermal head control means, adjusting means, thermal transfer recording apparatus)
811 Heating element P Recording medium Q Transport path R1, R2 Ink ribbon T1 Printing area T2 Adjustment area Y, M, C Sublimation dye ink (dye ink)
OP Transparent protective material (protective material)

Claims (13)

An image is printed on the recording medium by pressing a plurality of heating elements selectively energized on the basis of the image data in synchronization with the conveyance speed of the recording medium onto the recording medium via the ink ribbon. In a thermal transfer recording apparatus including a thermal head to be
A thermal transfer recording apparatus comprising: an adjusting unit configured to adjust a temperature of the recording medium to a predetermined temperature before an image is printed on the recording medium by the thermal head. The thermal transfer recording apparatus according to claim 1,
The adjustment unit includes a heating / cooling unit disposed on the upstream side of the thermal head immediately below the thermal head on the recording medium conveyance path and capable of heating and / or cooling the recording medium. apparatus. The thermal transfer recording apparatus according to claim 2,
The adjusting means includes
Temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of a predetermined location;
Temperature control means for controlling the heating and cooling means based on the temperature detected by the temperature detection means so that the recording medium is at the predetermined temperature;
A thermal transfer recording apparatus comprising: The thermal transfer recording apparatus according to claim 2,
The adjusting means includes
An elapsed time detecting means for detecting an elapsed time from the previous print;
Temperature control means for controlling the heating and cooling means based on the elapsed time detected by the elapsed time detection means so that the recording medium is at the predetermined temperature;
A thermal transfer recording apparatus comprising: The thermal transfer recording apparatus according to claim 1,
The ink ribbon has a plurality of printing areas coated with a dye ink and a protective material used when printing an image on the one recording medium,
The adjusting means includes
Rewinding the ink ribbon so that the portion of the plurality of printing regions to which the protective material included in the used printing region has been applied is disposed immediately below the thermal head. Means,
Reciprocating means for reciprocating the recording medium on a conveying path of the recording medium in a state where the recording medium is disposed directly under the thermal head;
The thermal head is controlled so that the plurality of energized heating elements are pressed onto the recording medium reciprocated by the reciprocating means via the ink ribbon rewound by the rewinding means. Thermal head control means;
A thermal transfer recording apparatus comprising: The thermal transfer recording apparatus according to claim 1,
The ink ribbon has a plurality of printing areas coated with a dye ink and a protective material that are used when an image is printed on the one recording medium, and the dye ink and the printing ink are disposed between the printing areas. It has an adjustment area where no protective material is applied,
The adjusting means includes
Of the plurality of adjustment areas, an adjustment area between the print area used for the previous print and the print area used for the current print is directly below the thermal head. A delivery means for delivering the ink ribbon so as to be disposed;
Reciprocating means for reciprocating the recording medium on a conveying path of the recording medium in a state where the recording medium is disposed directly under the thermal head;
A thermal head for controlling the thermal head so that the plurality of energized heating elements are pressed onto the recording medium reciprocated by the reciprocating means via the ink ribbon delivered by the delivery means. Control means;
A thermal transfer recording apparatus comprising: In the thermal transfer recording apparatus according to claim 5 or 6,
The adjusting means includes temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature at a predetermined location,
The thermal transfer recording apparatus, wherein the thermal head control unit controls a voltage when the plurality of heating elements are energized based on the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit. In the thermal transfer recording apparatus according to claim 5 or 6,
The adjusting means includes temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature at a predetermined location,
The thermal transfer recording apparatus, wherein the reciprocating means controls a speed at which the recording medium is reciprocated based on the temperature detected by the temperature detecting means. In the thermal transfer recording apparatus according to claim 5 or 6,
The adjusting means includes temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature at a predetermined location,
The thermal transfer recording apparatus, wherein the reciprocating means controls the number of times the recording medium is reciprocated based on the temperature detected by the temperature detecting means. In the thermal transfer recording apparatus according to claim 5 or 6,
The adjusting means includes an elapsed time detecting means for detecting an elapsed time from the previous print,
The thermal transfer recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the thermal head control means controls a voltage when energizing the plurality of heating elements based on the elapsed time detected by the elapsed time detection means. In the thermal transfer recording apparatus according to claim 5 or 6,
The adjusting means includes an elapsed time detecting means for detecting an elapsed time from the previous print,
The thermal transfer recording apparatus, wherein the reciprocating means controls a speed at which the recording medium is reciprocated based on the elapsed time detected by the elapsed time detecting means. In the thermal transfer recording apparatus according to claim 5 or 6,
The adjusting means includes an elapsed time detecting means for detecting an elapsed time from the previous print,
The thermal transfer recording apparatus, wherein the reciprocating means controls the number of times the recording medium is reciprocated based on the elapsed time detected by the elapsed time detecting means.   An ID photo photographic apparatus, wherein an ID photo is created using the thermal transfer recording apparatus according to claim 1.

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