KR20090043905A - Photo printer and its control method - Google Patents

Abstract

In the present invention, a photo printer and a control method thereof are disclosed. The control method of the photo printer may include receiving a selection of a print size from a user, wherein the input print size is a full size corresponding to the entire area of each color section or at least of each color section in relation to an ink ribbon. Determining whether the divided size corresponds to the divided area; if it is determined that the divided size is determined, inquiring the past usage history of the ink ribbon to determine whether the remaining ink level exists; and when the remaining ink level is confirmed, the ink ribbon moves to the remaining position. And the step of returning, performing reproducing printing by utilizing the remaining ink, and updating the usage history of the ink ribbon with the latest information.

According to the present invention, by providing a photo printer and a control method thereof that support a reproducing print mode in which the remaining ink remaining in partial use is recycled to new printing, the use efficiency of the ink ribbon is greatly improved.

Description

Photo printer and its controlling method

The present invention relates to a photo printer and a control method thereof, and more particularly, to a printer and a control method supporting a reproducing print mode in which the remaining ink remaining in partial use is recycled to a new print in order to improve the use efficiency of the ink ribbon. It is about.

Recently, with the rapid spread of digital cameras and mobile devices with built-in cameras, various industries related to the printing output of digital images are growing. For example, by applying a dye sublimation transfer method, photographed photographic images are applied. Photo printers which output on printing paper are commercially available.

The dye sublimation printer includes a printer head having a plurality of heat generating elements installed thereon, and an ink ribbon transferring the dyes of R, G, and B colors, which are accommodated by the printer head, onto a printing paper. By selectively turning on / off the heating element of the print head according to the input image signal, the corresponding image is copied onto the printing paper.

On the other hand, the output image on the printing paper can be provided in a variety of sizes according to the user selection, the upper limit of the standard of the ink ribbon loaded in the printer. For example, when an ink ribbon is a 4x6 plate standard, only half of the ink ribbon is consumed in 4x3 plate printing, and remaining ink remains in the other half. However, in the related art, since a technical means for recycling the remaining ink is not found and disposed together with the ink ribbon as it is, the use efficiency of the ink ribbon decreases and a financial burden is placed on the maintenance cost of the printer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a photo printer and a method of controlling the same, which support a reproducing printing mode in which the remaining ink remaining in partial use is recycled to new printing in order to improve the use efficiency of the ink ribbon.

 In order to solve the above problems and other problems, the control method of the photo printer of the present invention,

Receiving a mode selection regarding normal printing or reproduction printing from a user;

If it is determined that the selection of the reproduction print mode is selected, inquiring past usage history of the ink ribbon to obtain information on a printing standard that can be output with residual ink;

Guiding a user to select an option by displaying information on the acquired print standard;

Returning the ink ribbon to the ink remaining position providing the selected printing specification;

Performing reproducing printing utilizing residual ink; And

Updating the usage history of the ink ribbon with the latest information; control method of a photo printer comprising a.

In the present invention, preferably, in the step of querying the past usage history of the ink ribbon, the database storing the usage history for every page can be inquired.

In the step of inquiring past usage history of the ink ribbon, while rewinding the ink ribbon as a whole, the remaining amount information may be detected while scanning the history mark written on the ink ribbon itself. The history mark is written at the end of printing for each page, and preferably contains encoded usage information for the page.

On the other hand, in the step of displaying the information on the acquired printing standard, it is preferable to also display the number of prints that can be output with the remaining ink.

The control method of the photo printer further includes, before the step of returning the ink ribbon to the remaining ink position, storing the current position of the ink ribbon as information on the original use position,

After updating the usage history of the ink ribbon with the latest information, the method may further include returning the position of the ink ribbon to the stored original use position.

On the other hand, the control method of the photo printer according to another aspect of the present invention,

Receiving a selection of a print size from a user;

Determining whether the input print size is a full size corresponding to the entire area of each color section or a division size corresponding to at least two divided areas of each color section in relation to the ink ribbon;

Checking the past usage history of the ink ribbon to determine whether there is a remaining ink level when determined as the division size;

If the remaining ink level is confirmed, inquiring a user whether to perform reproducing printing;

Returning the ink ribbon to the remaining position in accordance with the selection of the reproduction printing;

Performing reproduction printing utilizing the residual ink; And

And updating the usage history of the ink ribbon with the latest information.

For example, in the step of inquiring the past usage history of the ink ribbon, the database storing the usage history for each page may be inquired.

Further, in the step of inquiring the past usage history of the ink ribbon, while rewinding the ink ribbon as a whole, the remaining amount information can be detected by scanning the history mark written on the ink ribbon itself. Here, it is preferable that the history mark is written at a printing end position of every page, and contains encoded usage information for the corresponding page.

On the other hand, a photo printer according to another aspect of the present invention,

A control / signal processing unit for querying the usage history of the ink ribbon, providing information on a printing standard that can be output with residual ink, and determining a printing position of the ink ribbon while winding / rewinding the ink ribbon; And

And a printing unit which outputs a print target image onto a sheet according to the output signal of the control / signal processing unit.

The photo printer may further include a database in which usage history of each page of the ink ribbon is accumulated.

On the other hand, the usage history for each page may be written on the ink ribbon as encoded history marks.

According to the present invention, by providing a photo printer and a control method thereof that support a reproducing print mode in which the remaining ink remaining in partial use is recycled to new printing, the use efficiency of the ink ribbon is greatly improved.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, the photo printer of the present invention and a control method thereof will be described in detail. 1 is a view showing a configuration example of an ink ribbon 110 mounted on a photo printer. Referring to the drawings, yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) regions providing different colors along the longitudinal direction are disposed adjacent to each other with a separation mark K2 interposed therebetween. The color regions (Y, M, C) composed of the yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) may selectively generate heat of a print head (not shown) in which a plurality of heat generating elements are arranged in an array. The locally heated ink component is transferred onto the printing paper to display a color image. At this time, a full-color can be expressed by arbitrarily combining three primary colors of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C), and the combination of colors enters the print head (not shown). By reciprocating and transporting one print sheet (not shown), the print head is pressed and heated to the yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) regions sequentially overlapped with the print sheet, whereby the images for each color overlap. In general, a color image may be realized by transferring onto printing paper.

On the other hand, at the position separated from the color areas (Y, M, C) by the separation mark (K2) is formed an overcoat area (O) for providing a coating layer on the image for the purpose of protecting the color image transferred on the printing paper have. The overcoat area O provides a coating layer over the entire surface of the printing paper on which the color image is transferred, and specifically, a coating layer peeled off from the overcoat area O by the heat generating action of the print head is attached onto the printing paper to form a coating layer. can do.

The ink ribbon 110 repeats one page portion P, which is composed of the color regions Y, M, and C and the overcoat region O, along the longitudinal direction, and at the start of every one page portion P. The start mark K1 is formed to recognize the print start position. The ink ribbon 110 may be provided in a roll type by being wound on a roller in a continuous form without being separated into sheets. On the other hand, the start mark (K1) and the separation mark (K2) may be implemented by attaching a black strip (black strip) excellent in light shielding characteristics on a transparent base film (not shown) providing a base of the ink ribbon 110. In addition, the start mark (K1) and the separation mark (K2) by forming a 2-line strip and a 1-line strip, respectively, it is possible to recognize the distinction to each other.

Each area of the yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and overcoat (O) is standardized by a constant width x length standard, for example, a 4x6 plate, and has an image having the same standard (4x6 plate). It is set as the maximum printable limit. When the ink ribbon 110 is spatially divided into two or four divisions, the one-page printing amount for a 4x6 plate image can be utilized as a two-page printing amount for a 4x3 plate image, and the 4 for a 2x3 plate image. It can be used to print pages. In this regard, referring to Figure 1, the first and third pages (①, ③) in the longitudinal direction of the ink ribbon 110 is a state in which the entire amount of ink is consumed by 4x6 plate printing, the second page (②) ) Is divided into 1 zone (I) / 2 zones (II) in each zone, and ink is exhausted by 4x3 plate printing for zone 1 (I), while zone 2 (II) is the amount of unused ink remaining. As it remains, when another 4x3 plate print is requested, it is reproduced as a printable area. Then, the fourth page (4) shows the state where all the ink remains in the state before printing.

2 is a view for explaining the basic printing operation of the photo printer, showing the main configuration of the printing unit 100 involved in the printing operation. Referring to the drawings, the ink ribbon 110 is wound or rewinded by the interlocking of the supply roller 121 and the recovery roller 122 on which both ends thereof are wound. In addition, guide rollers 128 for guiding the traveling direction of the ink ribbon 110 are installed at appropriate positions along the length of the ink ribbon 110. For example, the pair of guide rollers 128 disposed with the print head 150 interposed therebetween forces the ink ribbon 110 to the printing paper (Pa) side to induce close contact with each other, thereby inducing the ink ribbon 110. Color dye is easily transferred to the printing paper (Pa) side. In addition, the supply roller 121 and the recovery roller 122 may be driven by power connection with the step motor 180, and one side may be operated as the driving side and the other side may be driven by the winding or rewinding operation.

A plurality of heat generating elements 151 are arranged in parallel in a predetermined array in the print head 150, and a recording operation is performed by selectively operating the heat generating elements 151 according to an input image signal. During the recording operation, the print head 150 comes into close contact with the platen roller 125 so that the ink ribbon 110 and the printing paper Pa face each other, and the ink generated by the heat of the print head 150 is in contact with each other. As the color dye is transferred from the ribbon 110 onto the printing paper Pa, a predetermined color image is formed.

Adjacent to the print head 150 is a position detection sensor (131, 132) for detecting the start mark (K1) and the division mark (K2) on the running ink ribbon 110 to determine the print start position is provided, the position detection For example, a photo interrupter may be used as the sensors 131 and 132. The position detection sensors 131 and 132 detect the start mark K1 to determine the start position of every page, and detect the division mark K2 to detect yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), And a start position of the overcoat (O) region. The position detecting sensors 131 and 132 may be configured such that a pair of light emitting elements 132 disposed on an opposite side of the light emitting element 131 disposed on one side of the ink ribbon 110 is disposed to face each other. In response to the blocking of the light emitted from the light emitting device 132, the start mark K1 and the distinguishing mark K2 may be recognized from the electrical signal output by the light receiving element 132.

On the other hand, by the mutual operation of the counter 133 with the position detection sensors (131, 132), the specific position on the ink ribbon 110 is stored, and then the ink ribbon 110 is quickly tracked by tracking the stored position from any position. It is possible to rewind / rewind. For example, the position detection sensors 131 and 132 installed on the traveling path of the ink ribbon 110 capture a start mark K1 for each page to generate a detection signal, and the counter 133 counts the detection signal. By assigning the count value obtained as a unique ID for each page, it can be utilized as address information for marking a specific position of the ink ribbon 110 and searching from an arbitrary position.

On the other hand, the printing paper Pa is reciprocally conveyed in the forward / reverse direction by a pair of paper feed rollers 126 sandwiching the printing paper Pa therebetween and rotating in the opposite directions. For example, when printing on yellow (Y) is finished, the printing paper Pa is conveyed to return the beginning of the printing paper Pa back to the printing position of the print head 150, and the magenta M is returned. Printing is started, and the printing of cyan (C) and overcoat (O) is finished in the same round trip process again. Thereafter, the printing paper Pa is discharged to the outside along the discharge path, and the edge of the printing margin is removed by the cutter 170 provided on the discharge path, and then discharged to the outside.

3 is a functional block diagram of a photo printer according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Referring to the drawings, the photo printer includes an LCD panel 210 for displaying various information and various menu screens for a print job, a communication controller 230 for setting and controlling a communication environment for receiving an image to be printed, A data storage unit 240 for storing the print target images input from the outside, a printing unit 100 for performing a print job stored in the data storage unit 240, and a control configured by a CPU or the like to control the above-mentioned parts / Including a signal processing unit, and has a key operation unit 220 for generating a predetermined command according to the user's operation and delivers it to the signal processing unit.

The communication control unit 230 mediates image transmission and transmission and reception of control commands from a digital camera, a mobile device, a PC, and the like, which are wired through the USB connection unit 231. In addition, the communication control unit 230 provides a dedicated insertion port 232, 233, 234 to the removable removable memory (CF, MS, SD CARD) that the user carries directly, thereby relaying the image transmission to be printed from them. Can be. Images input from the outside are stored in the data storage unit 240 built in the photo printer. The data storage unit 230 transmits the photographic images stored therein to the printing unit 100 according to a printing command so that the printing operation may be performed.

The key operation unit 220 generates a proper command according to the user's operation and transmits the command to the control / signal processing unit 250, and turns on / off the power of the printer, and activates the cursor on the menu screen displayed on the LCD panel. And a direction shift key for guiding a user to select an option, a print stop key for stopping a print job, a setting mode switch key for setting of printing conditions, and the like.

The printing unit 100 includes a configuration in which an outline of the configuration is described in connection with FIG. 2, and specifically, a printer head 150 performing a recording operation and a winding / rewinding operation of the ink ribbon 110 are performed. It may include a feed roller 121-recovery roller 122, a position detection sensor (131, 132) for performing the position detection function of the ink ribbon (110).

On the other hand, the printer updates / accumulates the usage history of the ink ribbon 110 at the end of printing of each page, thereby providing data on the presence of ink remaining due to the divided use of the ink ribbon 110 and further providing position information thereof. It further includes a base 260. 4 exemplarily shows a data structure related to the usage history of the ink ribbon 110 recorded in the database 260. "Page NO" is an item indicating a unique identification number assigned to the page corresponding to each usage history, and "Use or not" is an item indicating the degree of use of the ink ribbon 110. When the usage history of the ink ribbon shown in FIG. 4 is combined with the state of the ink ribbon 110 shown in FIG. 1, the high-high data recorded for the first page portion ① and the third page portion ③ is recorded. (HH) indicates that the entire ink was used with 4x6 plate printing and no ink remained. In addition, the high-low data HL recorded for the second page (②) shows that 4 × 3 plate printing has been performed for one zone (I), and that there is ink residue due to the division printing in the second zone (II). Indicates. In addition, the low-low data LL recorded for the fourth and fifth pages ④ and ⑤ indicates that the entire ink amount remains because no printing is performed.

On the other hand, Figure 5 is a view showing the remaining state of the ink when performing the 2x3 plate printing by dividing the ink ribbon of the 4x6 plate standard by four. As shown, the 4-divided 1 zone I is depleted of ink, and ink remains in the remaining 2-4 zones II, III, IV. In this regard, FIG. 6 exemplarily shows the usage history of the ink ribbon 110 recorded in the database 260 according to four divisions of use. For example, the "HHHH" data recorded on the first page minute (①) shows that all the printing is completed for the 4 divided areas 1 to 4 (I, II, III, IV), so that no residual ink exists. "HHHL" data recorded on the second page (②) indicates that the 1st to 3rd zones (I, II, III) have been printed and the remaining ink is present in the 4th zone (IV). . Similarly, the "HHLL" and "HLLL" recorded in the third page (③) and the fourth page (④) are divided into sections 3,4 (III, IV) and 2,3,4 (II, III, IV) shows the presence of residual ink. Finally, the "LLLL" recorded on the fifth page (5) indicates that the remaining ink is present in all regions (I, II, III, IV, and V) because printing has not been performed yet.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling a photo printer, and is a diagram illustrating a series of processing flows mainly executed by the control / signal processing unit 250. When the operating power is applied, the control / signal processing unit 250 performs the initialization mode (S10). Then, options for "normal print mode" and "reproducing print mode" are displayed (S11), and the user's input signal is read (S12). This is to provide an opportunity for selection for a user who requires a quick printing since it takes additional time to rewind the ink ribbon 110 to at least the remaining position of the ink ribbon 110 in the normal reproducing printing mode.

If it is determined that the user's input signal is the selection for the normal print mode, the control / signal processing unit 250 lists the normalized size for the printing standard and receives the user's selection for it (S13). For example, when the Y, M, and C areas of the ink ribbon 110 are made of 4x6 plates, printing of up to 4x6 plates that can be printed or 4x3 plates is possible by using two divisions of the ribbon 110. The signal processor 250 may guide the user's option selection by displaying an option of 4x6 or 4x3 printing. If the user's input signal is determined to be a selection for 4x6 plate printing (S14), the ink ribbon 110 is carried out as it is from the current position to perform a normal printing procedure (S15). At this time, as in the example of the third page (③) shown in FIG. 1, no residual ink remains at the end of printing. For example, as the latest information on the usage history, high-high data (“HH”) is used. It accumulates in the database 260 (S16). In another processing flow, when the user's input signal is determined to be a selection for 4x3 plate printing in step S14, the print ribbon 110 is processed as it is from the current position to be processed (S17). At this time, as in the example of the second page (②) shown in Figure 1, the printing proceeds by dedicating only one zone (I) of the ink ribbon 110, and the second ink (II) is not used extra ink It remains, and the usage history of the page is accumulated in the database 260 in preparation for future reproduction (S18). For example, high-low data ("HL") is recorded in the database 260 together with the positional information in the sense that there is excess ink capable of reproducing printing.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S12 that the user's input signal is the selection for the reproduction print mode, the reproduction printing to recycle the remaining ink is performed according to the procedure of S19 or less. First, the control / signal processing unit 250 searches the database 260, which records the past usage history of the ribbon 110, and checks whether or not there is residual ink due to the divided use, and then checks the details related to the reproduction printing. The printable standard and the number of printable sheets are checked (S19). For example, the control / signal processing unit 250 may detect that there is a 4 × 3 printing amount of remaining ink by detecting the high-low data “HL” recorded in the database 260. By counting the raw data ("HL"), it is possible to check the number of prints that can be output by reproducing printing. In addition, the control / signal processing unit detects the "HHHL", "HHLL", and "HLLL" signals recorded in the database, confirms that there are 2 x 3 plates of ink remaining, and determines the number of printable sheets. can do.

On the other hand, when the usage history of the ink ribbon 110 recorded in the database is unreliable, for example, when the ink ribbon 110 is detached and replaced with a new ink ribbon, the control / signal processing unit ( 250 may scan the ink ribbon 110 and search for remaining ink while rewinding the ink ribbon to the first position. Specifically, the history mark written on the ink ribbon 110 is detected and detailed information related to the reproducing printing from the presence of the remaining ink, that is, the printable size (ex, 4x3 size standard, 2x3 size standard) and the number of printable numbers It is possible to check. This will be described later in more detail.

On the other hand, according to the result of determining whether the remaining ink is present from the past usage history of the ink ribbon 110 (S20), if there is no remaining ink on the ribbon, an error message is output in the sense that reproducing printing is impossible ( S21). At this time, although not shown, for example, with the user's confirmation of the error message can be switched to the normal printing mode to proceed with the normal printing from the position of the current ink ribbon (110). However, if recyclable printing is possible by recycling the remaining ink, details regarding the recyclable printing may be displayed in advance with the printable specifications (ex. 4x3 printing, 2x3 printing) and advance information on the number of printables and the user's options. Guide the selection (S22). For example, it can be displayed in a text format such as 4x3 printing: 1 sheet / 2x3 printing: 3 sheets. Alternatively, in place of or in conjunction with a textual display, a printable standard may be displayed as a box-shaped graphic to convey detailed shape information according to each printing standard to a user. For example, when 4x3 plate reproduction printing is possible, by displaying the 4x3 plate box shape divided into two within the 4x6 plate full size border, it is possible to estimate the overall size and guide the user to select the correct option. Can be.

For example, if the input signal according to the user's choice is determined as the selection for 4x3 plate printing during 4x3 plate printing or 2x3 plate printing indicated as an option (S23), the control / signal processing unit 250 applies the selected standard to the printing condition. The reproduction printing is performed according to the procedure described later. Before performing the reproduction printing in earnest, the control / signal processing unit 250 stores the current position of the ribbon 110 as the original use position (S24), and the stored position information is finally used after the reproduction printing is finished. Referenced to return to position. For example, the information on the original use position is based on the detection signals of the position detection sensors 131 and 132 which capture the start mark K1 on the travel path of the ribbon 110 which is wound / rewinded. Can be obtained from the counter 133 for counting the sense signal. For example, the counter value counted up to now is stored as information on the original use position, and the counter value is calculated or decremented every time the start mark K1 is detected as the ribbon 110 progresses. It is possible to return to the original position by referring to the value stored in.

Next, the control / signal processing unit 250, for example, inquires the usage history of the ribbon recorded in the database 260 to determine the remaining position of the ink (S25), and the ribbon to the determined remaining position of the ink. Rewind (S26). That is, the control / signal processing unit 250 detects the start mark K1 as the ID of the corresponding page along with the usage history of the ribbon 110 in the database 260 each time the printing of each page is finished. The counter value may be recorded, and accordingly, the control / signal processing unit 250 may rewind to the corresponding position by referring to the counter value corresponding to the ink remaining position.

On the other hand, when the ink ribbon 110 is removed and replaced with a new ink ribbon, or when it is remounted, the control / signal processing unit 250 initializes the counter value and stores the initialized value in the current use position. In addition, the ink ribbon 110 may be scanned while searching for the remaining position of the ink while rewinding to the first position. Specifically, the remaining position may be detected by detecting the history mark written on the ink ribbon 110, which will be described in detail later.

On the other hand, when the ribbon is returned to the ink remaining position based on the start mark K1, the beginning of any one page adjacent to the start mark K1 will be placed at the printing position (mounting position of the print head 150). will be. However, as shown in Fig. 1, since the first zone I, which generally occupies the first half, has no ink remaining due to the past division use, the printing position is the beginning of the second zone II corresponding to the unused half. It is necessary to advance the ribbon 110 to fit. For this reason, after the rewinding operation of the ribbon 110 follows the winding operation of the ribbon to the unused position (S27). In this case, the control on the amount of movement from the start of the page to the unused position (the beginning of the second zone) may be based on counting the driving pulses of the ribbon driving step motor 180. Quantity information about the driving pulse may be recorded together in the database 260 with the usage history of the past divided use. Alternatively, if the ink ribbon 110 is divided into 1 zone / 2 zones (I / II) in half, the number of pulses up to 2 zones (II) may be stored in the system in advance, and this may be referred to. .

After the winding operation is performed to the unused position of the ribbon 110 (S20), the print head is started by driving the printer head 150 based on the input image signal (S28). At the end of the reproduction printing, the usage history of the ink ribbon 110 is updated with the latest information (S29). That is, the history information of the database 260 is inquired, and the high-low data ("HL") is initially replaced with the high-high data ("HH") in the sense that there is no remaining ink for the page. Change to While recording the usage history of the ink ribbon 110 in the database 260, it may also be considered to record in the ink ribbon 110 itself, in particular, when the ink ribbon 110 is replaced and remounted It is necessary to refer to the usage history written on the ribbon 110 itself. This will be described later.

After the usage history of the ink ribbon 110 is updated with the latest information, the position of the ink ribbon is returned to the original use position before reproduction printing (S30). This is to return the ink ribbon 110 to the original position in preparation for the new printing, and the control / signal processing unit 250 rewinds the ink ribbon 110 with reference to the position information about the original stored position. Control the operation.

8 is a flowchart for explaining a control method of a photo printer according to another embodiment of the present invention. When operating power is applied (P10), the control / signal processing unit 250 performs the standby mode after initialization (P11). In addition, according to the user's input signal, a general procedure for outputting a photo is performed. First, the normalized size of the print area is listed, and the user's selection is received (P12). For example, when the Y, M, and C areas of the ink ribbon are made of 4x6 plates, printing of up to 4x6 printable sheets or 4x3 plates can be performed by using two divisions of ribbons, and the control / signal processing unit 250 A choice of 4x6 or 4x3 edition printing can be displayed to guide the user in selecting an option.

If it is determined that the user input from the key manipulation unit 220 is a selection for 4x3 printing (P13), the control / signal processing unit 250 searches and divides the database 260 that records the past usage history of the ribbon 110. It is checked whether there is residual ink due to use (P14). For example, the control / signal processing unit 250 detects the high-low data ("HL") recorded in the database 260, and when it is confirmed that there is 4 x 3 plates of ink remaining (P15). The user is requested to approve whether to proceed to the "reproducing print mode" (P16). This indicates that the reproducing print mode is possible as advance information, while in the " reproducing print mode ", additional time is required to rewind the ink ribbon 110 to at least the remaining position of the ink ribbon 110, thereby requiring rapid printing. It is to provide the user with a choice.

When a signal input relating to the approval of the reproduction mode is detected from the key operation unit 220, the reproduction print mode is started. First, the control / signal processing unit 250 stores the current position of the ribbon 110 as the original use position before performing full-scale reproduction printing (P17), and the stored position information is finally used after the reproduction printing. Referenced to return to. For example, the information on the original use position is based on the detection signals of the position detection sensors 131 and 132 which capture the start mark K1 on the travel path of the ribbon 110 which is wound / rewinded. Can be obtained from the counter 133 for counting the sense signal.

Next, the control / signal processing unit 250 inquires the record of the database 260 to determine the remaining position of the ink (P18), and rewinds the ribbon to the determined remaining position of the ink. (P19). That is, the control / signal processing unit 250 detects the start mark K1 as the ID of the corresponding page along with the usage history of the ribbon 110 in the database 260 each time the printing of each page is finished. The counter value may be recorded, and accordingly, the control / signal processing unit 250 may rewind to the corresponding position by referring to the counter value corresponding to the ink remaining position.

On the other hand, when the ribbon is returned to the ink remaining position based on the start mark K1, the beginning of any one page adjacent to the start mark K1 will be placed at the printing position (mounting position of the print head 150). As shown in Fig. 1, the first zone I, which generally occupies the first half, has no ink remaining due to the past division use, so the printing position is the beginning of the second zone II corresponding to the unused half. Follow the winding operation of the ribbon to match (P20). After performing the winding operation to the unused position of the ribbon 110 (P20), the print head is started by driving the printer head 150 based on the input image signal (P21). At the end of the reproduction printing, the usage history of the ink ribbon 110 is updated with the latest information (P22). That is, the history information of the database 260 is inquired, and the high-low data ("HL") is initially replaced with the high-high data ("HH") in the sense that there is no remaining ink for the page. Change to

After the usage history of the ink ribbon 110 is updated with the latest information, the position of the ink ribbon is returned to the original use position before reproduction printing (P23). This is to return the ink ribbon 110 to the original position in preparation for the new printing, and the control / signal processing unit 250 rewinds the ink ribbon 110 with reference to the position information about the original stored position. Control the operation.

On the other hand, if it is confirmed in step P15 that there is no remaining ink in the ink ribbon and the reproduction printing is not possible, or in step P16 it is determined that the user does not want the reproduction printing, the normal printing mode is performed according to the step P24, The ink ribbon 110 is processed from the current use position as it is to process the print job. As in the example of the second page ② shown in FIG. 1, printing is performed by dedicating only one zone I of the ink ribbon 110, and remaining unused extra ink remains in the second zone II. Then, the usage history of the page is accumulated in the database 260 in preparation for future reproduction (P25). For example, high-low data ("HL") is recorded in the database 260 together with the positional information in the sense that there is excess ink capable of reproducing printing.

As another processing flow, if the user's input signal is determined to be 4x6 plate printing in step P13, the normal printing procedure is performed while the ink ribbon 110 proceeds from the current use position in accordance with step P26. At this time, as in the example of the third page (③) shown in FIG. 1, no residual ink remains at the end of printing. For example, as the latest information on the usage history, high-high data (“HH”) is used. Accumulate in the database 260.

On the other hand, in connection with recording the usage history of the ink ribbon 110 and using it as reference material in reproducing printing, in addition to the recording of the database 260 or on behalf of the database 260, the ink ribbon ( 110 It is considered to record the usage history on its own. This is particularly true when the ink ribbon 110 is removed and replaced or remounted, so that a mis-match between the current position of the ink ribbon 110 and the recording of the database 260 occurs, whereby the ink ribbon 110 This is because it is necessary to refer to the usage history written in itself.

9 exemplarily shows the ink ribbon 110 recording the usage history. The first and the third page (①, ③) were exhausted with ink over the whole area by 4x6 printing, and the second page (②) was divided into 1 zone (I) / 2 zones (II). , Zone 1 (I) ran out of ink by 4x3 plate printing, while Zone 2 (II) remained ink remaining. The fourth page (④) is divided into 1 zone (I) / 2 zones (II), and the 1 zone (I) / 2 zones (II) are all exhausted by 4x3 printing. Indicates. The fifth page (5) represents an unprinted state in which ink remains as a whole. At this time, a history mark (not shown) recording the usage history of the page is written at the end of printing for each page. A perforated line (C`) at which printing of each page is finished, and printing of the next page starts. It is written in the print margin areas h1, h2, h3, h4 between the cutting lines C`.

10 are enlarged views of the print margin areas h1, h2, h3, and h4, respectively. Referring to the drawings, history marks (K31, K32, K33) recording the usage history of the corresponding page are written in the print end positions for each page, and more specifically, the print margin areas (h1, h2, h3, h4), and are written so as not to overlap with each other before the start mark K1 indicating the start of the next page. The history marks (K31, K32, K33) are large, full-size (4x6), indicating that the entire amount of ink is used, a background mark without applying an artificial mark (see h1, h3), and divided use of 1 zone / 2 zones. Can be divided into a one-line mark (see h2) indicating a state of remaining ink remaining and a two-line mark (see h4) indicating a state of remaining ink using both 1 zone / 2 zones for regeneration.

11 and 12 show print patterns K31 ′, K32 ′, and K33 ′ appearing on the paper Pa, and various history marks K31, K32, K33). Regarding the writing operation of the history marks K31, K32, and K33, as shown in Fig. 11, the printing patterns K32 'and K33' of one or two lines are printed on the paper Pa, as shown in Fig. 12. As shown, on the corresponding ink ribbon 110, an intaglio strip in which ink is exhausted is formed, which is the history marks K32 and K33. In addition, if no printing is applied on the paper Pa as shown in Fig. 11 (see K31 '), the total amount of ink remains on the corresponding ink ribbon 110, which itself functions as a history mark K31.

The print patterns K31`, K32`, and K33` printed on the paper Pa, regardless of the input image signal, are formed at edges (print margin areas) outside the perforation lines, and thus are cut out from the image area during the discharge process. It is removed and not provided for user utility. The print patterns K31 ', K32', and K33 'necessarily formed along with the history marks K31, K32, and K33 have no utility, and are preferably removed. For example, a history mark of, for example, a two-line display can be written on the ink ribbon in order to finish the reproduction printing in the step P22 shown in FIG.

The history marks K31, K32, and K33, which are written every time, are light-received in the process of searching for the ink remaining position while the control / signal processing unit 250 rewinds the ink ribbon 110 as a whole in a later reproducing print mode. The position detection sensors 131 and 132 constituted by the elements can detect the ink remaining position by capturing, for example, one line display as the history marks K31, K32 and K33.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it is merely exemplary, and various modifications and equivalent other embodiments are possible from those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. You will understand the point. Therefore, the true scope of protection of the present invention should be defined by the appended claims.

1 is a view showing one type of ink ribbon mounted on a photo printer.

2 is a view for explaining the basic printing operation of the photo printer, showing the main configuration of the printing unit involved in the printing operation.

3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a photo printer.

4 is a diagram showing one form of a data structure relating to past usage history of ink ribbon recorded in a database.

5 is a diagram showing the use of a four-segmentation of the ink ribbon by way of example.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing another form of the data structure regarding past usage history of the ink ribbon recorded in the database.

7 is a flowchart for explaining a control method of a photo printer.

8 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of a photo printer according to another embodiment of the present invention.

9 is a diagram for explaining a method of recording information on usage history on an ink ribbon.

10 is a view showing various history marks recorded on an ink ribbon.

11 and 12 are diagrams exemplarily showing history marks corresponding to a printing pattern on printing paper in relation to writing of the history marks of the ink ribbon.

<Explanation of symbols for the main parts of the drawings>

100: printing unit 110: ink ribbon

121: supply roller 122: recovery roller

125: platen roller 126: paper feed roller

128: guide roller 131,132: position detection sensor

133: counter 150: print head

151: heating element 170: cutter

180: step motor 210: LCD panel

220: key operation unit 230: communication control unit

240: data storage unit 250: control / signal processing unit

260: database K1: start mark

K2: Classification mark K31,32,33: History mark

Claims (13)

Receiving a mode selection regarding normal printing or reproduction printing from a user; If it is determined that the selection of the reproduction print mode is selected, inquiring past usage history of the ink ribbon to obtain information on a printing standard that can be output with residual ink; Guiding a user to select an option by displaying information on the acquired print standard; Returning the ink ribbon to the ink remaining position providing the selected printing specification; Performing reproducing printing utilizing residual ink; And Updating the usage history of the ink ribbon with the latest information; control method of a photo printer comprising a. The method of claim 1, In the step of querying the past usage history of the ink ribbon, the control method of the photo printer, characterized in that for querying the database storing the usage history for every page. The method of claim 1, In the step of inquiring past usage history of the ink ribbon, while rewinding the ink ribbon as a whole, the remaining amount information is detected while scanning the history mark written on the ink ribbon itself. Way. The method of claim 3, And the history mark is written at a printing end position of every page and contains coded usage information for the corresponding page. The method of claim 1, In the step of displaying the information on the printing standard, the control method of the photo printer, characterized in that also displays the number of prints that can be output with residual ink. The method of claim 1, Before the step of returning the ink ribbon to the remaining ink position, storing the current position of the ink ribbon as information on the original use position; And after the updating of the use history of the ink ribbon with the latest information, returning the position of the ink ribbon to the stored original use position. Receiving a selection of a print size from a user; Determining whether the input print size is a full size corresponding to the entire area of each color section or a division size corresponding to at least two divided areas of each color section in relation to the ink ribbon; Checking the past usage history of the ink ribbon to determine whether there is a remaining ink level when determined as the division size; If the remaining ink level is confirmed, inquiring a user whether to perform reproducing printing; Returning the ink ribbon to the remaining position in accordance with the selection of the reproduction printing; Performing reproduction printing utilizing the residual ink; And Updating the usage history of the ink ribbon with the latest information; control method of a photo printer comprising a. The method of claim 7, wherein In the step of querying the past usage history of the ink ribbon, the control method of the photo printer, characterized in that for querying the database storing the usage history for every page. The method of claim 7, wherein In the step of inquiring past usage history of the ink ribbon, while rewinding the ink ribbon as a whole, the remaining amount information is detected while scanning the history mark written on the ink ribbon itself. . The method of claim 9, And the history mark is written at a printing end position of every page and contains coded usage information for the corresponding page. A control / signal processing unit for querying the usage history of the ink ribbon, providing information on a printing standard that can be output with residual ink, and determining a printing position of the ink ribbon while winding / rewinding the ink ribbon; And And a printing unit which outputs a print target image onto a paper sheet according to an output signal of the control / signal processing unit. The method of claim 11, A photo printer, characterized in that it further comprises a database storing the usage history for every page of the ink ribbon. The method of claim 11, And the usage history for every page is written in the encoded history mark in the ink ribbon.

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