JP2001333354A - Information communication device, information communication system and information communication method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide information communication device, system and method with which a user can easily transmit an image or voice file to other communication equipment in response to each use via a remote operation. SOLUTION: These device and system consist of an image information receiver (printer 40) including a directory generation means which generates the directories sorted in each parameter showing the image characteristic in each of these parameters and a communication means which transmits the information on the generated directories and receives the parameter images based on these directory information and an image information transmitter (electronic camera 10) including a communication means which receives the directory information transmitted from the image information receiver and transmits the images having the parameters based on the directory information. In such a constitution, it is possible to attain the negotiations necessary for transmitting the images and voices by means of only the file handling commands.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information communication apparatus, an information communication system, and an information communication method, and more particularly to an information communication apparatus, an information communication system, and an information communication method in a push model for transmitting images and sounds between communication apparatuses. .

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An image size to be transmitted is set in an image transmission device on a transmission side, and an image format and an image size usable in a color image display device are set in an image transmission device on a reception side.
When an image format that can be converted by each image transmission device is added, negotiation between transmission and reception is performed according to the communication protocol, and if the image format and image size are different,
A color still image transmission method in which image transmission processing for matching with a color image display device on the reception side is performed by the image transmission device on the transmission side and the image transmission device on the reception side in accordance with a predetermined procedure, and color image transmission is performed. Is disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2865937.

[0003]

The conventional patent No. 2865
Since the color still image transmission method disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 937 and the image transmission method defined in the IEEE 1394 (Direct Print Protocol) communication standard are not methods for transmitting an image file, the image file is transmitted. In such a case, it was necessary to negotiate a dedicated command for the number of pixels and a composite signal to transmit and receive an image file.

On the other hand, FTP (File Transfer Prpced)
In the case of transmitting image data on a file basis such as ure), only the commands for handling files, such as file transmission and directory browsing change, are defined in FTP itself. Negotiation on image information as used in the transmission method could not be performed. If an attempt is made to execute negotiations on image information while using the FTP, it is necessary to define a command for negotiation on image information separately from a command for handling a file. The trouble that it became very complicated occurred.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an information communication apparatus, an information communication system, and an information communication system capable of realizing negotiation necessary for transmission of images and sounds only by a command for handling a file. It is intended to provide a communication method.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, there is provided a directory generating means for generating, for each parameter, a directory classified for each parameter indicating a property of an image; Communication means for transmitting the information of the transmitted directory and receiving the image of the parameter based on the transmitted information of the directory; and receiving the information of the directory transmitted by the image information receiving apparatus, and And an image information transmitting apparatus including a communication unit for transmitting an image having a parameter based on the information.

According to the present invention, an information communication system includes: a directory generating means for generating, for each parameter, a directory classified for each parameter indicating a property of an image; transmitting information of the generated directory; An image information receiving apparatus comprising: a communication unit for receiving an image of a parameter based on information; and receiving information of a directory transmitted by the image information receiving apparatus and transmitting an image having a parameter based on the information of the directory. Since it is composed of the image information transmitting device provided with the communication means, it is possible to realize the negotiation necessary for transmitting the image and the sound only by the command for handling the file.

[0008]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of an information communication device, an information communication system and an information communication method according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing a state in which an electronic camera, which is an embodiment of the image information transmitting device, and a printer, which is an embodiment of the image information receiving device, are connected by communication.

Referring to FIG. 1, an electronic camera 10 includes a photographing lens 12 for forming a subject image on an image pickup means, a display means 16 for displaying various information such as image data and a frame number display 14, and an electronic camera 10 Power switch 18 for inputting the start and stop of the function, a release button 20 for the user to instruct shooting, and a mode switching dial 2 for switching and setting various modes provided in the electronic camera 10.
2, an erasing button 24 for designating a desired item from the items displayed on the display means 16, a setting button 26 for registering a desired item from the items displayed on the display means 16, An increment button 28 for operating when incrementing a frame number or the like displayed on the means 16 and a decrement button 30 for operating when decrementing a frame number or the like displayed on the display means 16 are provided. Have been.

An antenna 32 for transmitting and receiving a carrier wave and data when transmitting and receiving information such as image data and audio data to and from an external device by communication, and a communication connector 34 used for performing wired communication. And a recording medium mounting section 38 used when exchanging information via a simple recording medium 36.

The printer 40 includes an antenna 42 for transmitting and receiving a carrier wave and data when transmitting and receiving information such as image data to and from another communication device by communication, a communication cable 44 used for performing wired communication, A recording medium mounting unit 48 used when exchanging information via a possible recording medium 46 is provided. The mounting status of the recording medium 46 or the access status of the recording medium 46 is indicated by a recording medium status display 5.
0 allows the user to be notified.

Paper 52 for printing images and characters
Is a paper magazine 5 mounted on the printer 40.
4 is loaded inside. When the printer 40 prints an image, the print status indicator 56 is turned on, and the paper 52 on which the image is printed is discharged from the print outlet 58.

The printer 40 has a power switch 60 for inputting the activation and deactivation of the functions of the printer 40, and a power display 62 for displaying the activated and deactivated states of the printer 40.
And a cancel button 64 for instructing stop of printing
And an automatic print button 66 for instructing execution of printing of an image in accordance with a predetermined printing procedure, and an automatic print validity display 68 for notifying that automatic printing is valid. Also, an individual print button 70 for instructing individual printing from among a plurality of images, an individual print effective display 72 for notifying that individual printing is in an effective state, and an instruction to sequentially feed images to be printed. A forward button 74 and a reverse button 76 for instructing to reverse the image to be printed are provided.

Although not shown in FIG. 1, the printer 40 may be provided with a display means such as a color liquid crystal display for displaying communication information, a thumbnail image of the selected image file, and information on printing. .

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a display of various modes provided on the mode switching dial 22.

As shown in FIG. 1, the mode switching dial 22 includes a communication mode for communicating with another communication device (such as an image information receiving device) (in FIG. 2, described as Online).
Shooting mode for shooting (described as Cam in FIG. 2)
And a reproduction mode (Play in FIG. 2) for reproducing recorded images, a date, a shooting mode,
The document describes a setup mode for setting the number of photographing pixels, setting of an auto-off time of a power supply, a volume of a warning sound, and the like. A user sets each mode of the electronic camera 10 by switching a mode switching dial 22. Is possible.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a signal processing system of the electronic camera.

The image pickup system of the electronic camera 10 includes an image pickup unit 80 that forms an image of a subject on a light receiving surface, performs photoelectric conversion and outputs the image data, and controls the entire electronic camera 10 while sampling the image data. Timing control,
Recording control of image data, communication control, display control, generation of directories classified by parameters indicating the characteristics of images and sounds, various information conversion processes such as pixel number conversion processes of image data, setting and cancellation of power saving mode, etc. Information processing means 82 (including the function of the converted image generating means) for controlling the image processing, image processing means 84 for performing processing such as changing the number of pixels, sharpness correction, gamma correction, contrast correction, white balance correction, and the like. An A / D converter 86 for converting an image signal into digital image data is provided.

The input system of the electronic camera 10 includes input means 88 including a release button 20, a mode switching dial 22, an erase button 24, a setting button 26, an increment button 28, a decrement button 30, and the like. An I / O 90, which is a port for converting each information signal input by the means 88, is provided.

The image conversion system of the electronic camera 10 includes:
A compression / decompression unit 92 (including a function of a converted image generation unit) for performing compression control of information on image data and audio data by a method represented by JPEG or MPEG, and performing processing for controlling expansion / decompression of compressed data; A recording medium interface 94 for converting data in order to record and read data on and from the removable recording medium 36 is provided. The recording medium 36 is a detachable recording unit represented by a semiconductor such as a memory card or MO, magnetic recording, or optical recording.

The information processing means 82 is constituted by a ROM in which an operation program and various constants are stored, and a RAM which is a work area for executing the program and which can record images and sounds. Memory 96, a non-volatile memory 97 that is a storage means capable of continuing to store various constants and various information related to the operation of the electronic camera 10 even when the power is turned off, and a calendar clock for managing shooting date and time and the like. A flash control unit 102 that controls the light emission of a flash 100 that emits light to compensate for the light amount of the subject at the time of shooting is connected via a bus 104.

The communication means of the electronic camera 10 used for transmitting and receiving image data and the like to and from an external device by communication includes:
A transmitting / receiving unit 106 for transmitting or receiving information such as image data, audio data, and directory information in accordance with a command from the information processing unit 82, an antenna 32 for transmitting and receiving a carrier wave and data, an image data, an audio data, a directory information, and the like. A communication connector 34 is used to connect devices that transmit and receive information to each other with a communication cable 44 and perform wired communication.

The display system of the electronic camera 10 includes a D / A converter 108 for converting image data into a signal for display on a display means 16 such as an LCD, and a VRAM for temporarily storing images and information to be displayed. And an OSD 11 for converting code information instructed by the information processing means 82 into character or message data to be displayed and on-screen display with an image.
2 are provided. The display means 16 displays a path name and a directory name (including a folder name) of a directory (including a folder) classified for each parameter indicating a property of an image and a sound, and displays a tree structure of the directory. It is possible to display information on the transmitted image file name and image parameters.

When a command for inquiring of a directory structure or file information for storing image data to be displayed in connection with image transmission is received from another communication device by communication, the information processing means 82 The directory information classified by parameter indicating the property of the image to be displayed recorded in the recording medium 36 or the directory information stored in the memory 96 is transmitted and presented. If the directory information is not recorded in the recording medium 36, the information processing means 82 generates and records the directory information in the recording medium 36 based on the information stored in the memory 96. It may be.

FIG. 4 shows display contents displayed on the display means 16 when the mode of the electronic camera 10 is set to the setup mode.

According to the figure, when the setup mode is set, the date and time are changed, the photographing mode is changed to change the parameter relating to the compression ratio of the image data among the image characteristics, and the parameter is related to the amount of image data indicating the image characteristics. Is displayed for changing the number of recording pixels, setting the auto-off time, and adjusting the volume of the warning sound. By operating the input means 88 provided in the electronic camera 10, these settings can be changed.

The date and time are displayed on the calendar clock 9.
Reference numeral 8 indicates the current date and time, and when the user changes the numerical value by selecting to change the numerical value, the input date / time or time information is transmitted from the information processing means 82 to the calendar clock 98. To start ticking the entered date and time.

The photographing modes displayed on the display means 16 include "FINE", "NORMAL", and "ECONO".
Various shooting modes having different image data compression rates of “MY” are shown. In the case of the example of FIG. 4, the “FINE” mode is a setting of a low compression rate with the largest data amount of the image.

The number of recording pixels is VGA (640 × 480)
And UXGA (1600 × 1200) pixels (resolution)
It is shown. Therefore, when high-quality printing or high-quality display is performed, recording is performed in advance under conditions of a high pixel count and a low compression ratio. If the image data is used only for transferring the image data to another communication device, recording with a low number of pixels and a high compression ratio is performed. To set the amount of image data.

The auto-off time is automatically set to a power saving mode (for example, the processing speed of the information processing means 82 is reduced or not used after the time set for extending the life of the battery elapses). This is a time-out period setting for entering a mode in which power supply to peripheral elements is stopped. When the power saving mode is set and the electronic camera 10 is started from a state in which the power saving mode is set, the user operates one of the input units 88 or receives a command from another communication device via communication. It is activated by sending a command prompting activation. The power saving mode setting means for setting and canceling the power saving mode may be implemented by the information processing means 82, or may be provided with an independent power saving mode setting means for controlling power. Good.

In the warning sound setting, a volume at which a warning sound is issued to the user when the electronic camera 10 is started, when the communication processing is completed, when photographing, or the like is set. These pieces of information on the date and time, the shooting mode, and the number of recording pixels are displayed together with the image at the time of reproduction as displayed on the display unit 16 in FIG.

The photographing process of the electronic camera 10 configured as described above will be described.

The subject image to be photographed is formed on the light receiving surface of the image pickup means 80, and the formed subject image is photoelectrically converted and output to the image processing means 84. The obtained image data is subjected to amplification and noise reduction processing by image processing means 84, converted into digital data via an A / D converter 86, and then stored in the memory 96 for a time. Information processing means 82
Transmits the image data stored in the memory 96 to the frame memory 110, and the frame memory 110 sequentially converts the image data at a predetermined frame rate into the D / A converter 1
08. If necessary, the information processing means 82
Converts the character data stored in the memory 96 into an OS
To the D112, and the OSD112 converts the character data to D / A
The signal is transmitted to the converter 108. The D / A converter 108 converts image data, character data to be combined, and the like into a video signal suitable for display by the display unit 16 and transmits the video signal to the display unit 16, and the image and characters are displayed on the display unit 16. .

When the user presses the release button 20 provided on the input means 88, the mode enters a mode for photographing a subject. Then, the information processing means 82 transfers the image data stored in the memory 96 to the compression / expansion means 92 and outputs a command to execute the compression processing of the image data under predetermined conditions. Then, the image data is sequentially transmitted to the recording medium interface 94, and the recording medium interface 94 is transmitted.
Indicates that the image data is to be recorded on the recording medium
6 is performed.

When the mode switch dial 22 is set to the communication mode and the send button set in the input means 88 is pressed, the information processing means 82 reads the specified image data sequentially from the recording medium 36 or the memory 96. Then, after converting the data into a predetermined data format, a process of transmitting the data to the outside via the transmission / reception means 106 and the antenna 32 or the communication connector 34 is executed.

When transmitting / receiving information to / from another communication device via the antenna 32, the information is converted into a radio signal or an optical signal to perform wireless communication. When transmitting and receiving information to and from another communication device via the connector 34, the devices that transmit and receive the information are connected to each other with a communication cable 44, and the information is converted into an electric signal or an optical signal. To communicate by wire.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a signal processing system of the printer.

According to the figure, the information processing system of the printer 40 (image information receiving device) includes an information processing means (CPU) 120 for controlling the entire printer 40 and an information processing means 1
A memory 122 including a ROM in which a program for operating the CPU 20 and various constants are written, and a RAM serving as a work area when the information processing unit 120 executes processing.
And a non-volatile memory 124 which is a storage means capable of continuing to store various constants relating to the operation of the printer 40 even when the power is turned off, a recording medium status display 50, a print status display 56, a power display 62, and an automatic print valid display. 68,
Display means 1 including an individual print valid display 72 and the like
25, and an input means 126 including a power switch 60, a cancel button 64, an automatic print button 66, an individual print button 70, a forward button 74, a reverse button 76, and the like.

The image signal processing system of the printer 40 includes a recording medium mounting section 48 for mounting a recording medium 46 on which information such as image data is recorded, and information such as image data recorded on the recording medium 46. A recording medium interface 127 for reading and writing information, a print engine 128 as printing means including a mechanism for printing acquired images and character information, and information to be temporarily displayed and stored on display means such as an external monitor. Frame memory 1
The frame memory 132 sequentially transmits image data to the display controller 134 at a predetermined frame rate. The display controller 134 converts the image data to be displayed into a video signal suitable for display by the display unit 130 and transmits the video signal to the display unit 130, and the image and characters are displayed on the display unit 130.

The communication means of the printer 40 used for transmitting and receiving image data and the like to and from an external device by communication includes: a transmitting / receiving means 136 for transmitting or receiving directory information and image data in accordance with a command from the information processing means 120; An antenna 42 for transmitting and receiving data and a communication connector 138 used for connecting the devices for transmitting and receiving information with each other via a communication cable to perform wired communication.

Information processing means 120 in the printer 40;
Memory 122, nonvolatile memory 124, display unit 12
5, input means 126, recording medium interface 12
7, print engine 128, frame memory 132,
Each peripheral circuit including the transmitting / receiving means 136 is connected by a bus 139, and the information processing means 120 can control each peripheral circuit.

The communication means for wireless communication between the electronic camera 10 and the printer 40 is a communication means using light such as radio waves, ultrasonic waves, infrared rays or the like as a carrier wave. When infrared rays are used for the communication means, an interface means based on IrDA specifications may be used. The communication means when communicating using the wired communication means is RS-232, RS-42.
2. Serial communication means such as USB and IEEE1394 may be used, or interface means using parallel signals may be used.

The electronic camera 10 and the printer 40 may transmit and receive information by establishing a direct communication connection, or may transmit and receive information via a communication line such as a public line or a communication network such as the Internet. May be implemented.

When a command for inquiring of a directory structure or file information for storing image data to be displayed or printed in connection with image transmission is received from the image information transmitting apparatus, the information processing means 120 transmits to the recording medium 46. And transmits and presents the directory information classified into each parameter indicating the property of the image recorded therein or the directory information stored in the memory 122. When the directory information is not recorded in the recording medium 46, the information processing means 120 generates and records the directory information in the recording medium 46 based on the information stored in the memory 122. It may be.

FIG. 6 shows a directory structure for image files recorded on the recording medium 36 of the electronic camera 10.

According to the figure, the directory structure of the image file includes a root “ROOT”, “IMAGE” indicating image data, and a section “001VACATIO” indicating that the image was taken by a user during a vacation.
N "," 002BIRTHDAY "directory group 140," DSCF0001.JPG "," DSCF
0002. JPG "and the other image file groups 142.

As described above, by adding a number to the directory name and the file name, the directory “00” is assigned.
The file “DSCF0002.JPG” stored in the hierarchy below “1VACATION” is “001-000”.
2 "can be represented by an image directory file name. Also, the directory “001VA” shown in FIG.
The image files “DSCF0001.JPG” and “DSCF000” stored in the hierarchy below “CATION”
3. “JPG” is an image file recorded with the number of pixels (resolution) of UXGA (1600 × 1200).
F0002. “JPG” includes image files recorded with VGA (640 × 480) pixels. Also,
Image files having different compression ratios, sampling methods, and color information may be mixed as parameters indicating the properties of the image other than the number of pixels.

Similarly, the directory "002BIRTH"
DAY ”image file“ DSCF000 ”
1. “JPG” is an image file recorded with UXGA (1600 × 1200) pixels, and the other image files are image files recorded with VGA (640 × 480) pixels. As described above, by arranging various image files having different parameters indicating the properties of images in the same directory, it is possible to easily perform automatic generation and retrieval of file names.

In the electronic camera 10, the U
In addition to fixed resolutions such as XGA and VGA, SVG
A (800 × 600), XGA (1024 × 768),
Even with SXGA (1280 × 960) and any resolution (for example, any resolution within the range of vertical ≦ 1600 × horizontal ≦ 1200), image handling such as display and transmission / reception can be performed.

When the user specifies an image to be transmitted or printed to the printer 40 (image information receiving device), first, the input means 88 of the electronic camera 10 (image information transmitting device)
To set the processing mode to the transmission mode. When communication is automatically established between the communication devices, the electronic camera 1
The directory (including the path name and the directory name) and the image file information shown in FIG. Then, when the user operates the increment button or the decrement button provided on the input means 88 to move the designated frame and select a desired image file, and if necessary, selects a transmission destination device, Request the destination device for the directory structure of the destination device. Then, the transmission destination device is as shown in FIG.
Is transmitted to the electronic camera 10.

FIG. 7 shows directory information output from the printer.

According to the figure, the directory structure indicated by the path name and the directory name (including the folder name) output by the printer 40 can display or print a root “ROOT” and VGA size image data. , A directory SVGA indicating that SVGA size image data can be displayed or printed, and a directory indicating that XGA size image data can be displayed or printed. Directory SXG indicating that XGA and SXGA size image data can be displayed or printed
A.

When a directory browse request is issued from the electronic camera 10 (image information transmitting device) to the printer 40 (image information receiving device), the printer 40 presents the electronic camera 10 with the directory structure shown in FIG. I do. As the directory information presented by the printer 40, image data actually created in the memory 122 or the recording medium 46 shown in FIG. 5 and received from the electronic camera 10 may be recorded in a predetermined directory. In the case where the capacity of the obtained image data is large and the storage capacity for recording other image data is insufficient, only the directory information may be created and the printed or displayed image data may be deleted. Alternatively, parameter information indicating the characteristics of an image, such as information on the number of pixels that can be displayed or printed, may be transmitted to the electronic camera 10 as virtual directory information without actually generating a directory.

In the above description, an example has been described in which information about the number of pixels of an image is described in the directory name. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The directory may be generated by classifying the directory for each parameter indicating the property of at least one image of the color information.

FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of communication performed by the electronic camera and the printer.

When the electronic camera 10 is set to the communication mode and an image file is transmitted to the printer 40, communication connection is started by the method shown in FIG. Or a parameter relating to the nature of the sound), and transmitting the image or sound file.

When the user sets the processing mode of the electronic camera 10 to the transmission mode, the processing program of the electronic camera 10 proceeds to step S100 “image transmission mode” (hereinafter S10).
The processing branches to the processing of abbreviated as 0).
Then, the process proceeds to the next step S102 “establishment of connection”, and a connection process for communication with the communicable printer 40 is started. Note that the processing mode of the printer 40 is also S200 “image receiving mode”.
Is set to a mode in which communication connection is possible as shown in the processing routine of FIG. When the processing mode of the printer 40 is set to the reception mode, the processing program proceeds to S202 “establish connection”.

In step S102, the electronic camera 10
Sends a "connection request" command to. Then, the printer 40 receives the “connection request” command, and sends a response for executing communication connection after “connection completed” to the electronic camera 1.
Send to 0. When the printer 40 is in the power saving mode, the printer 40 may automatically release the power saving mode after receiving the information of the “connection request” and perform the subsequent communication processing.

When the communication connection is completed, the electronic camera 10
Is the printer 4 in S104 “directory browsing”.
0, a directory browse request (directory information request command) is transmitted.

If the printer 40 is "directory browsing"
, The process of S204 “directory browsing” is performed. Here, the information processing means 120
Generates a directory structure as shown in FIG. 7 based on the property information of an image available in the printer 40 stored in the memory 122 and transmits the directory information to the electronic camera 10. At this time, directory information is actually described in the recording medium 46 or the memory 122, and the described directory information is stored in the electronic camera 1
0 and may be presented. In FIG. 7, the number of pixels (such as SXGA) is described as information indicating the properties of an image, but the present invention is not limited to this.

The electronic camera 10 stores the received directory information in a storage means such as the memory 96, and proceeds to the next step S106.
Proceeding to "press image selection (+/-)", the user selects an image to be transmitted. When the image to be transmitted is selected and determined, the program proceeds to the next S108 “Display selected image”, and displays the determined image on the display unit 16.

When the display of the determined image is completed, the next S
Proceeding to 110 "execute transmission (setting button)?", It is determined whether the user has pressed the setting button 26 for instructing transmission. If the user does not instruct transmission, the process returns to S106. If the user instructs transmission, the next S112 is performed.
Proceeding to “acquisition of the number of pixels of the selected image”, the image instructed to be transmitted is read from a recording unit such as the recording medium 36.

In the next S114 “number of pixels of selected image ≧ SXG”
A? "Indicates that the number of pixels of the image instructed to be transmitted is SXGA
A judgment is made as to whether the size is equal to or larger than the size. If the number of pixels of the image instructed to be transmitted is equal to or larger than SXGA, the process proceeds to S116 “Resize image to SXGA”, and information processing means 82 sets the number of pixels of the image instructed to be transmitted to SXGA size. Perform processing to reduce as necessary. Then, in the next S118, “the destination directory is set to SX
In “Set to GA”, the storage location information of the image file to be transmitted to the printer 40 is set to SXGA. And S12
0 "Change destination directory (Cage Dir)"
SX that set the current directory of the transmission destination first
A command to change to GA is transmitted to the printer 40. Note that the determination in S114 may be made automatically by the information processing means 82, or the received directory information is displayed on the display means 16 to notify the user of information indicating the nature of the printable or displayable image. Alternatively, the user may determine and select a parameter indicating the property of the image to be transmitted.

If the number of pixels of the image instructed to be transmitted in S114 is not equal to or larger than the SXGA size, the process proceeds to S122.
The process proceeds to “number of pixels of selected image ≧ XGA?”. In S122 “number of pixels of selected image ≧ XGA?”, It is determined whether or not the number of pixels of the image instructed to be transmitted is equal to or larger than the XGA size. If the number of pixels of the image specified to be transmitted is XGA
If the number of pixels is the above, the process proceeds to S124 "Resize image to XGA", and information processing means 82 performs a process of reducing the number of pixels of the image instructed to be transmitted to the XGA size as necessary. Then, in the next S126 “Set destination directory to XGA”, the storage location information of the image file to be transmitted to printer 40 is set to XGA. Then, in step S120, “Destination directory change (Changing D
ir), a command to change the current directory of the transmission destination to the previously set XGA is transmitted to the printer 40.

If the number of pixels of the image designated to be transmitted in S122 is not equal to or larger than the SXGA size, the process proceeds to S128.
The process proceeds to “number of pixels of selected image ≧ SVGA?”. S128
In “the number of pixels of the selected image ≧ SVGA?”, It is determined whether or not the number of pixels of the image instructed to be transmitted is equal to or larger than the SVGA size. If the number of pixels of the image instructed to be transmitted is equal to or larger than SVGA, the process proceeds to S130 “Resize image to SVGA”, and information processing means 82 sets the number of pixels of the image instructed to be transmitted to SVGA size. Perform processing to reduce as necessary. And the next S132
By setting the destination directory to SVGA, the storage location information of the image file to be transmitted to the printer
Set to GA. Then, a command to change the current directory of the transmission destination to the previously set SVGA is transmitted to the printer 40 in S120 “Change transmission destination directory (Cage Dir)”.

If the number of pixels of the image instructed to be transmitted in S128 is not equal to or larger than the SVGA size, the process proceeds to S134.
The process proceeds to “number of pixels of selected image ≧ VGA?”. In S134 “number of pixels of selected image ≧ VGA?”, It is determined whether the number of pixels of the image instructed to be transmitted is equal to or larger than the VGA size. If the number of pixels of the image specified to be transmitted is VGA
If the number of pixels is the above, the process proceeds to S136 "Resize image to VGA", and information processing means 82 performs a process of reducing the number of pixels of the image instructed to be transmitted to the VGA size as necessary. Then, in the next step S138 “Set destination directory to VGA”, the storage location information of the image file to be transmitted to printer 40 is set to VGA. Then, in step S120, “Destination directory change (Changing D
ir) ”, the VG with the destination directory set first
A command to change to A is transmitted to the printer 40.

If the number of pixels of the image instructed to be transmitted in S134 is not equal to or larger than the VGA size, the process proceeds to S140 "This image cannot be transmitted", and the number of pixels of the image instructed to be transmitted is too small to print. A warning is displayed on the display unit 16 indicating that a print image that can be obtained is not obtained, and the transmission process of the image file is interrupted. Then, the program proceeds to next S142 “Change image transmission mode?”. Instead of displaying a warning indicating that an image cannot be sent in S140, an image file whose image size has been enlarged to the VGA size may be transmitted to the printer 40, or may be generated from the original image or the original image. A reduced image such as a thumbnail image may be transmitted. Also,
A condition may be set so that an image having an image data amount larger than the original image data amount is not transmitted.

When a command to change the destination directory to the directory having the previously set image size is transmitted to the printer 40 in S120 and the printer 40 receives the command, the processing program of the printer 40 proceeds to S206.
Proceed to "change directory" to perform a process of changing the current directory to the specified directory.

When the change of the directory is completed in S206, a command “Change Directory OK” indicating that the change of the current directory is completed is transmitted to the electronic camera 10. In S120, "Can
When the “ge Directory OK” command is completed, the processing program proceeds to the next step S144 “status check” and issues a status read command for determining whether preparation for receiving and storing the image file is completed. The data is transmitted to the printer 40. Printer 40
Receives the status read command, the processing program proceeds to S208 "state check", and the information processing means 1
Reference numeral 20 indicates whether there is a free area for receiving and storing a plurality of image files, or when there is little free space for storage (for example, when the printer 40 has only an area for storing one image file). In step S, it is determined whether or not printing is being performed, and the designated status information is read from the memory 122 and a ready response is transmitted to the electronic camera 10.

When the electronic camera 10 receives the ready response, the processing program proceeds to the next step S146 “transmission of selected image”, and starts transmission of the image file instructed to be transmitted. When the transmission of the image file is started, the processing program of the printer 40 proceeds to S210 “image reception”,
Start receiving the image file. When the storage of all the received image data is completed, “OK” information indicating that the reception of the image has been completed is transmitted to the electronic camera 10. If the image information receiving device is a printer, printing is immediately started in S212 “print execution”,
When the image information receiving apparatus has the image display means, the display of the received image is started immediately. Electronic camera 1
If the “OK” information indicating that the reception of the image has been completed is received in S146, the process proceeds to the next S142. Note that the electronic camera 10 may display information indicating that the image transmission has been completed and the parameters of the transmitted image on the display unit 16 to notify the user.

In S142, it is determined whether or not the user has instructed to change the image transmission mode. If it is determined that the user has not instructed the change of the image transmission mode, the process branches to S106 and returns to the transmission mode again. If it is determined that the user has instructed the change of the image transmission mode, the process proceeds to the next “disconnect” in S148, and the process of terminating the communication and disconnecting is started.

In step S148, the electronic camera 10 issues a command “Disconnect” indicating a disconnection request to the printer 40.
ect Request ”. Upon receiving the command indicating the disconnection request, the printer 40 executes S214.
When the communication termination processing is normally completed by executing the processing for terminating the communication with “disconnect”, the command “Dis
"Connect OK" is returned, and the process proceeds to S216 "End" to end the communication process. When the electronic camera 10 receives the “disconnection completion” response in S148, the next S15
0 Go to “End” to end the communication processing.

As described above, the image information transmitting apparatus receives the parameter information indicating the property of the image which can be used by the image information receiving apparatus, and performs the image conversion processing as necessary. It is possible to transmit an image of a parameter in which the amount of image data existing in the information is less than or equal to the original amount of image data and is the maximum.
In the related art, when the printer 40 transmits an image having a larger number of pixels than the number of pixels that can be printed or possible,
The non-printable portion has been trimmed and printed or displayed. However, by using the system of the present invention, the entire screen can be easily printed or displayed.

In this embodiment, the conversion image generation processing for generating a new image file by changing the number of pixels of the image, the sampling method, and the parameters relating to the characteristics of the image or sound, such as color information, is performed in the present embodiment. Information processing means 82
Has been implemented. The dedicated compression / decompression means 92 performs conversion image generation processing for changing the compression ratio of image data and audio data and changing the recording format of image data and audio data to generate a new image file and audio file. May be implemented.

FIGS. 9 to 11 show another embodiment of the directory information output from the printer.

According to FIG. 9, the electronic camera 10 is
0, a directory “ROOT” and a directory indicating that image data smaller than the SXGA size can be printed.
A-max... Are provided.

According to FIG. 10, a directory VGA-indicating that image data of the number of pixels from the VGA size to the SXGA size can be printed in the directory name acquired by the electronic camera 10 from the printer 40.
SXGA ... are provided. As described above, information on the upper limit and the lower limit of the resolution may be described in the directory name.

According to FIG. 11, the directory name acquired by the electronic camera 10 from the printer 40 is 1280-9.
Information indicating an upper limit and a lower limit of 60 is used.
By specifying the printable resolution with a numerical value in this way, it is possible to specify a resolution other than the fixed form.

When the electronic camera 10 acquires the file list information classified and generated as described above, the maximum image data presented by the image information receiving apparatus can be obtained.
It is possible to transmit to the image information transmitting device without providing a special communication command. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately resize and transmit image data suitable for printing or display, and it is possible to shorten the transmission time of image information, which tends to increase the file size. In addition,
When notifying a user of directory information including parameter information of a displayable or printable image obtained from an image information receiving apparatus, a processing program related to the notification is frequently used by the user. Since it is sufficient to use the file browsing tool, it is possible to obtain a comfortable operation with less burden.

In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the image information transmitting apparatus according to the present invention was an electronic camera having an image pickup means. However, the present invention is not limited to an electronic camera. It is good also as a scanner provided.

In the above embodiment, the electronic camera 1
0 (image information transmitting device) and the printer 40 (image information receiving device) have been described as an example in which direct communication is performed using wireless or wired communication means. However, the present invention is not limited to direct communication. Communication may be performed via a line or a communication network.

In the above embodiment, the printer 40
The directory information generated and transmitted has been described with an example in which information on the number of printable pixels is described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and information on the color tone of an image, a luminance signal and a color difference signal Convert to YCC42
Information about sampling such as 0, YCC422, etc., information about RGB conversion for converting into three primary colors, information about black and white conversion, and information about sepia color conversion may be included. In the case where the information receiving apparatus is a device that emits or stores the received sound (such as an audio player), the directory information generated and transmitted by the information receiving apparatus includes information on a compression method of the audio information. , A sampling method, and information on a conversion process.

If the image information receiving apparatus is an apparatus capable of performing color printing or color display, the directory information of the color image is automatically designated, and the image information receiving apparatus is capable of performing monochrome printing or monochrome display. If the device has only the function, the directory information of the monochrome image may be automatically transmitted.

The parameter indicating the nature of the image in the directory generated by the directory generating means of the image information receiving apparatus may be determined based on the size of the paper to be printed and the printing resolution, or the display means may display the parameter. It may be determined based on the number of pixels to perform.

The image information receiving device described above may be a portable communication terminal or a communication device such as a display device or an electronic camera.

[0087]

As described above, in the information communication system according to the present invention, a directory generating means for generating a directory classified for each parameter indicating the property of an image for each parameter, and transmitting the information of the generated directory. An image information receiving apparatus comprising: a communication unit that receives an image of a parameter based on the transmitted directory information; and a parameter based on the directory information received by the directory information transmitted by the image information receiving apparatus. And an image information transmitting apparatus provided with a communication unit for transmitting an image having the above. Therefore, it is possible to realize a negotiation necessary for transmitting an image and a sound only by a command for handling a file.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a printer which is an embodiment of an image information receiving apparatus which is connected to an electronic camera which is an embodiment of an image information transmitting apparatus by communication.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a display of various modes provided on a mode switching dial.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a signal processing system of the electronic camera.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing display contents displayed when the electronic camera is set to a setup mode.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a communication processing system of the printer.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a directory structure related to image files recorded on a recording medium of the electronic camera.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing directory information output from a printer.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of communication performed by the electronic camera and the printer.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing another embodiment of directory information output from a printer.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another embodiment of directory information output from a printer.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another embodiment of directory information output from a printer.

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference Signs List 10: electronic camera, 12: photographing lens, 16: display means, 22: mode switching dial, 32: antenna, 34
... communication connector, 36 ... recording medium, 40 ... printer, 4
2 ... antenna, 44 ... communication cable, 46 ... recording medium,
52: paper, 80: imaging means, 82: information processing means, 8
4 image processing means, 88 input means, 92 compression / expansion means, 96 memory, 106 transmission / reception means, 120 information processing means, 122 memory, 125 display means, 128
... print engine, 130 ... display means, 136 ... transmission / reception means, 138 ... communication connector, 140 ... directories, 142 ... files

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04N 5/765 H04N 101: 00 5/92 5/91 L // H04N 101: 00 5/92 Z F term (Reference) 5B082 EA01 HA05 5C022 AA13 AB67 AC01 AC13 AC32 AC42 AC54 5C052 AA11 AA17 AB04 AB05 AC08 CC11 DD02 DD04 EE02 EE03 EE08 FA02 FA03 FA04 FA07 FA09 FB02 FB06 FB07 FB08 FE04 5C053 FA04 FA09 GB24 LA03 LA05 LA15 5C062 AA01 AA05 AA30 AA37 AB17 AB22 AB23 AB38 AC08 AC21 AC38 AC41 AC51 AE16 AF00 AF13 AF14 BA00

Claims (23)

[Claims] 1. A directory generating means for generating a directory classified for each parameter indicating a property of an image for each parameter, transmitting information of the generated directory, and an image of a parameter based on the transmitted directory information. A communication means for receiving the directory information transmitted by the image information receiving apparatus, and transmitting an image having a parameter based on the information of the directory. An information communication system comprising: an image information transmission device; 2. The image information transmitting apparatus transmits an image of a parameter based on the received directory information so as to be stored in a predetermined directory of the image information receiving apparatus. Information communication system. 3. The parameter of an image transmitted by the communication unit of the image information transmitting apparatus is a parameter present in the information of the received directory, the image data amount being equal to or less than the original image data amount and being the maximum. The information communication system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: 4. The image information transmitting apparatus further includes a conversion image generating unit configured to generate a converted image in which a parameter indicating a property of the image is changed from an original image, wherein the communication unit of the image information transmitting apparatus includes the converted image. The information communication system according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein 5. When the image information transmitting apparatus receives from the image information receiving apparatus information of a directory having a parameter different from that of an original image, the converted image generating unit includes:
5. The information communication system according to claim 4, wherein a converted image generated by changing a parameter of the original image to a parameter corresponding to the information of the directory is transmitted. 6. The communication means of the image information transmitting device, the information of the directory received from the image information receiving device is only the parameter indicating the image data amount larger than the original image, the original image 6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a thumbnail image as a reduced image of the original image or an image of a parameter having a minimum image data amount in information of a received directory is transmitted. Information communication system. 7. The communication means of the image information transmitting device, if the information of the directory received from the image information receiving device is only a parameter indicating an image data amount larger than the original image, the image The information communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the information is not transmitted to the information receiving device. 8. The image information transmitting apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the image information transmitting apparatus further comprises a first display unit for notifying a user of information relating to parameters of the transmitted converted image or not transmitting the image. 8. The information communication system according to any one of 7. 9. The directory generating means includes: a number of pixels;
The directory is generated by classifying a directory into parameters indicating at least one of a compression rate, a sampling method, and color information, which are properties of an image.
An information communication system according to any one of the above. 10. The directory information generated by the directory generation means is at least one of a path name and a directory name, and the path name and the directory name include information on a parameter indicating a property of the image. The information communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein 11. The image information transmitting apparatus includes a second display unit that displays at least one of a directory name and a path name based on directory information received from the image information receiving apparatus. The information communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: 12. The image information transmitting apparatus further comprises: third display means for displaying a tree of information on the directory based on information on the directory received from the image information receiving apparatus. 12. The information communication system according to any one of 1 to 11. 13. The image information transmitting apparatus is a camera or a scanner having an image pickup unit for picking up an image of a subject, and further comprising a recording medium for recording the image picked up. 13. The information communication system according to any one of 1 to 12. 14. The information communication system according to claim 1, wherein the image information receiving device includes a printing unit that prints the received image. 15. The information communication system according to claim 1, wherein the image information receiving device includes a display unit that displays the received image. 16. The directory generating means determines a parameter indicating a property of the image based on a size of printing paper and a printing resolution or the number of pixels to be displayed,
16. The information communication system according to claim 14, wherein a directory is generated. 17. The communication means of the image information transmitting device and the image information receiving device is connected by a cable for transmitting and receiving the information, and converts the information into an electric signal or an optical signal to transmit and receive the information by wired communication. 17. The information communication according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the communication means is a wired communication means for performing communication, or a wireless communication means for performing transmission and reception of information by converting the information into a radio signal or an optical signal. system. 18. The image information transmitting apparatus and the image information receiving apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit performs transmission and reception via a public line or a communication network.
An information communication system according to any one of the above. 19. The image information receiving apparatus sets a power saving mode in which power consumption of the apparatus is reduced, and saves information when receiving information from the image information transmitting apparatus during the power saving mode. 19. The information communication system according to claim 1, further comprising a power saving mode setting unit for canceling the power mode. 20. An information transmitting method in which an image information transmitting side transmits an image file based on directory information presented from the image information receiving side, wherein the image information receiving side is provided for each parameter indicating a property of an image. A classified directory is generated for each of the parameters, the image information receiving side presents the information of the generated directory to the image information transmitting side, and the image information transmitting side is based on the presented directory information. Transmitting an image of the parameter to the image information receiving side. 21. A first communication unit for receiving directory information classified by the image information receiving apparatus for each parameter indicating a property of an image, a unit for selecting an image having a parameter based on the received directory information, or Means for generating a converted image in which parameters of an original image are changed based on the received directory information; and second communication means for transmitting the selected image to the image information receiving apparatus. An information communication device characterized by the above-mentioned. 22. A directory generating means for generating a directory classified for each parameter indicating a property of an image for each parameter; a first communication means for transmitting information of the generated directory; and information of the transmitted directory. And a second communication unit for receiving an image having a parameter based on the information communication device. 23. A directory generating means for generating, for each parameter, a directory classified for each parameter indicating a property of voice, transmitting information of the generated directory, and voice of the parameter based on the transmitted information of the directory. An information receiving apparatus comprising: a communication unit for receiving information on a directory transmitted by the information receiving apparatus; and transmitting a voice having a parameter based on the information on the directory. An information communication system comprising: a device;