JP2010141575A - Printing system, image supply device and control method of the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make it possible to designate printing of an arbitrary image in a multi-image format file in PictBridge and DPOF. Furthermore, another object of the present invention is to reduce the amount of data transferred between devices when printing an image in a multi-image format file. Furthermore, in PictBridge, an early connection release of a digital camera by the DisconnectEnable function is an issue.
In order to be able to select an arbitrary image in a plurality of image formats, an arbitrary image and various types of information for making it possible to designate the image by PictBridge and DPOF are generated, used, and managed. Further, the printer notifies the digital camera when no further data transfer between the digital camera and the printer is required. When the digital camera receives the notification, the digital camera notifies the user that the connection with the printer can be canceled or automatically disconnects and returns to the standby state.
[Selection] Figure 9

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing system having an image supply device and a printing apparatus, and printing an image by the printing apparatus based on an image file supplied from the image supply device, and an image supply device.

  Here, the image supply device is a digital camera compatible with PictBridge (hereinafter referred to as DSC).

  Similarly, the printing apparatus is a printer corresponding to PictBridge (hereinafter referred to as PRT).

  A print setting method in direct printing using DSC and PRT such as PictBridge or direct printing such as DPOF is an object of the present invention.

  With respect to the function of printing an image in a memory card, various printing forms are provided with the spread of DSC. For example, in PictBridge, direct printing by DSC and PRT is standardized. According to this standard, it is possible to print one image from an image file in a memory card connected to the DSC or to print a plurality of images in an index format according to a user instruction. Also provided are functions for removing red-eye and adjusting brightness of images. Furthermore, it is also possible to cope with a printing form conforming to the DPOF standard. Furthermore, for the purpose of preventing unnecessary battery consumption of the DSC, a function called “DisconnectEnable” is also defined in order to realize early release of the DSC-PRT connection. This function notifies the user that the connection between the DSC and the PRT may be released when the PRT has received all the image files to be printed and no further data transfer is required. Due to its nature, the effect can be expected as the total size of the image file to be printed is smaller.

A plurality of image files are stored in the memory card. The image file format to be saved is mainly a thumbnail image and a main image (hereinafter referred to as a single image). In PictBridge and DPOF, such an image file format is assumed as an input image file. However, it is conceivable that data having a configuration in which a plurality of images are stored in one file is stored in the memory card. (Hereinafter, such a file having a plurality of images is referred to as a multi-image format file.)
Here, when printing a multi-image format file based on PictBridge and DPOF, there are the following problems. 1. In PictBridge and DPOF, a print image can be specified only in file units. For this reason, it is not possible to print any image in the multiple image format file. 2. When printing a multi-image format file, even if only a part of the image is to be printed, the data transfer amount between DSC and PRT is required for the multi-image format file. Therefore, unnecessary battery consumption of the DSC is caused. Moreover, it is also disadvantageous in terms of the previous DisconnectEnable function condition.

  On the other hand, there have been proposed means for solving problems similar to the above, and a system in which a captured image is processed exclusively for printing by DSC and then transmitted to a printer for printing (Patent Documents 1 to 3). Patent Document 1 relates to a print system in which a DSC capable of transferring data to and from a recording medium is connected to a printer so that direct communication is possible. A technique that supports DPOF online printing by assigning a file ID to an image of a file path that is not supported by default has been proposed. With this technology, image data on a file path that is not supported by default in PictBridge DPOF printing can be printed.

In Patent Document 2, a proposal for reducing the processing load on a printer is made. DSC performs JPEG file decompression, color conversion, resizing, etc. to convert the data into a printable data format, and transmits the printable data to a printer to reduce the image processing load on the printer. Further, in Patent Document 3, variations in color reproduction characteristics for each printer are corrected on the DSC side, converted into a general image file such as JPEG, and transmitted to the printer. Thus, it is described that a stable image that does not depend on printing characteristics for each printer is obtained. Further, Patent Document 4 proposes a technique that enables printing of image data in a format that is not recognized by the printer capability in PictBridge. This technology describes that DSC can print a wide variety of image data by performing conversion to a printable image format based on the capability of the printer. However, in the techniques of Patent Documents 1 to 4, it is not possible to designate printing of an arbitrary image in the multiple image format which is a problem in this patent.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-066156 JP-A-10-290470 JP 2003-134457 A JP 2007-4715 A

  It is an object of the present invention to enable printing designation of an arbitrary image in a multiple image format file in PictBridge and DPOF. Furthermore, when printing an image in a multi-image format file, it is an object to reduce the amount of DSC-PRT data transfer and reduce the consumption of the DSC battery. Furthermore, PictBridge has a problem of further reducing battery consumption by using the DisconnectEnable function and realizing early connection release of DSC-PRT.

  In order to solve the above problems, the present invention is a printing system that includes an image supply device and a printing apparatus, and prints an image using the printing apparatus based on an image file supplied from the image supply device. The image supply device includes an image file storage unit that stores an image file, a print image designation unit that can designate printing of at least one image in a plurality of image format files stored in the image file storage unit, and the print image Supply image file generation means for generating at least one image file to be supplied to the printing apparatus from the multiple image format file based on the image information designated for printing by the designation means, and supply image file ID corresponding to the supply image file Supply image file ID generation means for generating, the supply image file and the supply image file ID Supply image file management means for managing the correspondence and supply image file stored in the supply image storage means in response to a supply image file acquisition request based on the supply image file ID from the printing apparatus Transmitting means for transmitting to the printing apparatus, wherein the printing apparatus receives the supply image file transmitted by the transmission means in response to the supply image file acquisition request, and the supply received by the reception means. Reception image storage means capable of storing at least a part of the image file, reception completion determination means for determining whether all the image files designated for printing in the reception image storage means have been received, and reception completion by the reception completion determination means. A reception completion notifying means for notifying the image supply device to that effect when it is recognized, and further comprising the image supply device Comprises a disconnection possible notification means for notifying the user that the connection with the printing apparatus can be canceled based on the notification from the reception completion notification means, and the supply image file in the multiple image format file is It is possible to specify printing, reduce the amount of data transmitted and received by the transmission unit and the reception unit, and further notify that it is possible to quickly disconnect the image supply device from the printing apparatus.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to designate printing of an arbitrary image in a multi-image format file in PictBridge.

  According to the fifth to sixth inventions, it is possible to designate printing of any image in the multiple image format file in DPOF.

  Furthermore, according to the first to fourth aspects of the invention, when printing an image in a multiple image format file, it is possible to reduce the amount of data transfer between DSC and PRT and to reduce the consumption of the DSC battery.

  Furthermore, according to the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, favorable conditions can be created in terms of PictBridge's DisconnectEnable function condition, which leads to further reduction in battery consumption and early connection release of DSC-PRT.

  The best mode for carrying out the invention is the following embodiment.

[Common form in the present invention]
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present embodiment, a case will be described where PictBridge is used to realize direct printing between a digital camera (DSC) and a printer (PRT).

<Overview of printer>
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a photo direct printer apparatus (hereinafter referred to as PD printer) 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The PD printer 1000 has a function as a normal PC printer that receives and prints data from a host computer (PC). Further, it has a function of directly reading and printing image data stored in a storage medium such as a memory card, or receiving and printing image data from a digital camera or PDA.

  In FIG. 1, the main body that forms the outer shell of the PD printer 1000 according to the present embodiment includes an outer member of a lower case 1001, an upper case 1002, an access cover 1003, and a discharge tray 1004. The lower case 1001 forms a substantially lower half of the PD printer 1000, and the upper case 1002 forms a substantially upper half of the main body. The combination of both cases forms a hollow body structure having a storage space for storing each mechanism to be described later, and an opening is formed on each of the upper surface portion and the front surface portion. Further, one end of the discharge tray 1004 is rotatably held by the lower case 1001, and an opening formed on the front surface of the lower case 1001 can be opened and closed by the rotation. For this reason, when executing the recording operation, the discharge tray 1004 is rotated to the front side to open the opening, thereby including sheets (plain paper, special paper, resin sheet, etc.) recorded from here. (Hereinafter simply referred to as “sheets”) can be discharged, and the discharged sheets can be stacked one after another. The paper discharge tray 1004 accommodates two auxiliary trays 1004a and 1004b. By pulling out each tray as necessary, the sheet support area can be expanded or reduced in three stages. It has become.

  One end of the access cover 1003 is rotatably held by the upper case 1002 so that an opening formed on the upper surface can be opened and closed. By opening the access cover 1003, a recording head cartridge (not shown) or an ink tank (not shown) housed in the main body can be replaced. Although not particularly shown here, when the access cover 1003 is opened and closed, a protrusion formed on the back surface rotates the cover opening and closing lever. The open / closed state of the access cover 1003 can be detected by detecting the rotation position of the lever with a micro switch or the like.

  A power key 1005 is provided on the upper surface of the upper case 1002. An operation panel 1010 including a liquid crystal display unit 1006 and various key switches is provided on the right side of the upper case 1002. The structure of the operation panel 1010 will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. Reference numeral 1007 denotes an automatic feeding unit that automatically feeds sheets into the apparatus main body. Reference numeral 1008 denotes a paper interval selection lever which is used to adjust the interval between the print head and the sheet. Reference numeral 1009 denotes a card slot, into which an adapter capable of mounting a memory card is inserted, through which image data stored in the memory card can be directly captured and printed. Examples of the memory card include a compact flash (registered trademark) memory, smart media, and a memory stick. Reference numeral 1011 denotes a viewer (liquid crystal display unit) that can be attached to and detached from the main body of the PD printer 1000. When searching for an image to be printed from images stored in a memory card, an image or index for each frame is displayed. Used to display images. Reference numeral 1012 denotes a USB terminal for connecting a digital camera to be described later. In addition, a USB connector for connecting a personal computer (PC) is provided on the rear surface of the PD device 1000.

  FIG. 2 is an overview of the operation panel 1010 of the PD printer 1000 according to the present embodiment. In the figure, the liquid crystal display unit 1006 displays menu items for setting various data relating to items printed on the left and right. Examples of items displayed here are as follows. The top number of the photo image you want to print among multiple photo image files. Designated frame number (start frame designation / print frame designation). The last photo number you want to finish printing (end). Number of copies (number of copies). The type of sheet (paper type) used for printing. Set the number of photos to be printed on a single sheet (layout). Designation of print quality (quality). Specify whether to print the shooting date (date printing). Specify whether to correct the photo before printing (image correction). The number of sheets required for printing (number of sheets) is displayed. These items are selected or designated using the cursor keys 2001. 2002 is a mode key, and each time this key is pressed, the type of printing (index printing, full-frame printing, single-frame printing, designated-frame printing, etc.) can be switched, and the LED corresponding to the LED 2003 changes accordingly. Illuminated. A maintenance key 2004 is a key for performing printer maintenance such as cleaning of the print head. Reference numeral 2005 denotes a print start key which is pressed when instructing the start of printing or when establishing maintenance settings. Reference numeral 2006 denotes a print cancel key which is pressed when printing is stopped or when maintenance is instructed.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 3, the configuration of the main part relating to the control of the PD printer 1000 according to the present embodiment will be described. In FIG. 3, the same reference numerals are given to portions common to the above-described drawings, and the description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part related to the control of the PD printer according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 3000 denotes a control unit (control board). Reference numeral 3001 denotes an ASIC (dedicated custom LSI). Reference numeral 3002 denotes a DSP (digital signal processor) having an internal CPU, and various control processes to be described later and images such as conversion from a luminance signal (RGB) to a density signal (CMYK), scaling, gamma conversion, and error diffusion. I am in charge of processing. A memory 3003 has a program memory 3003a that stores a control program for the CPU of the DSP 3002, a RAM area that stores a program at the time of execution, and a memory area that functions as a work memory that stores image data and the like. Reference numeral 3004 denotes a printer engine. Here, a printer engine of an ink jet printer that prints a color image using a plurality of color inks is installed. Reference numeral 3005 denotes a USB connector as a port for connecting a digital camera (DSC) 3012. Reference numeral 3006 denotes a connector for connecting the viewer 1011. Reference numeral 3008 denotes a USB hub (USBHUB). When the PD printer 1000 performs printing based on image data from the PC 3010, the data from the PC 3010 is directly passed through and output to the printer engine 3004 via the USB 3021. As a result, the connected PC 3010 can directly perform printing by exchanging data and signals with the printer engine 3004 (functions as a general PC printer). Reference numeral 3009 denotes a power connector which inputs a DC voltage converted from commercial AC by a power source 3019. The PC 3010 is a general personal computer, 3011 is the memory card described above, and 3012 is a digital camera (DSC: Digital Still Camera). Note that the exchange of signals between the control unit 3000 and the printer engine 3004 is performed via the USB 3021 or the IEEE 1284 bus 3022 described above.

<Overview of digital camera>
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a DSC (digital camera) 3012 according to this embodiment. In the figure, reference numeral 3100 denotes a CPU that controls the entire DSC 3012, and reference numeral 3101 denotes a ROM that stores a processing procedure performed by the CPU 3100. Reference numeral 3102 denotes a RAM used as a work area of the CPU 3100. Reference numeral 3103 denotes a switch group for performing various operations, which includes a shutter, a mode change switch, a selection switch, a cursor key, and the like. Reference numeral 2700 denotes a liquid crystal display unit, which is used to display a video currently captured, an image captured and stored in a memory card, and a menu for performing various settings. Reference numeral 3105 denotes an optical unit mainly composed of a lens and its drive system. Reference numeral 3106 denotes a CCD element, and reference numeral 3107 denotes a driver that drives and controls the optical unit 3105 under the control of the CPU 3100. Reference numeral 3108 denotes a connector for connecting a storage medium 3109 (compact flash (registered trademark) memory card, smart media, etc.). Reference numeral 3110 denotes a USB interface (USB slave side) for connection to the PC or the PD printer 1000 in the embodiment.

<Overview of direct printing>
FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a rough signal flow when printing is performed by issuing a print request from the DSC 3012 to the PD printer 1000 in the printing system employing the above-described PictBridge. This processing procedure is executed after the PD printer 1000 and the DSC 3012 are connected via a USB cable, or after confirming that they comply with the DPS specification by performing wireless communication. First, the DSC 3012 transmits “ConfigurePrintService” to the PD printer 1000 to check the state of the PD printer 1000 (600). In response to this, the PD printer 1000 is notified of the state of the PD printer 1000 at this point (here, “idle” state) (601). Here, since it is in the “idle” state, the DSC 3012 inquires about the capability of the PD printer 1000 (602), and issues a print start request (StartJob) corresponding to the capability (603). This print start request is issued at 601 from the DSC 3012 to the PD printer 1000 on condition that “newJobOK” in status information from the PD printer 1000 described later is “True”. The

  In response to this print start request, the PD printer 1000 requests file information from the DSC 3012 based on the file ID of the image data instructed to be printed (GetFileInfo) (604). In response, the file information (FileInfo) is transmitted from the DSC 3012. This file information includes information such as file format and file capacity. If the PD printer 1000 receives the file information and determines that it can be processed, it requests the file information from the DSC 3012 (GetFile) (605). As a result, the image data (ImageFile) of the requested file is sent from the DSC 3012 to the PD printer 1000. As a result, when the PD printer 1000 starts print processing, status information indicating “Printing” is sent from the PD printer 1000 to the DSC 3012 by “Notify Device Status” in 606. When the printing process for one page is completed, this is notified by “NotifyJobStatus” 607 from the PD printer 1000 when the processing for the next page is started. If the printing of only one page is completed, “NotifyDeviceStatus” 608 notifies that the PD printer 1000 is in the “idle” state when printing of the requested one page is completed.

  If the DisconnectEnable function is supported here, there is no need to wait for the printing of the one page. In this case, when it is no longer necessary to receive image data, “Notify Device Status” 608 notifies that the connection with the PD printer 1000 can be released.

  For example, in the case of N-up printing in which a plurality of (N) images are laid out and printed on one page, “NotifyJobStatus” 607 is sent from the PD printer 1000 to the DSC 3012 every time N images are printed. Will be.

  The issuance timing of “NotifyJobStatus” and “NotifyDeviceStatus” and the order of image data acquisition in this embodiment are examples, and various cases may occur depending on the product implementation.

<Overview of multiple image formats>
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a multiple image format in this embodiment. (A) in FIG. 6 is a multiple image format, and a plurality of JPEGs that start with an SOI marker and end with an EOI marker are connected. After the SOI marker at the top of the file, there are Exif attachment information 401 of the first image, multiple image format attachment information 402 of the first image, and a first image compressed by JPEG. An EOI marker is present after the first image compressed with JPEG.

  The SOI marker of the second image exists after the EOI marker of the first image, and thereafter, the Exif attached information of the second image, the multiple image format attached information 403 of the second image, and the second image compressed with JPEG Exists. There may be other information between the EOI marker of the first image and the SOI marker of the second image. The SOI marker of the third image is present after the EOI marker of the second image, and thereafter, the Exif attached information of the third image, the multiple image format attached information 403, and the third image compressed by JPEG are present. There may be other information between the EOI marker of the second image and the SOI marker of the third image. Similarly, the second image, the third image, and the nth image exist.

  (B) in FIG. 6 is the multiple image format auxiliary information of the first image. The multiple image format ancillary information 402 of the first image includes an APP2 marker and an identifier indicating that it is a multiple image format. The identifier is shown as a multiple image format in the figure. Further, there are a header, an index IFD 404, and a first image IFD. (C) in FIG. 6 is the multi-image format attached information 403 other than the first image. The multiple image format ancillary information 403 other than the first image includes an APP2 marker and an identifier indicating that it is a multiple image format. The identifier is shown as a multiple image format in FIG. Further, there are a header and an nth image IFD.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a multi-image format index IFD. (A) in FIG. 7 represents the internal structure of the index IFD. This corresponds to the index IFD 404 in FIG. The index IFD 404 includes multiple image format versions, the number of images included in the file, an offset to the entry of the first image, a unique ID list of each of the first image to the nth image, the total number of frames, and an offset to the next IFD. Value. Further, as the IFD value, an entry 406 for each of the first image to the nth image and a unique ID from the first image to the nth image are recorded. The information included in the multiple image format auxiliary information of the first image is different from the multiple image format auxiliary information of the second image and thereafter.

  (B) in FIG. 7 shows the structure of the entry 406 of each of the first image to the n-th image. In each entry 406 of the first image to the nth image, an image type 407, an image data offset, a lower image 1 entry number, and a lower image 2 entry number are recorded. FIG. 7C shows the internal structure of the image type 407. In the image type 407, a main image flag, a lower image flag, and an upper image flag are recorded. In the main image flag, 1 is recorded when the image is the main image, and 0 is recorded otherwise. In the lower image flag, 1 is recorded when the image is positioned below the other images, and 0 is recorded otherwise. In the upper image flag, 1 is recorded when the image is positioned higher than other images, and 0 is recorded otherwise.

[First embodiment]
This embodiment relates to direct printing by PictBridge, and relates to claims 1 to 4.

  FIG. 8 shows processing in the case where communication is performed between the digital camera (DSC) 3012 and the PD printer 1000 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, image data is supplied from the DSC 3012 to the PD printer 1000, and printing is performed. FIG. In FIG. 8, STEP 1 to STEP 22 indicate processing in the DSC 3012, and STEP 31 to STEP 43 indicate processing in the PD printer 1000. In STEP 1 and STEP 31, it is confirmed that the DSC 3012 and the PD printer 1000 mutually comply with the DPS specification. In this state, the DSC 3012 inquires of the PD printer 1000 about the printer status and device information. In response to this, the PD printer 1000 notifies the PD printer 1000 status and device information at that time. In this device information, for example, the version of the connection protocol, the printer vendor name, the model name, etc. are notified. In this way, in STEP 2, the DSC 3012 stores “Information 1” required in the printer status and device information in the RAM 3102. This “information 1” includes information required later when the image file is converted by the DSC 3012. Next, the DSC 3012 requests the Capability of the PD printer 1000 as indicated by 602 in FIG. In this process, the DSC 3012 also recognizes whether the PD printer 1000 is compatible with DisconnectEnable. As a result, the PD printer 1000 creates capability information (Capability) related to the printing function of the PD printer 1000 and transmits it to the DSC 3012 in STEP 32. The DSC 3012 receives this capability (STEP 3). In STEP 4, a UI is constructed based on this capability and displayed on the display unit 2700. Here, for example, selectable paper sizes are A4 size and B5 size. The PD printer 1000 is loaded with plain paper and photographic paper, and 1-up, 2-up, and 4-up layout printing can be designated as “no border” or “with border”. If the date can be printed, these items can be selected arbitrarily. A UI screen that cannot select other items is displayed on display unit 2700.

  Next, in STEP 5, the DSC 3012 extracts files that can be printed by the PD printer 1000 from the files recorded on the memory card 3109. At this time, an image included in the multiple image format file (hereinafter referred to as a single extracted image) is also extracted. Further, a file name is assigned to the single extracted image, and correspondence information between the image and the file name is generated. Details of the printable image file extraction process in STEP 5 will be described later. Next, in STEP 6, the user of the DSC 3012 refers to the constructed UI screen, selects images to be printed from the images extracted in STEP 5, and sets the print format of these images. The setting of the print format of the image is based on the capabilities of the PD printer 1000 received in STEP 3, such as the number of prints, paper size, layout, date printing presence / absence, and the like. Next, in STEP 7, “information 2” previously set by the user is stored in the RAM 3102. This “information 2” includes information such as an image, a paper size, and a layout set using the UI. Next, when the user gives an instruction to start printing using the UI, the process proceeds to STEP 8 to create a print job file for instructing the printing. In STEP 9, the created print job file is transmitted to the PD printer 1000. This print job file is received by the PD printer 1000 in STEP33. Next, in STEP 34, the PD printer 1000 prepares for printing by analyzing the received print job file. Then, an “image file information acquisition request” (image file name) to be printed described in the print job file is issued to the DSC 3012. Note that in a service that operates on a PTP (Picture Transfer Protocol) on USB such as PictBridge, the “image file information acquisition request” corresponds to “GetObjectInfo” defined in the PTP. However, the role of “image file information acquisition request” in this embodiment is to transmit the creation timing of the image file from the PD printer 1000 to the DSC 3012. In the present embodiment, “image file information acquisition request” is used as one means for transmitting the creation timing. However, such means is not limited to this, and other dedicated commands or existing Communication commands may be used. The creation timing may be after the user's print settings are confirmed in STEP 6 above. This embodiment is characterized in that the timing of “creation of an image file for printing” is notified from the PD printer 1000 to the DSC 3012. In STEP 10, the “image file information acquisition request” is received by the DSC 3012.

  Next, proceeding to STEP 11, processing for creating a print image file to be transmitted to the PD printer 1000, which is a feature of this embodiment, is executed. The processing of STEP 11 will be described later in detail. Next, in STEP 12, the information of the created image file for printing (ObjectInfo Data: including image format, image file name, data size, directory, date, etc.) is transmitted to the PD printer 1000. Next, in STEP 35, the PD printer 1000 receives information on the image file for printing. In STEP 36, a print image file acquisition request designated in STEP 35 is transmitted to the DSC 3012. In STEP 13, the DSC 3012 receives this image file acquisition request. In STEP 14, the requested image file for printing is transmitted to the PD printer 1000. In STEP 37, the PD printer 1000 receives the print image file. In STEP 38, the PD printer 1000 determines whether all print image files have been received or whether further image file requests to the DSC 3012 are unnecessary. If it is determined as “unnecessary” in STEP 38, the process proceeds to STEP 39. In STEP39, the PD printer 1000 notifies the DSC 3012 that it is possible to connect, and continues the processing after STEP40. The DSC 3012 receives the notification of STEP39 in STEP15. Subsequently, in STEP 16, the printing image (single extracted image) file generated in STEP 11 and related information are deleted from the RAM 3102. Subsequently, in STEP 17, the file name of the single extracted image file generated in STEP 5 and the correspondence information between the image and the file name are cleared. Thereafter, in STEP 18, the display unit (2700) is used to notify the user that the connection with the PD printer 1000 can be released. In STEP 19, it is monitored whether the connection with the PD printer 1000 is released by the user. When the connection is released, the DSC 3012 process is immediately terminated. Continue monitoring when connected.

  If it is determined as “necessary” in STEP 38, the process proceeds to STEP 40. In STEP 40, the image data of the image file received in STEP 37 is decoded and subjected to image processing, and converted into an image in a format that can be output by the PD printer 1000 (STEP 38). In STEP 41, printing is performed based on the converted image data. In STEP 42, it is determined whether printing has been completed up to the end of the image data. If printing has not been completed, for example, the PD printer 1000 cannot sufficiently secure a buffer area for storing the received image data. In STEP 37, the image data of the image file is divided and received. The case where it processes is considered. In this case, the process returns to STEP 34, and an “image file information acquisition request” is transmitted again to the DSC 3012. In step 37, the partial data of the image data of the image file is received and printed in the same procedure as described above.

  In this way, when the printing of the image data of the image file is completed in STEP 42, the process proceeds to STEP 43 to notify the DSC 3012 that the printing of the image file is completed. However, if DisconnectEnable functions in the processing of STEP 19 and the processing on the DSC 3012 side has already been completed, the processing after STEP 43 is not performed. At this time, it goes without saying that the job end processing on the PD printer 1000 side based on the DisconnectEnable function specification is performed. In STEP 20, the DSC 3012 receives the print end notification in STEP 43. In STEP 21, the DSC 3012 deletes the print image (single extracted image) file and related information generated in STEP 11 as in STEP 16. In STEP 22 and as in STEP 17, the file name of the single extracted image file and the correspondence information between the image and the file name generated in STEP 5 are cleared, and the process ends. However, the original image file stored in the memory card 3109 is saved as it is.

  In the above-described STEP 41, when the amount of image data acquired is not sufficient, for example, when it is smaller than the amount of data to be recorded in one scan of the recording head, even if image processing in STEP 40 is possible, Cannot print. In this case, without performing the printing operation in STEP 41, the determination of STEP 42 is made and the process proceeds to STEP 34. Also, after the creation of the image file is completed in STEP 11, “image file information” is transmitted from the DSC 3012 to the PD printer 1000 in STEP 12. This is a response to the “image file information acquisition request” (GetObjectInfo) (STEP 34) from the PD printer 1000 in STEP 34 described above. This “image file information” also has a role of informing the PD printer 1000 that the conversion and creation processing of the image file has been completed in the DSC 3012, as in the “request for acquisition of image file information” described above. Therefore, transmission of “image file information” in the present embodiment is not limited to this, and other dedicated commands or existing communication commands may be used.

  In this example, when the DSC 3012 receives a disconnect enable notification in STEP 15, the user is notified in STEP 18 that the connection to the PD printer 1000 can be released, and the disconnection timing is left to the user. However, by omitting STEP 18 and STEP 19, it is possible to realize quicker disconnection of the DSC 3012 without waiting for a user operation. After the connection is released, the DSC 3012 may return to the standby screen or may be turned off, and can take various forms.

  Next, printable image file extraction processing (STEP 5) in the DSC 3012 according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining printable image file extraction processing (STEP 5) in the DSC 3012 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9A shows the whole of STEP5. FIGS. 9B and 9C show the predefined processing flow used in FIG.

  First, in FIG. 9A, STEP 500 is a loop for determining whether all files stored in the memory card 3109 of the DSC 3012 can be printed in order. The file format is determined for one file in the memory card 3109 by the image file format determination in STEP 501, and the information is passed to STEP 502. In STEP 502, it is determined whether or not the image file is a multiple image format file. If it is determined that the image file is a multi-image file, the process proceeds to STEP 503. In the file format determination here, for example, determination based on the extension of the image file may be performed. In STEP 503, the inside of the multi-format image file is analyzed, and the number of single extracted images (n) included in the index IFD 404 shown in FIG. 7A is detected. STEP 504 is a loop for the number of single extracted images detected in STEP 503. STEP 505 is executed for the number of single extracted images n times. The processing executed in STEP 505 is shown in FIG. In FIG. 9B, STEP 510 extracts the nth single extracted image. Here, based on the format of the multi-format image file shown in FIG. 6, extraction of each single extracted image using SOI is performed. For this extraction, all the single extracted images included in the multiple image format file need only be extracted in the loop of STEP 504. For example, each time the processing of STEP 510 is executed, it may be detected sequentially from the beginning of the file.

  In the printability determination in STEP 511, the single extraction is performed using the format of the single extracted image that is currently determined to be printable passed from STEP 510, the Capability obtained in STEP 3 of FIG. 8, and the convertible determination condition described later. Determine whether the image is printable. Then, the determination result is passed to STEP 512.

  The convertible determination condition may be as follows. A single extracted image file management information and a RAM area capable of storing the image file can be secured. The single extracted image file management information includes file ID and file name of the image file and information that enables access to the file. The management target file ID may manage a plurality of IDs necessary to enable printing based on PictBridge and DPOF standards such as a file name. The information that enables access to the file depends on the generation processing form of the single extracted image file in STEP 11 of FIG. The file name may be acceptable, or it may be a pointer to the image data in the multiple image format file. The processing contents of STEP 11 will be described later, but various embodiments can be considered as this embodiment.

  Here, an example of processing in STEP 511 is shown. However, as long as it can be confirmed whether the following two conditions are satisfied, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that any judgment can be made. 1. The single extracted image data satisfies the capability of the printer 1000 as an input image file. 2. 8, only the image data portion can be transmitted as an input image file to the printer 1000.

  In STEP 512, whether to perform the processing of STEP 513 and STEP 514 is switched based on the result of STEP 511. In STEP 513, the single extracted image file management information described above is generated and stored for the single extracted image. In registration in the printable image file list in STEP 514, the single extracted image is registered in the printable image file list. The printable image file list is stored on the RAM 3102 of the DSC 3012. The list format may be any format as long as it can identify which image file in the memory card 3109 can be printed. However, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that it is desirable that the memory size be reduced. By the processing of STEP 503, STEP 504, and STEP 505, printable image determination and registration processing are performed for all single extracted images in the multiple image format file.

  The processing executed in STEP 506 is shown in FIG. In FIG. 9C, in the printability determination of STEP 520, it is determined whether printing is possible based on the format of the single image currently being determined to be printable and the Capability acquired in STEP3 of FIG. It is passed to STEP521. It is confirmed that the single image format satisfies the capability of the printer 1000 as an input image file. In STEP521, whether to perform the processing of STEP522 is switched based on the result of STEP520. In registration in the printable image file list in STEP 522, the single image file is registered in the printable image file list. The printable image file list is stored on the RAM 3102 of the DSC 3012. The list format may be any format as long as it can identify which image file in the memory card 3109 can be printed. However, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that it is desirable that the memory size be reduced. It is the same as STEP514. By the processing in STEP 506, printable image determination and registration processing for a single image file are performed.

  By performing the above processing on all files in STEP 500, the printable image file extraction processing in STEP 5 is performed. Here, an example of determining whether printing is possible for all files in the processing of STEP 5 has been shown, but it goes without saying that the determination target files may be narrowed down in advance by file identifiers or the like.

  Next, image file creation processing (STEP 11) in the DSC 3012 according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining image file creation processing (STEP 11) in the DSC 3012 according to the first embodiment. First, in STEP 1100, it is determined whether or not the image file requested in STEP 10 in FIG. 8 indicates a single extracted image. If it is determined that a single extracted image is requested, the process proceeds to STEP 1101. If it is determined as NO, it means that a single image is requested. Therefore, since there is already an image file to be transmitted to the PD printer 1000, the processing of STEP11 is terminated.

  In STEP 1101, the format of an image to be actually transferred to the PD printer 1000 is acquired based on “Information 2” stored in STEP 6 of FIG. In STEP 1102, the single extracted image requested to be transferred is converted into a transfer image format determined in STEP 1101 and stored. However, in the case of a multi-image format file as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, since “single extracted image = JPEG image”, the format conversion is not necessary if the transfer image format is JPEG. If format conversion is not required, storing only the storage position in the multiple image format file rather than newly generating an image file after format conversion leads to a reduction in the memory usage of the DSC 3012. In this case, the file size may be read from the position stored at the time of image file transmission in STEP 14 of FIG.

  Here, the processing in the example in which the single extracted image is transferred to the PD printer 1000 in the JPEG format has been described. However, when conversion to a format other than JPEG is required, it goes without saying that the DSC 3012 needs to perform JPEG combination processing on a single extracted image and encoding processing to a transfer image format. However, since the JPEG is the de facto standard as a transfer image format in the DSC and PRT that support the PictBridge function, the function can be realized even with the above-described configuration alone. In the case where format conversion is required, the converted file may be stored in the memory of the DSC 3012 in STEP1102. Further, depending on the transfer image file format, as a measure for saving memory in this case, it is conceivable to execute the image file transmission process and the file conversion process in STEP 14 in FIG. 8 in parallel. However, in this case, it is necessary to transmit the information on the transferred image file (ObjectInfo Data: including image format, image file name, data size, directory, date, etc.) to the PD printer 1000 in STEP 12 of FIG. For this reason, it is necessary to perform pre-analysis or the like and prepare these pieces of information. In STEP 1103, the transfer image file information (ObjectInfo Dataset: including image format, image file name, data size, directory, date, etc.) is generated and stored.

  Here, with respect to the image file name, a secondary effect may be obtained by performing the following consideration. Make sure that the extension of the transfer image file matches the transfer image format. With this consideration, it is possible to print on a PD printer 1000 that checks the extension of the transfer image file. Even if a multiple image format file having a new extension is defined in the future, if this consideration is made on the image supply device side, backward compatibility can be obtained.

  In the above description, the DSC 3012 obtains “information 1” such as device information of the printer, obtains “information 2” as information set by the camera user based on the UI corresponding to the function of the printer, and stores the information. Remember it. Based on these pieces of information, image data to be printed can be created and transmitted to the printer. Thereby, the format of the image data transmitted from the camera to the printer can be matched with the printing conditions in the printer. For a single extracted image, when transferring image data to the PD printer 1000, it is possible to reduce the data transfer amount by transferring only the image data portion. In addition, this makes it possible to create favorable conditions in terms of the functional conditions of PictBridge.

  As described above, the first embodiment has the following effects. 1. All printable image data based on the capability of the PD printer 1000, including a single extracted image in a multiple image format file, can be extracted from the file recorded in the memory card 3019 of the DSC 3012. 2. The printable single extracted image data can be appropriately converted and transmitted to a format allowed by the capability of the PD printer 1000, and printing can be performed. 3. By extracting, converting, and transmitting printable single-extracted image data, the amount of data transfer can be reduced compared to the case of transmitting the multiple image format file itself. As a result, unnecessary consumption of the battery of the DSC 3012 can be suppressed. Furthermore, favorable conditions can be created in terms of functional conditions of DisconnectEnable. 4). When the single extracted image data is converted, the extension of the file is matched with the format allowed by the capability of the PD printer 1000, so that the PD printer 1000 that does not support the multiple image format file can also print. Backward compatibility can be maintained. 5. The PD printer 1000 notifies the DSC 3012 of the creation start timing of the image file, and when the creation of the image file is completed, the DSC 3012 notifies the PD printer 1000 to transmit and print the image file, thereby synchronizing the processing of each other. Highly reliable printing is possible. 6). The single extracted image file created from the multiple image format file stored in the memory card 3109 and the management information thereof are deleted when the transfer of the image file to the PD printer 1000 is completed, and therefore remain in the memory of the DSC 3012. Reducing the remaining memory.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, a case will be described in which PictBridge is used to perform direct printing based on the DPOF setting set by the user in the DSC 3012. The present invention relates to claims 5 and 6.

  When performing DPOF setting printing by PictBridge, DPOF setting and setting file generation, and job generation by analyzing the setting file can be executed in the DSC 3012. Since it can be separated from the communication / printing process by PictBridge and the DisconnectEnable process as shown in the first embodiment, description of these processes will be omitted. However, it is needless to say that by providing the same configuration as the configuration, it is possible to reduce the amount of transferred image file data and create favorable conditions in terms of DisconnectEnable conditions even in DPOF setting printing by PictBridge. For the above-described reason, in this embodiment, how to print an arbitrary image in a plurality of image formats based on the DPOF setting standard will be described.

  The following description is based on the assumption that the UI of the DSC 3012 is constructed and the printable image is extracted based on the capability of the PD printer 1000 by the same procedure as in FIGS. 8 and 9 described in the first embodiment. .

  FIG. 11 shows an example of a DPOF print setting file. The print setting file in FIG. 11 describes a setting for printing one copy of an image “ABC — 0001.jpg” in the Standard Print mode. Next, the contents will be described. [HDR] described in the setting file is a Header section in which information common to all prints in the setting file is described. Since the contents described in this section are not related to the present embodiment, the description is omitted. [JOB] is a Job section in which information necessary for executing each print is described. Used for setting for printing designated image unit. “PRT PID” in this section is an ID assigned to a unit called a print group in the DPOF standard. “PRT TYP” indicates the type of Print, and “STD” shown in FIG. 11 means that StandardPrint is specified. “PRT QTY” is the number of copies, and one copy is designated in FIG. “IMG FMT” is a format of a print image file. In FIG. 11, ExifVer2. x is specified. “IMG SRC” describes a relative path to the print image file. The relative path is described with reference to the folder in which the setting file is stored. “CFG DSC” is a character string set for the image file designated by “IMG SRC”, and designates a character string to be printed when performing date printing or the like.

  As described above, since DPOF can only specify a print image by a file path, print setting for an arbitrary image in a plurality of image formats cannot be performed. In order to solve this problem, the present embodiment takes the following measures. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an overview of enabling printing designation of an arbitrary image in a multiple image format file by the DPOF setting file according to the second embodiment. A multi-image format file 501 is stored in the memory card 3109 attached to the DSC 3012, and the file name is “ABC — 0001.xyz”. Reference numeral 502 denotes an m-th image extracted from the multiple image format file “ABC — 0001.xyz” designated by the user for printing using the UI of the DSC 3012 and converted into an individual file. The file name is “XYZ — 000m.jpg”. The individual file names may be assigned within the range in accordance with the DPOF standard, the PictBridge standard, etc., and the DSC 3012 is unique within the memory card 3109.

  This individual file may be stored in the memory card 3109 or the RAM 3102 in the DSC 3012 if the DPOF setting file according to this embodiment is temporary. Furthermore, as described in the first embodiment, it is not always necessary to generate a file if conversion is not required for individualization, and it is possible to manage only the file name and the storage location in the multiple image format file. Needless to say, it is good. When the DPOF setting file is not temporary, the individual file cannot be guaranteed to be printed unless the lifetime is matched with the DPOF setting file. Therefore, when the printing is guaranteed, storage in the memory card 3109 is essential. Reference numeral 503 denotes an example of a DPOF setting file according to the present embodiment. As apparent from “IMG SRC”, the previous individual file name is designated as the print target image file.

  With the above measures, it is possible to designate printing of any image in the multiple image format file using the DPOF setting file. Further, when the DPOF setting file is temporary, it is possible to perform memory saving processing without performing individual file creation. As described above, the second embodiment has the following effects.

  The same configuration as that of the first embodiment is provided for the communication / print processing by PictBridge and the ConnectEnable processing. By doing so, even in DPOF setting printing by PictBridge, it is possible to reduce the amount of transferred image file data and to create favorable conditions in terms of ConnectEnable conditions. Furthermore, the following effects can also be obtained. 1. An arbitrary image in the multiple image format file can be designated for printing using the POF setting file. 2. When the DPOF setting file is temporary, it is possible to perform memory-saving processing without performing individual files.

1 is a schematic perspective view of a PD printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a general-view figure of the operation panel of PD printer concerning this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the principal part which concerns on control of PD printer which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of DSC which concerns on this Embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a rough signal flow when printing is performed by issuing a print request from a DSC to a PD printer in the printing system according to the present embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of a multiple image format. It is explanatory drawing of index IFD of a multiple image format. It is a figure explaining the process in the case of communicating between the digital camera (DSC) and PD printer which concern on Embodiment 1 of this invention, supplying image data from DSC to PD printer, and printing. It is a flowchart explaining the process (STEP5) of printable image file extraction which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the creation process (STEP11) of the image file in DSC which concerns on this Embodiment 1. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a DPOF print setting file. FIG. It is a figure which shows the outline | summary which enables printing designation | designated of the arbitrary image in a multiple image format file by the DPOF setting file based on this Embodiment 2. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

1000 Photo Direct Printer Device 1010 Operation Panel of Photo Direct Printer Device (1000) 1011 Viewer of Photo Direct Printer Device (1000) 1012 USB Terminal for Connecting Digital Camera of Photo Direct Printer Device (1000) 2700 Digital Camera (DSC) 3012 Liquid Crystal Display Unit 3000 Control Unit (Control Base) of Photo Direct Printer Device (1000)
3001 ASIC (Dedicated Custom LSI) for Control Unit (3000)
3002 DSP (Digital Signal Processor) of Control Unit (3000)
3003 Memory of control unit (3000) 3003a Program memory of control unit (3000) 3004 Printer engine of control unit (3000) 3005 USB connector as a port for connecting digital camera (DSC) 3012 of control unit (3000) 3006 Connector for connecting the viewer 1011 of the control unit (3000) 3008 USB hub of the control unit (3000) 3009 Power supply connector of the control unit (3000) 3010 PC (personal computer)
3011 Memory card 3012 Digital camera (DSC)
3019 power supply 3021 USB
3022 IEEE1284 bus 3100 CPU of digital camera (DSC) 3012
3101 ROM of digital camera (DSC) 3012
3102 RAM of digital camera (DSC) 3012
3103 Switch group of digital camera (DSC) 3012 3105 Optical unit of digital camera (DSC) 3012 3106 CCD element of digital camera (DSC) 3012 3107 Driver of optical unit (3105) of digital camera (DSC) 3012 3108 Digital camera (DSC) ) 3012 storage medium (3109) connector 3109 storage medium 3110 USB interface of digital camera (DSC) 3012

Claims (6)

A printing system having an image supply device and a printing apparatus, and printing an image by the printing apparatus based on an image file supplied from the image supply device,
The image supply device includes:
Image file storage means for storing image files;
Print image designating means capable of designating printing of at least one image in a plurality of image format files stored in the image file storage means;
Supply image file generation means for generating at least one image file to be supplied to the printing apparatus from the plurality of image format files based on the image information designated for printing by the print image designation means;
Supply image file ID generating means for generating a supply image file ID corresponding to the supply image file;
Supply image file management means for managing the supply image file and the supply image file ID in association with each other;
In response to a supply image file acquisition request based on the supply image file ID from the printing apparatus, a transmission means for transmitting the supply image file stored in the supply image storage means to the printing apparatus,
The printing apparatus includes:
Receiving means for receiving the supplied image file transmitted by the transmitting means in response to the supply image file acquisition request;
Received image storage means capable of storing at least part of the supplied image file received by the receiving means;
A reception completion judging means for judging whether or not all the image files designated for printing in the received image storage means have been received;
A reception completion notification means for notifying the image supply device to that effect when reception completion is recognized by the reception completion determination means;
Further, the image supply device includes:
Based on the notification from the reception completion notification means, comprising a connection release possible notification means for notifying the user that the connection with the printing apparatus can be released,
The supply image file in the multiple image format file can be designated for printing, the amount of data transferred between the transmission unit and the reception unit is reduced, and the connection of the image supply device with the printing apparatus is canceled early. A printing system characterized by notifying that printing is possible. A printing system having an image supply device and a printing apparatus, and printing an image by the printing apparatus based on an image file supplied from the image supply device,
The image supply device includes:
Image file storage means for storing image files;
Print image designating means capable of designating printing of at least one image in a plurality of image format files stored in the image file storage means;
Supply image file generation means for generating at least one image file to be supplied to the printing apparatus from the plurality of image format files based on the image information designated for printing by the print image designation means;
Supply image file ID generating means for generating a supply image file ID corresponding to the supply image file;
Supply image file management means for managing the supply image file and the supply image file ID in association with each other;
In response to a supply image file acquisition request based on the supply image file ID from the printing apparatus, a transmission means for transmitting the supply image file stored in the supply image storage means to the printing apparatus,
The printing apparatus includes:
Receiving means for receiving the supplied image file transmitted by the transmitting means in response to the supply image file acquisition request;
Received image storage means capable of storing at least part of the supplied image file received by the receiving means;
A reception completion judging means for judging whether or not all the image files designated for printing in the received image storage means have been received;
A reception completion notification means for notifying the image supply device to that effect when reception completion is recognized by the reception completion determination means;
Further, the image supply device includes:
Based on the notification from the reception completion notification unit, a connection release unit that releases the connection with the printing apparatus is provided.
The supply image file in the multiple image format file can be designated for printing, the amount of data transferred between the transmission unit and the reception unit is reduced, and the connection of the image supply device with the printing apparatus is canceled early. A printing system characterized by enabling the above.   When the user is informed that the connection with the printing apparatus can be disconnected by the disconnection possible notification means, when the connection with the printing apparatus is released by the user or without being disconnected The image supply device according to claim 1, wherein when the printing process is completed, the supply image file, the supply image file ID, and the supply image file management information are deleted.   The image supply device according to claim 1, wherein the supply image file, the supply image file ID, and the supply image file management information are deleted based on a notification from the reception completion notification unit. The image supply device used in a direct printing system by an image supply device and a printing apparatus,
Image file storage means for storing image files;
Print image designating means capable of designating printing of at least one image in a plurality of image format files stored in the image file storage means;
Supply image file generation means for generating at least one image file to be supplied to the printing apparatus from the plurality of image format files based on the image information designated for printing by the print image designation means;
Supply image file ID generating means for generating a supply image file ID corresponding to the supply image file;
Supply image file management means for managing the supply image file and the supply image file ID in association with each other;
A print image designation file generation means for generating a print image designation file based on the print image designation means and the supply image file ID;
An image supply device, wherein the supply image file in the multi-image format file can be designated for printing by the print image designation file.   6. The image supply device according to claim 5, wherein when the print image designation file is deleted, the supply image file, the supply image file ID, and the supply image file management information are also deleted.

Images