JP2001333387A - Equipment, system and method for information communication - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide information communication equipment, an information communication system and an information communicating method with which a user can receive a plurality of image or sound files to be reproduced from an information transmitting part and easily reproduce the image or sound files by performing a remote operation from an information receiving part. SOLUTION: The information transmitting part transmits a batch file in which directory information where information to be reproduced is contained and also the file name of the information to be reproduced and a reproduction condition under which reproduction is performed are described. The information receiving part receives the batch file, records the received batch file on a recording medium, receives the information to be reproduced on the basis of the directory information and the file name described in the batch file and reproduces the received information on the basis of the reproduction condition described in the batch file.

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 pull model for receiving an image or sound reproduced between communication apparatuses. About.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A digital camera in which data relating to the number of orders is stored in a memory card in a camera body by setting the number of orders for an image displayed on a monitor and pressing an execution button after setting the number of orders. This is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-150673.

[0003] Further, receiving side data format information is received from a printer, and the receiving side data format information is compared with data in a "conversion data format" column of a data format conversion table developed in a RAM, and is used by the digital camera. Select a data format with the highest priority from among data formats that can be converted and data formats that can be received by the printer, set it as the data format of the image data to be transmitted, and Format conversion program in ROM
A communication system, a transmitting device, a receiving device, which reads out from the image data to be transmitted after converting the data format of the image data to be transmitted to the set data format,
A communication control method and a data transmission method of the system are disclosed in JP-A-10-341327.

[0004]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Conventional Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-1
In the digital camera disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 50673, a print order file in which print order information is described is also recorded in a medium on which an image is recorded, and when the medium is mounted on a printer or a device on a laboratory service side. The print processing is automatically executed at the same time. However, recent digital cameras record images on removable media such as a memory card,
A device having a communication interface for external connection, such as C, USB, etc., is generally used.

Although a conventional method of instructing printing using a print order file recorded on a memory card is convenient, it can only cope with a method of transferring an image stored in the same directory as a print order file. When printing an image stored in a plurality of directories in the medium as described above, the image is read out by designating the path of the image file to be printed recorded in the medium. However, when printing an image via a communication interface, the path name and directory name of the transmission source medium are not meaningful on the recording medium of the image receiving side (printer side), and the same file name is stored in the same directory. When receiving images via the communication interface, the method for reading images using the print order file described above cannot be used as it is, and conditions for printing must be set separately. There has been a problem that an operation such as resetting is required.

Further, when a user mistakenly designates a print order file once used for executing printing,
The printer performs printing again, resulting in a problem of performing unnecessary printing work.

[0007] Further, since the printer usually has only a recording medium capable of recording one or a small number of images, a plurality of images to be printed are collectively transmitted to the printer and then printed. Even if the order file is transmitted, it cannot be recorded if the number of frames to be printed exceeds the capacity of the recording medium.

A communication system disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 10-341327 is a communication system in which a digital camera and a printer are directly connected by communication, and an image from the digital camera is printed by the printer. It is necessary to operate both the printer and the printer to perform the printing process, and the operability is very complicated. In addition, there is an inconvenience that it is impossible to set the image to be printed and the number of prints in advance and execute batch processing collectively.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and receives a batch file in which playback conditions are described, and transmits image or audio information based on the playback conditions described in the batch file. It is an object of the present invention to provide an information communication device, an information communication system, and an information communication method that can easily receive and reproduce information from an information transmission device via an interface.

[0010]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a first recording medium for recording an image or sound to be reproduced, and wherein the image or sound to be reproduced is stored. A second recording medium for recording a batch file in which directory information, a file name of the image or sound to be reproduced, and the reproduction conditions for reproduction are described;
An information transmitting apparatus including a first communication unit that transmits the batch file and the image or sound to be reproduced, and an image based on the batch file and directory information and a file name described in the batch file. Or a second communication unit for receiving a voice and a voice, a third recording medium for recording a batch file received via the second communication unit, and an image or a voice received via the second communication unit. And an information receiving apparatus having a reproducing means for reproducing the information based on the reproducing conditions described in the batch file.

According to the present invention, an information communication system comprises: a first recording medium for recording an image or sound to be reproduced; directory information storing the image or sound to be reproduced; and a file of the image or sound to be reproduced. A second recording medium for recording a batch file in which a name and the reproduction condition for reproduction are described; and first communication means for transmitting the batch file and transmitting the image or sound to be reproduced. An information transmitting device, a second communication unit that receives an image or a sound based on the batch file, directory information and a file name described in the batch file, and a batch received via the second communication unit. A third recording medium for recording a file, and an image or sound received via the second communication means are written in the batch file. Because it is composed of an information receiving apparatus and a reproducing means for reproducing, based on the reproduction condition,
It is possible to receive a batch file describing playback conditions and easily receive and reproduce image or audio information from an information transmission device via a communication interface based on the playback conditions described in the batch file. Becomes

[0012]

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 an information transmitting device, and a printer, which is an embodiment of an 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.

Further, when information such as image data and audio data is transmitted and received to and from an external device by communication, an antenna 32 for transmitting and receiving a carrier wave and data, a communication connector 34 used for performing wired communication, an image A recording medium mounting portion 38 used when exchanging information via a removable recording medium 36 for recording information such as audio is provided.

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 other communication devices by communication, a communication cable 44 used for performing wired communication, and an insertion / removal. 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
An automatic print button 66 for instructing execution of image printing according to a predetermined printing procedure, and an automatic print validity display 68 for notifying that an automatic print batch file or a print order file exists and that automatic printing is valid. Are provided. An individual print button 70 for instructing individual printing from a plurality of images is provided.
, An individual print valid display 72 for notifying that the individual print is in an effective state, a forward button 74 for instructing to sequentially advance the image to be printed, and a reverse button 76 for instructing to reverse the image to be printed. Are provided.

The printer 40 has a display means 130 composed of a color liquid crystal display or the like for displaying communication information, a thumbnail image of a selected image file, and information on printing, and transmits and receives information to and from another communication device. A communication mode button 78 for setting the processing mode of the printer 40 as a communication mode to be performed and a communication status display 79 for notifying a user of a communication status being performed with another communication device are provided.

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

According to FIG. 1, a mode switching dial 22 has a communication mode (indicated as Online in FIG. 2) for performing communication with another communication device (such as an information receiving device), and a shooting mode for performing shooting. The mode (described as Cam in FIG. 2),
A reproduction mode for reproducing recorded images (FIG. 2)
Is described as “Play”), and a setup mode for setting the date, shooting mode, number of shooting pixels, auto power-off time, setting the volume of a warning sound, creating a print order file, and the like. By switching the mode switching dial 22 by the user, each mode of the electronic camera 10 can be set.

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

The image pickup system of the electronic camera 10 is provided with an image pickup means 80 for forming an image of a subject on a light receiving surface, photoelectrically converting the image, and outputting it as image data. Information processing means 8
Reference numeral 2 denotes control of the entire electronic camera 10 and various information processing such as image data sampling timing control, image data recording control, communication control, display control, image data pixel number conversion processing, and setting of a power saving mode. And control such as release.

The image pickup system of the electronic camera 10 includes an 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, and converts an analog image signal into a digital image. An A / D converter 86 for converting 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:
Compression / expansion means 92 for controlling the compression of image data and audio data information by a method represented by JPEG or MPEG, and for controlling the expansion / decompression of the compressed data, and recording the image data on the removable recording medium 36 A recording medium interface 94 for converting data for reading and reading 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 has a ROM in which an operation program and various constants are stored, and a recording area which serves as a work area when executing the program and which can temporarily record images and sounds or record a batch file. The means R
The memory 96 constituted by AM and the electronic camera 1
A non-volatile memory 97, which is a recording means capable of continuing to record various constants relating to the operation of 0 and various information such as a batch file even when the power is turned off, a calendar clock 98 for managing photographing date and time; Flash control means 102 for controlling light emission of a flash 100 that emits light to compensate for the light amount of the subject is connected via a bus 104.

The communication means of the electronic camera 10 used for transmitting and receiving information such as images and voices to and from external devices through communication includes image data,
Transmitting and receiving means 106 for transmitting or receiving information such as a batch file in which audio data, reproduction conditions and file names are described, and an antenna 32 for transmitting and receiving carrier waves and data
And a communication connector 34 used to connect devices that transmit and receive information such as image data, audio data, and batch files with a communication cable 44 to perform wired communication.

A display system of the electronic camera 10 includes a D / A converter 108 for converting image data and display information received from another communication device into a signal for display on a display means 16 such as an LCD, A frame memory 110 composed of a VRAM or the like for temporarily recording an image or information to be recorded;
An OSD 112 is provided which converts code information commanded by the information processing means 82 into character or message data to be displayed and displays on-screen with an image. The display means 16 displays a print order file, displays a path name and a directory name (including a folder name) of a directory (including a folder) in which images and sounds are stored, and displays the configuration of the directory. Tree display is possible.

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 set-up 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. Although not shown, it is also possible to create and edit a print order file. However, the mode in which the print order file is created is not limited to this setup mode, and may be executed in another mode such as a reproduction mode.

The date and time are displayed on the calendar clock 9
8 displays the date and time currently engraved, and when the user changes the numerical value by selecting to change the numerical value, the input date / time and time information is transmitted from the information processing means 82 to the calendar clock 98. Then, 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. As described above, when performing high-quality printing or high-quality display, recording is performed in advance under the conditions of a high pixel count and a low compression ratio. If the image data is used for transferring image data to another communication device, recording with a low pixel count and a high compression ratio is performed. Set the amount of data.

The auto-off time is set to a power-saving mode (for example, by lowering the processing speed of the information processing means 82 after a predetermined time set for extending the life of the battery has elapsed). This is a setting of a timeout time for entering a mode in which power supply to unused 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, the volume at which a warning sound is issued to the user at the time of starting the electronic camera 10, at the end of communication processing, at the time of photographing, and 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 the image processing means 84, converted into digital data via the A / D converter 86, and then recorded in the memory 96 for a time. Information processing means 82
Transmits the image data recorded 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 character data recorded 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 recorded 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 transmission 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. Further, a batch file in which print order information is described may be transmitted.

When transmitting and receiving information to and from another communication device via the antenna 32, the user specifies wireless communication as necessary, converts the information into a radio signal or an optical signal, and performs wireless communication. Do. Further, when transmitting / receiving information to / from another communication device via the connector 34, the user designates wired communication as necessary, and connects each device which transmits / receives the information with a communication cable 44. The communication is performed by converting the information into an electric signal or an optical signal by wire. In addition, the electronic camera 10 may automatically recognize and select a wired or wireless communication method.

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

According to the drawing, the information processing system of the printer 40 (information receiving device) includes information processing means (a part of the functions of the reproducing means and the communication means and the function of the collating means) for controlling the entire printer 40. And 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 nonvolatile memory 12 which is a recording unit capable of continuing to store various information such as various constants relating to the operation of the printer 40 and information relating to the batch file even when the power is turned off.
4, a recording medium state display 50, a print state display 56,
A display unit 125 including a power display 62, an automatic print valid display 68, an individual print valid display 72, a communication status display 79, and the like, a power switch 60, a cancel button 64, an automatic print button 66, and an individual print button 7.
0, an input means 126 including a forward button 74, a reverse button 76, a communication mode button 78, 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; and a print engine 128 (reproducing means, printing means) for printing the received image and character information as necessary based on the reproducing conditions described in the print order file. ) And a frame memory 132 for temporarily recording information to be displayed on the display means 130. 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 when transmitting and receiving information such as image data, audio data, and a batch file to and from an external device through communication includes an information processing means 120
A transmission / reception unit 136 for transmitting or receiving directory information or image data in accordance with a command from the PC, an antenna 42 for transmitting / receiving a carrier wave and data, and a device for transmitting / receiving information via a communication cable for communication by wire. And a communication connector 138 used for the 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 performing wireless communication between the electronic camera 10 and the printer 40 is communication means using light such as radio waves, ultrasonic waves, and infrared rays as carrier waves. 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 use a communication line such as a public line, a communication network such as the Internet, or other communication devices. The transmission and reception of information may be performed via the Internet.

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”, an “ORDER” storing the print order file 140A (batch file), and a print order stored in the directory “ORDER”. File 140A “PRT-I
NFO. TXT ", a directory" IMAGE "indicating image data, and a section" 001VACATIO "indicating an image taken by a user during a vacation.
N "," 002BIRTHDAY "directory group 141, and" DSCF0001.JPG "," DSCF
0002. JPG "and the other image file groups 142. As shown in the figure, each directory "001VACATION", "002BIRT"
“HDAY” may store a file having the same name.

For example, the directory name is generally represented by “nnnXXX... X”, where nnn is 001 to 99.
The number representing the directory number of 9 is assigned, and XX
X ... X are given names of arbitrary alphabets. In addition, the above file name is generally “DSCFmmm
m. JPG ”, and DSCF is an identifier indicating an image file captured by the electronic camera.
mm is the file number from 0001 to 9999, JP
G is an identifier indicating that the image data is recorded by the JPEG compression method.

As described above, by adding numbers 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. JPG ", a new file name that does not overlap with the original file name, or a new file name that includes at least a part of the information of the original directory information and the original file name. In this way, each file is named “001-0004.JPG” with a new file name,
"001-0005.JPG", "002-0003.JPG".
By describing the file as "JPG", a plurality of files originally recorded in a distributed manner in each directory can be generated as a unique handle in the same flat directory. Also, print order file 1
A file name for which reproduction is not specified in 40A may be made invisible (as if it does not exist).

By changing the sound or image file name to a new file name as described above, a plurality of image or sound files that originally existed in separate directories can be changed to a single flat directory. It is possible to store them all at once. This is a very effective method for transferring an image or audio file to another recording medium via communication, and transferring the image or audio file to another device via the removable recording media 36 and 46. In this case, it is possible to use the same processing method.
In the information communication system described in the embodiment of the present invention,
After receiving the print order file 140A on the information receiving apparatus side, the image or sound file name received by the information processing means 120 (batch file generation means, file name generation means) of the printer 40 is replaced with a newly generated file name. By changing the file name on the recording medium 46 or the like and generating a new batch file in which the file name described in the original print order file 140A is changed to the newly generated file name, the flattening of the recording directory is performed. Can be achieved. Note that it is also possible to reproduce the received image or sound based on the newly generated batch file.

The directory "001V" shown in FIG.
Each of the image files “DSCF0001.JPG” and “DSCF0” stored in the hierarchy below “ACATION”
003. JPG ”means UXGA (1600 × 1200)
Is an image file recorded with the number of pixels (resolution)
SCF0002. JPG ”is VGA (640 × 480)
Image files having different parameters indicating the properties of the image may be mixed, such as an image file recorded with the number of pixels.

When the user directly specifies an image to be transmitted and printed to the printer 40 (information receiving device), the user first operates the input means 88 of the electronic camera 10 (information transmitting device) to change the processing mode to the transmission mode. Set to. When communication is automatically established between the communication devices, the directory (including the path name and the directory name) and the image file information shown in FIG. You. Then, the user operates the increment button 28 or the decrement button 30 provided on the input means 88 while viewing the display, moves the designated frame, selects a desired image file, and if necessary, When the transmission destination device is selected, transmission of the image starts.

Also, one or more images to be printed by the user and printing conditions (reproduction conditions) are set in the print order file 140A in advance, and the images are collectively or sequentially received from the electronic camera 10 to execute printing. It is also possible. At that time, the communication mode button 78 of the printer 40 (information receiving device) is operated to set the processing mode to the transmission mode. Then, communication is automatically established between the communication devices, and the printer 40 automatically receives the print order file 140A from the electronic camera 10 and sequentially prints images to be printed based on the contents described in the print order file 140A. The print processing is received from the electronic camera 10.

FIG. 7 shows the contents of the print order file.

According to the figure, the print order file 14
0A describes general information (described as GENERAL in FIG. 7) and four print jobs (four types of print condition information). The print condition includes a path name of a directory to which an image to be printed belongs. Image file name, print paper size and paper quality information (Fig. 7
“Type”) and the number-of-prints information are described in, for example, a text format. As the general information, information “DateTime” indicating the date and time when the print order file 140A was last recorded, model name information of the device that last recorded the print order file 140A “Creator” and the like are described. .

In addition to the printing conditions, information such as index print information, trimming and rotation information, image file format, date information, title information, user name, user address, photographing device information, and the like, and colors are changed. Information such as color information for printing may also be described.

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

When the user sets the processing mode of the printer 40 to the communication mode, the processing program of the printer 40 branches to step S100 "image communication mode" (hereinafter abbreviated as S100). . Then, the process proceeds to the next step S102 “connection establishment”, and the communication connection process with the communicable electronic camera 10 is started. Note that the processing mode of the electronic camera 10 is also S200 “image transmission 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 electronic camera 10 is set to the transmission mode, the processing program of the information processing unit 82 proceeds to S202 “establish connection”.

In step S102, the printer 40 connects to the electronic camera 10
Sends a "connection request" command to. Here, a display indicating that the printer 40 is executing the communication connection establishment process (for example, blinking the communication status display 79).
May be performed. When the communication connection establishment processing normally proceeds in the subsequent processing, a display indicating that the communication connection is being performed (for example, the communication status display 79 is turned on).
Execute

After receiving the “connection request” command, the electronic camera 10 sends a response to implement the communication connection after the printer 40
Send to Note that when the electronic camera 10 is in the power saving mode, the electronic camera 10 automatically cancels the power saving mode after receiving the information of the “connection request” and performs communication processing thereafter. Good.

When the communication connection is completed, the processing program of the printer 40 proceeds to S104 “change directory to $ ORDER” and sends a command to the electronic camera 10 to change the current directory to “ORDER”. If the electronic camera 10 cannot switch to the communication connectable mode for some reason, the printer 40 detects the timer timeout after a predetermined time has elapsed, and displays the blinking communication status display 79. The user is notified that communication could not be normally established by turning off the light.

When the electronic camera 10 receives the directory change command, the processing program of the electronic camera 10 calls S204 "change directory" and executes processing for changing the current directory to the specified "ORDER". When the directory transfer processing is completed, a response indicating that the directory transfer has been completed is returned to the printer 40.

When the printer 40 receives a response indicating that the movement of the directory has been completed, the processing program proceeds to the next step S106 “directory browsing”, and issues a directory browsing request (directory information request command) to the electronic camera 10. Send.

When the electronic camera 10 receives the command of "directory browsing", the process of S206 "directory browsing" is performed. Here, the information processing means 8
2 reads out information on directory names and file names stored in the current directory and sends it to the printer 40.

The printer 40 stores the received directory information in the memory 122, the non-volatile memory 124 and the recording medium 46.
And the like. Then, in the next S108 “PR
T-INFO. Is there TXT? ", For example," PRT-INFO.TX "is added to the recorded directory information.
It is determined whether or not the print order file 140A (batch file) represented by the file name “T” is included. If it is determined that the print order file 140A is not included in the directory,
The process branches to S160 “disconnect” to be described later and ends the communication.
If it is determined in step S108 that the print order file 140A is included in the directory, the process proceeds to step S110 "+ /-/ individual print button pressed?" Lights up to notify the user.

In S110, it is determined whether any one of the individual print button 70, the forward button 74, and the reverse button 76 has been pressed in order for the user to select an image to be received. If it is determined that any one of the buttons has been pressed, the flow branches to S112 “end (to individual print mode)” to print order file 1
The process exits the automatic print mode by 40A and shifts to the individual print mode. When the individual print mode is set, an image to be printed can be individually designated by the user using either the printer 40 or the electronic camera 10. If it is determined in S110 that any of the buttons has not been pressed, the process proceeds to S114 "Automatic print pressed?"

In S114, it is determined whether or not the automatic print button 66 has been pressed. If it is determined that the automatic print button 66 has not been pressed,
Returning to step 110, if it is determined that the automatic print button 66 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S116 "PRT-INF".
O. GET TXT ".

In step S116, the electronic camera 10 is notified of a transmission request for a predetermined file (here, the print order file 140A) in order to receive the print order file 140A described in the directory information. When the electronic camera 10 receives the transmission request command, the processing program of the electronic camera 10 executes S208.
“File transmission” is called, the process of reading the specified file from the recording medium and transmitting the file is started, and the specified print order file 140A is transmitted to the printer 40.

When the process of receiving the print order file 140A requested by the printer 40 and recording it on the recording medium is completed in S116, the next S118 “PRT-INFO.
Acquire DateTime and Creator from TXT ”.

In S118, the print order file 14
0A, “DateTime” or “Cr”
A process of reading the usage information of the batch file such as “eator” is performed. The process proceeds to the next step S120 “Acquire DateTime and Creator from the non-volatile memory of the printer”.
The use information recorded in 4) regarding the print order file 140A used for performing the print processing previously is read out. Then, in the next S122 “DateTime of both
Creator matches? Proceed to the determination of The “DateTime”
The information may be described inside the print order file 140A, or the time stamp information of the print order file 140A generally described together with the file name may be used. Further, the information used to determine the collation is not limited to the above-mentioned “DateTime” information and “Creator” information.

In S122, the DateTime information and Creator recorded in the print order file 140A acquired from the electronic camera 10 in S116 this time, and S120
Is determined to check whether the DateTime information read from the recording means of the printer 40 and the Creator are the same. If it is determined that both DateTime information and Creator do not match, S124 "PRT-
INFO. Read JOB from TXT ”. In S122, if it is determined that the DateTime information and the Creator of the two are the same, S1
The process proceeds to the process of "Displaying that" this automatic print has already been executed, and if printing is to be performed, press the automatic print key "". Then, the comparison result is displayed on the display unit 13.
0 may be displayed to notify the user.

In step S126, the information processing means 120 transmits to the frame memory 132 display information for notifying the user that the designated print order file 140A has been used for printing before. Perform processing. The information on this display is, for example, information such as "Printing of this image has already been executed. To execute printing again, press the automatic print button." The "printed image" may be displayed on the display unit 130 to notify the user, and the user may confirm the user's intention by instructing a processing procedure to be performed next.

The display information stored in the frame memory 132 is sequentially transmitted to the display means 130 via the display controller 134 and displayed until the next display command is transmitted from the information processing means 120. Will be notified. If the display means 130 cannot be used for notification, the automatic print validity display 68 may be flashed to notify the user, or the information may be transmitted to the electronic camera 10 and displayed on the display means 16. You may. In this way, it is possible to prevent an image having a previously reproduced history from being reproduced again by mistake.

The display is displayed and the printer 40
The processing program proceeds to the determination of the next S128 “Automatic print button pressed?”. In S128, it is determined whether the automatic print button 66 has been pressed. If it is determined that the automatic print button 66 has been pressed,
The display notified in step S126 is deleted, and the processing program branches to step S124 to automatically execute printing. On the other hand, if it is determined that the automatic print button 66 has not been pressed, the process proceeds to the next step S130, "Is the cancel button pressed?"

At S130, it is determined whether or not the cancel button 64 has been pressed. If it is determined that the cancel button 64 has not been pressed, the processing program branches to S128 and returns. If it is determined that the cancel button 64 has been pressed, the display notified in S126 is deleted, and the process proceeds to the next S160.
The communication processing ends.

In S124, the PRT-INFO. Processing procedure from TXT (described as “JOB” in print order file 140A shown in FIG. 7)
Are read in order, and processing for analyzing the communication and printing steps to be performed thereafter is performed. When the analysis processing is completed, the next S1
32. The process proceeds to “Change directory to Path specified in JOB”.

In S132, a command to move the current directory of the electronic camera 10 to the path in which the image file specified in the first job of the print order file 140A is stored is transmitted to the electronic camera 10. When the electronic camera 10 receives the directory change command, the electronic camera 10 performs a process of changing the current directory to the specified directory in S204 “change directory”. A response indicating that the movement of the directory has been completed is returned.

When the printer 40 receives a response indicating that the movement of the directory has been completed, the processing program proceeds to the next step S134 “directory browsing”, and issues a directory browsing request (directory information request command) to the electronic camera 10. Send.

When the electronic camera 10 receives the command of "directory browsing", the process of S206 "directory browsing" is performed. Here, the information processing means 8
2 reads out information on directory names and file names stored in the current directory and sends it to the printer 40.

The printer 40 stores the received directory information in the memory 122, the non-volatile memory 124, and the recording medium 46.
And the like. Then, the next S136 “JO
Is there an image file specified in B? , It is determined whether or not the recorded directory information includes an image file specified in a predetermined job in the print order file 140A. If it is determined that the predetermined image file is not included in the directory, the process proceeds to S138 “Display of“ No image of (file name). Do you want to continue printing? ””.

In S138, the information processing means 120 stores the print order file 14 in the frame memory 132.
A process for notifying the user of a warning that the file specified by the job in 0A does not exist in the predetermined directory is performed. As described above, a processing procedure may be instructed to be performed next to confirm the intention of the user. This notification may be performed by the display unit 130, may be notified by blinking the automatic print validity display 68, or the notification information may be transmitted to the electronic camera 10 and displayed on the display unit 16 for use. May be notified.

The display is displayed and the printer 40
The processing program proceeds to the next determination of S140 "Automatic print button pressed?" In S140, it is determined whether or not the automatic print button 66 has been pressed. If it is determined that the automatic print button 66 has been pressed,
The display notified in S138 is deleted, and the processing program branches to S148 described later. If it is determined that the automatic print button 66 has not been pressed, the process proceeds to the next step S142, "Is the cancel button pressed?"

In S142, it is determined whether or not the cancel button 64 has been pressed. If it is determined that the cancel button 64 has not been pressed, the processing program branches to S140 and returns. If it is determined that the cancel button 64 has been pressed, the display notified in S138 is deleted, and the process proceeds to the next S160.
The communication processing ends.

If it is determined in S136 that a predetermined image file is included in the directory,
The process proceeds to the next S144 “GET the image file specified by JOB”. In S144, a predetermined file of the job described at the beginning of the print order file 140A (in the example shown in FIG. 7, the file name is "{IMAGE}
001VACATION @ DSCF0002. JPG "
Request to the electronic camera 10. When the electronic camera 10 receives the transmission request command, the processing program of the electronic camera 10 calls S208 “Send File”, starts the process of transmitting the specified file, and sends the specified image to the printer 40. Submit the file.

When the image file requested by the printer 40 is received in S144, the process proceeds to the next S146 "Execute printing according to JOB instruction (number of prints / print type)". In S116, a process of decompressing image information and changing a parameter indicating a property of the image is performed as necessary based on the reproduction condition described in the job of the print order file 140A for printing the received image. Thereafter, an instruction to print the designated number of sheets in the designated print format is output to the print engine 128. The print engine 128 supplies the paper 52 loaded in the paper magazine 54 to the printing unit, and executes a printing process. The paper 52 on which the predetermined image is printed is discharged from the print outlet 58.

The above-described print processing generally requires a longer processing time than the transmission of image information. Therefore, if there is room in the recording medium for recording the received image information, the next job is executed even if the print is being executed. May be performed in parallel.

In the next step S148 “Is there a next job?”
It is determined whether the next job is described in the print order file 140A. If the next job (such as a print job) is described, the processing program branches to S124 and returns. If the next job is not described, the processing program proceeds to the next S1.
50 "DateTime and Creato from PRT-INFO.TXT
overwrite r to non-volatile memory ".

In S150, “DateT” described in the print order file 140A used for reproduction this time is set.
In addition to performing a process of reading “information” and “Creator” information, the read DateTime and Creator information are stored in a recording unit of the printer 40 (for example, the nonvolatile memory 1).
24) is recorded (overwritten). When this process ends, the processing program proceeds to the next S160 “disconnect”.

In S160, the printer 40 issues a command “Disconnect” indicating a disconnection request to the electronic camera 10.
ect Request ”. Electronic camera 10
Receives the command indicating the disconnection request,
The processing of “disconnect” is started, and the processing of terminating the communication is executed. When the communication end process is normally completed, a command “Disconnect OK” indicating disconnection completion is returned,
Proceed to S222 “End” to end the communication processing. When the printer 40 receives the "disconnection completed" response in S160, the process proceeds to the next "end" in S162, and ends the communication processing.

If it is determined in S108 that the print order file 140A is not included, the print order file 140A previously used for printing is determined in S122.
Is specified again, and if the image specified in S136 does not exist in the recording medium of the electronic camera 10, instead of terminating the communication processing or asking the user to make a judgment, the individual print is automatically performed. A transition may be made to the mode to be performed.

In the above description, the example in which the information transmitting apparatus is the electronic camera 10 including the recording medium 36 for recording an image has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this.
It may be a scanner equipped with an imaging unit, a personal computer equipped with a recording medium generally used, or an information transmitting apparatus equipped with a recording medium for recording audio. When the information transmitting device transmits sound, the information receiving device may be an audio player or the like having a sound reproducing unit for reproducing sound. In this case, the sound reproducing means reproduces the received sound based on the reproduction conditions described in the batch file.

Further, instead of the printing means for printing the image, the information receiving apparatus may be a display device having a display means for reproducing and displaying the image. In this case, the display means reproduces and displays the received image based on the reproduction conditions described in the batch file.

[0096]

As described above, the information communication system according to the present invention comprises: a first recording medium for recording an image or sound to be reproduced; directory information storing the image or sound to be reproduced; A second recording medium for recording a batch file in which a file name of an image or sound to be reproduced and the reproduction condition for reproduction are described, and a first recording medium for transmitting the image or sound for reproduction while transmitting the batch file. An information transmitting device including a communication unit; a second communication unit configured to receive the image or the voice based on the batch file and directory information and a file name described in the batch file; and the second communication unit. A third recording medium for recording the batch file received via the second communication means, and an image or sound received via the second communication means to the batch file. And an information receiving apparatus having a reproducing means for reproducing based on the reproducing condition described in the batch file. It is possible to easily receive and reproduce image or audio information from the information transmitting device via the communication interface based on the reproduction condition.

Further, it is possible to easily or collectively receive a plurality of files recorded in a plurality of directories on the information transmitting device side even from a recording medium or an information receiving device which does not support the directory. Becomes possible.

Further, since the information receiving side can automatically receive and reproduce the information based on the batch file in which the reproducing conditions created in advance are described, the user mainly operates only the information receiving apparatus. This makes it possible to easily receive and reproduce desired information.

Further, even when the amount of information transmitted by the information transmitting device is larger than the recording capacity of the information receiving device, a batch file in which reproduction conditions are described can be recorded on the information receiving device side. Then, the information receiving apparatus can automatically receive and reproduce the information based on the reproduction conditions described in the batch file.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing a state in which an electronic camera, which is an embodiment of an information transmitting device, and a printer, which is an embodiment of an information receiving device, are connected 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 the contents of a print order file.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of communication performed by the electronic camera and the 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, 64: cancel button, 66: automatic print button, 68: automatic print enable display, 70: individual print button, 78: communication mode button, 79: communication status display, 80: imaging means, 82: information processing means , 84
... 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, 140A ... print order file, 141 ... directory group, 142 ... file group

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04N 5/91 H04N 5/91 HF Term (Reference) 5B082 AA13 EA10 5C052 AA11 AA17 CC11 DD02 FA02 FA03 FA04 FB01 FB05 FB08 FC06 FE04 5C053 FA04 FA27 GB06 GB11 HA30 HA33 JA16 KA03 LA01 LA03 LA06 LA14 5C056 FA03 HA01 HA04

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A first recording medium for recording an image or sound to be reproduced, directory information storing the image or sound to be reproduced, a file name of the image or sound to be reproduced,
Information comprising: a second recording medium for recording a batch file in which the reproduction condition to be reproduced is described; and first communication means for transmitting the image or sound to be reproduced while transmitting the batch file. A transmitting device; a second communication unit for receiving the image or the sound based on the directory information and the file name described in the batch file; a batch received via the second communication unit; An information receiving apparatus comprising: a third recording medium for recording a file; and a reproducing unit that reproduces an image or a sound received via the second communication unit based on a reproduction condition described in the batch file. An information communication system comprising: a device; 2. The information communication system according to claim 1, wherein the information receiving device includes a printing unit that prints a received image based on a reproduction condition described in the received batch file. 3. The information receiving apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: a fourth recording medium for recording usage information of a batch file used for reproduction; and a usage information of a previously used batch file recorded on the fourth recording medium. And a collating means for collating the use information of the batch file used for reproduction newly received from the information transmitting apparatus this time, and the reproducing means, as a result of the collation, the use information of the previously used batch file and the current reproduction The reproduction based on the batch file is stopped or the user is instructed to perform the next process when the use information of the batch file used for the same is the same.
Information communication system. 4. The information communication system according to claim 3, wherein said information receiving device includes a display unit for displaying information on a result of the comparison. 5. An information receiving apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said information receiving apparatus is adapted to execute the image or audio processing based on a batch file in which reproduction conditions for reproducing arbitrary images or audio stored in a plurality of directories of a recording medium on the information transmitting side are described. An information communication method for receiving, from the information transmitting side, the information receiving side, directory information in which an image or sound to be reproduced for the information transmitting side is stored, and a file name of the image or sound to be reproduced. Requesting transmission of a batch file in which the reproduction condition to be reproduced is described, the information transmitting side transmits a batch file based on the transmission request of the batch file, and the information receiving side transmits the batch file. Receiving, recording the received batch file on a recording medium, and storing the received batch file based on the directory information and the file name described in the batch file. Requesting the information transmitting side to transmit an image or audio, the information transmitting side transmits an image or audio specified based on the request for transmitting the image or audio, and the information receiving side transmits the image or sound. Alternatively, an information communication method comprising receiving audio and reproducing the received image or audio based on reproduction conditions described in the batch file. 6. An information receiving apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said information receiving apparatus transmits said image or audio based on a batch file in which reproduction conditions for reproducing an arbitrary image or audio stored in a plurality of directories of a recording medium of said information transmitting apparatus are described. An information communication method for receiving, from the information transmitting side, the information receiving side, directory information in which an image or sound to be reproduced for the information transmitting side is stored, and a file name of the image or sound to be reproduced. Requesting transmission of a batch file in which the reproduction condition to be reproduced is described, the information transmitting side transmits a batch file based on the transmission request of the batch file, and the information receiving side transmits the batch file. Receiving, recording the received batch file on a recording medium, and storing directory information according to the order of reproduction conditions described in the batch file. Requesting transmission of one image or sound to the information transmitting side based on the information and the file name, the information transmitting side transmits the specified image or sound based on the request for transmitting the image or sound, The information receiving side receives the image or sound, reproduces the received image or sound based on the reproduction condition described in the batch file, and, when the reproduction is completed, is described in the batch file. An information communication method comprising: requesting the information transmitting side to transmit one image or sound in accordance with the following order of reproduction conditions, and reproducing the sequentially received image or sound. 7. A reproduction condition for reproducing an arbitrary image or sound stored in a plurality of directories of a recording medium of an information transmitting device, directory information storing the image or sound to be reproduced, While receiving a batch file in which a file name of an image or a sound to be reproduced is described, an image recorded in a recording medium of the information transmitting apparatus based on directory information and a file name described in the batch file. Or a first communication unit that receives voice from a predetermined directory; a recording medium that records a batch file received via the first communication unit; and a recording medium that is based on directory information described in the batch file. Second communication means for transmitting information for changing the current directory of the information transmitting device; and the first communication An information communication device comprising: a reproduction unit configured to reproduce an image or a sound received via the unit based on reproduction conditions described in the batch file. 8. A reproduction condition for reproducing an arbitrary image or sound stored in a plurality of directories on a recording medium of the information transmitting device, directory information storing the image or sound to be reproduced, While receiving a batch file in which a file name of an image or a sound to be reproduced is described, an image recorded in a recording medium of the information transmitting apparatus based on directory information and a file name described in the batch file. Or, a communication unit that receives audio from a predetermined directory, and a file name is duplicated for each image or audio based on the directory information and the file name described in the batch file received via the communication unit. File name generating means for generating a new image or audio file name not to be reproduced; Information about the voice of the playback conditions,
A batch file generating means for generating a batch file to be described together with the newly generated file name, and the newly generated batch file is recorded, and the image or sound received via the communication means is newly generated. A recording medium that changes the file name and records the file, and a reproducing unit that reproduces the image or sound recorded on the recording medium based on the reproduction condition described in the newly generated batch file. An information communication device, comprising: