JP4343372B2 - Communication apparatus, image processing apparatus, communication method, and image processing method - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
For example, the present invention performs data transfer between one-to-one devices via a serial interface as defined in IEEE 1394, for example. Suitable for use in It is about.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, for example, as a method of printing a photographed image obtained by photographing with a digital camera (hereinafter simply referred to as “digital camera”) with a printer, there is a method using a personal computer (hereinafter simply referred to as personal computer).
In this method, first, a personal computer and a digital camera are connected by a serial interface (RS-232C or the like), and a personal computer and a printer are connected by a parallel interface (Centronics or the like). Next, the captured image is transferred to the personal computer by transferring the captured image from the digital camera to the personal computer. In the personal computer, the captured image captured from the digital camera is processed in accordance with a desired printing format by using any application software that is activated on the personal computer. After that, the processed photographed image is transferred from the personal computer to the printer, and the photographed image is printed out by the printer.
[0003]
However, the above-described method for outputting a captured image using a personal computer is based on the assumption that the user already has a personal computer. For this reason, users who do not have a personal computer (such as users who do not have a personal computer but have purchased a digital camera for the first time) will not be able to prepare a personal computer (such as a new purchase). It cannot be printed.
[0004]
In view of this, a system in the form of a sublimation video printer (hereinafter referred to as “direct print system”) has been proposed in which a photographed image taken with a digital camera can be directly printed by a printer without using a personal computer.
In this direct print system, a memory such as IrTran-P, compact flash, smart media, etc., which directly connects a digital camera and a printer using a standard serial interface without using a personal computer or uses infrared rays, which is a standard, is used. A photographed image is transferred from a digital camera to a printer using a card interface.
[0005]
By the way, in the direct print system as described above, when a user selects a photographed image to be printed by a printer from among various photographed images obtained by photographing with a digital camera, the user connects to the video output terminal of the printer at home. By connecting a television for use, a menu screen on which thumbnail images corresponding to various photographed images (an image for confirming the photographed image obtained by reducing the actual image size of the photographed image to about 80 × 60 dots) is arranged ( An index screen) is displayed, and a desired photographed image is selected from the menu screen. In this way, displaying a menu screen for confirming and selecting a captured image on a home television can be achieved in terms of cost and space by providing a display that can display the menu screen on the printer itself. This is because it becomes a problem.
[0006]
However, a commonly used home television has a coarse resolution of about 720 × 480 dots compared to a monitor or the like used for a personal computer. For this reason, it is difficult to confirm the photographed image with the thumbnail image on the menu screen of the home television. Also, if you try to increase the number of shot images that can be checked at once on the menu screen, that is, if you try to increase the number of thumbnail images that can be displayed on the menu screen at once, it is necessary to further reduce the thumbnail image size accordingly. Further, it is difficult to confirm the photographed image.
For this reason, the number of captured images that can be confirmed at a time on the menu screen is limited.
[0007]
Therefore, it is conceivable to display the menu screen on the liquid crystal display unit provided in the digital camera, but the screen size of the liquid crystal display unit of the digital camera is small and the resolution is low. This limits the number of photographed images that can be confirmed.
[0008]
The above-mentioned problem, that is, the problem that the number of photographed images that can be confirmed at one time is limited, is especially the case in recent years, as the memory size built in the digital camera increases, the photographed images that can be stored in the digital camera. This is very inconvenient for the fact that the number of photographed images that can be confirmed at a time is increased, so that the photographed images can be confirmed and selected efficiently.
[0009]
Therefore, instead of displaying a menu screen for confirming and selecting a photographed image on a liquid crystal display unit of a home television or digital camera, a list of thumbnail images of the photographed image is printed out (index print) by a printer. Is provided.
As a result, the user can confirm all of the captured images stored in the digital camera, and can select a captured image to be actually printed from among them.
[0010]
Specifically, first, in a digital camera, a captured image is held as an image file together with a thumbnail image corresponding to the image file format such as EXIF or CIFF. In order to extract only all thumbnail images from the image file and print out a list of thumbnail images, the following first to fourth processes are executed.
First process: First, all the image files held in the digital camera are transferred to the printer.
Second process: Next, in the printer, only thumbnail images are extracted from the image file.
Third process: Next, a list image of thumbnail images extracted in the second process is generated.
Fourth process: The list image generated in the third process is printed out.
[0011]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in order to confirm and select the captured images stored in the digital camera, all the captured images stored in the digital camera are converted into thumbnail images corresponding to them by the first to fourth processes as described above. In the method of printing out (index printing) with a printer as a list, the data transfer performed between the digital camera and the printer, the image processing performed by the printer (processing for generating a thumbnail image list image, etc.) and the load of the printing processing are large. There was a problem that a great deal of time was consumed.
[0012]
Therefore, the present invention is made to eliminate the above-described drawbacks, and information existing in the first device can be easily and efficiently confirmed, and desired information can be confirmed from the information. Can be selected easily and efficiently like The purpose is to do.
[0013]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
Under such purpose, The present invention captures information contained in the image file via communication means from within another device that holds an image file having at least an image and a thumbnail image of the image. A communication device, The address information of the image file in the storage area for storing the image file and the address information of the information in the image file are acquired from the other device, and the acquired address information of the image file and the address information of the information are acquired. Based on the above, specify the storage area of the information to be imported from the other device directly. It is characterized by comprising information fetching means for performing fetching processing.
[0033]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0034]
The present invention is applied to, for example, a communication system 100 as shown in FIG.
The communication system 100 is a direct print system that can print out a captured image held in a digital camera 101 from a printer 102 without using a personal computer (PC). As shown in FIG. 2, a digital camera (digital camera) 101 as an image input device (first device) and a printer 102 as an image output device (second device) are described later as a 1394 serial bus 103 as communication means. It is set as the structure connected so that communication was possible.
[0035]
Here, the communication means (interface) in the direct print system is not limited to the 1394 serial bus, and other various interfaces can be applied. In the present embodiment, the 1394 serial bus 103 is used as an example. Therefore, first, an outline of “IEEE 1394” that defines the 1394 serial bus 103 will be described, and subsequently, details of the configuration and operation of the communication system 100 in the present embodiment will be described. .
[0036]
<< Overview of IEEE 1394 Technology >>
In recent years, with the advent of home digital VTRs and DVDs, real-time and high-information-content data transfer support is required, such as video data and audio data transfer. For this reason, video data, audio data, etc. can be transferred in real time and transferred to a personal computer (PC) or transferred to other digital devices. A new interface is required. An interface developed from such a viewpoint is IEEE 1394-1995 (High Performance Serial Bus) (hereinafter referred to as “1394 serial bus”).
[0037]
FIG. 2 shows an example of a network system configured using a 1394 serial bus.
This network system includes digital devices (hereinafter simply referred to as “devices”) A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and H. Between A-B, A-C, and B-D , D-E, C-F, CG, and C-H, respectively, connected by a 1394 serial bus twisted pair cable (hereinafter referred to as "1394 serial bus cable") It is said.
As the devices A to H, for example, a PC, a digital VTR, a DVD, a digital camera, a hard disk, a monitor, etc. can be applied.
[0038]
As a connection method between the devices A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and H, a method in which a daisy chain method and a node branch method can be mixed is used, and a connection with a high degree of freedom is possible. It has become. In addition, each device A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H has a unique ID, and by recognizing each ID, the range of devices connected by a 1394 serial bus cable 1 constitutes one network. That is, the devices A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and H are simply connected sequentially with one 1394 serial bus cable, and the devices A, B, C, D, E, F, G and H play a role of relay and constitute one network as a whole.
[0039]
In addition, the 1394 serial bus has a plug & play function that automatically recognizes its own device and recognizes its connection status when the 1394 serial bus cable is connected to the device.
With this Plug & Play function, for example, in the network system of FIG. 2, when an arbitrary device X is deleted or newly added, the bus configuration is automatically reset so that the network configuration up to that point is reset. As a result, a new network is reconstructed. In addition, the network configuration at that time is always set and recognized.
[0040]
The data transfer rate on the 1394 serial bus is 100/200/400 Mbps, and the device having the higher transfer rate supports the device having the lower transfer rate, thereby achieving compatibility.
[0041]
As a data transfer mode using the 1394 serial bus, asynchronous data such as control signals (asynchronous data, hereinafter simply referred to as “async data”) and asynchronous data such as real-time video data and audio data are transferred. There is an isochronous transfer mode for transferring (Isochronous data, hereinafter simply referred to as “Iso data”).
[0042]
Asynchronous data and Iso data are mixed in a cycle while giving priority to the transfer of Iso data following the transfer of the cycle start packet (CSP) indicating the start of the cycle in each cycle (usually 1 cycle 125 μS). Forwarded.
[0043]
FIG. 3 shows the components of the 1394 serial bus.
As shown in FIG. 3, the 1394 serial bus has a layer (hierarchy) structure as a whole from the cable 213 of the 1394 serial bus to the hardware 200, the firmware 201, and the software 202.
[0044]
The cable 213 of the 1394 serial bus has the most hardware configuration, and its connector is connected to the connector port 210.
[0045]
The hardware 200 is part of a practical interface step and includes a physical layer 211 and a link layer 212. The physical layer 211 performs encoding, connector-related control, and the like, and the link layer 212 performs packet transfer, cycle time control, and the like.
The firmware 201 includes a transaction layer 214 and a management layer 215. The transaction layer 214 manages data to be transferred (transaction), and issues instructions such as “Read” and “Write”. The management layer 215 manages the connection status and ID of each connected device, and manages the network configuration.
The hardware 200 and the firmware 201 are substantially the configuration of the 1394 serial bus.
[0046]
Software 202 includes an application layer 216. The application layer 216 differs depending on the software to be used, and is a part that defines how data is put on the interface. For example, the application layer 216 is defined by a data transfer protocol such as AV / C protocol.
[0047]
FIG. 4 shows an address space in the 1394 serial bus.
Each device (hereinafter also referred to as “node”) connected to the 1394 serial bus as shown in FIG. 2 always has a 64-bit address unique to each device. As a result, each device can always recognize the node address of its own device or the device of the other party of connection by setting the address in the ROM in its own device. You can also do it.
[0048]
For the addressing of the 1394 serial bus, a method conforming to the IEEE1212 standard is adopted.
In this method, as shown in FIG. 4, in the 64-bit address, the first 10 bits (221) are used for designating the bus number (bus ID), and the subsequent 6 bits (222) are used as the node ID. Used to specify number (node ID). The subsequent 48 bits (223) are addresses that can be used by each device, but are divided into 20 bits (223a) and 28 bits (223b), and have a structure (224) in units of 256 Mbytes. Used.
[0049]
In the area 224 of the address indicated by the first 20 bits (223a) of 48 bits (223), the area 225 indicated by the address of 0 to 0xFFFFD is called a memory space, and is indicated by the address of the next 0xFFFFE. The area 226 is called a private space and is an area that can be freely used by each device. The next area 227 indicated by the address of 0xFFFFF is called a register space, and information common to the devices connected to the bus is set and used for communication between the devices.
[0050]
In the register space 227, the first 512-byte area 228 is used as a register (CSR core) that becomes the core of the CSR architecture. The next 512-byte area 229 is used as a serial bus register. The next 1024-byte area 230 is used as a Configuration ROM. The subsequent area 231 is used as a unit space (device-specific register).
[0051]
In general, in order to simplify the design of the heterogeneous bus system, it is desirable for each device to use only the first 2048-byte area of the unit space 231. In this case, a total of 4096 bytes including the CSR architecture core (CSR core) 228, the serial bus register 229, the configuration ROM 230, and the first 2048 bytes of the unit space 231 may be used.
[0052]
<< Electrical Specifications of 1394 Serial Bus >>
FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a 1394 serial bus cable.
As shown in FIG. 5, two pairs of twisted pair signal lines 241 and a power line (power line) 242 are provided in the 1394 serial bus cable. With this power supply line 242, it is possible to supply power even to a device that does not have a power supply or a device whose voltage has dropped due to a failure.
The voltage of the power supply flowing in the power supply line 242 is defined as 8 to 40 V, and the maximum current DC1.5A is defined as the current.
[0053]
<< DS-Link coding >>
A data transfer format employed in the 1394 serial bus will be described with reference to FIG.
The 1394 serial bus employs a DS-Link (Data / Strobe Link) encoding method as a data transfer format. This DS-Link encoding method is a method suitable for high-speed serial data communication.
[0054]
Specifically, in the DS-Link encoding method, two signal lines are required, and the main data (Data) is sent by one signal line among these two signal lines, and the other signal line is sent. The signal line is configured to send a strobe signal (Strobe).
Therefore, on the receiving side of the data (Data) and the strobe signal (Strobe), the clock (Clock) can be reproduced by taking the exclusive OR of the data (Data) and the strobe signal (Strobe).
[0055]
Employing the above-described DS-Link encoding method has the following advantages.
-Higher transfer efficiency than other serial data transfer methods.
-Since no PLL circuit is required, the circuit scale of the controller LSI can be reduced.
Since there is no need to send information indicating that the device is in an idle state when there is no data to be transferred, the transceiver circuit of each device can be put into a sleep state. Thereby, power consumption can be reduced.
[0056]
<< Node ID determination sequence >>
As described above, when an arbitrary device is deleted or newly added by the Plug & Play function, a bus reset is automatically performed, so that the network configuration up to that point is reset and a new network is re-established. Construction will be done.
Therefore, after the bus reset, in order to construct a new network configuration, for example, an operation according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 (an operation for giving an ID to each device) is executed in each device.
[0057]
Specifically, FIG. 7 shows the operation from when a bus reset occurs until the node ID is determined by each device and the node ID is transferred.
[0058]
First, in each device, it is constantly monitored whether or not a bus reset has occurred in the network (step S251). Therefore, when a bus reset occurs due to power ON / OFF of any device in the network, each device recognizes the connection status of the new network from the state where the network is reset. A parent-child relationship is declared with the directly connected device (step S252).
[0059]
When the parent-child relationship is determined among all the devices in step S252 (step S253), as a result, the device as the route is determined (step S254).
[0060]
When the device as the route is determined in step S254, each device executes a node ID setting operation for giving the node ID of the own device to other devices (step S255). At this time, the node ID setting operation is executed in a predetermined device order.
[0061]
When the node ID setting operation for all devices is completed in step S255 (step S256), the new network configuration is recognized in all devices.
As a result, each device becomes ready for data transfer with other devices, and starts data transfer as necessary (step S257).
Thereafter, each device enters a mode state in which it is again monitored whether or not a bus reset has occurred (step S251). When a bus reset occurs, the above-described processing of steps S252 to S257 is repeatedly executed.
[0062]
<< Direct Print Protocol (DPP) >>
The communication system 100 according to the present embodiment shown in FIG. 1 employs a direct print protocol (DPP) as a data transfer procedure between the printer 102 and the digital camera 101.
[0063]
In the direct print protocol (DPP), as shown in FIG. 8, a command register (command) 261 for writing commands and a response to the command are written in the initial unit space of IEEE 1394 (unit space 231 shown in FIG. 4). A response register (response) 262 for writing data, a data register (data) 263 for writing transfer data, and a format register (format) 254 for handling format information corresponding to the data format of each transfer data are used. ing.
In FIG. 8, the address description is omitted from the upper “FFFF”.
[0064]
The command register 261 is arranged at a fixed address “FFFF F000 0B00” h and has a 512-byte space.
[0065]
In the present embodiment, the command register 261 is a register for the digital camera 101 (image source device) to write various commands (hereinafter also referred to as “command frame”) to the printer 102 (printer). Used and provided on the printer 102 side.
The command register 261 is also provided on the digital camera 101 side, and is used as a register for the printer 102 to write various commands to the command register 261 on the digital camera 101 side.
[0066]
The response register 262 is arranged at a fixed address “FFFF F000 0D00” h and has a 512-byte space.
[0067]
In the present embodiment, the response register 262 is used as a register for the printer 102 to write responses (responses, hereinafter referred to as “response frames”) to various commands written from the digital camera 101 to the command register 261. And provided on the digital camera 102 side.
The response register 262 is also provided on the printer 102 side, and the digital camera 101 is used as a register for writing a response to the response register 262 on the printer 102 side.
[0068]
The data register 263 uses “FFFF F000 3000” h as a default address, and can be set to any valid address by a command (Block Address Buffer Config command) that defines the address of the data register 263.
The space of the data register 263 can be set within a predetermined range by a command (Block Size Buffer Config command) that defines the space of the data register 263.
[0069]
In this embodiment, the data register 263 is used as a register for transferring data between the digital camera 101 and the printer 102, and when the printer 102 performs print output, the digital camera 101 sends the data to the printer 102. Print data to be printed out (print data, hereinafter also referred to as “data frame”) is written.
The print data at this time is configured in a data format according to a preset image format.
[0070]
The format register 264 is composed of a register group corresponding to each data format to be described later, and each register of the register group is for setting format information (hereinafter also referred to as “format frame”) necessary for each data format. Used as a register.
[0071]
In the present embodiment, the format register 264 is used as a register for the digital camera 101 to write format information to the printer 102.
[0072]
FIG. 9 shows the flow of the command frame, response frame, data frame, and format frame as described above between the digital camera 101 and the printer 102.
[0073]
For example, when the data in the digital camera 101 is printed out by the printer 102, as shown in FIG. 9, the digital camera 101 first writes the command for the printer 102 to the command register 261b on the printer 102 side as a command frame. .
[0074]
Next, the printer 102 writes a response to the command frame written from the digital camera 101 to the command register 261 b as a response frame to the response register 262 a of the digital camera 101.
The response frame at this time includes whether or not the printer 102 correctly executed the operation for the command frame written from the digital camera 101 to the command register 261b on the printer 102 side, or a return value required by the command. Information.
[0075]
Then, the digital camera 101 writes data to be printed out by the printer 102 (data such as a captured image) as a data frame to the data register 263b on the printer 102 side.
Further, the digital camera 101 writes the format information of the print output from the printer 102 to the format register 264 on the printer 102 side as a format frame.
[0076]
Here, the command frame as described above, the response frame to the command frame, and the data frame include commands and responses 271 to 291 and commands 292 to 294 as shown in FIG.
[0077]
For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the types of command frame and data frame (hereinafter referred to as “command classification”) include “status” related to status, “control” for printer control, and data transfer settings. "Block / Buffer" for channel setting, "Channel" for channel setting, "Transfer" for transfer method, "Format" for format setting, "Login" for login, and "Data" for data transfer Broadly classified.
[0078]
The command frame and response frame whose command classification is “status” includes “GetStatus” for obtaining the status of the printer and its response “GetstatusResponse” (271).
[0079]
As the command frame and response frame whose command classification is “control”, “PrintReset” for resetting the printer, its response “PrintResetResponse” (272), “PrintStart” for instructing the start of printing, its Response “PrintStartResponse” (273), “PrintStop” for instructing to stop printing, its response “PrintStopResponse” (274), “InsertPaper” for instructing paper feeding, and its response “InsertPaperResponse” (275) "EjectPaper" for instructing paper discharge, a response "EjectPaperResponse" (276), and a copy of the image data "CopyStart" for starting, and responses "CopyStartResponse" (277), "CopyEnd" for ending the copy of the image data, it includes the a response "CopyEndResponse" (278) is.
[0080]
As the command frame and response frame whose command classification is “block / buffer”, “BlockSize” for designating the size of the block, its response “BlockSizeResponse” (279), and “BlockAddress” for designating the address of the block. “, Its response“ BlockAddressResponse ”(280),“ FreeBlock ”and“ WriteBlocks ”for acquiring the number of empty blocks, and its response“ FreeBlockResponse ”and“ WriteBlocksResponse ”(281 and 282) are specified. "BufferConfig" and its response "BufferConfiglockResponse" (283) , "SetBuffer" for specifying the data acquisition start from the buffer, and a response "SetBufferResponse (284).
[0081]
The command frame and response frame whose command classification is “channel” include “OpenChannel” for opening the channel, its response “OpenChannelResponse” (285), “CloseChannel” for closing the channel, and its response “CloseChannelResponse”. "(286)".
[0082]
The command frame and response frame whose command classification is “transfer” includes “TransferMethod” for designating a data transfer method and its response “TransferMethodResponse” (287).
[0083]
The command frame and response frame whose command classification is “format” includes “SetFormat” for setting the format and its response “SetFormatResponse” (288).
[0084]
As command frames and response frames whose command classification is “login”, “Login” for performing login and its response “LoginResponse” (289), “Logout” for performing logout, and its response “LogoutResponse” ( 290), “Reconnect” for performing reconnection, and a response “ReconnectResponse” (291).
[0085]
A value corresponding to the above-described commands (commands indicated by “271 to 292”) is written by the digital camera 101 into the command register 261b of the printer 102 shown in FIG. The operation corresponding to the command is executed. Then, the printer 102 writes a response to the command (a value equivalent to the value corresponding to the command) to the response register 262a of the digital camera 101 shown in FIG. 9, so that the digital camera 101 executes each command. The result is recognized.
[0086]
In addition, the data frame whose command classification is “data” includes “WriteBlock” and “WriteBuffer” (292 and 293) for writing data, and “PullBuffer” (294) for reading data. .
There is no response to a data frame whose command classification is “data”.
[0087]
FIG. 11 specifically shows the format register 264 on the printer 102 side shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 11, the format register 264 includes a read-only register (INQUIRY) 301 for inquiry and a read / write register (CONTROL / STATUS) 302 for setting and information acquisition.
[0088]
The read only register (INQUIRY) 301 and the read / write register (CONTROL / STATUS) 302 are composed of register groups having the same configuration.
That is, the read-only register (INQUIRY) 301 includes registers 303a to 307a, and the read / write register (CONTROL / STATUS) 302 includes a register 308 and registers 303b to 307b similar to the registers 303a to 307a.
[0089]
The registers 303a and 304a (303b and 304b) are a common register group, and the registers 305a to 307a (305b to 307b) are a printer format register group.
[0090]
The common register groups 303a and 304a (303b and 304b) are groups of registers that store information common to all data formats.
In the common register groups 303a and 304a (303b and 304b), the register 303a (303b) is a register (GLOBAL) common to all printers, and the register 304a (3034) is a register (LOCAL) unique to the printer 102. .
[0091]
The printer format register groups 305a to 307a (305b to 307b) are groups of registers in which unique information is stored in each data format.
The printer format register groups 305a to 307a (305b to 307b) include a total of n registers (format [1] to format [n]) from the register 305a (305b) to the register 307a (307b).
[0092]
Each of the registers 305a (305b) to 307a (307b) corresponds to a data format described later, and one printer format register group 305a to 307a (305b to 307b) is assigned to each data format to be mounted.
The addresses of the registers 305a (305b) to 307a (307b) are given to the digital camera 101 as a response to a command for setting the data format.
[0093]
FIG. 12 specifically shows the register 308 of the read / write register (CONTROL / STATUS) 302 shown in FIG.
The register 308 includes a 32-bit common status register 311 and a vendor-specific status register 312.
[0094]
The common status register 311 is a register for holding a status common to each vendor's printer, and the vendor-specific status register 312 is a register for holding a status uniquely defined for each vendor.
An extension to the vendor-specific status register 312 is defined by a V flag described later of the common status register 311.
[0095]
The V flag (vendor status available flag) indicates the definition of extension to the specific status register 312 by the following information (information indicated by “0”, “1”, “error.warning”, etc.).
0: not available
1: available
error. warning:
error. warning status
(Status of error, warning, etc.)
paper state: paper condition
(Status regarding paper)
print state: printer condition
(Status of printer 102)
[0096]
FIG. 13 specifically shows the register 303a (303b) of the common register group 303a, 304a (303b, 304b) shown in FIG.
The register 303a (303b) holds information common to all printers (including the printer 102) equipped with the direct print protocol. That is, common information that does not differ depending on the type of printer is held.
[0097]
For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the register 303a (303b) has an area (media-type) 321 for holding information indicating the type of print medium, and an area (paper) for holding information indicating the size of paper. -Size) 322, a region (page-margin) 323 in which information indicating the margin value of the page is held, a region (page-length) 324 in which information indicating the length of the page is held, page Area (page-offset) 325 in which information indicating the offset of the printer is stored, area (print-unit) 326 in which unit information of the printer is stored, and area (color-type) in which information indicating the color type of the printer is stored 327 and an area (bit-order) 328 in which information indicating the bit order of data is held. .
[0098]
FIG. 14 specifically shows the register 304a (304b) of the common register group 303a, 304a (303b, 304b) shown in FIG.
The register 304a (304b) holds information unique to individual models of printers (including the printer 102) equipped with the direct print protocol. That is, information that differs depending on the type of printer is held.
[0099]
For example, as shown in FIG. 14, the register 304 a (304 b) is an area (paper) 331 that holds information indicating the type of print medium unique to the printer, and an area (information) that shows information indicating a color matching method ( CMS) 332 and an area (ink) 333 in which information indicating the ink type of the ink jet printer is held.
[0100]
FIG. 15 specifically shows the register 305a (305b) of the printer format register group 305a to 307a (305b to 307b) shown in FIG.
The register 305a (305b) holds, for example, format information for EXIF (Exchangeable image file format), which is one of image data format formats.
[0101]
In this case, as shown in FIG. 15, the register 305a (305b) holds an area (inX-rate) 341 in which information on the ratio of the input in the X direction is held, and information on the ratio in the Y direction of the input. An area (inY-rate) 342, an area (utX-rate) 343 that holds information on the ratio of the output in the X direction, and an area (utY-rate) 344 that holds information on the ratio of the output in the Y direction. It is out.
[0102]
The printer 102 can perform printing output by performing scaling in the X and Y directions in accordance with the contents of the image data in the EXIF format given by the register 305a (305b).
[0103]
FIG. 16 specifically shows the registers 306a (306b) of the printer format register groups 305a to 307a (305b to 307b) shown in FIG.
In the register 306a (306b), for example, “Raw RGB format” (hereinafter simply referred to as “RGB format”) in which each pixel is composed of R (red), G (green), and B (blue) data. Format information is retained.
[0104]
In this case, as shown in FIG. 16, the register 306a (306b) holds an area (inX-rate) 351 in which information on the ratio of the input in the X direction is held, and information on the ratio in the Y direction of the input. An area (inY-rate) 352, an area (utX-rate) 353 in which information on the ratio of the output in the X direction is held, an area (utY-rate) 354 in which information on the ratio in the Y direction of the output is held, XY A region (XY-size) 355 for holding information indicating a fixed pixel size, a region (bit-pixel) 356 for holding information indicating the number of bits per pixel, and a region for holding information indicating the number of pixels in the X direction (X-size) 357, an area (Y-size) 358 for storing information indicating the number of pixels in the Y direction, and information indicating a color plane per bit are stored. An area (plane) 359, an area (X-resolution) 360 in which information indicating decomposition in the X direction is held, an area (Y-resolution) 361 in which information indicating decomposition in the Y direction is held, and a pixel type It includes an area (pixel-format) 362 where information is held.
[0105]
The printer 102 can print out based on scaling in the X and Y directions, resolution conversion, pixel size concessions, etc., in accordance with the contents of the RGB format image data provided by the register 306a (306b). It becomes.
[0106]
Here, the other registers following the register 306a (306b) of the printer format register group 305a to 307a (305b to 307b) shown in FIG. In addition, various format information is held. As an image data format supported by the direct print printer, for example, a format as shown in FIG.
In the present embodiment, the printer 102 is configured to support data according to any one of various formats as shown in FIG.
[0107]
Note that the image data format supported by the direct print printer is not limited to the format shown in FIG. 17, and other formats may optionally be supported.
[0108]
FIG. 18 shows the flow of the format setting process for the printer 102.
[0109]
First, the digital camera 101 (image supply device) writes the command “SetFormat” (see FIG. 10 above) for the INQUIRY as a command frame to the command register 261b (see FIG. 9 above) of the printer 102 (step S370).
[0110]
Next, the printer 102 writes a response “SetFormatResponse” (see FIG. 10 above) in the response register 262a of the digital camera 101 (step S371).
As a result, the digital camera recognizes the address of the read-only register (INQUIRY) 301 (see FIG. 11 above) of the format register 264 of the printer 102.
[0111]
Next, the digital camera 101 writes the command “SetFormat” (see FIG. 10 above) for CONTROL / STATUS as a command frame to the command register 261b (see FIG. 9 above) of the printer 102 (step S372).
[0112]
Next, the printer 102 writes a response “SetFormatResponse” (see FIG. 10 above) in the response register 262a of the digital camera 101 (step S373).
Thus, the digital camera recognizes the address of the read / write register (CONTROL / STATUS) 302 following the read-only register (INQUIRY) 301 of the format register 264 of the printer 102.
[0113]
Next, the digital camera 101 uses the contents of the read-only register (INQUIRY) 301 based on the address of the read-only register (INQUIRY) 301 of the format register 264 of the printer 102 recognized by the response from the printer 102 in step S371. The setting items of the format supported by the printer 102 are recognized (steps S374-1 to S374-m).
That is, the digital camera 101 sequentially reads the contents of the printer format register groups 305 a to 307 a of the read-only register (INQUIRY) 301 to recognize the setting items of the format supported by the printer 102.
[0114]
Then, the digital camera 101 reads the contents of the printer format register groups 305b to 307b of the read / write register (CONTROL / STATUS) 302 of the format register 264 of the printer 102 (steps S375-1 to S375-n). The information of the desired format is written to each register (steps S376-1 to S376-n).
[0115]
<< PULL type data transfer >>
The communication system 100 in the present embodiment shown in FIG. 1 employs a PULL type data transfer method as data transfer when the printer 102 reads data from the memory in the digital camera 101.
[0116]
In the PULL type data transfer method, the command and response output operations between the digital camera 101 and the printer 102 are compliant with FCP. For example, as shown in FIG. 19, the digital camera 101 sends data to the command register 261b of the printer 102. The command frame 381 is written and the printer 102 writes the response frame 382 to the response register 262a of the digital camera 101.
[0117]
On the other hand, the writing operation of the data frame 383 is different from the writing operation of the command frame 381 and the writing operation of the response frame 382 (unlike the operation compliant with the FCP), and the printer 102 stores the data register 263a of the digital camera 101. The content (image data) is implemented as a data frame 383 by only one-way operation of reading the data register 263b of the printer 102 using a read transaction.
[0118]
FIG. 20 shows an operation in accordance with the above-described PULL type data transfer method when the digital camera 101 and the printer 102 perform data transfer using DPP.
The operation of the format setting command and response in the following description is the same as described with reference to FIG. 18, and the commands and responses of “Login”, “Logout”, “OpenChannel”, and “CloseChannel” are described. Since the operation, “BufferConfig”, and “SetBuffer” command and response operations are the same as those in the above-described PULL type data transfer method, detailed description thereof is omitted here.
[0119]
First, the digital camera 101 writes a “BufferConfig” command for inquiring information (buffer size, buffer address, etc.) about the buffer area of the printer 102 to the command register 261b of the printer 102 as a command frame (step S391).
[0120]
Next, the printer 102 writes the response to “BufferConfig” written in the command register 261b as a response frame to the response register 262a of the digital camera 101 (step S392).
Thus, the digital camera 101 recognizes information (buffer size, buffer address, etc.) about the buffer area of the printer 102.
[0121]
Next, the digital camera 101 writes a “BufferConfig” command for setting the buffer size and buffer address to be read by the digital camera 101 to the printer 102 as a command frame to the command register 261b of the printer 102 (step S393).
[0122]
Next, the printer 102 writes the response to “BufferConfig” written in the command register 261b as a response frame to the response register 262a of the digital camera 101 (step S394).
As a result, the digital camera 101 recognizes that the setting of the buffer size and buffer address that the digital camera 101 should read out to the printer 102 is completed for the printer 102.
[0123]
Next, the digital camera 101 notifies the printer 102 that data transfer can be started by writing the command “SetBuffer” as a command frame to the command register 261b of the printer 102 (step S395).
[0124]
Next, the printer 102 writes the response to “SetBuffer” written in the command register 261b as a response frame to the response register 262a of the digital camera 101 (step S396).
As a result, the digital camera 101 recognizes that the printer 102 is ready for data capture.
[0125]
Thereafter, the digital camera 101 starts data transfer to the printer 102.
That is, the digital camera 101 and the printer 102 first issue a “PullBuffer” request (request packet by a read transaction) to the digital camera 101 using the respective data registers 263a and 263b (step S397). Next, the digital camera 101 issues a response packet to the request to the printer 102 to perform data transfer (step S398). As a result, data transfer (data transfer using the PULL type data transfer method) is performed with respect to the buffer address notified by the digital camera 101 to the printer 102.
[0126]
The above-described data transfer operation is repeatedly performed (step S400), and the printer 102 writes the “SetBuffer” response as a response frame to the response register 262a of the digital camera 101 (step S399), so that the digital camera 101 stores all data. Is transferred to the printer 102.
[0127]
FIG. 21 shows the relationship between the data register 263 a of the digital camera 101 and its buffer 411.
[0128]
As shown in FIG. 21, the read start address “BufferAddress” of the buffer 411 is determined according to the value of “Distination_Offset” set in the data register 263a, and the data in the area indicated by the read start address “BufferAddress” is read. Is performed by a read transaction.
[0129]
The value of “Distination_Offset” is incremented by “DataLength” of the data register 263a each time. According to such a value of “Distination_Offset”, data in the buffer 411 can be read continuously by repeatedly reading data from the addresses of the continuous buffer 411.
[0130]
As described above, the data held in the buffer 411 in the digital camera 101 is transferred to the printer 102. By such data transfer, that is, data transfer according to the PULL type data transfer method, the printer 102 can read the data written in the buffer 411 in the digital camera 101 by directly specifying the address.
[0131]
<File structure of image data>
The buffer 411 (memory in the digital camera 101) as shown in FIG. 21 holds image data such as a photographed image obtained by photographing with the digital camera 101. This image data is configured as an image file according to the following file format.
In this embodiment, in particular, as described above, the digital camera 101 is configured to notify the printer 102 of information (format information such as buffer address and buffer size) of the buffer 411 that holds image data. Therefore, the printer 102 can arbitrarily select and capture the image data in the buffer 411 based on the information as follows.
[0132]
In the present embodiment, the EXIF file format is exemplified as an example of the file format to be adopted. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any file format including thumbnail images may be used.
[0133]
FIG. 22 shows the structure of an image file according to the EXIF file format.
The image file here includes an “EXIF header” (421), a “TIFF data portion” (422), and a “JPEG data portion” (423).
[0134]
The TIFF data portion 421 includes a JPEG image information holding area (hereinafter referred to as “JPEG image area”) 422a, a digital camera 101 unique information holding area (hereinafter referred to as “digital camera information area”) 422b, and a thumbnail image. Information holding area (hereinafter referred to as “thumbnail image area”) 422c.
[0135]
In the JPEG image area 422a, information including image information obtained by compressing a captured image (main image) obtained by actual shooting according to the JPEG method is stored.
[0136]
The image file according to the EXIF file format as described above is characterized in that the entire file appears as a file format according to the JPEG method.
[0137]
23 and 24 specifically show the EXIF header 421 and the TIFF data portion 422 shown in FIG.
[0138]
For example, when taking out shooting date / time data and thumbnail images from information stored in the EXIF header 421, the JPEG image area 422a, and the digital camera information area 422b, first, the EXIF header starts from the address “x000” h of the image file. Referring to 421, the EXIF header 421 stores the start address of the TIFF data portion 422 and the size of the entire image file.
Here, since the start address of the TIFF data portion 422 is “0100” h and the size of the entire image file is “1792 bytes”, the TIFF data portion 422 starts from the address “x100” h, and the image file It can be recognized that the end address of “x7FF” h.
[0139]
Next, referring to the TIFF data portion 422 starting from the address “x100” h, the JPEG image area 422a stores area information of unique information.
Here, since the first unique information offset is “x100” h in the JPEG image area 422a, from the start address “x100” h of the TIFF data portion 422 to “x200” h ahead of “x200” h. It can be recognized that information unique to the digital camera 101 is actually stored in the area. That is, it can be recognized that the actual start address of the digital camera information area 422b is “x200” h.
[0140]
Next, referring to the digital camera information area 422b from the address “x200” h ”, a tag of the photographing time is stored in the digital camera information area 422b.
In this case, since the offset value “x1C4” h is obtained by searching for the shooting time tag, from “x100” h which is the start address of the TIFF data portion 422 to “x2C4” h ahead of “x2C4” h It can be recognized that information on the shooting date and time of the digital camera 101 is stored in the area of. As a result, “1997 July 6, 12:36:10” can be acquired as the shooting date / time information.
[0141]
As described above, when the shooting date / time information is obtained, referring to the TIFF data portion 422 starting from the address “x100” h in order to obtain a thumbnail image, the thumbnail image is displayed in the JPEG image area 422a. The offset information indicating the area is stored.
Here, since the offset indicating the area of the thumbnail image is “x200” h, the area from the start address “x100” h of the TIFF data portion 422 to “x300” h ahead of “x300” h is actually It can be recognized that the information of the thumbnail image is stored in. That is, it can be recognized that the actual start address of the thumbnail image area 422c is “x300” h.
[0142]
Next, referring to the thumbnail image area 422c from the address “x200” h, a thumbnail offset tag is stored in the thumbnail image area 422c.
Here, since the offset value “x220” h is obtained by searching the thumbnail offset tag, from the start address “x100” h of the TIFF data portion 422 to “x320” h ahead of “x320” h It can be recognized that the thumbnail image is stored in the area.
[0143]
When the thumbnail image area 422c from the address “x200” h is referred to, a thumbnail size tag is stored in the thumbnail image area 422c.
In this case, by searching for a thumbnail size tag, the number of bytes “4800” can be obtained. Therefore, it can be recognized that the thumbnail image is stored from “x320” h to the number of bytes “4800”. As a result, it is possible to acquire thumbnail images for the number of bytes “4800”.
Here, the thumbnail image is assumed to be composed of uncompressed data obtained by reducing the main image to 80 × 60 dots in accordance with the TIFF format.
[0144]
As described above, by referring to the header and various information of the image file, it is possible to acquire the thumbnail image in the image file and information on the shooting date and time.
[0145]
FIG. 25 shows a state (memory map) in which a plurality of image files as shown in FIG. 22 are held in the buffer 411 in the digital camera 101.
[0146]
In the digital camera 101, a plurality of image files 432 (1) to 432 (n) following an area (hereinafter referred to as “directory area”) 431 of addresses “0000” h to “07FF” h in which directory information is stored. Is made to hold.
[0147]
The directory area 431 stores information indicating the start address and the size of each image file 432 (1) to 432 (n). Thus, when a desired image file (for example, image file 432 (3)) is extracted from the image files 432 (1) to 432 (n), the image file 432 (from the information in the directory area 431) is extracted. The image file 432 (3) can be extracted by the start address 433 of 3).
[0148]
Specifically, for example, in FIG. 25, the start address of the image file 432 (1) is “0800” h, the start address of the image file 432 (2) is “1000” h, and the start address of the image file 432 (2). Is "1800" h, and so on. That is, the start addresses of the respective image files 432 (1), 432 (2), 432 (3),... Are set every “0800” h, and information (map information) indicating this is set. Stored in the directory area 431.
Accordingly, when it is desired to extract the nth image file 432 (n), an address obtained by multiplying “0800” h by n may be used as the start address.
[0149]
FIG. 26 shows an operation for reading out thumbnail images of arbitrary image files and information on the shooting date and time from a plurality of image files held in the memory (buffer 411) in the digital camera 101 as shown in FIG. Is shown.
Here, for simplicity of explanation, it is assumed that the image file 432 (3) is extracted from the image files 432 (1) to 432 (n).
[0150]
First, information in the directory area 431 is read (step S441).
Next, since the desired image file 432 (3) is the third image file based on the information in the directory area 431, “1800” h, which is three times “0800” h, is changed to the image file 432 ( 3) is calculated as the start address (step S442).
[0151]
Next, based on the start address “1800” h of the image file 432 (3), information in the EXIF header 421 of the image file 432 (3) (see FIG. 23) is read (step S443).
[0152]
Next, the start address of the JPEG image area 422a of the image file 432 (3) is calculated from the information in the EXIF header 421 as described above, and the digital camera information area 422b and the information in the JPEG image area 422a are calculated. The start address of the thumbnail image area 422c is calculated (step S444).
[0153]
Then, the thumbnail image in the image file 432 (3) is acquired from the information from the start address of the thumbnail image area 422c, and the shooting date / time information is acquired from the information from the start address of the digital camera information area 422b ( Step S445).
[0154]
FIG. 27 shows how the printer 102 reads only thumbnail image data from the image file in the buffer 411 based on the address and size of the buffer 411 notified from the digital camera 101 as described above. is there.
[0155]
In FIG. 27, as described above, the start addresses of the thumbnail image data of the plurality of image files 432 (1) to 432 (n) are acquired based on the information in the directory area 431, and as a result, the image file 432 (1 ) Thumbnail image data start address 451 (1) is “0B20” h, thumbnail image data start address 451 (2) of image file 432 (2) is “1320” h, and thumbnail image of image file 432 (3). The data start address 451 (3) is “1B20” h,.
That is, the start address 451 (n) of the thumbnail image data of the nth image file 432 (n) is
nx0800h + 0320h
It can be calculated by the following formula.
[0156]
As described above, since the thumbnail image data of the plurality of image files 432 (1) to 432 (n) can be individually read out based on the start address of the data, the thumbnail image that the printer 102 uniquely needs It can be taken out from the image file held in the digital camera 101.
[0157]
FIG. 28 shows an example of the arrangement of thumbnail images when the thumbnail image captured in the printer 102 is printed out (index print) by the printer 102 with the above-described configuration.
[0158]
As shown in FIG. 28, the printer 102 arranges the thumbnail image data in a data format for index printing by arranging thumbnail images read from the digital camera 101 on the paper (image rearrangement process), and then Performs index printing of thumbnail image data.
[0159]
In FIG. 28, the first to sixth thumbnail images (No. 1 to No. 6) are arranged in order from the upper left in the X direction, and the next seventh to twelfth thumbnail images (No. 7). To No. 12) are shifted in the Y direction and arranged in order from the upper left in the X direction.
[0160]
The thumbnail image rearrangement process as described above is performed on the printer 102 side that has read the thumbnail image data from the digital camera 101. That is, the printer 102 rearranges the images so that the thumbnail image data read from the digital camera 101 becomes one piece of index data. As a result, the thumbnail image held in the digital camera 101 is printed out from the printer 102 as one piece of index data.
[0161]
The printer 102 that performs processing such as image rearrangement processing and index printing as described above is configured as shown in FIG. 29, for example.
That is, as shown in FIG. 29, the printer 102 controls the operation of the entire printer 102, the CPU 461 for controlling the operation of the entire printer 102, the RAM 462 used for processing of thumbnail image data, data transfer, and the like. ROM 463 storing the processing program and various data, 1394PHY 465 which is a physical layer controller for realizing the 1394 interface, 1394LINK 464 which is a link layer controller for realizing the 1394 interface, and a printer unit (not shown). ), A head controller (head) 466 incorporated in the printer unit, and a motor unit (motor) 467 of the printer unit. Are connected so that they can communicate with each other via a bus 469.
[0162]
With such a configuration, the printer 102 performs processing using the ROM 463 and RAM 462 by the CPU 461 on the image captured from the digital camera 101 via the 1394 interface (1394 PHY 465 and 1394 LINK 464), and the image after the processing is performed. The printer controller 468 drives the motor 467 and the head 466 of the printer unit to print out.
[0163]
FIG. 30 shows the operation of the printer 102 when performing index printing as described above.
[0164]
First, the counter L of the image file held in the digital camera 101 is initialized (step S471).
This counter L indicates the numbers of the image files 451 (1), 451 (2), 451 (3),..., 451 (n) as shown in FIGS. “1” is set as the value.
[0165]
Next, based on the address and size information of the buffer 411 notified from the digital camera 101 (format information of the image data held in the digital camera 101), the thumbnail image of the image file 451 (L) indicated by the counter L Is acquired from the digital camera 101 by the process according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 26 (step S472).
[0166]
Next, the thumbnail images acquired in step S472 are rearranged in accordance with the arrangement as shown in FIG. 28, and index print data is formed on the RAM 462 (step S473).
[0167]
Next, for the next image file 451 (L + 1), the counter L is incremented in order to execute the processes of steps S472 and S473 (step S474).
[0168]
Next, as a result of the increment in step S474, it is determined whether or not the value of the counter L has exceeded the total number (n) of image files held in the digital camera 101 (step S475).
[0169]
If the result of determination in step S475 is not “L> n”, that is, if an unprocessed image file exists in the digital camera 101, the process returns to step S472, and the subsequent processing steps are repeated.
[0170]
If “L> n” as a result of the determination in step S475, that is, all the image files 451 (1), 451 (2), 451 (3),... 451 (n) existing in the digital camera 101. When the thumbnail images are read out from the image data and rearranged, the index print data formed on the RAM 462 is printed out.
[0171]
An object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the host and terminal according to the above-described embodiment to a system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU) of the system or apparatus. Needless to say, this can also be achieved by reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium.
In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the function of the present embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.
A ROM, floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, or the like can be used as a storage medium for supplying the program code.
Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the present embodiment are realized, but also an OS or the like running on the computer based on an instruction of the program code performs actual processing. It goes without saying that a case where the function of this embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the above and the processing thereof is included.
Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written to the memory provided in the extension function board inserted in the computer or the function extension unit connected to the computer, the function extension is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the CPU or the like provided in the board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the present embodiment are realized by the processing.
[0172]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, in the present invention, other devices (Digital camera etc.) Notified by Included in image file address information and image file information( image And its thumbnail images) Address information Based on the other device Information contained in image files Configured to capture. This holds it in other devices Information contained in image files Can be captured arbitrarily. For example , Multiple imported from other devices Information contained in image files Are arranged in an arbitrary order and are output in a batch (printing output, etc.), they are held in other devices. Information contained in image files Can be easily recognized and desired Information contained in image files Can also be selected efficiently.
[0173]
Specifically, for example, in the exchange of image data between a digital camera (first device) and a printer (second device), the digital camera uses an image file (captured image, relevant image) held in its internal memory. Format information (including thumbnail images obtained by reducing captured images) is notified to the printer. Accordingly, the printer can directly capture only the thumbnail image from the image file held in the internal memory of the digital camera using a PULL type data transfer method or the like. Therefore, it is possible to simplify the negotiation process between devices in data transfer.
Also, when the printer is configured to edit thumbnail images captured from a digital camera and perform index printing (collective index image printing), a desired image can be selected from a large number of captured images stored in the digital camera. The image to be selected can be easily selected. Therefore, operability can be improved.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a communication system to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a network system configured using the 1394 serial bus in the description of the outline of “IEEE 1394” defining the 1394 serial bus used as a communication means in the communication system. is there.
FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the 1394 serial bus.
FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an address space in the 1394 serial bus.
FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a configuration of a cable of the 1394 serial bus.
6 is a diagram for explaining data transfer by the 1394 serial bus (data transfer by a DS-Link encoding method). FIG.
FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a Plug & Play function of the 1394 serial bus.
FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining registers used for data transfer between the image supply device (digital camera) and the printer in the communication system.
FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a data flow between the image supply device (digital camera) and a printer.
FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of commands and responses between the image supply device (digital camera) and a printer.
FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a format register of the printer.
FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a read / write register (CONTROL / STATUS) of the format register.
FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a common register group (GLLOBAL) of the format register.
FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining a common register group (LOCAL) of the format register.
FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining a printer format register group (format [1]) of the format register.
FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining a printer format register group (format [2]) of the format register.
FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining an example of a format format that can be supported by the printer;
FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining format setting processing for the printer.
FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining a data flow between the image supply device (digital camera) and the printer (data flow according to a PULL type data transfer method);
FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining command and response operations (operations according to a PULL type data transfer method) between the image supply device (digital camera) and the printer.
FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between a data register of the image supply device (digital camera) and its buffer;
FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of an image file held in the buffer.
FIG. 23 is a diagram for explaining an EXIF header and a TIFF data portion (JPEG image area and digital camera information area 422b) of the image file.
FIG. 24 is a diagram for explaining a TIFF data portion (thumbnail image region 422c) of the image file.
FIG. 25 is a diagram for explaining a state in which a plurality of the image files are held in the image supply device (digital camera).
FIG. 26 is a diagram for describing processing for extracting a thumbnail image from the image file.
FIG. 27 is a diagram for explaining a start address of an image file used in the process of extracting the thumbnail image.
FIG. 28 is a diagram for explaining an example of image rearrangement for index printing a plurality of thumbnail images acquired by the thumbnail image extraction process in the printer.
FIG. 29 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the printer.
FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing the operation of the printer.
[Explanation of symbols]
100 communication system
101 Image supply device (digital camera)
102 Printer
461 CPU
462 RAM
463 ROM
464 Physical layer controller (1394 PHY) to realize 1394 interface
465 Link layer controller (1394LINK) to realize 1394 interface
466 Head unit built in printer unit (Head)
467 Printer unit motor unit (Motor)
468 Printer Controller
469 bus

Claims (12)

A communication device that captures information contained in the image file from another device that holds an image file having at least an image and a thumbnail image of the image through communication means, and the image file is acquired from the other device. The address information of the image file in the storage area to be stored and the address information of the information in the image file are acquired, and the information taken in from the other device based on the acquired address information of the image file and the address information of the information A communication apparatus, comprising: an information fetching unit that directly designates a storage area and performs fetching processing. The information fetching means acquires address information of the thumbnail image as address information of the information, and fetches the thumbnail image using the address information of the image file and the address information of the thumbnail image. Item 2. The communication device according to Item 1.   The communication apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an output unit configured to collectively output a plurality of pieces of information captured by the information capturing unit in an arbitrary order.   4. The communication apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the output means has at least a print output function. The another apparatus, the communication apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it is a digital camera. Captures the image stored in the other device, an image processing apparatus that performs image processing for outputting the image taken, the function of the communication apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5 An image processing apparatus comprising: A communication method for capturing information contained in the image file via communication means from another device holding an image file having at least an image and a thumbnail image of the image, wherein the image file is acquired from the other device. The address information of the image file in the storage area to be stored and the address information of the information in the image file are acquired, and the information captured from the other device based on the acquired address information of the image file and the address information of the information A communication method characterized by comprising an information fetching step of performing a fetching process by directly specifying a storage area. The information capturing step acquires the address information of the thumbnail image as the address information of the information, and captures the thumbnail image using the address information of the image file and the address information of the thumbnail image. Item 8. The communication method according to Item 7. 8. The communication method according to claim 7, further comprising an output step of arranging and outputting a plurality of pieces of information acquired by the information acquisition step in an arbitrary order. The communication method according to claim 9, wherein the output step performs at least print output. 8. The communication method according to claim 7, wherein the other device is a digital camera. An image processing method for performing image processing for capturing an image held in another device and outputting the captured image, comprising the steps of the communication method according to any one of claims 7 to 11. An image processing method comprising:

Images