JPH11168684A - Print system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a print system with which prepared order information can be accepted exactly and a user is able to confirm the conditions or the duration of acceptance. SOLUTION: For the print system provided with a digital camera for preparing digital image information and a printer 220 for receiving the order information from this digital camera and performing print processing, this digital camera is provided with a print information input part for generating the order information by applying print information corresponding to the digital image information and a transmission/reception unit for transmitting/receiving data. In addition, the printer is provided with a receiving means 211 for receiving the order information from the digital camera, print means 223 for performing printing based on that received order information, display means 224 for displaying the information, and a control means 222 for generating the information of acceptance conditions, based on this received order information and displaying the information of these acceptance conditions on the display means 224.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a printing system, and more particularly, to a printing system suitable for printing out photographed digital image information.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, digital image information obtained by photographing with a digital camera or the like is printed by a color printer or the like.

Further, there has been proposed a service of processing and printing using an expensive apparatus based on the digital image information to create a high quality print. Then, in consideration of the time required to create the contents to be ordered at the store and the congestion that occurs, the photographed digital image information is input to a computer or the like, processed, and the order information is created in advance. Removable recording medium (P
(C card, various memory cards, etc.) and use it for print reception.

[0004]

However, the method of processing by inputting to a computer or the like requires a computer in addition to the digital camera, so that there is a problem that order information cannot be easily created.

In the case of receiving digital image information recorded on a removable recording medium by a receiving device, repeated receiving is performed a number of times. There is a possibility that acceptance will not be made.

Further, when a print request is made using such a recording medium, there is a problem that a user cannot confirm whether or not an accurate order request has been actually made.

[0007] Therefore, when the user goes to receive the print, the user may be informed that the order is defective and a reorder is necessary. Furthermore, there is a problem in that there is no means for the user to confirm at the time of ordering how much waiting time is required until printing is completed and when printing is completed.

Accordingly, a first object of the present invention is to realize a print system which can easily create order information, can perform accurate reception, and can confirm the status of reception by a user. It is.

Accordingly, a second object of the present invention is to provide a printing system which can easily create order information, can perform accurate reception, and can confirm the waiting time until printing is completed by a user. It is to realize.

[0010]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a digital camera for creating digital image information, and a printing apparatus for receiving order information from the digital camera and performing print processing. The digital camera, further comprising: print information providing means for providing print information in correspondence with the digital image information to generate order information; and transmitting / receiving means for transmitting / receiving data. A receiving means for receiving order information from the digital camera;
A printing means for printing based on the received order information, a display means for displaying information, and generating information on reception status based on the received order information, and displaying the information on reception status on the display means. And a control means for causing the print system to execute the printing.

In the printing system, the printing apparatus generates reception status information based on the order information received from the digital camera, and displays the reception status information on the display means.

Therefore, it is possible to accurately receive the order information created by the digital camera.
A print system that allows the user to check the status of reception can be realized.

(2) The printing system according to (1), wherein the printing apparatus comprises a transmitting means, and the control means performs the transmitting based on order information received from the digital camera. Control means for transmitting information on the reception status to the digital camera using a means.

In this printing system, information on the reception status is transmitted from the transmitting device of the printing apparatus to the digital camera based on the order information received from the digital camera.

Therefore, it is possible to accurately receive the order information created by the digital camera,
It becomes possible for the user to confirm the status of the reception by the digital camera.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the printing system according to the second aspect, the digital camera includes a display unit capable of displaying information, and the display unit displays the reception status from the printing apparatus. Displaying information.

In this printing system, information on the reception status is transmitted from the transmitting device of the printing apparatus to the digital camera based on the order information received from the digital camera. Then, the digital camera displays information on the reception status from the printing apparatus on the display means.

Therefore, it is possible to accurately receive the order information created by the digital camera.
The user can confirm the status of the reception by the display means of the digital camera.

(4) The invention according to claim 4 is characterized in that:
In the print system of (3), the information on the reception status is a waiting time until printing is completed. In this printing system, information on the reception status is transmitted to the digital camera from the transmitting unit of the printing apparatus based on the order information received from the digital camera. Then, the digital camera displays information on the reception status from the printing apparatus (waiting time until printing is completed).

Therefore, it is possible to accurately receive the order information created by the digital camera,
The situation of the waiting time can be confirmed by the user using the digital camera.

(5) The invention described in claim 5 includes (2) to
In the print system of (3), the information on the reception status is an indication of whether or not the print reception is normal.

In this printing system, information on the reception status is transmitted from the transmitting device of the printing apparatus to the digital camera based on the order information received from the digital camera. Then, the digital camera displays information on the reception status from the printing apparatus (whether the print reception is normal or not).

Therefore, it is possible to accurately receive the order information created by the digital camera,
In addition, the user can confirm whether the reception is normal or not using a digital camera.

(6) In the print system according to (6), in the print system according to (1), the print information generated by the print information providing means includes personal information capable of calling a print requester. It is characterized by.

In this print system, the print requester can be called based on information attached to the print information, so that the print requester can be called quickly when printing is completed.

(7) In the printing system according to (7), in the printing system according to (6), the printing apparatus includes a message transmitting unit, and transmits a message by referring to the personal information when printing is completed. And

In this print system, a message can be transmitted from the message transmitting means of the printing apparatus to the print requester by telephone or pager based on the information accompanying the print information. At times, the requester can be called quickly.

(8) The invention according to claim 8 is the printing system according to (1), wherein the digital camera includes a display unit capable of displaying information and a countdown unit, and the countdown unit is the printing device. The countdown is performed based on the reception status from the server, and the display means displays the result of the countdown.

In this printing system, information on the reception status is transmitted from the printing apparatus to the digital camera.
Then, the digital camera counts down until the printing is completed with reference to the reception status information, and displays the countdown result on the display unit.

Accordingly, it is possible to accurately receive the order information created on the digital camera side,
The user can confirm the reception status and the print completion by the display means of the digital camera.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the print system according to the eighth aspect, the countdown means counts down based on a status of reception from the printing apparatus, and notifies the end of counting at the time of counting end. It is characterized by the following.

In this printing system, information on the reception status is transmitted from the printing apparatus to the digital camera.
Then, the digital camera counts down until the printing is completed with reference to the information on the reception status, displays the countdown result on the display means, and notifies the counting end time.

Therefore, it is possible to accurately receive the order information created on the digital camera side,
The end of the count allows the user to know the completion of printing.

(10) The invention according to claim 10 provides (8)
In the printing system, the digital camera includes a control unit for controlling various operations, and the control unit includes:
Until the countdown means finishes counting, deletion of images included in the order information is prohibited.

The digital camera of this printing system counts down to the completion of printing by referring to the information on the reception status, and the deletion of the image is prohibited until the counting is completed. Therefore, the order information is retransmitted for some reason. There is no problem when it becomes necessary.

(11) The invention according to claim 11 is characterized in that (1)
In the printing system according to any one of (1) to (10), the digital camera includes control means for generating state information relating to the state of the digital camera, and adding the state information to the order information. Reading the state information added to.

In the invention of the printing system, since the status information of the digital camera is transmitted to the printing device, the status of the digital camera (communication speed, remaining battery power, image display on / off, external display) is transmitted to the printing device. It is possible to know whether or not a power supply is used, to predict the operation time of the digital camera, and to prevent the battery from running out. Therefore, accurate reception of order information can be performed by stable communication.

(12) The invention according to claim 12 is characterized in that (1)
In the printing system according to 1), the printing device includes a warning issuing unit that issues a warning by display, voice, or data transmission, and a control unit of the printing device uses a battery of the digital camera based on the status information. A warning is issued when it is expected that the user does not have the order information transmission completion.

In the invention of the printing system, since the state information of the digital camera is transmitted to the printing apparatus, the state of the digital camera (communication speed, remaining battery level, image display on / off, external display) is transmitted to the printing apparatus. It is possible to know whether or not a power supply is used, and to issue a warning when the battery is expected to be exhausted, thereby preventing the battery from being exhausted. Therefore, accurate reception of order information can be performed by stable communication.

(13) The invention according to claim 13 is characterized in that (1)
In the printing system according to item (2), the control unit of the printing apparatus issues a warning based on the status information when the digital camera is not supplied with external power.

In the invention of this printing system, since the status information of the digital camera is transmitted to the printing device, the status of the digital camera (communication speed, remaining battery power, image display on / off, external display) is transmitted to the printing device. Power supply is used, etc.), and if an external power supply is not used and a battery is expected to run out, a warning is issued to prevent the battery from running out. . Therefore, accurate reception of order information can be performed by stable communication.

(14) The invention according to claim 14 is characterized in that (1)
In the printing system of 2), the digital camera includes a display unit capable of displaying information, receives data from the warning issuing unit, and displays the information of the warning from the printing apparatus on the display unit. It is characterized by doing.

According to the invention of the printing system, the state information of the digital camera is transmitted to the printing apparatus, and when the battery of the printing apparatus is predicted to be exhausted, the digital camera receives the data from the printing apparatus and displays a warning. By doing so, it is possible to prevent running out of batteries and the like. Therefore, accurate reception of order information can be performed by stable communication.

[0044]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail. In this embodiment, a print order information receiving system including a digital camera that can easily create order information and an order receiving device that receives order information from the digital camera will be described.

<Configuration of Print Order Information Receiving System>
First, the configuration of a digital camera used in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing an overall electrical schematic configuration of a digital camera 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the digital camera 100 shown in FIG. 1, a light image obtained through an optical system including a lens 1, an aperture stop 2, and the like is formed on a light receiving surface of an image sensor 3 such as a CCD. At this time, the lens 1 and the aperture stop 2 are driven by a focus drive circuit 16 and an aperture drive circuit 15, respectively.

Here, the image pickup device 3 photoelectrically converts the light image formed on the light receiving surface into a charge amount, and outputs an analog image signal by a transfer pulse from the CCD drive circuit 19.
Note that the CCD drive circuit 19 can control the shutter speed while driving the image sensor 3.

The analog image signal output from the image pickup device 3 is reduced in noise by CDS (correlated double sampling) processing in the pre-processing circuit 4, and the gain is adjusted by AGC to expand the dynamic range. Is performed.

After being converted into a digital image signal by the A / D converter 5, the signal processing circuit 6 performs luminance processing and color processing on the digital video signal (eg, a luminance signal (Y) and a color difference signal ( The data is converted to digital data composed of Cr, Cb) and output to the memory controller 7.

A digital video signal is output from the signal processing circuit 6 to the image display unit 18, and an image picked up by the image pickup device 3 and a reproduced image from a storage unit described later are displayed on the image display unit 18. It is configured to be able to display an image. The image display unit 18 can display various information in addition to the image.

These functions are switched by exchanging data with the main microcomputer 8, and the exposure information, focus signal and white balance information of the image sensor signal can be output to the main microcomputer 8 as needed.

The main microcomputer 8 is mainly used for photographing,
The sequence of recording and reproduction is controlled, and further, as necessary, compression and reproduction of the photographed image and serial port transmission with an external device are performed.

Here, JPEG standardized by CCITT (at that time) and ISO was used as image compression in the image recording mode.
The description will be made assuming that the G system (or JBIG system) is used.

The memory controller 7 stores the digital image data input from the signal processing circuit 6 in the frame memory 9 or outputs the image data in the frame memory 9 to the signal processing circuit 6.

The frame memory 9 is an image memory capable of storing image data of at least one screen. For example, VRAM, SRAM, DRAM and the like are generally used. Here, VRAM which can operate independently of the CPU bus is used. It shall be.

The strobe 12 is configured so that the light emission timing can be obtained by the main microcomputer 8 which controls the photographing sequence. The serial port driver 13 performs signal conversion for performing information transmission between the camera body and information between external devices. As the serial transmission means, RS23
There are recommended standards for performing serial communication such as 2C and RS422A, but here, RS232C is used.

The sub-microcomputer 14 controls a man-machine interface such as a switch for recording, reproduction and frame advance, and transmits information to the main microcomputer 8 as needed.

The aperture drive circuit 15 is constituted by, for example, an auto iris, and changes the aperture value of the optical aperture 2 under the control of the main microcomputer 8. The focus drive circuit 16 is configured by, for example, a stepping motor, and changes the lens position under the control of the main microcomputer 8 so that the optical focus surface of the subject is appropriately adjusted on the image sensor 3.

The image storage section 21 constitutes storage means, and is subjected to image compression processing and the like by the main microcomputer 8 and digital data in JPEG format via the frame memory 9 is recorded.

The image storage unit 21 includes a recording / reproducing apparatus using a semiconductor memory detachable from the main body,
A hard disk device that can be attached to and detached from the main unit corresponds to this. When data is exchanged with an external computer, the storage medium of the still image storage unit 21 is preferably various semiconductor memories compatible with a PC card or the like.

A release switch 31 is a release switch for instructing image recording, and this selection is supplied to the sub-microcomputer 14. The print information input unit 32 includes print information (print designation information for designating an image to be printed, print size information for setting a print size, print number information for setting the number of prints,
Print information providing means for setting and inputting print finish information regarding print finish).

The order button 33 is transmission start means for generating a transmission start signal when pressed, and print information and digital image information are transmitted to the outside as described later by this transmission start signal.

Reference numeral 40 denotes a transmission / reception unit for transmitting / receiving data using infrared rays, radio waves, or the like. The transmission / reception unit 40 transmits print information and digital image information to the outside by the above-described transmission start signal, and receives information from the outside.

Reference numeral 50 denotes an electronic buzzer that generates a predetermined sound during various operations. In this embodiment, a predetermined message sound is generated even when printing is completed. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of the above-described digital camera 100, and particularly shows a state of a rear surface and an upper surface. A release switch 31 is arranged on the right side of the upper surface, and an order button 33 is arranged on the left side of the upper surface. An image display unit 18 such as an LCD is arranged on the back surface so that images and various information can be displayed. Further, a menu button 32a, select buttons 32b and 32c, a decision button 32d, and the like as a print information input unit 32 are arranged below the image display unit 18. The transmitting / receiving unit of the transmitting / receiving unit 40 is arranged on the front (not shown).

Here, the lab 200 constituting the order receiving device will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. This lab 2
Reference numeral 00 includes an order counter 210 for receiving an order from a user, and a printing device 220 for printing out digital image information according to the order.

Here, the order counter 210 serves as a table on which the digital camera 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is placed.
A transmission / reception unit 211 for order is arranged at a position facing the transmission / reception unit 40 of No. 0. The order information received by the order transmitting / receiving unit 211 is
0 is supplied. Further, the system includes an exchange ticket issuing unit 212 for issuing an exchange ticket (order confirmation) to be passed to the user when receiving an order.

The printing device 220 executes printing in accordance with order information, and has a print outlet 221 from which prints are output to the outside. Further, a main microcomputer 222 for controlling the entire apparatus is provided, and under the control of the main microcomputer 222, a printer 223 for outputting a print and a display unit 224 for displaying a message regarding information on reception status are provided. ing.

A tone generator 225 generates a tone corresponding to a character when transmitting a text message to a user's mobile phone or pager, and generates a message sound when the user is called by a subscriber's telephone, a mobile phone, or the like. And a voice synthesizing unit 226. And the communication line 30
A network control unit (NCU) 227 for dialing the user's subscribed telephone, mobile phone, or pager through the control unit 0 and transmitting the tones and message sounds to the user.

<Operation of Print Order Information Receiving System>
Here, the order receiving operation of the print order information receiving system will be described. A user who takes a photograph with the digital camera 100 and requests the lab 200 to print first creates print information using the print information input unit 32 provided on the back of the digital camera 100.

For example, by pressing the menu button 32a, a print information creation menu is displayed on the image display unit, and print information for obtaining a desired print is created using the print information creation menu.

In this case, the select buttons 32b and 32c are used to select an item, and the enter button 32d is pressed to determine each item. When the enter button 32d is pressed, the main microcomputer 8 generates order information in which the created print information and digital image information are associated with each other, and stores the order information in an empty area of the image storage unit 21 or the like. .

After the creation of the order information is completed, the user brings the digital camera 100 to the laboratory 200 and places it on the order counter 210. Then, when the user presses the order button 33 of the digital camera 100, the main microcomputer 8 reads out the above-mentioned order information and supplies it to the transmitting / receiving unit 40. Thus, the order information is automatically transmitted from the transmitting / receiving unit 40 to the receiving / receiving unit 211 by infrared rays or the like.

In the above description, the order information is created when the enter button 32d is pressed (timing of completion of print information creation (confirmation)). However, the order information is created in response to the press of the order button 33. It is good also as a structure which performs.

In this case, the order information is the digital camera 1
At the time when transmission from the 00 side to the lab 200 is completed, the lab 200 may transmit the data of the completion of the order reception to the digital camera 100.

In this case, transmission and reception of data based on the well-known standard such as IrDA is preferable. However, transmission and reception of data using another method (ASK method) or other electromagnetic waves such as visible light and radio waves are preferable. Is also good.

By creating print information in this way, it is possible to create order information by a simple operation in the print information input unit 32 or the control unit of the digital camera. It is possible to perform accurate reception.

Further, by using information including print information and digital image information created by the user as order information, it is possible to transmit the order information in the lab 200 to perform accurate reception. Become.

The print information that can be created by the user at this stage includes print designation information for designating an image to be printed, print size information for setting a print size, print number information for setting the number of prints, and print finishing. Print finish information, etc. correspond.

By including such various kinds of information, the user himself / herself can prepare sufficient order information in advance in the print information input section 32 of the digital camera.
The time required for ordering in the lab 200 is reduced. Also,
Since the salesclerk does not need to enter the slip, the order counter 210 can be unmanned.

Here, the main microcomputer 222 of the printing apparatus 220 calculates the print completion time for each of the received order information and displays it on the display unit 224. The print completion time can be obtained from the processing capacity of the printer 223 and the total amount of order information received so far.

For example, the display unit 224 displays a list of order numbers, names, and print completion dates and times (information on reception status) as shown in FIG. By displaying such print completion date and time immediately after receiving the order information at the order counter 210, the user knows that the order information has been correctly transmitted, and the print completion time (FIG. 5A) or the waiting time. (FIG. 5B) can be accurately known.

When there is a digital camera 100 to which order information is being transmitted, the order completion number and name are displayed, and the print completion date / time and waiting time fields are displayed as blank or being accepted. 5 (a) and 5 (b), the bottom column, order number 97100100106), the print completion date and time and the waiting time may be displayed when the transmission of the order information is completed normally.

In this manner, the user can know that the order information has been transmitted (transmitted) correctly, and can also know the print completion time and the waiting time specifically and accurately.

If an error occurs during the transmission of the order information from the digital camera 100, the order number and the name are displayed in a blinking state, or the error is displayed to ensure accuracy. be able to.

In addition to the display on the display unit 224, the main microcomputer 222 gives a voucher issuing command to the voucher issuing unit 212 and issues a voucher to the user when an order is received. The voucher may be printed with the order number, the user's name, the content of the order information, the fee, and the above-mentioned print completion date and time.

Instead of issuing a voucher, it is also possible to write data corresponding to the voucher on a magnetic card or IC card brought by the user, and to deduct a fee from the magnetic card or IC card in exchange for printing. is there.

In addition to displaying the information on the display unit 224 on the laboratory 200 side, it is also possible to transmit information on the reception status to the digital camera 100 side. In this case, after receiving the order information, the main microcomputer 222 transmits the order number and the print completion date and time of the ordered person among the information on the reception status from the order transmitting / receiving unit 211 by infrared rays or the like.

In this case, it is necessary that the digital camera 100 is in a receiving state after transmitting the order information. Therefore, after transmitting the order information, the main microcomputer 8 puts the transmission / reception unit 40 in the reception state and stands by.

As a result, whether the order information has arrived correctly,
Alternatively, the user can check whether an error has occurred in the order information. If there was an error,
The order information may be retransmitted in accordance with an instruction from the main microcomputer 8.

By doing so, it is possible to accurately receive the order information, and the user can check the reception status with the digital camera 100.

In this case, the digital camera 100 can generate a predetermined sound from the electronic buzzer 50 to notify the user whether the order information has been transmitted correctly or an error has occurred. For example, by setting the pitch of the electronic buzzer 50, the length of the sound, and the like under the control of the main microcomputer 8, the setting can be made so that normal and error can be distinguished.

Further, the digital camera 100 may display the information on the reception status on the image display unit 18 based on the information on the reception status from the laboratory 200. In this case, in addition to the display of normal / error, it is also possible to display the date and time of printing completion. In this case,
The reception status can be specifically confirmed by the user with the digital camera 100. Instead of the specific date and time of print completion, the waiting time until print completion may be displayed. This is because when order information is transmitted from outside the lab, the display unit
Even if the order information is transmitted from a position where the order information 4 is not visible, or even if the display unit 224 is not provided in the printing apparatus 220, the order information sender knows that the order information has been correctly transmitted, and the printing is completed. Allows you to know the time or waiting time.

In the present embodiment, the case where the order information is transmitted to the laboratory is described. However, the present invention is also applicable to the case where the order information is transmitted to a simple printer for home use and printed by this printer. It is. This is particularly effective when the image display section of the printer itself is small and the print completion time cannot be displayed, or when the printer does not have the ability to calculate the print completion time.

Next, an example of a home print system in which a display function and a control function are in a simple format without purchasing a personal computer and are composed only of a relatively inexpensive simple printer will be described with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 6, the digital camera 10
Reference numeral 0 has the configuration and function described in the block diagram of FIG. 1, and includes an image display unit 18, a print information input unit 32, a battery remaining amount display unit 35, and a printer status display unit 36.

The image display section 18 displays an image of a subject at the time of photographing. In addition, when the print information is input, the created print information is displayed. When the printer status information is received from the printer, the image information is displayed. The received printer status information is also displayed.

The printer 250 is a digital camera 10
When image data transmitted from the transmission / reception unit 40 is received from the communication interface unit 256, an image is printed on the photographic paper P by a print head (not shown). The liquid crystal panel 251 displays the remaining ink amount and the remaining photographic paper. Various data can be input from a memory card (not shown) mounted on the memory card interface unit 254.

The terminal of the digital camera 100 and the terminal of the printer 250 are connected by a cable 42 (including the connector 41 and the connector 255) shown by a broken line.
Data input / output can also be performed by serial communication.

When the power supply standard is satisfied, the power can be supplied from the printer 250 to the digital camera 100 by the power supply cable 45. In the above configuration, when print information is created by the print information input unit 32 of the digital camera 100, the print information is transmitted from the transmission / reception unit 40 to the communication interface unit 256 of the printer 250 along with the digital image information.

This communication is performed by the main microcomputer 8 of the digital camera 100 in accordance with the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. After the start of communication, first, the main microcomputer 8 totals the required number A of images to be transmitted (S1 in FIG. 7). However, instead of the required number of transmissions, the number of transmission bytes may be used as a reference for the communication amount.

Next, the main microcomputer 8 detects the communication speed S with the printer (S2 in FIG. 7). Then, the communication time Ta per image is calculated from the required number of transmissions A and the communication speed S (S3 in FIG. 7).

Then, it is determined whether the current power supply of the digital camera 100 is an internal battery or an external power supply (S4 in FIG. 7). Digital camera 1
When a battery of no. 00 is used, the main microcomputer 8 calculates an operable time Tb of the battery (see FIG. 7).
S5). Then, the number of transmittable images B is calculated from the operable time Tb and the aforementioned Ta (S6 in FIG. 7).

The number of transmittable images B is the required number of transmissions A.
(S7 in FIG. 7), and if the required number of transmissions A is larger than the number of transmittable images B (YES in S7 in FIG. 7), a warning is generated (S8 in FIG. 7). In this case, the digital camera 1
On the 00 side, a warning display on the image display unit 18 and the electronic buzzer 50
A warning is issued, for example, by generating a warning sound.

If the required number of transmissions A is equal to or less than the number of transmittable images B (NO in S7 of FIG. 7), or if the power supply currently in use is an external power supply, the required number of transmissions or the required transmission time is used. At least one of
The image is displayed using the image display section 18 and the remaining battery level display section 35 (S9 in FIG. 7). Thereafter, the communication is started, and the display is continued after counting down the required number of transmissions A or the required transmission time being displayed (S10 in FIG. 7). That is, in the display by the countdown, the required number of transmissions means the remaining number of transmissions.

FIG. 8 shows a specific example of the display of the battery level display section 35. FIG. 8A shows a case where the required number of transmissions A is smaller than the number of transmittables B, and no warning is issued.

FIG. 8 (b) shows a case where the required number of transmissions A is larger than the number of transmittable images. A warning is issued by blinking the battery mark in the battery level display section 35. Also, instead of the blinking of the battery mark, a warning sound can be generated by the electronic buzzer 50. In this case, under the control of the main microcomputer 8, it is possible to indicate that the required number of transmissions A is larger than the number of transmittable images by combining the pitch of the electronic buzzer 50, the length of the sound, and the like.

Also, the battery mark blinks and the electronic buzzer 50
As shown in FIG. 8 (c), a specific instruction can be displayed by message display or blinking of the message display instead of the warning sound described in FIG.

The above description is an example in which the display status of the digital camera 100 is displayed to the user using the display unit of the digital camera 100. The display function and control function are simple and relatively inexpensive. When the home print system is composed of only simple printers, the display unit of the digital camera 100 is used to display the waiting time until the print is completed, or to receive and display the printer status information. It is preferable that the user can confirm the state of the above.

The main microcomputer 222 may count down by referring to the data of the printing completion date and time and the waiting time described above, and display the remaining waiting time until the printing is completed on the image display unit 18 every moment. .

If the remaining wait time is displayed continuously, the battery consumption is increased. Therefore, the display may be stopped during the countdown, and the completion of the printing may be notified by the electronic buzzer 50 at the end of the count. Further, the display on the image display unit 18 may be stopped during the countdown, and the display of the print completion may be displayed on the image display unit 18 at the end of the count.

By doing so, it is possible to accurately receive the order information created on the digital camera side, and the user can know that printing has been completed when the count is completed.

Further, the main microcomputer 8 prohibits the deletion of the image included in the order information until the counting is completed at the time of the above countdown. That is, the main microcomputer 8
Does not delete the image included in the order information even if the user performs an image deletion operation during the countdown. In this way, even if an error occurs during printing in the lab 200, the order information can be reliably resent.

If an error occurs during printing, a display as shown in FIG. 9 may be performed. In the example shown in FIG. 9, an error has occurred in the fourth print from the top.

If user information is set in the digital camera 100 in advance, a telephone number or the like included in the user information (information such as a telephone number capable of calling a print requester and a pager number: Less than,
If such setting is not made in the digital camera 100, call information input according to a menu when creating print information is referred to as “call information”.
Lab 200 with order information as part of print information
Send to

By including such user information, when ordering at the lab 200, the trouble of describing each of them can be omitted, and the required time can be shortened. In addition, since the salesclerk does not need to enter a slip, the order counter 210 can be unmanned.

Also, by doing so, the lab 200
It is possible to call the print requester from
When printing is completed or when an error occurs, the print requester can be called quickly.

Using such user information, the main microcomputer 222 causes the NCU 227 to dial the contact information of the user, and causes the tone generator 225 to output a tone corresponding to the message or a message voice from the voice synthesizer 226. . Also, the main microcomputer 222 and the NC
With U228, an E-mail indicating the completion of printing or occurrence of an error may be transmitted to the E-mail address of the user.

By doing so, it is possible for the lab 200 to notify the print requester of the completion of printing or the occurrence of an error. Therefore, not only when printing is completed, but also when an error occurs, printing is quickly performed. It becomes possible to call the requester.

By the way, in the communication from the digital camera 100 to the laboratory 200, depending on the amount of data to be transmitted, the communication speed, and the remaining capacity of the battery, the battery may not be held until the communication of the order information is completed. In order to prevent such a situation from occurring, the state of the digital camera and the total amount of order information are transferred from the digital camera 100 to the lab 2.
Preferably, it is sent to 00.

That is, regarding the above-mentioned order information, the main microcomputer 8 can generate information on the total amount (total data amount) of the order information, and can include this information in the order information. By doing so, the laboratory 200 can know the approximate time required for communication. As a result, the battery consumption of the digital camera can be predicted, and a warning can be issued from the laboratory 200.
This makes it possible to prevent a communication failure due to a dead battery or the like. Therefore, accurate reception of order information can be performed by stable communication.

Further, with respect to the above order information, the main microcomputer 8 generates state information on the state of the digital camera, and this information can be included in the order information. Then, this state information is included in the order information and transmitted every time the state of the digital camera changes, every fixed time, or the like.
Then, the main microcomputer 222 on the printing apparatus 220 side
Is configured to analyze this state information.

The status information includes: information on the presence / absence of connection to an external power source; information on / off of image display and on / off of a backlight for display; and type of battery (manganese). , Alkali, nickel cadmium, nickel metal hydride, lithium, etc.), information on the number of batteries, information on the remaining amount of batteries, information on the presence or absence (on / off) of display on the image display unit 18, digital cameras Information about the unique identification number, • Information about the user identification number, • Information about the consumed power (including information about the image display on / off and the backlight on / off status for display) Information about warning display on digital camera, Information about maximum communication speed, Information about operable time, , Or a combination of a plurality of them.

By doing so, the lab 200 can know the approximate time required for communication and the state of the digital camera every time the state of the digital camera changes or at regular intervals (in real time). become.

The printing apparatus 220 calculates, when the main microcomputer 222 calculates, that the battery life is expected to be shorter than the completion of the transmission of the order information, a warning display on the display unit 224, and a voice synthesis unit. A warning message is issued by outputting a warning message using the NCU 226, transmitting a warning message using the NCU 227, and transmitting warning message data to the digital camera 100. In particular, this warning is issued when the digital camera 100 is not receiving supply of external power.

If the communication can be completed by turning off the backlight, a warning may be displayed together with the state (communication can be completed by turning off the backlight).
When the warning message data is transmitted to the digital camera 100, the digital camera 100
The side issues a warning by displaying a warning on the image display unit 18, generating a warning sound by the electronic buzzer 50, and the like.

The above warning is displayed on the display unit 224.
The display can be performed together with the display of the print completion time and the waiting time on the image display unit 18, so that the lab clerk and the user can surely notice.

By doing so, it is possible to prevent the battery from running out, etc., and to accurately receive the order information through stable communication.

[0128]

As described above in detail with the embodiments, according to the inventions described in this specification, the following effects can be obtained.

(1) In the printing system according to the first aspect, information on the reception status is generated on the printing device side based on the order information received from the digital camera, and the information on the reception status is displayed on the display means. Therefore, it is possible to accurately receive the order information created on the digital camera side, and to realize a print system in which the user can confirm the status of the reception.

(2) In the printing system according to the second aspect of the invention, the information on the reception status is transmitted from the transmitting device of the printing apparatus to the digital camera based on the order information received from the digital camera. It is possible to accurately receive the order information created in step (1), and the user can check the status of the reception using a digital camera.

(3) In the printing system according to the third aspect of the present invention, the information on the reception status from the printing apparatus is displayed on the display means of the digital camera, so that the user can confirm the reception status on the display means of the digital camera. Will be able to do it.

(4) In the printing system according to the fourth aspect, the information (waiting time) of the reception status from the printing apparatus is displayed on the display means of the digital camera. Can be used to confirm.

(5) In the invention of the printing system described in the claim 5, the digital camera displays the information of the reception status from the printing apparatus (whether the print reception is normal or not). It becomes possible for the user to confirm the status of whether or not to use the digital camera.

(6) In the printing system according to the sixth aspect, since the print requester can be called based on the information attached to the print information, the print requester is called quickly when printing is completed. be able to.

(7) According to the printing system of the present invention, a message is transmitted from the message transmitting means of the printing apparatus to the print requester by telephone or pager based on the information attached to the print information. Therefore, the client can be called quickly when printing is completed.

(8) In the printing system according to the eighth aspect, the digital camera counts down to the completion of printing by referring to the information on the reception status, and displays the result of the countdown on the display means. Can be accurately received, and the user can confirm the status of reception and the completion of printing by the display means of the digital camera.

(9) In the printing system according to the ninth aspect, the digital camera counts down to the completion of printing by referring to the information on the reception status, displays the result of the countdown on the display means, and indicates the count end time. Since the notification is made, it is possible to accurately receive the order information, and the user can know the completion of the printing when the count is completed.

(10) The digital camera of the print system according to the tenth aspect counts down until the printing is completed with reference to the information on the reception status, and the deletion of the image is prohibited until the counting is completed. Even if the order information needs to be resent, no problem occurs.

(11) In the printing system according to the eleventh aspect, since the status information of the digital camera is transmitted to the printing device, the status of the digital camera (communication speed, remaining battery power, image Display on / off, backlight on / off for image display, use of external power supply, etc.), the operating time of the digital camera can be estimated, and the battery runs out. Can be prevented beforehand.
Therefore, accurate reception of order information can be performed by stable communication.

(12) In the printing system according to the twelfth aspect, since the status information of the digital camera is transmitted to the printing apparatus, the status of the digital camera (communication speed, remaining battery power, image It is possible to know whether the display is on or off, whether or not an external power supply is used, and to issue a warning when the battery is expected to be exhausted, thereby preventing the battery from being exhausted. Therefore, accurate reception of order information can be performed by stable communication.

(13) In the printing system according to the thirteenth aspect, since the state information of the digital camera is transmitted to the printing apparatus, the state of the digital camera (communication speed, remaining battery power, image Display on / off, backlight on / off for image display,
The use of an external power supply, etc.), and if a battery is expected to run out because no external power supply is used, a warning is issued to prevent the battery from running out. it can. Therefore, accurate reception of order information can be performed by stable communication.

(14) In the printing system according to the fourteenth aspect, the status information of the digital camera is transmitted to the printing apparatus, and when the battery is expected to be exhausted, the data from the printing apparatus is received to receive the data. By displaying a warning in, battery exhaustion or the like can be prevented. Therefore, accurate reception of order information can be performed by stable communication.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of a digital camera used in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an appearance of the digital camera according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of a laboratory which is an order receiving device of the print order information receiving system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of a laboratory which is an order receiving device of the print order information receiving system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a display state of a reception status of the order reception device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a home print system including only a simple printer according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a communication procedure according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display example at the time of communication using the battery remaining amount display unit according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display state of a reception status of the order reception device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 lens 2 aperture stop 3 image sensor 4 pre-processing circuit 5 A / D converter 6 signal processing circuit 7 memory controller 8 main microcomputer 9 frame memory 12 strobe 13 serial port driver 14 sub-microcomputer 15 aperture drive circuit 16 focus drive circuit 18 image Display unit 19 CCD drive circuit 21 Image storage unit 31 Release SW 32 Print information input unit 33 Order button 40 Transmission / reception unit 50 Electronic buzzer 200 Lab 210 Order counter 211 Redemption ticket issuing unit 220 Printing device 221 Print exit 222 Main microcomputer 223 Printer 224 Display Unit 225 Tone generation unit 226 Voice synthesis unit 227 Network control unit (NCU)

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Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. A printing system comprising: a digital camera that creates digital image information; and a printing device that receives order information from the digital camera and performs a printing process. Print information providing means for generating print order information by providing print information corresponding to the information, transmitting and receiving means for transmitting and receiving data, the printing apparatus, receiving means for receiving order information from the digital camera, A printing means for printing based on the received order information, a display means for displaying information, and generating reception status information based on the received order information, and displaying the reception status information on the display means. A printing system, comprising: a control unit for displaying. 2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a transmission unit, wherein the control unit controls the transmission unit to transmit reception status information to the digital camera based on the order information received from the digital camera. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein: 3. The printing system according to claim 2, wherein the digital camera includes a display unit capable of displaying information, and displays information on a reception status from the printing apparatus on the display unit. 4. The print system according to claim 2, wherein the information on the reception status is a waiting time until printing is completed. 5. The print system according to claim 2, wherein the information on the reception status is an indication of whether or not the print reception is normal. 6. The print system according to claim 1, wherein the print information generated by the print information providing means includes personal information capable of calling a print requester. 7. The printing system according to claim 6, wherein the printing apparatus includes a message transmitting unit, and transmits a message by referring to the personal information when printing is completed. 8. The digital camera includes a display unit capable of displaying information, and a countdown unit, wherein the countdown unit performs a countdown based on a reception status from the printing apparatus, and the display unit performs the countdown. 2. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the result of the printing is displayed. 9. The countdown means performs countdown based on a reception status from the printing apparatus.
9. The print system according to claim 8, wherein notification of the end of the count is performed at the end of the count. 10. The digital camera includes control means for controlling various operations, and the control means inhibits deletion of an image included in order information until the countdown means finishes counting. Item 10. The printing system according to Item 8. 11. The digital camera further comprises control means for generating state information relating to the state of the digital camera, and adding the state information to the order information, wherein the control means of the printing apparatus includes: The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the status information is read. 12. The printing apparatus includes warning issuing means for giving a warning by display, sound, or data transmission, and the control means of the printing apparatus determines whether a battery of the digital camera is ordered based on the status information. 12. The printing system according to claim 11, wherein a warning is issued when it is expected that the information is not provided until the transmission of the information is completed. 13. The printing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the control unit of the printing apparatus issues a warning based on the status information when the digital camera is not supplied with external power. system. 14. The digital camera, further comprising: display means capable of displaying information, receiving data from the warning issuing means, and displaying warning information from the printing apparatus on the display means. The printing system according to claim 12, wherein: