EP1540457A1 - Appareil de fourniture d'images, logique de commande de cet appareil, et systeme d'impression - Google Patents

Appareil de fourniture d'images, logique de commande de cet appareil, et systeme d'impression

Info

Publication number
EP1540457A1
EP1540457A1 EP03766724A EP03766724A EP1540457A1 EP 1540457 A1 EP1540457 A1 EP 1540457A1 EP 03766724 A EP03766724 A EP 03766724A EP 03766724 A EP03766724 A EP 03766724A EP 1540457 A1 EP1540457 A1 EP 1540457A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
printer
image
file
print request
supply apparatus
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
EP03766724A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP1540457A4 (fr
Inventor
Fumihiro c/o Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Goto
Hiromitsu C/O Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Hirabayashi
Takao C/O Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Aichi
Akitoshi c/o Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Yamada
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Canon Inc
Original Assignee
Canon Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Canon Inc filed Critical Canon Inc
Priority to EP11153098A priority Critical patent/EP2312430A3/fr
Publication of EP1540457A1 publication Critical patent/EP1540457A1/fr
Publication of EP1540457A4 publication Critical patent/EP1540457A4/fr
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/12—Digital output to print unit, e.g. line printer, chain printer
    • G06F3/1201—Dedicated interfaces to print systems
    • G06F3/1278—Dedicated interfaces to print systems specifically adapted to adopt a particular infrastructure
    • G06F3/128—Direct printing, e.g. sending document file, using memory stick, printing from a camera
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/12—Digital output to print unit, e.g. line printer, chain printer
    • G06F3/1201—Dedicated interfaces to print systems
    • G06F3/1202—Dedicated interfaces to print systems specifically adapted to achieve a particular effect
    • G06F3/1203—Improving or facilitating administration, e.g. print management
    • G06F3/1205—Improving or facilitating administration, e.g. print management resulting in increased flexibility in print job configuration, e.g. job settings, print requirements, job tickets
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/12—Digital output to print unit, e.g. line printer, chain printer
    • G06F3/1201—Dedicated interfaces to print systems
    • G06F3/1202—Dedicated interfaces to print systems specifically adapted to achieve a particular effect
    • G06F3/1203—Improving or facilitating administration, e.g. print management
    • G06F3/1206—Improving or facilitating administration, e.g. print management resulting in increased flexibility in input data format or job format or job type
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/12—Digital output to print unit, e.g. line printer, chain printer
    • G06F3/1201—Dedicated interfaces to print systems
    • G06F3/1223—Dedicated interfaces to print systems specifically adapted to use a particular technique
    • G06F3/1237—Print job management
    • G06F3/1244—Job translation or job parsing, e.g. page banding
    • G06F3/1247—Job translation or job parsing, e.g. page banding by conversion to printer ready format
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
    • H04N1/00127—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture
    • H04N1/00278—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture with a printing apparatus, e.g. a laser beam printer
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/12—Digital output to print unit, e.g. line printer, chain printer
    • G06F3/1201—Dedicated interfaces to print systems
    • G06F3/1223—Dedicated interfaces to print systems specifically adapted to use a particular technique
    • G06F3/1237—Print job management
    • G06F3/1244—Job translation or job parsing, e.g. page banding
    • G06F3/1245—Job translation or job parsing, e.g. page banding by conversion to intermediate or common format
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/12—Digital output to print unit, e.g. line printer, chain printer
    • G06F3/1201—Dedicated interfaces to print systems
    • G06F3/1223—Dedicated interfaces to print systems specifically adapted to use a particular technique
    • G06F3/1237—Print job management
    • G06F3/1253—Configuration of print job parameters, e.g. using UI at the client
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N2201/00—Indexing scheme relating to scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, and to details thereof
    • H04N2201/0008—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus
    • H04N2201/0034—Details of the connection, e.g. connector, interface
    • H04N2201/0048—Type of connection
    • H04N2201/0049—By wire, cable or the like
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N2201/00—Indexing scheme relating to scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, and to details thereof
    • H04N2201/0008—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus
    • H04N2201/0065—Converting image data to a format usable by the connected apparatus or vice versa
    • H04N2201/0068—Converting from still picture data
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N2201/00—Indexing scheme relating to scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, and to details thereof
    • H04N2201/0077—Types of the still picture apparatus
    • H04N2201/0084—Digital still camera
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N2201/00—Indexing scheme relating to scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, and to details thereof
    • H04N2201/32—Circuits or arrangements for control or supervision between transmitter and receiver or between image input and image output device, e.g. between a still-image camera and its memory or between a still-image camera and a printer device
    • H04N2201/3201—Display, printing, storage or transmission of additional information, e.g. ID code, date and time or title
    • H04N2201/3212—Display, printing, storage or transmission of additional information, e.g. ID code, date and time or title of data relating to a job, e.g. communication, capture or filing of an image
    • H04N2201/3221—Display, printing, storage or transmission of additional information, e.g. ID code, date and time or title of data relating to a job, e.g. communication, capture or filing of an image of a job number or identification, e.g. communication number
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N2201/00—Indexing scheme relating to scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, and to details thereof
    • H04N2201/32—Circuits or arrangements for control or supervision between transmitter and receiver or between image input and image output device, e.g. between a still-image camera and its memory or between a still-image camera and a printer device
    • H04N2201/3201—Display, printing, storage or transmission of additional information, e.g. ID code, date and time or title
    • H04N2201/3212—Display, printing, storage or transmission of additional information, e.g. ID code, date and time or title of data relating to a job, e.g. communication, capture or filing of an image
    • H04N2201/3222—Display, printing, storage or transmission of additional information, e.g. ID code, date and time or title of data relating to a job, e.g. communication, capture or filing of an image of processing required or performed, e.g. forwarding, urgent or confidential handling
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N2201/00—Indexing scheme relating to scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, and to details thereof
    • H04N2201/32—Circuits or arrangements for control or supervision between transmitter and receiver or between image input and image output device, e.g. between a still-image camera and its memory or between a still-image camera and a printer device
    • H04N2201/3201—Display, printing, storage or transmission of additional information, e.g. ID code, date and time or title
    • H04N2201/3225—Display, printing, storage or transmission of additional information, e.g. ID code, date and time or title of data relating to an image, a page or a document
    • H04N2201/3226—Display, printing, storage or transmission of additional information, e.g. ID code, date and time or title of data relating to an image, a page or a document of identification information or the like, e.g. ID code, index, title, part of an image, reduced-size image

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a print system, image supply apparatus, and control method therefor.
  • Recent printers have sufficient print quality, and can print , e.g., a natural image with a quality equivalent to a photograph.
  • the number of image sensing pixels of a digital still camera (to be referred to as a DSC hereinafter) has reached several million, and the quality of a photographed image has become comparable to that of a silver halide camera.
  • the DCS utilizes a removal storage medium (there are various memory cards using a flash memory) .
  • the storage medium is removed from the DSC and set into the slot of the printer to read out and print image data.
  • DPOF Digital Print
  • the DSC generally comprises a liquid crystal display for confirming a photographed image and displaying various menus, and is also equipped with various keys (buttons). By using the display and keys, an image to be printed is selected, and the number of prints of the image is designated.
  • the designation contents are stored as a file in a storage medium which stores the image. When the storage medium is set in a printer, a print process is done for the image in accordance with the file which describes the designation contents.
  • print request contents generated on the DSC side are a DPOF text file.
  • DSCs are projected to have a larger number of functions and describe information other than an image to be simply printed and the number of prints.
  • DSCs may describe finer designations such as designation of the size of an image to be printed and the size of a print sheet, and designation of a layout of a plurality of images on one print sheet .
  • the problem which arises in this case is that setups using the DSC are performed independently of the printer. For example, print sheets in various sizes can be set in even a DPOF printer, and the sheet size may be different from that set by the DSC.
  • USB Universal Serial Bus
  • the DSC can grasp the printer capacity, and print conditions can be set in consideration of the capacity (or function or state), solving the above problem.
  • the following problems must be solved. 1.
  • a printer connected to a DSC is not the same, and it is difficult to construct the user interface of the DSC in consideration of the printer capacity. This is because items (e.g., the size and type of available print medium, print quality, and layout) in the printer capacity are not independent and linked items are di ferent between printers .
  • a DPOF file is stored in a removable medium such as a CF card.
  • a removable medium such as a CF card.
  • Many cameras support DPOF subsets, and whether another camera can analyze a DPOF file stored in a removable medium depends on the DPOF subset supported by the camera.
  • a file designation method used in an interface and a file designation method in a DPOF file are not always the same though a DPOF file can be analyzed by the printer by attaching a "DPOF print" button or the like to the DSC and transmitting a DPOF file to the printer.
  • the user is confused by print instructions with different print designation methods .
  • Even if the DSC is directly physically connected to the printer via the interface of the DSC, it is difficult to specify each image in the DSC by a protocol used in the interface.
  • the DPOF describes print instruction contents in the text format.
  • a description which designates an image directly uses a directory name and file name under which the image file is stored.
  • the process Upon connecting the DSC and printer, the process complies with PTP (Picture Transfer Protocol) .
  • PTP Picture Transfer Protocol
  • the printer cannot request a file described by a path name from the DSC. This is because PTP does not have a command for designating a file by a path name.
  • DPOF has been described, and this also applies to a description language such as a markup language including HTML or XML in which an image file is linked by a path name to constitute a window.
  • the present invention has been made in consideration of the conventional drawbacks, and has as its object to provide an image supply apparatus capable of transferring and printing an intended image even in a system which transfers image data by a handle upon reception of a print request list described by the file name of an image, a method of controlling the image supply apparatus, and a print system.
  • a print system according to the present invention has the following arrangement .
  • an image supply apparatus which has an interface for directly connecting a printer, receives a transfer request for image data to be printed from the printer by a handler that specifies image data stored in a removable storage medium, and supplies an image specified by the handler to the printer comprises conversion means for, when the image supply apparatus can directly communicate with the printer via the interface and a print request list file which describes by a file name an image to be printed exists in the storage medium, performing a conversion process in order to generate a new print request list file in which at least a description of the file name in the print request list file is converted into a description expressed by a handler, and means for transmitting the new print request list file converted by the conversion means as an object to the printer.
  • Fig. 1 is a schematic view of the outer appearance of a printer according to an embodiment
  • Fig. 2 is a schematic view of connection between a digital camera and the printer according to the embodiment
  • Fig. 3 is a block diagram of the printer according to the embodiment.
  • Fig. 4 is a block diagram of the digital camera according to the embodiment.
  • Fig. 5 is a view showing a layer structure associated with communication between the digital camera and the printer according to the embodiment
  • Fig. 6 is a view showing a connection sequence by a general PTP protocol upon connecting the digital camera and printer according to the embodiment
  • Fig. 7 is a view showing an example of the contents of a DPOF file according to the embodiment.
  • Fig. 8 is a view showing file contents after conversion of the DPOF file shown in Fig. 7;
  • Fig. 9 is a flow chart showing part of the process of the digital camera according to the embodiment.
  • Fig. 10 is a flow chart showing part of the process of the printer according to the embodiment
  • Fig. 11 is a view showing a sequence in transmitting an object from the printer to the digital camera
  • Fig. 12 is a view showing a sequence in transmitting an object from the digital camera to the printer.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the outer appearance of a photo direct printer (to be referred to as a PD printer) according to this embodiment.
  • Fig. 2 shows a state in which the DSC is directly connected to the printer.
  • a PD printer 1000 has a general PC printer function of printing data received from a host computer (PC), a function (DPOF function) of printing image data directly read from a storage medium such as a memory card, and a function of printing image data directly received from a digital camera by direct communication with the DSC (to be described later) .
  • PC host computer
  • DPOF function function of printing image data directly read from a storage medium such as a memory card
  • DSC digital camera by direct communication with the DSC
  • a main body which forms a housing of the PD printer 1000 has a case M 1001, upper case 1002, access cover 1003, and exhaust tray 1004 as exterior members.
  • the lower case 1001 nearly forms the lower half portion of the PD printer 1000
  • the upper case 1002 nearly forms the upper half portion of the main body.
  • a hollow structure which has a storage space that stores mechanisms to be described later is formed. Openings are respectively formed on the upper and front surfaces of the main body.
  • One end portion of the exhaust tray 1004 is rotatably held by the lower case 1001, and rotation of the tray 1004 opens/closes the opening formed on the front surface of the lower case 1001.
  • the exhaust tray 1004 is rotated toward the front surface side to open the opening, so that print sheets can be exhausted from the opening.
  • the exhausted print sheets are stacked on the exhaust trays 1004 in turn.
  • the exhaust tray 1004 stores two auxiliary trays 1004a and 1004b. When these auxiliary trays are pulled out as needed, the loading area of print sheets can be enlarged/reduced in three steps.
  • One end portion of the access cover 1003 is rotatably held by the upper case 1002 to be able to open/close the opening formed on the upper surface of the main body.
  • a printhead cartridge (not shown) , ink tanks (not shown) , or the like housed in the main body can be exchanged.
  • a projection formed on the rear surface of the cover 1003 rotates a cover open/close lever. By detecting the rotation position of the lever using a microswitch or the like, the open/close state of the access cover is detected.
  • a power key 1005 is arranged on the upper surface of the upper case 1002 so that the user can press it.
  • the upper case 1002 comprises a control panel 1010 having various key switches and the like.
  • Reference numeral 1007 denotes an automatic feeder which automatically conveys a print sheet into the apparatus main body.
  • Reference numeral 1008 denotes a paper gap select lever which is used to adjust the gap between the printhead and a print sheet .
  • Reference numeral 1009 denotes a card slot which receives an adapter that can receive a memory card.
  • this memory card for example, a compact flash memory® card, smart media® card, memory stick®, and the like are available. The memory card is removed from the DSC and set to provide a DPOF print function.
  • Reference numeral 1012 denotes a terminal used to connect a digital camera (to be described later).
  • the digital camera generally uses a USB (Universal Serial Bus) as a means for connecting a personal computer (PC) , and the terminal 1012 also adopts a USB interface form in this embodiment.
  • USB Universal Serial Bus
  • PC personal computer
  • another communication means can also be employed.
  • the printer can be connected to the digital camera on the front surface of the printer in order to simplify connection, as shown in Fig. 1.
  • the PD printer 1000 comprises an interface for realizing even printing from a personal computer (PC) .
  • the PD printer 1000 is kept connected to the PC once connected to the PC without any special reason.
  • the interface terminal is provided on the back surface.
  • the connection interface with the PC may be a parallel interface available from Centronics, a USB interface, or the like as far as the interface supports at least a two-way communication function.
  • Fig. 2 shows a state in which the PD printer 1000 and a digital camera 3012 according to this embodiment are connected.
  • a cable 5000 (USB cable) comprises a connector 5001 to be connected to the connector 1012 of the PD printer 1000, and a connector 5002 to be connected to a connector 5003 of the digital camera 3012.
  • the connector 5001 is connected to the USB connector of the PC, and then a sensed image can be transferred to the PC.
  • the digital camera 3012 can output image data saved in an internal memory via the connector 5003.
  • the digital camera 3012 can take various arrangements such as an arrangement having an internal memory as a storage means and an arrangement having a slot for inserting a removal memory.
  • the PD printer 1000 and digital camera 3012 are connected via the cable 5000 shown in Fig. 2, and image data from the digital camera 3012 can be directly printed by the PD printer 1000.
  • Fig. 3 is a block diagram of the control system of the PD printer 1000 according to this embodiment.
  • reference numeral 1 denotes a CPU which controls the overall apparatus; 2, a ROM which stores the operation processing sequence
  • Reference numeral 4 denotes a control panel (corresponding to 1010 in Fig. 1) .
  • Reference numeral 5 denotes an interface for connecting a PC; and 7, an interface (the host side of the USB) which connects a digital still camera.
  • Reference numeral 9 denotes a card interface which can connect an adaptor (PCMCIA) 10 holding a memory card.
  • the card interface 9 allows the PD printer 1000 to realize DPOF, i.e., to read a description file which is stored in a memory card upon photographing by a digital camera and associated with a print instruction, and to print an image in accordance with the description file.
  • Reference numeral 6 denotes a printer engine which discharges ink by using heat energy in this embodiment though the printing method is not limited to this .
  • Reference numeral 11 denotes an interface for connecting an expansion device, details of which will be described later. The interface 11 can connect, e.g., a display device which is prepared as an option and displays an image.
  • Fig. 4 is a block diagram of the DSC (Digital Still Camera) 3012.
  • DSC Digital Still Camera
  • reference numeral 31 denotes a CPU which controls the entire DSC; and 32, a ROM which stores the processing sequence (program) of the CPU 31.
  • Reference numeral 33 denotes a RAM which is used as a work area of the CPU 31; and 34, a switch group which is used to make various operations.
  • Reference numeral 35 denotes a liquid crystal display which is used to confirm a sensed image and display a menu upon making various setups .
  • Reference numeral 36 denotes an optical unit which mainly comprises a lens and its drive system.
  • Reference numeral 37 denotes a CCD element; and 38, a driver which controls the optical unit 36 under the control of the CPU 31.
  • Reference numeral 39 denotes a connector for connecting a storage medium 40 (compact flash memory card, smart media card, or the like); and 41, a USB interface (the slave side of the USB) for connecting the PC or PD printer 1000 of this embodiment .
  • Fig. 5 shows a connection layer upon direct connection.
  • the upper side represents a DSC (digital camera) layer
  • the lower side represents a PD printer layer.
  • Fig. 5 also illustrates SCSI and wireless TCP/IP as communication means. In this case, connection by a USB interface will be explained.
  • PTP Point Transfer Protocol
  • the DSC 3012 uses a USB interface prepared for connection to a PC, and this interface is connected to the PD printer.
  • the DSC 3012 functions as a USB slave, and the PD printer 1000 functions as a USB host. In the connection state, system control is given to the PD printer 1000.
  • Fig. 6 shows general PTP communication procedures.
  • the USB host is the PD printer
  • the USB slave is the DSC 3012 in this embodiment, and this relationship is illustrated in Fig. 6.
  • the PD printer 1000 transmits a PTP command GetDevicelnfo to the DSC 3012. At this time, the PD printer 1000 does not know the connected device, and inquires it. In response to this, the DSC 3012 transmits (notifies) information on the DSC 3012 to the PD printer 1000 by Devi ⁇ elnfo Dataset .
  • the PD printer 1000 assigns the DSC 3012 as a resource by a PTP command OpenSession. If necessary, a procedure of assigning a handle to a data object or performing special initialization starts.
  • the PD printer 1000 requests a handle from the DSC 3012. That is, in order to specify an unknown object (photographed image, script, or the like) of the DSC 3012, the PD printer 1000 requests a number uniquely assigned to the object of the DSC 3012. In procedure 1404, a handle list held by the DSC 3012 is sent back in response to this request (i.e., the number of objects is notified) .
  • the PD printer 1000 is notified of the number of objects held by the DSC (print instruction files by DPOF (to be referred to as DPOF files hereinafter), and sensed-image files).
  • the PD printer If the PD printer inquires the ith object, the PD printer requests attribute information (e.g., whether the object is an image or a text such as a script) on the ith object by Get ⁇ bjectinfo(i) , and receives the result as Objectinfo i Dataset (procedure 1405).
  • attribute information e.g., whether the object is an image or a text such as a script
  • the contents of Objectinfo i Dataset are analyzed, and the file name and path name of the object are stored in a list in association with the handle.
  • a file name designated in a DPOF file can be converted into a handle for designating an image by PTP.
  • the PD printer issues GetObject by using a handle representing the image data, and receives the result as
  • a corresponding DPOF file has already been stored in the memory card of the DSC 3012 (a case wherein print setups are performed after connection to the PD printer will be described later) .
  • a process of creating a DPOF file is well known, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.
  • the PD printer 1000 can recognize by GetObjectlnfo which object is the handle of a DPOF file (text file as described above) .
  • the PD printer 1000 can obtain the contents of the file by GetObject using the handle.
  • Fig. 7 shows an example of the contents of a DPOF file created by the DSC 3012. Referring to Fig. 7, images to be printed are represented by two lines : .. /DCIM/105GANON/IMG_0572. JPG .. /DCIM/105GANON/IMG_0573. JPG
  • the DSC 3012 in this embodiment creates a new file (to be referred to as a print instruction or print instruction file hereinafter) by converting a path-attached file name described in the file into information representing an internal handle.
  • a file (text) shown in Fig. 8 is created as a print instruction by the conversion process.
  • ⁇ image(00000001)> and ⁇ image(00000002) > represent portions which are converted into handlers for specifying a file.
  • the converted print instruction file is also one object, and this object is also assigned a handler.
  • the conversion timing is the initial stage upon connecting the DSC 3012 to the PD printer 1000. For example, as shown in Fig. 6, a conversion process starts upon reception of GetDevicelnfo or OpenSession from the PD printer.
  • the CPU 31 of the DSC 3012 executes a DPOF file conversion process upon reception of OpenSession as a trigger.
  • the DSC 3012 When viewed from the PD printer 1000, the DSC 3012 seems to have at least two files having a text attribute (DPOF file and converted print instruction file) .
  • the PD printer 1000 receives the contents of these files by a GetObject command, utilizes a file which contains a character string (e.g., ⁇ command(DPS_Job) >) representing a specific command, and prints the data.
  • a character string e.g., ⁇ command(DPS_Job) >
  • Fig. 9 shows a process which is called upon reception of an
  • OpenSession command Handles for all the objects held by the DSC 3012 have already been determined.
  • step SI whether a DPOF print instruction file which is created in accordance with contents set by a preceding print setup process exists in the memory card 40 is determined. If NO in step SI, an error is determined. For example, a process of displaying on the display panel 4 a message that no print instruction contents exist or no print setups exist is executed. If YES in step SI, a new file (print instruction) in which a path name-attached file name described in the file is replaced by a handle is created (step S2). In step S2, as described above, a conversion process of information which designates an image to be printed is performed using a list in which file names and path names are associated with handle numbers. In step S3, a new handle is assigned to the created file, and this process ends.
  • the PD printer 1000 performs a process shown in Fig. 10. An initial communication establishment process upon connecting the DSC has already been completed.
  • step Sll the PD printer 1000 acquires the converted file (print instruction) of a DPOF file from the connected DSC 3012. As described above, the PD printer 1000 receives an object having a text attribute, and acquires a file which contains a character string serving as a specific key.
  • the PD printer 1000 advances to step S12 to analyze the file acquired in step Sll and acquire the handle of an image to be printed.
  • step S13 the PD printer 1000 requests data (image data) represented by the handle (this can be realized by a GetObject command) .
  • the PD printer 1000 receives the sent image data (step S14), and performs a print process (step S15) .
  • the PD printer 1000 repeats processes in step S12 and subsequent steps until the above process is determined to have been done for all requests .
  • a conversion process of a file name stored in a DPOF file is executed after creating a list in which all the objects held by the DSC 3012 are associated with handles.
  • a DPOF file is analyzed in response to detection that the DPOF file has been recorded, and a print-designated file name is checked.
  • the attribute of each object is checked again, as shown in Fig. 6. If an object having a print-designated file name is detected, a list in which the file name and handle are associated with each other is created. When association with handles ends for all print-designated file names, a conversion process such as step S2 of Fig. 9 is performed.
  • This arrangement can reduce the capacity of a list to be created. If an object having a print-designated file name is detected, a conversion process of the file name in the DPOF file is parallel-executed, which can omit creation of a list.
  • the first example assumes that selection of an image to be printed is done using the UI of the DSC 3012 and the result is stored as a DPOF file before the DSC 3012 is connected to the PD printer 1000.
  • the DSC 3012 acquires the function of the connected PD printer and sets print conditions in accordance with the printer function.
  • the DSC 3012 must be notified of the function (printable print sheet size or the like) of the PD printer 1000.
  • a DPOF file is created using the UI of the DSC 3012 after connection to the PD printer. In connection, no DPOF file and converted print instruction file exist in the memory card 40 of the DSC 3012 (i.e., no handles representing these files exist).
  • PTP has a command SendObjectlnfo for inquiring whether to transmit information from the host side (PD printer) to the slave side (DSC 3012), and this command is utilized (see Fig. 11). That is, a text file which describes items representing the functions of the PD printer 1000 is prepared in the PD printer 1000 (e.g., stored in the ROM 2). The PD printer 1000 issues a command SendObjectlnfo to the DSC 3012, and the DSC 3012 determines whether to accept the request (if so, the DSC 3012 sends back "OK”). Upon reception of "OK", the PD printer notifies the DSC 3012 of the file which describes function information of the PD printer (SendObject and ObjectData) .
  • handles are reserved for a DPOF file and a print instruction file which is the conversion result of the DPOF file. For example, handles "00000001" and “00000002" are ensured in advance for the DPOF file and print instruction file, respectively.
  • another handle is assigned.
  • the PD printer 1000 transmits information representing the functions of the PD printer to the DSC 3012.
  • the DSC 3012 performs various setups such as selection of an image to be printed and the number of prints by using the UI of the DSC 3012 as far as the functions of the connected PD printer 1000 permit.
  • an A4-size PD printer can print up to 2 x 2 images on one print sheet . Based on this , available layout candidates are narrowed.
  • This UI can be the same as a UI for print setups using DPOF when no printer is connected.
  • the user can conveniently designate printing by the same operation without any consciousness of connection between the printer and the DSC.
  • a DPOF file is created.
  • print instruction in which at least a file described by a path name in the DPOF file created in the memory card 40 is replaced by a handle name is executed.
  • the created print instruction file is transferred to the PD printer by, e.g., procedures shown in Fig. 12.
  • the DSC 3012 In order to notify the PD printer 1000 of information (print instruction) to be transmitted, the DSC 3012 notifies the PD printer of the information by using a command RequestObje ⁇ tTransfer (at this time, reserved handles are designated as the handles of objects).
  • the PD printer 1000 issues a command GetObjectlnfo in response to the command RequestObjectTransfer.
  • the DSC 3012 transmits the contents of the converted file as Objectinfo Dataset to the PD printer. If the file is transmitted as Objectinfo Dataset from the DSC 3012, the PD printer executes a print process in accordance with the contents of the file in accordance with the procedures shown in Fig. 10.
  • print conditions can be set in accordance with the functions of the connected PD printer.
  • the setup contents of the print conditions and the print result can coincide with each other.
  • the second example may be combined with the first example. That is, if a DPOF file exists upon connecting the DSC 3012 to the PD printer, the first example is adopted; otherwise, the second example is adopted without determining an error.
  • handlers for a DPOF file and print instruction file are reserved.
  • PTP has Event using a command AddObject when the USB slave (DSC 3012) generates a new object. By using this command, the PD printer 1000 can be notified of generation of a new object, and no handle need be reserved.
  • the PD printer 1000 first acquires a DPOF file from the DSC 3012. As described in the first example, files are narrowed down to a file having a text attribute. The PD printer 1000 issues a command
  • the PD printer 1000 analyzes the DPOF file transferred in this fashion, and extracts all path names + file names described in the DPOF file.
  • the PD printer 1000 creates in the RAM 3 a text file of the extracted path names + file names, and describes at the start of the file a command or script for requesting a handler for each file.
  • the PD printer issues a command SendObject to the DSC 3012 in accordance with the procedures in Fig. 11, and notifies the DSC 3012 of transmission of an object. If the DSC 3012 sends back "OK" , the PD printer outputs the created handler request file (object) to the DSC 3012.
  • the DSC 3012 Upon reception of the object, the DSC 3012 interprets the contents, and creates a text file (handler correspondence list) in which a character string representing a handler determined upon connection to the PD printer 1000 is added to each path name + file name described in the object.
  • the DSC 3012 outputs the handler correspondence list file to the PD printer 1000 in accordance with the procedures in Fig. 12. That is, the DSC 3012 issues a command RequestObjectTransfer to the PD printer so as to receive the object. As a result, the PD printer issues a command GetObjectlnfo for request object. In response to this, the DSC 3012 notifies the PD printer of the handler correspondence list (object).
  • the PD printer acquires the DPOF file which has been received first, and the handler correspondence list file which describes the handlers of print target image files described in the DPOF file.
  • the PD printer requests the image from the DSC 3012
  • command GetObject by using a corresponding handler in the handler correspondence list, receives the image data, and performs a print process.
  • step Sll of Fig. 10 is replaced by a process of acquiring a DPOF file and handler correspondence list, and the DPOF file and handler correspondence list are interpreted in step S12.
  • the PD printer 1000 receives a DPOF file in accordance with a request from the DSC 3012. It will readily occur to those skilled in the art that the present invention can also be applied to a case wherein print conditions are input in the DSC 3012 after the PD printer 1000 and DSC 3012 are connected.
  • a print process intended by the user can be achieved by DPOF using an existing PTP protocol upon directly connecting a digital camera and printer via a USB interface.
  • print conditions are set independently of the printer function.
  • print conditions can be set using UI on the basis of the printer capacity actually used for printing.
  • An intended print result can be obtained without any difference between set contents and the print result.
  • This embodiment has exemplified communication using a PTP protocol by directly connecting a digital camera and printer via a USB interface, but the present invention is not limited to this.
  • the present invention can be applied to a case wherein a file stored in the storage device of either the digital camera or printer cannot be directly accessed by the path name under the interface and/or protocol constraint.
  • This embodiment has exemplified DPOF, but the present invention is not limited to DPOF and can be applied to a file which is described by a markup language such as HTML or a file in another format .
  • the present invention can be applied to a print instruction in which a link destination designated by a file name or the like is converted into a handle and designated by a description language such as HTML.
  • USB connection is desirable and reduces the burden on the digital camera vendor.
  • firmware program

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Television Signal Processing For Recording (AREA)
  • Studio Devices (AREA)
  • Accessory Devices And Overall Control Thereof (AREA)
  • Record Information Processing For Printing (AREA)
  • Storing Facsimile Image Data (AREA)
  • Processing Or Creating Images (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne le transfert et l'impression d'une image considérée dès la réception d'une liste de demandes d'impression spécifiée par un nom de fichier d'image, même dans un système pour lequel les transferts des données d'image nécessitent une commande relais. En l'occurrence, lorsque la carte mémoire de l'appareil photo numérique (3012) utilisé comme fournisseur d'image contient un fichier de demande d'impression DPOF (format d'ordre d'impression numérique), et que cette demande spécifie par son nom de fichier une image à imprimer, il y a génération et transmission à l'imprimante (1000) d'un nouveau fichier où le nom de fichier figurant dans le fichier de demande d'impression est remplacé par une commande relais.
EP03766724A 2002-08-05 2003-08-04 Appareil de fourniture d'images, logique de commande de cet appareil, et systeme d'impression Ceased EP1540457A4 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP11153098A EP2312430A3 (fr) 2002-08-05 2003-08-04 Appareil de fourniture d'images, son procédé de contrôle, et le système d'impression

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JP2002228032 2002-08-05
JP2002228032A JP3673779B2 (ja) 2002-08-05 2002-08-05 画像供給装置及びその制御方法及びプリントシステム
PCT/JP2003/009871 WO2004013750A1 (fr) 2002-08-05 2003-08-04 Appareil de fourniture d'images, logique de commande de cet appareil, et systeme d'impression

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EP03766724A Ceased EP1540457A4 (fr) 2002-08-05 2003-08-04 Appareil de fourniture d'images, logique de commande de cet appareil, et systeme d'impression

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JP (1) JP3673779B2 (fr)
CN (1) CN1318950C (fr)
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CA (1) CA2493595C (fr)
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EP2312430A2 (fr) 2002-08-05 2011-04-20 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Appareil de fourniture d'images, son procédé de contrôle, et le système d'impression
CN108705871A (zh) * 2017-03-31 2018-10-26 佳能株式会社 打印设备和打印系统及其控制方法和存储介质

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EP1763736A4 (fr) 2004-05-12 2007-11-28 Samsung Electronics Co Ltd Procede pour fournir des donnees multimedia pour impression directe, procede d'impression directe et appareil correspondant
WO2005109173A1 (fr) * 2004-05-12 2005-11-17 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Procede et dispositif d'impression directe
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JP4574282B2 (ja) 2004-08-20 2010-11-04 キヤノン株式会社 画像供給デバイス及び該デバイスの制御方法及び印刷システムと印刷制御方法
KR100727927B1 (ko) * 2004-11-02 2007-06-13 삼성전자주식회사 오더링 파일을 이용한 프린트 방법과 그 방법을 이용한프린트 시스템, 이미지 공급장치 및 프린트 장치
JP2007011979A (ja) * 2005-07-04 2007-01-18 Canon Inc 電子機器およびその制御方法
JP4389179B2 (ja) * 2007-02-27 2009-12-24 ブラザー工業株式会社 メディア接続装置、メディア接続システム、メディア接続システムの操作方法
JP2009269258A (ja) * 2008-05-02 2009-11-19 Canon Inc 画像形成装置及び画像形成装置の制御方法
CN110058825B (zh) * 2019-05-14 2022-08-02 上海外高桥造船有限公司 手持式印字机应用程序优化方法及系统

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2312430A2 (fr) 2002-08-05 2011-04-20 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Appareil de fourniture d'images, son procédé de contrôle, et le système d'impression
CN108705871A (zh) * 2017-03-31 2018-10-26 佳能株式会社 打印设备和打印系统及其控制方法和存储介质
US10773536B2 (en) 2017-03-31 2020-09-15 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Printing apparatus, printing system, method of controlling printing apparatus, method of controlling printing system, and storage medium
CN108705871B (zh) * 2017-03-31 2021-01-15 佳能株式会社 打印设备和打印系统及其控制方法和存储介质
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WO2004013750A1 (fr) 2004-02-12
EP1540457A4 (fr) 2008-10-01
CN1318950C (zh) 2007-05-30
CA2493595C (fr) 2011-08-30
EP2312430A3 (fr) 2011-08-10
CA2493595A1 (fr) 2004-02-12
JP3673779B2 (ja) 2005-07-20
RU2005106235A (ru) 2005-07-20
EP2312430A2 (fr) 2011-04-20
RU2301440C2 (ru) 2007-06-20
CN1675615A (zh) 2005-09-28
AU2003250544A1 (en) 2004-02-23
RU2355020C2 (ru) 2009-05-10
RU2007106505A (ru) 2008-08-27
JP2004070611A (ja) 2004-03-04

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