JP2000118086A - Printing system and printing designating processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain a printing system and a printing designating processing method making operability common and capable of effectively developing the function of a printer. SOLUTION: A direct-coupled printing system 10 is constituted of a digital still camera 20 and a printer 30 and the outputs of connection detection parts 20f, 30b are respectively supplied to a camera control part 20g and a printing control part 30c. The camera control part 20g judges a connection type corresponding to the supply of the output from the printing control part 30c to the camera control part 20g and the mounting of a recording medium 24. An image photographed corresponding to the type and function and selection key are displayed on a display part 20d. The camera control part 20g controls an I/F type adjusting part 200e to output a signal containing job data to the recording medium 24 or the printer 30. The printer 30 performs the regeneration or reception of the signal supplied corresponding to the medium connector 304a or cable connector 300a of an IF part 30a.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a printing system and a print designation processing method for printing stored print information on a print display medium by using the stored print information. The present invention is suitable for use in, for example, a camera-printer direct connection print system, which includes compatibility in exchanging information with an information output device that outputs input print information.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, when utilizing an image taken by a digital camera, image data taken is processed after moving to an image processing apparatus such as a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as PC). -Various processing such as preservation is performed. Movement of image data is classified into a removable media type and a built-in memory type depending on the method of recording. An example of the former removable media type is, for example, JP-A-6-8537, and an example of the latter built-in memory type is, for example, JP-A-7-210342.

In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-8537, when printing an image, a PC is required and the scale of the configuration of the printer system becomes large, so that the image can be easily and continuously printed automatically with a simple configuration. A printing system has been proposed which can easily change the gradation characteristics according to the image source. The feature of this proposal is that the input device, for example,
By operating the digital camera, job information for instructing printing is recorded together with the image data on the removable medium,
The printer (output-side device) to which the removable medium is attached prints an image in accordance with the job information. The removable media is a flash EEPROM (Electr
erasable programmable read only memory) and floppy disks. By performing print processing in accordance with the information recorded on this medium, the proposed printer system can be operated unattended by avoiding long-term operator restraint.

In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-210342, a universal memory has a built-in memory in a device on the input side, that is, a device capable of reading data from an external device into a printer and outputting the data to a recording medium. Printers with an interface have been proposed. By adopting a simple configuration, the inconvenience of limiting data input / output is eliminated. For this purpose, an input device, which is an external device, and a printer are connected via a universal interface. At this time, the processor of the input device can specify the function of the printer while confirming the mutual function specified from the logical value or the address value of the interface line. The recording medium corresponding to the built-in memory, that is, the memory is also connected via the universal interface. This enables the printer to operate at high speed.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Incidentally, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-85
In the printer system disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 37, between the devices constituting the system, for example, the printer on the input side is required to be able to print the shooting date together with the image, but the printer must have a printing function of the shooting date. For example, the contents specified in the job information may not be realized, for example, the printing date cannot be printed. In this printing system,
The contents specified by the input device and the functions that can be realized by the printer must be matched in advance. Due to such a necessity, if it is attempted to provide compatibility between various models, functions that can be specified by job information are limited. Therefore, the versatility of this printing system is reduced.

The printer with a universal interface disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 7-210342 is different from the above-described print system via a recording medium in a method of connecting an interface with a plug-in board via a plurality of buses. It describes that data input / output is determined based on a connection relationship and its state, and printing is performed according to a designated function. Therefore, while it is possible to specify printing while checking the functions of the printer and the external device, the operator is restricted for a long time.
Even if the image data and the job information are simply recorded in the internal memory as in a print system, the job information cannot be transmitted from the internal memory to the printer. Even if the above-described configurations are simply combined, the direct printing system has no compatibility between different manufacturers and models, and must be used with limited models.

[0007] The present invention solves such disadvantages of the prior art, and achieves commonality of operability irrespective of the type of connection, and a printing system capable of effectively exhibiting the functions of a printer. And a print designation processing method.

[0008]

According to the present invention, there is provided an image input apparatus for converting information contained in incident light into electric signal information and generating an image from the obtained information. And an image printing apparatus that prints an image based on information obtained by the image input apparatus and prints the image in accordance with designated job information. Imaging means for photoelectrically converting information obtained by receiving light through an optical system into light incident thereon, and signal processing for converting an output from the imaging means into a digital signal and performing signal processing on the digital signal Means for displaying the output of the signal processing means, displaying an item of job information to the image printing apparatus, and displaying a selection key of the item, and an output of the signal processing means. First information for generating a standard signal and extracting compatibility information representing the function of the image printing apparatus, including a signal conforming to a predetermined standard when supplied, and including job information selected by the display means. A processing means and a recording medium for recording and holding the standard signal are mounted to secure a connection state between the image printing apparatus and the recording medium, and to record and / or reproduce the standard signal in the connection state of the recording medium. Connection means, a second connection means used for input / output of a standard signal, and a first detection for checking a mounting state of a recording medium to the first connection means and a connection state between the second connection means and the image printing apparatus. Means for generating a standard signal in the first connecting means or the second connecting means in accordance with the output of the first detecting means and setting an output destination of the standard signal, and an imaging means, a signal processing means and Input side control means for controlling the display means, the connection state between the image printing apparatus and the recording medium is secured by mounting the recording medium on the image printing apparatus, and the connection state between the recording medium and the standard A third connection means for reproducing a signal, a fourth connection means for use in input / output of a standard signal and transmitting compatibility information to the image input device to the second connection means, and a recording in the third connection means; Loading of the medium and the first connection means and the second
Extracting the job information included in the standard signal supplied via the second detecting means for checking the connection state with the connecting means, and the standard signal supplied via the third connecting means or the fourth connecting means, and transmitting the compatible information. A second information processing unit, an information storage unit for storing job information extracted by the second information processing unit, a printing unit for performing a printing process according to a job function stored in the information storage unit, (2) controlling the reproduction of the standard signal by the third connection means in accordance with the output of the detection means, and including output control means for controlling the second information processing means, the information storage means and the printing means; Features.

Here, the display means is classified into a function unique to each of the image printing apparatuses and a basic function of the image printing apparatus under the control of the input side control means. Preferably. With this classification, items that can be normally specified by the image printing apparatus can be visually checked.

The first connecting means and the third connecting means and the second connecting means and the fourth connecting means are respectively in a paired relationship, and each pair is supplied with a standard signal of the same standard.
The connection means includes recording means for recording the standard signal on the recording medium, and reproduction means for reproducing the standard signal stored on the recording medium.
It is desirable that the connection means include communication means for exchanging information with each other. As a result, the printing system performs the printing process corresponding to the case where the image to be printed is transferred by communication and the case where the image to be printed is read via the recording medium.

It is advantageous that the recording means records compatibility information indicating compatibility of functions of the image printing apparatus together with the plurality of job information on the recording medium. Thus, for example, communication is performed in which the image printing apparatus is changed to another model, or the same model is notified of the version difference, the presence / absence of a function that can be supported by the compatibility information is displayed, and the functions are confirmed while confirming each other's functions. In the same manner as in, print designation and print processing can be performed.

The input side control means detects the communication result of the communication means used for the second connection means and the fourth connection means instead of the connection detection by the first detection means and the second detection means, and makes a detection result. It is preferable that the connection status is determined based on the communication result. As a result, it is possible to know which of the removable media type and the built-in memory type the printing system is in a printable state, and perform appropriate printing.

The input-side control means performs control for displaying only information of the basic function when the first detection means or the second detection means is supplied with a signal indicating a disconnection state.
When both of the detecting means and the second detecting means are in the connected state, in addition to the menu information representing the unique function obtained from the information on the basic function and the compatibility information, the display control according to the operation of the selection key Is preferably performed.

Preferably, the display means includes an operation selecting means for detecting an operation of the selection key. As a result, the space can be effectively used without separately providing an operation switch.

In the printing system of the present invention, the detection result of the first detection means is supplied to the input control means, and the detection result of the second detection means is also supplied to the output control means. The input-side control means extracts the connection state of the first connection means alone or the connection state of both the third connection means and the fourth connection means and the first information processing control means based on the obtained detection result. The compatibility information is evaluated and displayed on the display means. The display means displays the photographed image, function, and selection key.
The input-side control means outputs a standard signal containing print-designated job information to the image printing apparatus via the selected output destination based on a series of detection results by the first information processing control means. In the image printing apparatus, a detection result of the second detection unit regarding whether or not the recording medium is attached to the third connection unit is supplied to the output side control unit. The output side control means controls the reproduction of the standard signal from the recording medium according to the detection result. Also,
Whether the second connection means and the fourth connection means are in the connected state or not, the detection result of the second detection means is supplied to the output side control means.
Also in this case, the output-side control means transfers the standard signal from the image input device to the image printing device according to the detection result. Second
In the information processing means, the job information is extracted from the standard signal under the control of the output side control means, and this information is stored in the temporary information storage means. The output-side control unit controls the printing process of the printing unit based on the job information in the information storage unit, so that the image corresponding to each type is accurately printed by a common operation.

According to the present invention, there is provided an image input apparatus for converting information contained in incident light into information of an electric signal and generating an image from the obtained information, and a method based on the information obtained by the image input apparatus. Prepare an image printing device that prints images,
A mode setting step of setting the image input device to a print mode after photographing with the image input device, in a print designation processing method for directly printing the image according to the designated job information between these devices, After this mode setting step, a determination step of determining the connection relationship between the image input apparatus and the image printing apparatus, and the determination step confirms the connection between the two apparatuses or the mounting of the recording medium storing information to the image input apparatus. A compatibility information detection step of detecting the supply of compatibility information indicating the compatibility of the functions of the image printing apparatus, and a function corresponding to the information obtained by the respective checks according to the connection status of the compatibility information detection step; A display step of displaying the captured image on the image input device together with the selection key for setting the function, and confirmation of the contents displayed in the display step and change of the contents. Job information to create job information and record the job information when a recording medium is loaded. After this job creation process, information directly supplied from an image input device or loaded into an image printing device. A job information detecting step of separately reading the captured image and the job information from the information to be read from the read recording medium and storing the read job information; and a printing process corresponding to the job information obtained in the job information detecting step. And a printing process to be performed by the printing apparatus.

Here, the determining step includes a first checking step of checking the connection between the image input apparatus and the image printing apparatus, and a second checking step of checking the mounting of the recording medium storing the information in the image input apparatus or the image printing apparatus. (2) When the detection result of the first confirmation step and the detection result of the first confirmation step indicate a connection state, a type in which the captured image is recorded in a memory built in the image input device and then transmitted to the image printing apparatus, If the result indicates the mounting of the recording medium, it is advantageous to include a type determining step of determining a type in which the information is transferred between the image input apparatus and the image printing apparatus via the recording medium.

It is preferable that the display step includes a classification display step of displaying each function by classifying the function into a function unique to each image printing apparatus and a basic function basically included in the image printing apparatus. By classifying the functions, it is possible to know which functions are valid.

The basic functions include a function of designating or canceling at least an image to be printed among photographed images, and a function of designating the number of prints of the designated image. One or more of index printing for displaying all images collectively, information on trimming, rotation and arrangement of images supplied from the image input device, and image information different from the supplied images and a function of designating a print target. It is preferable to have the following function. Specifically, the availability of each function in the printing process becomes clear, and each function can be set.

In the job creation step, it is preferable to display the items of the basic function and the unique function in the display step, and to specify each item by using the selection key. With this designation, setting can be performed for each item for each function.

According to the print designation processing method of the present invention, after photographing with an image input device, the image input device is set to a print mode,
The connection relationship between the image input device and the image printing device is determined.
If the connection between the two devices or the connection of the recording medium to the image input device is confirmed at the time of the determination, the compatibility information is detected.
The image input device uses the selection keys to select an image or a function while displaying a function according to the connection status, a selection key for setting this function, and a captured image. The job information is created by the selection setting using the selection key. The created job information is supplied to the printing apparatus via transfer between the two apparatuses or via a recording medium. At this time, the printing device
The captured information and the job information are separated from the obtained information, and the job information is stored. The printing device performs the printing process in accordance with the stored job information to avoid the constraint of the operator in a series of printing processes, and performs the printing designation by the same operation without giving consideration to the compatibility, and The specified job can be performed for general purpose.

[0022]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Next, an embodiment of a printing system and a print designation processing method according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In the printing system according to the present invention, for example, when an image is printed by directly exchanging information between a digital still camera and a printer, two interfaces are provided for each of the two, and a connection state between the two interfaces is determined. While determining which type of printing is to be performed, the built-in memory type or the removable media type, it is also necessary to ensure the compatibility of the printer with the digital still camera and perform the printing process according to the job information. There are features.

A direct connection printing system to which the printing system of the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 1, the direct connection printing system 10 is constructed by a digital still camera 20 and a printer 30,
In the transfer of image data, for example, a print system for image data that does not involve a control device such as a personal computer. The digital still camera 20 includes an optical system 20a, an imaging unit 20b, a signal processing unit 20c, and a display unit.
20d, I / F (interface) section 20e, connection detection section 20
f and a camera control unit 20g. The printer 30 includes an I / F unit 30a, a connection detection unit 30b, a printer control unit 30c, a register 30d, and a print engine 30e.
Is provided.

The optical system 20a has a plurality of optical lenses. A first-stage pressing operation of a release shutter (not shown) measures the focal length of the subject and the amount of incident light based on the transmitted light of these optical lenses. In the optical system 20a,
Using the result of the photometry, the camera control unit 20g appropriately controls the lens combination position and the exposure amount. Optical system
The incident light via 20a enters the imaging unit 20b.

In the image pickup section 20b, a light receiving element for converting incident light into an electric signal is two-dimensionally arranged at the position of the focal plane of the optical system 20a. On the incident light side of the imaging unit 20b, a color filter for separating the incident light into primary colors, for example, as a single plate is provided (not shown). The imaging unit 20b opens and closes an electronic shutter according to a control signal from the camera control unit 20g, and performs imaging with a light receiving element. The signal charge obtained by imaging is
The signal is transferred in response to the supply of the vertical drive signal and the horizontal drive signal from the drive signal generation unit (not shown) under the control of 20g, and is output from the imaging unit 20a to the signal processing unit 20c.

Although not shown, the signal processing section 20c includes an imaging section 20.
The signal charge supplied from a is subjected to I / V conversion, and the converted signal is converted into a digital signal. These series of conversions are also controlled by the camera control unit 20g. Further, a luminance signal Y and color difference signals (BY) and (RY) are generated in consideration of the color attribute of the signal from each light receiving element. Signal processing section
In 20c, the luminance signal Y is subjected to aperture correction to enhance the characteristics in terms of frequency, and the color difference signals (BY) and (RY) are subjected to color compensation processing to generate images, which are supplied to the display unit 20d and the I / F unit 20e, respectively. ing. When the digital still camera 20 is a built-in memory type, it is also supplied to the memory 22. Memory 22
Is a semiconductor memory used as a recording medium.

The display unit 20d displays the supplied image as it is in the still image shooting mode or the movie mode on the liquid crystal screen. In the print mode as in the present embodiment, as described later, the image once recorded on the recording medium 24 is reproduced and displayed by the I / F unit 20e. Display 20d
Is controlled by the camera control unit 20g so that the display of the items to be set changes depending on whether the data transfer type of the direct connection print system 10 is the removable media type or the built-in memory type. This control will be further described later.

The I / F unit 20e includes an I / F format adjustment unit 200e, a medium connector 202e, and a cable connector 204e. By preparing two interfaces, that is, the medium connector 202e and the cable connector 204e as in the present embodiment, it can be seen that the digital still camera 20 can support both the detachable media type and the built-in memory type. For example, the cable connector 204e
Institute of Electric Engineers (IEEE)
al and Electronics Engineers) 1394 serial
Interface bus standard or USB (Universal
Use a wired connector such as the Serial Bus standard.

The I / F format adjustment unit 200e has at least a function of adjusting the output to the connector-type data format of the digital still camera 20, as well as synthesizing job information to be performed by the printer 30 and, for example,
It also includes a function of extracting compatibility information indicating a function version or the like.

When the digital still camera 20 is used as a built-in memory type, the cable connector 204e is used for the I / F unit 20e as described above. However, the present invention is not limited to this method. For example,
A transmission / reception unit 206e may be provided. Transceiver unit 206e
Is based on the wireless communication standards and the infrared data communication method IrDA (Infrared Data Associ
ation) A transmitter and a receiver satisfying the standard are provided.

It should be noted that the digital still camera 20 has these three functions so that the user's requirements can be sufficiently satisfied.
It may have three types of connectors. In this case, I /
It goes without saying that the F format adjustment unit 200e includes an adjustment function that can handle three types of data.

In the case of the medium connector 202e, the connection detecting section 20f is connected to the mounting section of the recording medium 24, and in the case of the cable connector 204e, is connected to the mounting section of the connector itself. (Not shown), and a connection state of the connector is detected by a signal supplied through this switch. In the case where a plurality of connectors are provided, if a signal is distributed and supplied for each bit, it is possible to detect which type of connection is made. The connection detection unit 20f supplies the detection result to the camera control unit 20g. Since the transmission / reception unit 206e can only know the connection state at the time of actual communication, the continuity check is performed with the I / F unit 30a of the printer 30, and the connection is determined based on the result.

The camera control unit 20g is a system control unit of the digital still camera 20. Optical system as described above
20a, imaging unit 20b, signal processing unit 20c, display unit 20d and
It controls the I / F unit 20e.

In the printer 30, which is another system component, the I / F unit 30a includes a cable connector 300a, a medium connector 304a, and an I / F format adjustment unit 30.
6a is provided. The printer 30 may include a transmission / reception unit 302a in addition to the above-described interface. It has all the various connections to correspond to the connection form of the digital camera 20. The configuration of each unit is the same as that of the corresponding unit of the I / F unit 20e, and the description is omitted. I / F section 30a
The I / F format adjustment unit 306a receives the control as described later and outputs the image file by dividing it into an image and job information.

The connection detecting unit 30b also detects connection of a connector and mounting of a recording medium based on signals from the cable connector 300a and the medium connector 304a, similarly to the connection detecting unit 20f.

The printer control unit 30c determines the connection state of each connector based on a signal from the connection detection unit 30b. The printer control unit 30c is an I / F unit.
In addition to controlling to extract the job information supplied via the printer 30a, the printer 30 is controlled via the I / F unit 30a.
For example, version information indicating the version of the function item is output as compatibility information. Further, menu information indicating the function item itself may be directly output. The compatibility information is supplied to the digital still camera 20. The supplied compatibility information is for connection using a cable,
That is, it is used for display on the display unit 20d when the built-in memory type is connected. Further, the compatibility information may supply standard information related to processing of each menu, a command in print processing, and the like. Thus, the digital still camera 20
The control unit 20d controls the display unit 20d based on the compatibility information supplied to the I / F unit 30a, and controls the display unit 20d to display the job information created for each image based on the selection of display items. F
It is supplied to the format adjustment unit 306a. The I / F format adjustment unit 306a extracts, for example, job information written in the header of the image file according to the control signal, and supplies the extracted job information to the register 30d. The extraction of the job information is performed by the media connector.
The same operation is performed when the image file is read from 304a. The extracted job information is supplied to the register 30d.

The register 30d is a memory for storing job information supplied to a plurality of image files. The register 30d writes / reads job information under the control of the printer controller 30c.

The print engine 30e has a memory (not shown) for storing images. This memory is a buffer for storing image data supplied from the I / F unit 30a. The print engine 30e performs, for example, index printing and image trimming for printing a plurality of images collectively on a recording medium such as a sheet of paper according to the job information read from the register 30d under the control of the printer control unit 30c. For each image, processing such as special effects and functions in printing, such as rotation and arrangement of images, synthesis of characters and characters, and setting of the synthesis position, and the number of sheets in common processing are performed. Further, the print engine 30e also performs a conversion process accompanying color reproduction necessary for printing the image captured by the digital still camera 20 with the printer 30. Based on the converted signal, the print engine 30e prints the specified number of images on paper, for example.

Next, the operation of the direct connection printing system 10 will be described. In this case, it is assumed that the digital still camera 20 has already photographed a plurality of images. In the direct connection print system 10, the power is turned off between the digital still camera 20 and the printer 30 in order to construct the system, and settings such as connection with a cable are made. At the end of this setting, as shown in the main routine of FIG.
The digital still camera 20 and the printer 30 are powered on, respectively, and the digital still camera 20 is set from the photographing mode to the print mode. The mode is switched by a mode setting switch (not shown). The mode setting switch supplies a signal indicating the set mode to the camera control unit 20g.

Next, in subroutine SUB1, the system check is performed in each print mode of each element of the direct connection print system 10, that is, the digital still camera 20 and the printer 30. At this check stage, the connection of the direct print system 10 is confirmed. When there is no abnormality in the system check of each device other than the connection, the process proceeds to the next step S12. When an abnormality is detected, a message or the like notifying the abnormality detection is output to the display unit 20d.

In step S12, information is read.
Reading of this information is performed by the digital still camera 20 and the printer 30, respectively. The camera control unit 20g controls reading of information according to the result of the subroutine SUB1 according to the removable media type and the built-in memory type. In the case of the removable media type, information on basic display used for common operation settings is collected. At this time, it is assumed that nothing is connected to the printer 30 and nothing is contained in the medium connector 304a.

In the case of the built-in memory type, the camera control unit 20g determines the connection state from the detection results of the connection detection units 20f and 30b, and requests the printer 30 for compatibility information. The printer control unit 30c outputs information such as functions of the printer 30 to the camera control unit 20g in response to the request.

Next, in step S14, a display corresponding to each type and the number of shot images is displayed on the display section 20d. Display control is performed by the camera control unit 20g. In the case of the detachable media type, since it has only information on basic common operations, basic selection items of "image selection" and "number setting" are displayed in the area 200 of the display unit 20d. In the camera control unit 20g, for example, the so-called optimal image size of the thumbnail display displayed in the area excluding the area of the item display related to the common operation is calculated based on information such as the total number of shot images. . Also, a cursor key 202 for setting the image to be printed, the selection items and the number of sheets to be set is displayed. In addition, the display unit 20d includes an area
A logo is displayed in 204 and the number of sheets is displayed in an area 206. Since no compatibility information has been supplied, nothing is displayed in the area 208.

On the other hand, in the case of the built-in memory type, the display 20
d includes, in addition to the display described above, a message from the printer control unit 30c.
Items and the like corresponding to the compatibility information (including menu information) supplied via the I / F units 30a and 20e are displayed in the area 208.
Several menus, such as "Print Index",
"Image crop information", "Rotate image" on paper,
If there are “Arrangement of images”, “Setting of character / character output image” and “Display position” on paper,
Scroll the menu of 8 to display. Thereby, an effective area display can be performed. In the case of the built-in memory type, this system has at least one of these functions.

Next, in step S16, a job is designated for the captured image. In other words, the user uses the cursor keys 202 of the display unit 20d to select an image and specify a job for the image. The designated job information is controlled so that the camera control unit 20g writes the job information for each image file, for example, in a file header. As shown in FIG. 3, "image selection" is actually performed.
Has been performed, the selected thumbnail image 210
Indicates that the image frame display is selected differently from the other displays. In the "number setting", the symbol 202u "@" indicating the count up of the cursor key 202 is pressed twice.
As a result, "2" is displayed in the number display area of the area 206. In this case, the selected image and the number of prints are used as job information. After the user makes this selection or job designation and confirms it, the image and job information are written to the recording medium 24 via the I / F format adjustment unit 200e and the medium connector 202e under the control of the camera control unit 20g.
Thereafter, the recording medium 24 is inserted and removed. And a recording medium
24 is directly attached to the medium connector 304a of the printer 30. With this attachment, the printer 30 notifies the printer control unit 30c of the presence or absence of the connection of the recording medium 24 by the connection detection unit 30b.

In the case of the built-in memory type, in addition to this common operation, the user selects a menu supplied with the compatibility information described above and selects whether or not to perform a special process on each image. In this case, since the job information is created according to the compatibility information supplied from the printer control unit 30c, the printer 30 can accurately recognize the designated information. The camera control unit 20g passes through the I / F format adjustment unit 200e and the I / F via the cable connector 204 or the transmission / reception unit 206e using IrDA or wireless communication, whichever is selected.
To the unit 30a.

Next, in step S18, data is read. In the detachable media type, after detecting the attachment of the recording medium 24, for example, an image file written on the recording medium 24 is read by pressing a print button (not shown), though not shown. The printer control unit 30c decomposes information included in the image file into image data and job information. The job information is supplied to the register 30d as described above. Also,
In the case of the built-in memory type, the printer control unit 30c decomposes the image file supplied to the I / F format adjustment unit 306a via the selected connector into image data and job information. The job information is supplied to the register 30d as described above. In this way, the printer 30 can handle image data of a type that could not be handled the same, such as a detachable media type or a built-in memory type, and a job for the image in the same form.

Next, in step S20, a designated job is executed for each image file obtained through the series of processing. That is, the printer 30 includes the print engine 30e.
The printing process is performed according to each type of instruction. The print engine 30e can process the designation of the image to be printed and the number of prints according to the minimum request of the user (by common operation). Further, the function of the printer can be effectively exhibited. Although not shown, it goes without saying that the procedure of the main routine is repeated until all the designated jobs are completed.

Here, the operation of the above-described subroutine SUB1 will be briefly described with reference to FIG. Refer to FIG. 1 as necessary. The digital still camera 20 confirms what mode is set after the power is turned on in sub-step SS10. When the mode setting switch (not shown) is in the still image shooting mode or the movie mode (No), the process returns to the routine to perform another system check routine. In the case of the print mode (Yes), the process proceeds to a subroutine SUB2 shown in FIG.

In the subroutine SUB2, at this stage, the I / F unit 20e of the digital still camera 20 and the I / F unit of the printer 30
Confirmation of how each connector is connected to 30a is performed using the connection detection units 20f and 30b.

In sub-step SS20 of subroutine SUB2, in I / F section 20e of digital still camera 20,
It is determined whether the recording medium 24 is inserted into the medium connector 202e. When the recording medium 24 is inserted into the medium connector 202e (Yes), the recording medium 24 turns on a connection detection switch (not shown) and outputs the detection result to the connection detection unit.
Supply signal to 20f. At this time, the process proceeds to sub-step SS22. When the recording medium 24 is not inserted into the medium connector 202e (No), the process proceeds to sub-step SS24.

In the sub-step SS22, the connection detector 20f further supplies the detection result to the camera controller 20g. The camera control unit 20g determines the removable media type based on the detection result and shifts to return.

In sub-step SS24, it is determined whether or not a cable is connected. In this case, when the signals indicating the connection states of the detection results supplied from the cable connector 204e of the digital still camera 20 and the cable connector 300a of the printer 30 are on in the connection detection units 20f and 30b (Yes), Proceed to sub-step SS26. Also,
When the connection state of any of the connectors is in the off state (No), the process proceeds to sub-step SS28.

In sub-step SS26, the camera control unit 20g of the digital still camera 20 determines connection information indicating that the digital still camera 20 and the printer 30 are both connected by a cable. At this time, this connection is recognized as a built-in memory type. Thereafter, the process returns to the subroutine SUB2.

In sub-step SS28, it is determined whether or not both digital still camera 20 and printer 30 are in a wireless communication connection state. In this case, the connection detection units 20f, 30b
Instead of detecting a signal, a determination is made as to whether a signal emitted from one device and emitted again from the other device can be received by one device as a response signal that a predetermined signal is emitted from one device and received by the other device. When confirmation is obtained in this routine (Yes), the flow proceeds to sub-step SS26. If no confirmation is obtained in this routine (No), the process returns to sub-step SS20 to repeat this series of processing. Although not shown in the flowchart, if this routine is repeated a predetermined number of times or more, the connection detection unit 20f outputs, for example, an abnormality detection signal to the camera control unit 20g. The camera control unit 20g notifies the user of the discovery of the abnormality by detecting the abnormality.

The connection is detected and determined in the subroutine SUB2, and the process returns to the subroutine SUB1. In the subroutine SUB1, the process proceeds to the return as shown in FIG. Thereafter, the process returns to the main routine described above, and print processing corresponding to each type is performed.

With this configuration, the captured image and the job items are displayed on the side of the digital still camera, and the least common job is selected regardless of the connection type. In addition to eliminating the differences between the digital still cameras, the operability can be shared, and the functions of the printer can be effectively exhibited by incorporating the compatibility information of the printer into the digital still camera.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. If a printer to be used for printing is prepared in advance in the detachable media type, recording / reproducing means is also provided in the printer, and Compatibility information including the function of the printer is written in a predetermined area on a recording medium. Next, the digital still camera records the photographed image on this recording medium, and sets job information according to the presence or absence of the above-described compatibility information at the time of subsequent operations. In particular,
When the compatibility information is written on the recording medium, the same function as that of the built-in memory type is displayed, and the job is executed by the printer, so that the function of the printer can be effectively extracted.

[0060]

As described above, according to the printing system of the present invention, the detection result of the first detection means is supplied to the input control means, and the detection result of the second detection means is also supplied to the output control means. . The input-side control means extracts the connection state of the first connection means alone or the connection state of both the third connection means and the fourth connection means and the first information processing control means based on the obtained detection result. The compatibility information is evaluated and displayed on the display means. The display means displays the photographed image, function, and selection key. The input-side control means outputs a standard signal containing print-designated job information to the image printing apparatus via the selected output destination based on a series of detection results by the first information processing control means. In the image printing apparatus, a detection result of the second detection unit regarding whether or not the recording medium is attached to the third connection unit is supplied to the output side control unit. The output side control means controls the reproduction of the standard signal from the recording medium according to the detection result. Also, the detection result of the second detection means is supplied to the output side control means whether the second connection means and the fourth connection means are in the connected state. Also in this case, the output-side control means transfers the standard signal from the image input device to the image printing device according to the detection result. In the second information processing means, job information is extracted from the standard signal under the control of the output side control means, and this information is stored in the temporary information storage means. The output-side control unit controls the printing process of the printing unit based on the job information in the information storage unit, so that the printing of the image corresponding to each type can be accurately performed by a common operation. Therefore, this printing system displays the captured image and job items on the input device side, and selects the least commonly performed job regardless of the type of connection to eliminate the difference between models. By incorporating compatibility information on the output device side into the digital still camera side, the functions of the output device can be effectively exhibited, reducing the burden on the user and effectively reducing the burden on the user. Printing can be performed.

According to the print designation processing method of the present invention, after shooting with the image input device, the image input device is set to the print mode, and the connection relationship between the image input device and the image printing device is determined. If the connection between the two devices or the insertion connection of the recording medium to the image input device is confirmed at the time of the determination, the compatibility information is detected. The image input device uses the selection keys to select an image or a function while displaying a function according to the connection status, a selection key for setting this function, and a captured image.
The job information is created by the selection setting using the selection key.
The created job information is supplied to the printing apparatus via transfer between the two apparatuses or via a recording medium. At this time, the printing apparatus stores the job information by separating the captured image and the job information from the obtained information. The printing apparatus performs the printing process according to the stored job information to avoid the constraint of the operator in a series of printing processes, and does not consider the compatibility even if the printing is designated by the same operation.
It is possible to cause the image printing apparatus to perform the designated job for a general purpose. As a result, the burden on the user can be further reduced than before, and efficient printing can be performed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a direct connection printing system to which a printing system according to the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a main flowchart for explaining an operation in the direct connection printing system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display on a display unit of the digital still camera in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a subroutine SU in the main routine of FIG. 2;
6 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of B1.

5 is a subroutine used in subroutine SUB1 of FIG.
It is a flowchart explaining operation | movement of SUB2.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10 Direct printing system 20 Digital still camera 22 Memory 24 Recording medium 20d Display unit 20g Camera control unit 20e, 30a I / F unit 20f, 30b Connection detection unit 200e, 306a I / F format adjustment unit 202e, 304a Media connector 204e, 300a Cable connector 206e, 302a Transmitter / receiver 30 Printer 30c Printer controller 30d Register 30e Print engine

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on front page F term (reference) 2C061 AP10 HN15 2C087 AA09 BC05 BD01 BD05 5B021 AA30 BB02 BB04 DD19 LB01 LE06 LL05 PP05 PP06 5C052 AA11 AA17 DD02 EE02 EE08 FA02 FA03 FB01 FB05 FC08 FD08 FD09

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. An image input device that converts information included in incident light into information of an electric signal and generates an image from the obtained information, and prints an image based on the information obtained by the image input device. And a printing system using an image printing apparatus that performs printing of the image in accordance with designated job information, wherein the system inputs, to the image input device, information obtained by receiving the incident light. Imaging means for photoelectrically converting light incident through the optical system; signal processing means for converting an output from the imaging means into a digital signal and performing signal processing on the digital signal; and outputting the output of the signal processing means. Display means for displaying an item display of the job information on the image printing apparatus and displaying a selection key of the item; and a predetermined standard when an output of the signal processing means is supplied. First information processing means for generating a standard signal and extracting compatibility information representing the function of the image printing apparatus, including the job information selected by the display means, and First connection means for securing a connection state between the image printing apparatus and the recording medium by mounting a recording medium for recording and holding, and recording and / or reproducing the standard signal in the connection state of the recording medium; A second connection unit used for input / output of the standard signal; a first detection for checking the attachment of the recording medium to the first connection unit and a connection state between the second connection unit and the image printing apparatus; Means for generating a standard signal in the first connecting means or the second connecting means and setting an output destination of the standard signal in accordance with an output of the first detecting means; Input signal processing means and input-side control means for controlling the display means, wherein the image printing apparatus secures a connection state between the image printing apparatus and the recording medium by mounting the recording medium, A third connecting means for reproducing the standard signal from the recording medium in a connected state, and a fourth means for inputting and outputting the standard signal, and for transmitting the compatibility information to the image input device to the second connecting means. A second detecting means for checking the mounting of the recording medium on the third connecting means and a connection state between the first connecting means and the second connecting means, respectively, and the third connection Means for extracting job information included in the standard signal supplied through the means or the fourth connection means, and transmitting the compatibility information; and extracting the job information from the second information processing means. Information storage means for storing job information; printing means for performing print processing in accordance with the job function stored in the information storage means; and the third connection means in response to the output of the second detection means. A printing system comprising: an output-side control unit that controls reproduction of a standard signal and controls the second information processing unit, the information storage unit, and the printing unit. 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the display means includes a function unique to each of the image printing apparatuses under control of the input-side control means and a basic function basically provided in the image printing apparatus. And a display according to the classification. 3. The system according to claim 1, wherein said first connection means, said third connection means, and said second connection means.
The connection means and the fourth connection means are paired with each other, and each pair is supplied with a standard signal of the same standard. The system further comprises: the first connection means transmits the standard signal to the recording medium. Recording means for recording on the recording medium; and reproducing means for reproducing the standard signal stored in the recording medium. Further, the second connection means and the fourth connection means exchange the information with each other. A printing system comprising communication means for performing the printing. 4. The system according to claim 3, wherein said recording means records, on said recording medium, a plurality of job information as well as compatibility information indicating compatibility of functions of said image printing apparatus. Printing system. 5. The system according to claim 3, wherein said input side control means includes said first detection means and said second detection means.
Instead of the connection detection by the detection means, the communication result of the communication means used for the second connection means and the fourth connection means is detected and the connection status is determined based on the communication result. Characteristic printing system. 6. The system according to claim 1, wherein the input side control unit is configured to control the first detection unit or the second detection unit.
When the detection means is supplied with a signal indicating the disconnection state,
Control is performed to display only the information of the basic function, and when both the communication means are connected by the first detection means and the second detection means, the information is obtained from the information of the basic function and the compatibility information. A display control in accordance with an operation of the selection key, in addition to menu information indicating a unique function to be performed. 7. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the display unit includes an operation selection unit that detects an operation of the selection key. 8. An image input device for converting information contained in incident light into information of an electric signal and generating an image from the obtained information, and printing an image based on the information obtained by the image input device. In the print designation processing method of preparing an image printing device to perform the printing of the image according to the specified job information directly between these devices, the method includes: A mode setting step of setting the image input device to a print mode; a determining step of determining a connection relationship between the image input device and the image printing device after the mode setting step; A compatibility information detection step of detecting supply of compatibility information indicating compatibility of functions of the image printing apparatus when connection or attachment of a recording medium storing the information to the image input apparatus is confirmed; A display step of displaying a captured image on the image input device together with a function corresponding to the information obtained by each confirmation according to the connection status of the replacement information detection step and a selection key for setting the function; Confirming the displayed contents in the process and changing the contents to create the job information,
A job creating step of recording the job information when the recording medium is mounted; and information supplied directly from the image input device or information read from the recording medium inserted into the image printing device after the job creating step. A job information detecting step of reading the captured image and the job information separately and storing the read job information, and causing the image printing apparatus to perform a printing process according to the job information obtained in the job information detecting step. And a printing process. 9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the determining step includes a first checking step of checking a connection between the image input device and the image printing device; A second confirmation step of confirming the insertion of a recording medium storing the information, and when the detection result of the first confirmation step indicates a connection state, the captured image is recorded in a memory built in the image input device. Later, when the type to be transmitted to the image printing apparatus and the detection result of the second confirmation step indicates the insertion of the recording medium, the image input apparatus and the image printing apparatus are connected via the recording medium. And a type determining step of determining a type in which the information is to be moved. 10. The method according to claim 8, wherein the displaying step displays each function by classifying the function into a function unique to each of the image printing apparatuses and a basic function basically provided in the image printing apparatus. A print designation processing method, which includes a classification display step of performing printing. 11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the basic functions include a function of designating or canceling at least an image to be printed among photographed images, and designating the number of prints of the designated image. The unique function includes: index printing for displaying all images taken by the image input device together; information on trimming, rotation and arrangement of an image supplied from the image input device; and image information different from the supplied image. And at least one of a function for designating a print target. 12. The method according to claim 8, wherein the job creation step displays the basic function and the unique function items in the display step, and designates each item using the selection key. And a print designation processing method.