JP2000152052A - Digital camera, data communication method and print reception device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To automatically receive the information that can be processed by the opposite party of communication and to automatically discriminate whether the opposite party of communication can process the data by transmitting the information to inquire about the data which can be processed at the transmitting destination and then receiving the information that is transmitted in response to the said inquiry information. SOLUTION: A main microcomputer 222 of a digital camera inquires of the transmitting destination (e.g. a printer reception device) about the data which can be processed by the print reception device by means of a transceiver unit. This inquiry information is notified to the microcomputer 222 via an order receiving transceiver unit 211. The microcomputer 222 receives the inquiry information and checks the contents stored in a storage part 222a to retrieve the information on the data which are stored in the part 222a and can be processed by its own device. Then the information on the data which can be processed by its own device is notified to the digital camera via the unit 211.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a digital camera,
The present invention relates to a data communication method and a print receiving device.

[0002]

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

Further, there has been proposed a service of processing and printing using an expensive apparatus based on the digital image information to create a high quality print. In consideration of the time required to create the contents to be ordered at the store and the congestion that occurs, the photographed digital image information is input to a computer or the like, processed, and the order information is created in advance and the order information is created. It has also been proposed to transfer information to a removable recording medium and use it for print reception.

[0004]

With the use of digital still cameras, there is an increasing demand for printing photographed images. On the other hand, there are many types of digital still cameras and printers for printing the same. Along with this, there are various image formats and printers with different performances, and in order to utilize them well, the user grasps them in advance and gives a print instruction, or confirms by performing a print operation. For example, troublesome work for the user occurs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and allows a user to operate a digital camera and a printer or a print accepting device attached to the printer without troublesome operation and judgment. It is an object of the present invention to provide a digital camera, a data communication method, and a print accepting device that automatically determine whether a user wants to print, that is, can process a print ordered by a digital camera, and can easily perform printing. is there.

[0006]

Means for Solving the Problems (1) According to a first aspect of the invention for solving the above-mentioned problems, prior to the start of communication, transmission means for transmitting inquiry information for inquiring data that can be processed at the transmission destination, and the inquiry information Receiving means for receiving information about data that can be processed at the destination transmitted in response to, storage means for storing data, and based on the information about the data that can be processed at the received destination,
A determination unit that determines whether there is data that can be processed at the destination in the storage unit, and as a result of the determination by the determination unit, when the processable data exists in the storage unit, Data is transmitted from the transmission means.

According to the configuration of the present invention, information that can be processed by the communication partner can be automatically received, so that it can be automatically determined whether or not the communication partner can perform data processing.

(2) In this case, the transmitting means and the receiving means transmit and receive the information wirelessly. According to the configuration of the present invention, the transmitting means and the receiving means can transmit and receive information wirelessly.

Here, the term "wireless" refers to a method of transmitting a signal without passing through a line, and uses electromagnetic waves, specifically, infrared rays and radio waves. (3) In this case, as a result of the determination by the determination means,
When there is no data that can be processed in the storage unit, the transmission of the data is not performed.

[0010] According to the configuration of the present invention, in the case of data that cannot be processed by the communication partner, data transmission is not required. (4) Further, the data stored in the storage means is:
It is characterized by including image information and print order information for ordering a print based on the image information.

According to the configuration of the present invention, an image can be printed on the print receiving apparatus side based on the print order information. Here, the print order information is
The information includes print designation information for designating an image to be printed, a print size for setting a print size, print number information for setting the number of prints, print finish information for print finish, and the like.

(5) The print order information includes information for designating an image to be printed and the number of prints. According to the configuration of the present invention, information for designating an image to be printed and the number of prints can be used as print order information.

(6) Further, it is characterized by having print order information creating means for creating the print order information. According to the configuration of the present invention, the print order information can be created by the print order information creating means.

(7) Further, the determination means determines whether or not the print order information is the data that can be processed. According to the configuration of the present invention, when the print order information is data that can be processed, printing can be performed at the communication partner based on the print order information as needed.

(8) Further, when the processable data includes the print order information, the data is transmitted by the transmission means. According to the configuration of the present invention, print order information necessary for printing can be transmitted to the communication partner.

(9) The data stored in the storage means is at least one of an image size, model information, image format, compression information, and color space information of the digital camera. .

According to the structure of the present invention, the model information of the digital camera can be stored in the storage means.
It can be read as needed. (10) According to the second invention, prior to the start of communication, the destination is queried for data that can be processed, and information about data that can be processed at the destination transmitted in response to the inquiry information is received; It is determined whether or not there is data that can be processed at the destination in the storage unit based on the information on the data that can be processed at the destination that has been received. As a result of the determination, there is data that can be processed in the storage unit in case of,
The data is transmitted to a transmission destination.

According to the configuration of the present invention, since information that can be processed by the communication partner can be automatically received, it is possible to automatically determine whether or not the communication partner can perform data processing.

(11) According to the third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a print accepting apparatus for accepting print order information for requesting printing based on image information, wherein the print accepting apparatus transmits the print order information prior to the start of communication. Receiving means for receiving inquiry information for inquiring about possible data; transmitting means for transmitting information about data that can be processed by the print accepting device in response to the inquiry information; and Receiving means for receiving the transmitted print order information.

According to the configuration of the present invention, only data that can be processed by the apparatus itself, such as print order information, can be received from the digital camera. (12) According to the fourth aspect, there is provided a print accepting apparatus for accepting print order information for requesting printing based on image information, the receiving means for receiving the order information, and the print accepting means for accepting the received order information. Determining means for determining whether processing can be performed by the apparatus; transmitting means for transmitting information requesting image information corresponding to the order information when the processing means determines that processing is possible; And receiving means for receiving the image information transmitted.

According to the configuration of the present invention, only data such as print information that can be processed by the apparatus can be received from the digital camera.

[0022]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail. In this embodiment, a digital camera that can easily create order information will be described.

First, the configuration of a digital camera used in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 shows a digital camera 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating an overall electrical schematic configuration of a block 0.

In the digital camera 100 shown in FIG. 1, a light image obtained through an optical system including a lens 1, an aperture stop 2, and the like is formed on a light receiving surface of an image pickup device 3 such as a CCD. . At this time, the lens 1 and the aperture stop 2 are driven by a focus drive circuit 16 and an aperture drive circuit 15, respectively.

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

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

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

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

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

The main microcomputer 8 is mainly used for photographing,
It controls a recording / reproducing sequence and performs data communication with another device (for example, a print accepting device described later). In addition, the sequence is controlled, and, if necessary, compression and reproduction of the captured image and serial port transmission with an external device are performed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The image storage section 21 constitutes storage means, and is subjected to image compression processing or the like by the main microcomputer 8 and transmitted in the JPEG format via the frame memory 9 and other types of data (for example, print order information). )
Is recorded.

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

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

The order button 33 is a transmission start means for issuing a transmission start signal when pressed, and the print start information including the print information or the digital image information in addition to the print information is transmitted by the transmission start signal as described later. Sent to an external device.

A memory 51 is connected to the sub-microcomputer 14 and temporarily stores print creation information input from the print information input unit 32. A transmission / reception unit 40 transmits / receives data using infrared rays, radio waves, or the like. The transmission / reception unit 40 transmits print information and digital image information to an external device (for example, a print accepting device) by the above-described transmission start signal, and receives information from the outside. I do.

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

The contents of the present invention will be described using the camera 100 described above. Here, the lab 200 constituting the print receiving apparatus will be described with reference to FIGS. The lab 200 includes an order counter 210 for receiving an order from a user, and a printing device 220 for printing out digital image information according to the order.

Here, the order counter 210 serves as a table on which the digital camera 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is placed.
A transmission / reception unit 211 for order is arranged at a position facing the transmission / reception unit 40 of No. 0.

Here, the transmitting / receiving unit 40 of the digital camera 100 and the receiving / receiving unit 211 of the order counter 210 exchange signals wirelessly. According to this, the transmitting means and the receiving means can transmit and receive the information wirelessly.

The order information received by the order receiving / transmitting unit 211 is supplied to the printing device 220. Here, the print order information includes information designating an image to be printed and the number of prints. According to this, information for designating an image to be printed and the number of prints can be used as print order information. More specifically, the print order information includes print size, print finish information (gloss, silk, etc.), panorama, high vision, trimming, and the like.

In the figure, a voucher issuing unit 21 for issuing a voucher (order confirmation) to be given to the user when an order is received.
2 is provided. The printing device 220 executes printing in accordance with the order information, and includes a print outlet 221 from which prints are output to the outside. Further, a main microcomputer 222 for controlling the entire apparatus is provided, and under the control of the main microcomputer 222, a printer 223 for outputting a print and a display unit 224 for displaying a message regarding information on reception status are provided. ing. 22
2a is a storage unit (memory) provided in the main microcomputer
It is.

Also, a tone generator 225 for generating a tone corresponding to a character when transmitting a text message to a user's mobile phone or pager, and a message sound for calling the user with a subscriber's telephone, a mobile phone, or the like. And a voice synthesizing unit 226. And the communication line 30
A network control unit (NCU) 227 for dialing the user's subscribed telephone, mobile phone, or pager through the control unit 0 and transmitting the tones and message sounds to the user.
Hereinafter, the operation of the present invention will be described.

Here, the main microcomputer 8 of the digital camera 100 uses the transmission / reception unit 40 to inquire the destination (here, the print receiving device: lab) 200 of data that can be processed by the print receiving device. This inquiry information is notified to the main microcomputer 222 via the order receiving / transmitting unit 211 of the order counter 210.

When receiving the inquiry information, the main microcomputer 222 receives information (for example, image size, model information (manufacturing company, model, version information)) related to data that can be processed by the own device stored in the storage unit 222a, Format (CIFF, EXIF, etc.), compression information (JPE
G, other, no compression), color space information (signal is BGR system, Y
MC system, other systems)) is searched by checking the contents stored in the storage unit 222a. The transmission / reception unit 211 for order receives information on data that can be processed by the own device, and notifies the digital camera 100 of the information.

On the digital camera 100 side, the transmission information is received via the transmission / reception unit 40, and the main microcomputer 8 recognizes what data can be processed on the side of the print receiving apparatus 200 as the transmission destination. When the main microcomputer 8 recognizes the data that can be processed, the main microcomputer 8 determines whether or not data that can be processed by the print receiving apparatus 200 exists in the storage unit (for example, the image storage unit 21, the memory 8a and the memory 51 built in the main microcomputer). Determine.

If there is data that can be processed by the print accepting apparatus 200, the main microcomputer 8 reads out the data and transmits it to the destination (print accepting apparatus 200) via the transmitting / receiving unit 40. At this time, if the data that can be processed is only a part, only the data that can be processed may be selected and transmitted, or it may be determined that there is data that cannot be processed, and the data may not be transmitted at all.

According to this embodiment, since information which can be processed by the communication partner can be automatically received, it is possible to automatically determine whether or not the communication partner can process data. .

Here, on the digital camera 100 side, if there is no data which can be processed by the other party in the storage means, the main microcomputer 8 does not transmit the data. As a result, in the case of data that cannot be processed by the communication partner (print reception device), useless data transmission is not performed.

Here, if the data stored in the storage means is print order information (for example, print designation information, print size, number of prints, etc.) for ordering a print based on image information, the printing is performed. Images can be printed on the print receiving device side based on the order information.

Also, as described above, the main microcomputer 8
Determines whether the print order information is data that can be processed. Thus, when the print order information is data that can be processed, printing can be performed at the communication partner based on the print order information as needed.

Further, when the processable data includes the print order information, the main microcomputer 8 transmits the print order information from the transmission / reception unit 40 to the communication partner (print accepting device) side. Thus, the print order information necessary for printing can be transmitted to the communication partner.

The storage means (for example, the storage area 8a built in the main microcomputer 8 or the image storage unit 21) stores model information of the digital camera. According to this, the model information of the digital camera can be stored in the storage means, and can be read as needed. The read information can be displayed on the image display unit 18. The operator can recognize the model of the digital camera by looking at this display.

As described above, the print receiving apparatus side receives the inquiry information (inquiry transmitting / receiving unit 211) for inquiring data which can be processed by the receiving apparatus, which is transmitted prior to the start of communication. )
Transmitting means (transmission / reception unit for order reception 211) for transmitting information on data that can be processed by the print accepting device in response to the inquiry information; Receiving means (main microcomputer 222) for receiving incoming print order information.

According to this embodiment, as described above, only data that can be processed by the apparatus itself, such as print order information, can be received from the digital camera.

[0061]

As described above in detail, (1) According to the first invention, prior to the start of communication, transmission means for transmitting inquiry information for inquiring data that can be processed at the transmission destination, Receiving means for receiving information about data that can be processed at a destination transmitted in response to information, storage means for storing data, and, based on the information about data that can be processed at the received destination, Discriminating means for judging whether there is data that can be processed at the destination in the storage means, and as a result of the discrimination by the discriminating means, when the Is transmitted from the transmitting means, information which can be processed by the communication partner can be automatically received. Therefore, whether or not the communication partner can process data is automatically determined. Can be determined.

(2) In this case, the transmitting means and the receiving means transmit and receive the information wirelessly, so that the transmitting means and the receiving means can transmit and receive information wirelessly. .

(3) In this case, if there is no data which can be processed in the storage means as a result of the determination by the determination means, the data is not transmitted, so that the data which cannot be processed by the communication partner is In the case of, data transmission is not required.

(4) The data stored in the storage means includes image information and print order information for ordering a print based on the image information. Images can be printed.

(5) The print order information includes information for designating an image to be printed and the number of prints, so that the information for designating an image to be printed and the number of prints can be used as print order information. .

(6) Since the print order information creating means for creating the print order information is provided, the print order information creating means can create the print order information.

(7) The determining means determines whether or not the print order information is the data that can be processed. Printing can be performed based on these print order information as needed.

(8) In the case where the processable data includes the print order information, the data is transmitted by the transmission means, so that the print order information necessary for printing is transmitted to the communication destination. Can be.

(9) Further, since the data stored in the storage means is at least one of image size, model information, image format, compression information, and color space information of the digital camera, Camera model information and the like can be stored in the storage means, and can be read out as needed.

(10) According to the second invention, prior to the start of communication, a query is made to the transmission destination for data that can be processed, and information about data that can be processed at the transmission destination transmitted in response to the inquiry information is transmitted. Received, based on the information about the data that can be processed at the received destination, determines whether there is data that can be processed at the destination in the storage means,
As a result of the determination, if there is data that can be processed in the storage means, by transmitting the data to the transmission destination, information that can be processed by the communication destination can be automatically received. Whether or not the processing can be performed can be automatically determined.

(11) According to the third aspect of the invention, there is provided a print accepting apparatus for accepting print order information for requesting printing based on image information, wherein the print accepting apparatus transmits the print order information prior to the start of communication. Receiving means for receiving inquiry information for inquiring about possible data; transmitting means for transmitting information about data that can be processed by the print accepting device in response to the inquiry information; and By having the receiving means for receiving the transmitted print order information, only data that can be processed by the apparatus itself, such as print order information, can be received from the digital camera.

(12) According to the fourth invention, there is provided a print accepting apparatus for accepting print order information for requesting printing based on image information, comprising: a receiving means for receiving order information; Determining means for determining whether processing is possible with the print accepting apparatus; transmitting means for transmitting information requesting image information corresponding to the order information when the processing means determines that processing is possible; By having the receiving means for receiving the image information transmitted according to the information, only the data such as print information that can be processed by the own apparatus can be received from the digital camera side.

As described above, according to the present invention, the user wants to print between the digital camera and the printer or the print receiving device attached to the printer without troublesome operation and judgment, that is, the digital camera. It is possible to provide a digital camera, a data communication method, and a print accepting apparatus which can automatically determine whether or not a print ordered by a camera can be processed and can easily perform a print.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a digital camera.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an external configuration of a digital camera.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a laboratory.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram showing data exchange between a digital camera and a laboratory.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 lens 2 aperture stop 3 image pickup device 4 pre-processing circuit 5 A / D converter 6 signal processing circuit 7 memory controller 8 main microcomputer 8a memory 9 frame memory 12 strobe 13 serial port driver 14 sub-microcomputer 15 aperture drive circuit 16 focus drive circuit 19 CCD drive circuit 31 Release switch 32 Print information input section 33 Order button 40 Transmission / reception unit 50 Electronic buzzer 51 Memory

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Masaaki Takasaki 1 Sakuracho, Hino-shi, Tokyo Konica Corporation F-term (reference) 5B049 AA02 CC06 DD01 EE05 FF04 GG03 5C022 AA13 AB12 AB15 AB17 AC00 AC42 AC69 AC80 5C052 AA12 AA17 FA02 FA03 FA04 FA07 FC06 FE04 FE08 GA02 GA03 GA05 GA08 GB04 GC02 GD03 GE04

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. A transmission unit for transmitting inquiry information for inquiring data that can be processed by a transmission destination before starting communication, and receiving information on data that can be processed by the transmission destination transmitted in response to the inquiry information. Receiving means for storing data, storing means for storing data, and determining whether there is data that can be processed at the destination in the storage means, based on the information on the data that can be processed at the received destination. Means for transmitting, when the result of the determination by the determination means indicates that the processable data exists in the storage means, the data is transmitted from the transmission means. 2. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein said transmission means and said reception means transmit and receive said information wirelessly. 3. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein as a result of the discrimination by said discriminating means, if there is no data that can be processed in said storage means, said data is not transmitted. 4. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the data stored in the storage unit includes image information and print order information for ordering a print based on the image information. 5. The digital camera according to claim 4, wherein the print order information includes information designating an image to be printed and the number of prints. 6. A print order information creating means for creating the print order information.
Digital camera as described. 7. The digital camera according to claim 4, wherein the determination unit determines whether the print order information is the data that can be processed. 8. The digital camera according to claim 4, wherein when the processable data includes the print order information, the data is transmitted by the transmission unit. 9. The data stored in the storage means includes an image size of the digital camera, model information,
4. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the digital camera is at least one of an image format, compression information, and color space information. 10. Before starting communication, an inquiry is made to a transmission destination for data that can be processed, information about data that can be processed at the transmission destination transmitted in response to the inquiry information is received, and processing is performed at the received transmission destination. Based on the information on the possible data, it is determined whether or not there is data that can be processed at the destination in the storage means. As a result of the determination, if there is data that can be processed in the storage means, A data communication method characterized by transmitting a message to a destination. 11. A print accepting apparatus for accepting print order information for requesting printing based on image information, and receiving inquiry information transmitted before the start of communication and inquiring about data that can be processed by the accepting apparatus. Receiving means for transmitting, in response to the inquiry information, transmitting means for transmitting information relating to data which can be processed by the print accepting apparatus, and print order information transmitted based on the information relating to the transmitted data which can be processed. And a receiving means for receiving the print request. 12. A print accepting device for accepting print order information for requesting printing based on image information, a receiving means for receiving the order information, and whether the received order information can be processed by the print accepting device. Determining means for determining whether or not processing is possible by the determining means; transmitting means for transmitting information requesting image information corresponding to the order information; and an image transmitted according to the request information. A print receiving apparatus comprising: a receiving unit that receives information.