JP2001169044A - Facsimile terminal and digital camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a facsimile terminal and a digital camera capable of simply uploading a version by exchanging the program of the digital camera between a facsimile, a printer and a scanner included or connected in/to the facsimile by communications through a DPOF file. SOLUTION: This facsimile terminal has a compact flash memory storing image data, information for printing the image data and program data for deciding the operation of the digital camera and a connecting means for connecting the compact flash memory to the digital camera.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a facsimile apparatus, a peripheral device centered on the facsimile apparatus, and a communication system. More particularly, the present invention relates to a facsimile apparatus, which is mounted on a digital camera and stored in a memory for storing image data. The present invention relates to communication of program data using a format of print information of the image data, and a method of managing the program data.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a memory mounted on a digital camera generally includes a compact flash memory (CF).
Is used. In recent years, information relating to an instruction to print image data described in the CF has not been unified, and information stored in the CF for each digital camera is incompatible.

For this reason, the corresponding printer differs depending on the digital camera. For example, in many cases, it is impossible to print CF data taken by the digital camera of A with the printer for the digital camera of B.

[0004] In addition, for a company that specializes in digital camera printing corresponding to a conventional DPE store, it is necessary to prepare a large number of printers, which requires enormous costs for capital investment, and as a result, digital camera users Cannot provide an inexpensive print.

[0005] From the above background, DPOF has been standardized to unify the print information of the CF so as to enable printing without using a digital camera.

[0006]

However, this DPO
Since F is standardized with a focus on storing image data in a digital camera and embedding print information thereof, there is a problem that there is no consideration regarding management of program data and no consideration regarding applications regarding exchange of program data. .

The present invention relates to a facsimile apparatus capable of easily uploading a version of a digital camera by exchanging a program of a digital camera between a facsimile, a printer and a scanner built therein or connected thereto by a DPOF file. And a digital camera.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a facsimile apparatus and a digital camera capable of mixing image data of a digital camera and program data in order to manage program data in a DPOF file. It is.

[0009]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a compact flash memory for storing image data, information for printing the image data, and program data for determining the operation of a digital camera. And a connecting means for connecting the digital camera to a digital camera.

[0010]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS First Embodiment FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a facsimile system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

The facsimile system includes a facsimile machine 1, a digital camera 6, a transmission facsimile machine 12, a storage unit 2 included or connected to the facsimile machine, and a PSTN which is a communication network for performing communication.
/ ISDN 3, a scanner 4 contained in or connected to the facsimile machine 1, and a compact flash memory 5 accessible to both the facsimile machine 1 and the digital camera 6.

The compact flash memory 11
Is a compact flash memory connected to the transmission facsimile machine 12 and capable of storing image data and program data.

The program creating means 23 is a means for creating a program for the digital camera 6.

The DPOF transfer means 22 is a means for creating the program data created by the program creation means 23 and a DPOF file corresponding to the program data, and transferring them to the program transfer means 20 or the CF writing means 21.

The program transfer means 20 is means for transferring the data from the DPOF transfer means 22 to the transmission facsimile apparatus 12.

The CF writing means 21 is means for writing the data of the DPOF transfer means 22 to the transmission facsimile apparatus 12.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the facsimile apparatus 160.

FIG. 13 shows a case where the connection is made to the PSTN.

A first control unit 20 for controlling each unit in the block is provided. The central control unit 20 includes a scanner 1 as an image reading unit, and a network control unit (NCU) 3 for connecting a telephone line to a facsimile. A modulation / demodulation device (modem) 4 for performing communication, an operation panel 5 for a user to instruct an operation command to each section of the device, a first sensor 8 for detecting a facsimile state, a first motor including a motor and the like. Drive system 9
, A memory 13 for storing various data, an interface circuit 14 of the scanner 1, a scaling unit 15, an encoder 16, and a decoder 17.

The scaling unit 15 converts the read image data, the image data obtained by decoding the received and encoded image data, or the image data stored in the encoded memory of the read image data. This is to perform a scaling process on the decoded image data.

The encoder 16 encodes the read image data and re-encodes the received image data.

The decoder 17 decodes the received image data or decodes the read and encoded image data.

The operation panel 5 has a display device 6 for displaying the status of the facsimile to the user, and keys 7 for the user to instruct the facsimile to perform various operations.

The memory 13 includes an image memory 10 that stores received image data and the like, and a system R that is backed up by a battery and the like so that data is not destroyed even when the commercial power is cut off due to a power failure or the like.
An AM (or system memory) 11 and a ROM 12 for determining facsimile specifications are provided.

A speaker circuit 130 capable of outputting an audio signal as an audible sound is provided, and a digital camera interface circuit 120 for communicating with a CF connected to the facsimile apparatus 160 is provided. A recording unit 200 for printing a received image or the like is provided.

FIG. 14 shows the recording unit 20 in the above embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of a zero.

The recording section 200 is the same as the recording section 2 in FIG. 1, and is a laser beam printer (LBP).

The recording section 200 includes a charging section 1 for charging the drum, a laser emitting section 2 for irradiating the charged drum with laser, a developing section 3 for developing, and a transfer section 4 for transferring. A fixing unit 5 for fixing, and an R for storing various data;
An AM 6, a RAM 7 including a program memory for determining the operation of the entire recording unit, a paper transport system 8 for transporting the recording paper,
A sensor unit 9 for detecting a state of the recording unit.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the facsimile apparatus according to the above embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the digital camera 6.

The program data created by the program creating means 23 is transferred to the image data facsimile apparatus 12 via the CF writing means 21, the compact flash memory 11, or the program transferring means 20 together with the DPOF file. And ISDN / PST
The facsimile main body 1 receives the data via N3. here,
The facsimile body 1 has a compact flash memory 5
Then, the program data and the DPOF file are written. The digital camera 6 takes in the data and rewrites its own program.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing data transferred in the order of the image data facsimile apparatus 12, the facsimile main body 1, and the digital camera 6 in the above embodiment.

The DPOF file information in the above embodiment uses VUQ.

Next, the DPOF will be described.

In recent years, a digital camera having a light amount conversion element such as a CCD and storing image data in a memory has been widely used in place of a conventional silver halide film camera. However, these digital camera users have a PC (personal computer), view the digital camera as a peripheral device of the PC, capture images into the PC, process images on the PC, and use a printer connected to the PC to perform digital processing. Printing camera images is the mainstream.

Here, a conventional camera user who does not have a PC has no way to easily print an image captured by a digital camera. Further, since the specifications of the stored images stored in the digital camera vary depending on the digital camera manufacturer, the storage medium stored in the digital camera of Company C cannot be connected to a printer of another company for printing. Also,
There is a problem that the environment of the personal computer must be changed for each maker.

In order to overcome such a problem, there is a movement to unify the image data when an image taken by a digital camera is stored in a memory and the standard of the accompanying data. Against this background, DPOF among digital camera manufacturers, printer manufacturers, and DPE manufacturers
(Digital Print Order Format) was agreed.

In the DPOF, the user can easily specify the images and the number of prints, and can perform printing according to the user's preference, and the print order specifications are unified.

This specification has an order file independent of an image file, and does not depend on a recording medium.
Consideration has been given to function expansion.

The applicable range of the DPOF is a digital camera, a digital print service, a home printer, and the like, and uses a removable storage medium.

In standard printing, fitting, vignetting, white margins, and the like are adjusted by a printer. In addition, characters such as date, frame number, comment / title can be entered, and trimming / rotation is also possible.

In index printing, the layout is adjusted by a printer. Characters can be inserted up to one image, but cannot be trimmed / rotated.

As a print image by DPOF, a memory card storing an image is inserted and DP
As long as the OF print switch is depressed, detailed settings for printing are left to the printer. That is, the flexibility of the specifications for each printer is ensured.

A feature of the DPOF is that it has a file structure in consideration of mountability, and is described in Text format, and basically uses only ASCII codes. The specification information is completed for each print job. In a medium, files have a directory structure, and there is only one DPOF file per medium. Further, the storage location of the target image file does not matter.
The DPOF exists independently of the image file. Manufacturer-specific functions are also available.

In DPOF, as shown in FIG. 16, a DPOF file independent of an image file is stored in an external storage medium. Here, the content of the DPOF stores “JOB” information of a print specifying an image.

FIG. 16 shows an image AB in the above embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating that “JOB” information for printing one CD003 and a DPOF file are stored therein.

The form of the DPOF command (parameter description) is as follows: AAA BBB = CCC. A
AAA BBB is a parameter value, and AAA is Pr
efix and BBB are Suffix. CCC ...
Is a parameter value.

FIG. 17 shows that the DPOF file is HEAD
It is a figure showing the state divided into the ER section and the JOB section.

The HEADER section stores information common to all prints in the DPOF file.

The DPOF version, the name of the product that last saved the DPOF, the date and time when the DPOF file was last saved, the user name / address / telephone number, and the like are stored.

FIG. 11 shows the DPOF in the above embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing parameters used in the example.

The parameters GEN, USR and VUQ are H
Used in EADER. Parameters PRT, IMG, C
FG and VUQ are used in JOB. Parameter GE
N, USR, and PRT are used for all PRINT types. The parameters IMG and CFG are standard Pri
Used for nt and Index Print. The parameter VUQ is used when setting a function for each manufacturer.

Parameter GEN (General Informatio)
n) is general information, which is a content related to the entire DPOF. The parameter USR (User Information) is user information and is a content related to the user. A parameter PRT (Print Management) is print job information, and is a content related to management of individual prints. A parameter IMG (Image File) is image source information, and is a content related to designation / management of an image file. A parameter CFG (Print Configuration) is various setting information, and is a content related to an image configuration / layout of an individual print.

The parameter REV (Revision) is a DPO
Indicates the version of the F file. Parameter CRT (Cr
eator) indicates the device or software that last saved (newly created or overwritten) the DPOF file. The parameter DTM (Date Type) indicates the date and time when the DPOF file was last saved (newly created or overwritten). Parameter NAM (Name) is DPOF
The name of the user who created the file is described.

The parameter ADR (Address) is a DPO
Indicates the address of the user who created the F file or the owner of the DPOF file writing device. Parameter TEL
(Telephone Number) indicates the telephone number of the user who created the DPOF file or the owner of the DPOF file writing device. Parameter PID (Product ID)
Is an ID for specifying the same print group. Each J
One for each OB section. Parameter TY
P (Print Type) is P specified in the JOB section.
Specify the type of print.

The parameter QTY (Quantity) is Pri
Specify the number of nt. If specified, write one for each JOB section. Parameter PSL (Paper Se
section) designates the model / paper size of the Print. If specified, write one for each JOB section. The parameter FMT (Format) is Standard
Describes the format of the target image file in the case where dPrint and Index Print are designated for printing by the DPOF file. Parameter SRC (Sour
ce) is Standard Print, Index
When print is designated by a DPOF file, a target image file is designated by a relative path.

The parameter DSC (Description) is I
Character printing is specified for each image file specified by the MG SRC parameter. It is applied to the image file specified immediately before by the IMG SRC parameter. Parameter TRM (Trimming) includes date printing, title printing,
A character string to be used in frame printing or the like and to be printed by a DPOF file writing device is described in Text. Parameter ROT (Rotation) is Standard Prin
This is an image rotation designation at t. Parameter RGN
(Region) is used to set the function for each manufacturer. The parameter VNM (Vender Name) is Vend
er.

The actual image data compression method is J
PEG is the mainstream.

Next, JPEG will be described.

JPEG is Joint Photographic E, which is an international standard for compression / decompression of still images.
xterts Group. JPEG has
There are several variations. There is a so-called progressive type in which an outline of an image is displayed first, and the image is gradually changed to a sharp display, and a so-called lossless type in which an image can be completely restored to an image before compression. However, they are not commonly used.

Generally, there is a so-called Baseline DCT.

FIG. 12 shows an example in which the JPEG
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of compression and expansion in FIG.

In JPEG compression, (a) DCT conversion,
Information is compressed in three stages of (b) quantization and (c) entropy compression. In JPEG extension, (a) entropy extension,
An image is reproduced in three stages of (b) inverse quantization and (c) inverse DCT transform.

Here, DCT (Discrete Cosine Transf
orm: discrete cosine transform) is a process of frequency (phase) decomposition.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a BFT procedure in the above embodiment.

The ITU-T Recommendation T. BF shown at 30, etc.
In the T procedure, the facsimile machine according to the above embodiment uses
Communication of image data in the OF format is possible.

[Second Embodiment] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the flow of program data in a facsimile machine.

Here, the program memory 30 shown in FIG.
Is the same as the ROM 12 shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation in the second embodiment.

The other structure is the same as that of the first embodiment.

The difference from the first embodiment is that the program data specified and communicated in the DPOF file is the program data of the facsimile body.

[Third Embodiment] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a facsimile apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and showing a flow of program data thereof.

The configuration of the third embodiment is basically the same as that of the first embodiment, except that the program data to be communicated is stored in the program memory of the recording unit. Is different from the embodiment.

In FIG. 3, the recording unit 2 is provided with a program memory 40 of the recording unit.
This is the same as the ROM 7 shown in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the third embodiment.

[Fourth Embodiment] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention, showing the flow of program data.

The configuration of the fourth embodiment is basically the same as that of the first embodiment, except that the scanner 4 includes a program memory 50 for storing communication data. Different from the embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the fourth embodiment.

[0079]

According to the present invention, it is possible to easily upload a version by exchanging a program of a printer, a scanner, and a digital camera with a facsimile apparatus by communication using a DPOF file. To play.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a facsimile system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a flow of program data in the facsimile machine.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a facsimile apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and showing a flow of program data thereof.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention, showing a flow of the program data.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing data transferred in the order of the image data facsimile apparatus 12, the facsimile main body 1, and the digital camera 6 in the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation of the facsimile apparatus according to the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation of the digital camera 6.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation in the second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the third embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing parameters used in DPOF in the embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of compression and decompression in JPEG in the embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the facsimile apparatus 160.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a configuration of a recording unit 200 in the embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a BFT procedure in the embodiment.

FIG. 16 shows “JOB” information for printing one image ABCD003 in the above embodiment, and other information is DPOF.
It is a figure showing that a file is stored.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a state in which a DPOF file is divided into a HEADER section and a JOB section.

[Description of Signs] 1 ... Facsimile main unit, 2 ... Recording unit, 3 ... ISDN / PSTN, 4 ... Scanner, 5, 11 ... Compact flash memory, 6 ... Digital camera, 12 ... Image data transmission facsimile device, 20 ... Program transfer Means 21 CF writing means 22 DPOF file transfer means 23 program creation means 30, 40, 50 program memory.

Continued on the front page F term (reference) 5C052 AA12 AA17 AB02 CC11 GA01 GA02 GA05 GA07 GA08 GA09 GB06 GB09 GC05 GD01 GE06 GF04 5C053 FA04 FA08 FA27 GB36 HA33 JA30 KA01 KA19 KA24 LA01 LA03 LA11 LA14 LA20 5C062 AA01 AA22 AB AC25 AC43 AE14 BA02 5C073 AA06 AB04 BA06 BB03 BD03 CE01 CE10

Claims (20)

[Claims] A compact flash memory for storing image data, information for printing the image data, and program data for determining the operation of the digital camera; connecting means for connecting the compact flash memory to the digital camera And a facsimile machine having: 2. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the information for printing the image data stored in the compact flash memory is a DPOF file, and the program data and information for writing the program data to the digital camera. Is the above DPO
A facsimile machine characterized by being an F file. 3. The digital camera according to claim 2, wherein the information for writing the program data to the digital camera includes RGN information of a DPOF file, VUQ information containing the same, and functions specific to a maker containing the information. And a facsimile machine. 4. A digital camera characterized by loading program data stored in a compact flash memory and determining operation of the digital camera, and rewriting the program data. 5. A method for loading program data stored in a compact flash memory for determining an operation of a digital camera and information for rewriting a program of the digital camera from a DPOF file described in the compact flash memory. Digital camera that features. 6. The information according to claim 5, wherein the digital camera acquires the program data by setting RGN information of a DPOF file, VUQ information including the RGN information, and a function specific to a manufacturer including the information. A digital camera characterized by being information. 7. A facsimile transmitter for transmitting program data for writing a program to a digital camera to a receiving-side facsimile apparatus. 8. The communication procedure according to claim 7, wherein the communication procedure with the facsimile machine on the receiving side is I
TU-T Recommendation T. 30. A facsimile transmitter, which is a BFT procedure defined by 30 or the like. 9. A facsimile apparatus for receiving program data for rewriting the contents of a program memory which determines the operation of the facsimile apparatus, wherein the facsimile apparatus contains the program data and information for writing the program data to the program memory. A facsimile apparatus for receiving an existing DPOF file. 10. The information according to claim 9, wherein the information for writing the program data in the program memory includes RGN information of a DPOF file, VUQ information containing the RGN information, and a function specific to a manufacturer in which the information is contained. A facsimile machine characterized by information to be set. 11. Information for writing program data to a program memory is facsimile which is RGN information of a DPOF file, VUQ information containing the same, and information for setting a function specific to a manufacturer in which the information is contained. A facsimile transmitter capable of sending the program data to an apparatus. 12. The communication procedure according to claim 11, wherein the communication procedure with the facsimile apparatus is an IT procedure.
U.T. Recommendation T. 30. A facsimile transmitter, which is a BFT procedure defined by 30 or the like. 13. A facsimile apparatus for receiving program data for rewriting the contents of a program memory for determining the operation of a recording device connected to or contained in a facsimile apparatus, wherein the program data and the program data are stored in the program memory. A facsimile apparatus for receiving a DPOF file containing information to be written into a facsimile machine. 14. The information according to claim 13, wherein the information for writing the program data into the program memory includes RGN information of a DPOF file, VUQ information containing the same, and information specific to a maker containing the information. A facsimile machine, which is information for setting a function. 15. Information for writing program data to a program memory is RGN information of a DPOF file, VUQ information containing the same, and information for setting a function specific to a maker containing the same. A facsimile transmitter which sends the program data to a certain facsimile machine. 16. The communication procedure according to claim 15, wherein the communication procedure with the facsimile apparatus is an IT procedure.
U.T. Recommendation T. 30. A facsimile transmitter, which is a BFT procedure defined by 30 or the like. 17. A facsimile apparatus for receiving program data for rewriting the contents of a program memory for determining the operation of a scanner connected to or contained in a facsimile apparatus, wherein the program data and the program data are stored in the program memory. A facsimile apparatus for receiving a DPOF file containing information to be written. 18. The information according to claim 17, wherein the information for writing the program data into the program memory includes RGN information of a DPOF file, VUQ information containing the same, and information specific to a manufacturer in which the information is contained. A facsimile machine characterized by information for setting a function. 19. Information for writing program data to a program memory includes RGN information of a DPOF file, VUQ information containing the same, and information for setting a function specific to a manufacturer containing the same. A facsimile transmitter capable of sending the program data to a certain facsimile machine. 20. The communication procedure according to claim 19, wherein the communication procedure with the facsimile apparatus is an IT procedure.
U.T. Recommendation T. 30. A facsimile transmitter, which is a BFT procedure defined by 30 or the like.