JP2001202228A - Print control method and transmission controller - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily attain the printing of various data by using an IEEE 1394 system network or the like. SOLUTION: First equipment connected to a prescribed system digital communication control bus is allowed to display picture data or text data obtained from a mounted storage medium or the outside part by a prescribed display means, and when the printing of the displayed data is instructed according to an instruction based on the display by the display means, second equipment having a printing function connected to the bus is allowed to transmits the picture data or text data from the first equipment through a prescribed transmission path set on the bus, and to perform the print processing of the transmitted data.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] The present invention relates to, for example, IEEE 1
The present invention relates to a print control method and a transmission control device which are suitably applied to a case where a plurality of devices including a printer are connected by a 394 bus line and printing is performed by the printer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art AV equipment capable of mutually transmitting information via a network using an IEEE 1394 serial data bus has been developed. When transmitting data via this bus, the isochronous transfer mode used when transmitting relatively large-capacity moving image data and audio data in real time, and still images, text data, control commands, etc., must be securely transmitted. Asynchronous transfer modes used for transmission are prepared, a dedicated band is used for transmission for each mode, and transmission in both modes can be mixed on one bus.

As an example of processing that can be performed by transmitting data between a plurality of devices connected by such a bus, for example, a video signal source such as a video camera is connected to a personal computer device via a bus. And a still image output from the video signal source can be printed by a printer connected to the personal computer by an analog cable or the like.

[0004] Audio and video devices are connected by an IEEE1394 serial data bus.
When data is transmitted between the devices, for example, AV /
A control command transmission method called a C command (AV / C Command Transaction Set) can be applied. Details of the AV / C command are disclosed at http://www.1394TA.org.

[0005]

However, in order to print a still image or the like using a printer connected to such a personal computer, a necessary still image must be transmitted from the video signal source to the personal computer. Software for capturing data and software that sends the captured software to a printer and prints it are necessary.Each processing requires some complicated processing, and at present, printing is simple. I can't say it's done.

An object of the present invention is to enable various data to be easily printed using a network such as the IEEE 1394 system.

[0007]

According to the present invention, in a first device connected to a digital communication control bus of a predetermined system, image data or text data obtained from a recording medium attached thereto or obtained from the outside is stored in a first device. Display on the display means of
When printing of display data is instructed by an instruction based on the display on the display unit, image data or text data is transferred from the first device to the second device having a printing function connected to the bus. Transmit on a predetermined transmission path that is set,
The second device prints the transmitted data.

According to the present invention, a process for transmitting image data or text data obtained by a first device to a second device via a digital communication control bus and causing the second device to print the data is accurate. Be executed.

[0009]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described.
This will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a connection configuration of a transmission system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, a plurality of devices 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, each having a terminal connectable to a bus line 9 defined by the IEEE 1394 interface system, are mutually connected by a bus 9. The prepared devices 1 to 5 include, for example, a video deck 1 for recording and reproducing video signals and the like,
A video camera 2 for recording a video signal obtained by an imaging unit, a digital satellite broadcast receiver 3, an audio deck 4 for recording and reproducing an audio signal, and a printer for printing still images, text data, and the like. 5 are prepared. Monitor receivers 1a and 3a are connected to the VCR 1 and the digital satellite broadcast receiver 3, respectively.

Here, at least one of the devices 1 to 5 connected to the bus 9 has a function as a controller for controlling communication on the bus 9. here,
The digital satellite broadcast receiver 3 functions as a controller. In the following description, a device transmitting data on the bus 9 may be referred to as a producer, and a device receiving data may be referred to as a consumer. Note that I
In the case of the EEE1394 interface system, any connection order may be used as long as the connection satisfies the determined rule, and FIG. 1 shows an example.

FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the video deck 1. The VCR 1 converts video data (and audio data accompanying the video data) into an MP.
This is a digital video recording / reproducing apparatus that records and reproduces digital data encoded by the EG method on a medium such as a magnetic tape.

That is, as shown in FIG. 2, a magnetic tape mounted on a cassette 101, which is a resin housing, is mounted on a rotary head drum section 102 and recorded / reproduced by a magnetic head. The signal reproduced by the magnetic head of the unit 102 is supplied to the recording / reproducing system circuit 103 and processed to obtain reproduction data of the MPEG system, and the reproduction data is decoded by the MPEG decoder 104 to obtain the original digital data. The data is restored, and the restored digital video data is converted into an analog video signal by a digital-to-analog converter 105, and then output from an analog output terminal 106 and supplied to a monitor or the like connected to the terminal 106. MPEG decoder 1
The digital video data decoded in step 04 is output from the digital output terminal 107. Further, the reproduction data supplied to the MPEG decoder 104 is converted to the IEEE13
The video data is supplied to the 94 interface unit 112 and can be sent out to the connected bus 9 as video data encoded in the MPEG system.

As a configuration of a recording system, an analog video signal obtained at an analog input terminal 108 is converted into digital video data by an analog / digital converter 109, and the converted video data is supplied to an MPEG encoder 110. , MPEG encoder 110
It is assumed that the video data is coded in the system. The video data encoded in the MPEG format by the MPEG encoder 110 is supplied to a recording / reproducing system circuit 103 for processing, thereby forming a recording signal to be supplied to the rotary head drum unit 102. Recorded on a magnetic tape. In addition, the bus is connected to IEEE 1394
The MPEG video data supplied to the interface unit 112 is also supplied to the recording / reproducing system circuit 103 via the MPEG encoder 110 and the cassette 1
01 is recorded on a magnetic tape mounted on the recording medium.

The reproducing operation and the recording operation in these circuits are executed under the control of a central control unit (CPU) 113. Also, the IEEE1394 interface unit 11
CPU 2 also sends data from bus 2 to bus 9 and receives data from bus 9 at interface unit 112.
This is executed under the control of 113. CPU11
3 is a memory 11 for storing data and the like necessary for control.
4 is connected. The cassette 101 mounted on the video deck 1 of the present embodiment has a nonvolatile memory 11.
5 may be a cassette to which the memory 115 is attached.
The CPU 113 manages reading and writing of data stored in the memory 115. This memory 115
Stores index information (recording date, channel, program title, etc.) of data mainly recorded on the magnetic tape. The memory 115 is called a smart file or the like.

FIG. 3 shows the configuration of the video camera 2. Here, the video camera 2 records video signals obtained by imaging as digital video data of a predetermined system (for example, DV system) on a medium such as a magnetic tape, and reproduces the recorded video data. It is a video camera integrated with a recording / reproducing device.

That is, as shown in FIG. 3, the image light formed on the image pickup surface of the imager 202 via the optical system 201 is converted into an electric image pickup signal, and the image pickup signal output from the imager 202 is converted into an image pickup signal. To the unit 203. Imaging processing unit 2
In step 03, an imaging process for converting the supplied imaging signal into a video signal of a predetermined format is performed, and the converted video signal is supplied to the recording / reproducing system circuit 205 via the analog / digital converter 204. Then, the recording / reproducing system circuit 20
5, a recording signal to be supplied to the rotary head drum unit 206 is generated.
Recorded on a magnetic tape attached to the. It should be noted that a process of simultaneously recording an audio signal picked up by the microphone at the time of photographing on a magnetic tape is also performed.

When a video signal or the like recorded on the magnetic tape mounted on the cassette 207 is reproduced, the signal reproduced by the magnetic head of the rotary head drum unit 207 is supplied to the recording / reproducing system circuit 206. After the playback process,
The reproduced data is converted into an analog video signal by a digital / analog converter 210 and output from an output terminal 211. At the time of recording or reproduction, an image can be displayed on the display unit 209 as a viewfinder monitor provided in the video camera 2.

The recording data supplied to the analog / digital converter 204 and the digital / analog converter 2
The reproduction data supplied to the device 10 is supplied to the IEEE 1394 interface unit 212 so that the data can be transmitted to the connected bus 9 as digital video data.

The reproduction operation and the recording operation in these circuits are executed under the control of a central control unit (CPU) 213. Also, the IEEE1394 interface unit 21
CPU 2 also sends data from bus 2 to bus 9 and receives data from bus 9 at interface unit 212.
213 is executed. CPU 21
3 is a memory 21 for storing data and the like necessary for control.
4 is connected. Further, the cassette 207 mounted on the video camera 2 of the present example has a nonvolatile memory 20.
In some cases, the cassette to which the memory 208 is attached is mounted.
The CPU 213 manages reading and writing of data stored in the memory 208. This memory 208
, Mainly stores index information of data recorded on the magnetic tape (data relating to photographing such as photographing date and time, still image data for indexing, etc.). The memory 208 is called an MIC (Memory In Cassette) or the like.

FIG. 4 shows the configuration of the digital satellite broadcast receiver 3. The digital satellite broadcast receiver 3 here is a device having a receiving function as a tuner and a function as a decoder for decoding received broadcast data, and is an IRD (Integrated Receiver Decoder).
It is called. An antenna 301 is connected to the IRD 3, and a signal received by the antenna 301 is subjected to reception processing by a tuner 302 to receive a broadcast wave of a predetermined channel.
The signal received by the tuner 302 is transmitted to the descramble circuit 3
In step 03, a process of descrambling the broadcast data is performed, and the descrambled data is supplied to the data separation unit 304 to extract desired data from the data multiplexed into one channel. .

The video data separated by the data separation unit 304 is supplied to an MPEG video decoder 305, and after performing an MPEG decoding process, is supplied to a digital / analog converter 306 to be converted into an analog video signal. An analog video signal is supplied to an output terminal 307. The audio data separated by the data separation unit 304 is supplied to an MPEG audio decoder 308 and subjected to an MPEG decoding process, and then supplied to a digital / analog converter 309 to be converted into an analog audio signal. Output terminal 3
Supply 10

Further, the IRD 3 of this embodiment is an IEEE 1394
An interface unit 311 is provided for receiving MPEG data.
Video data and audio data of the system can be transmitted to the connected bus 9. Also, ATRAC
When a channel from which the audio data of the system is obtained is received, A
The audio data of the TRAC system is transferred to IEEE 1394.
The data can be transmitted from the interface unit 311 to the bus 9. Further, when receiving another data broadcast channel, the received data is transferred to IEEE 1394.
It is also possible to send the data from the interface unit 311 to the bus 9.

The receiving operation and the transmitting operation to the bus 9 are executed under the control of a central control unit (CPU) 312. Also, the IEEE1394 interface unit 31
The CPU also transmits data from the bus 1 to the bus 9 and receives data from the bus 9 at the interface unit 311.
312 is executed. CPU31
2 is a memory 31 for storing data and the like necessary for control.
3 is connected.

The IRD 3 of this embodiment is designed to function as a controller on a network constituted by the bus 9, and the CPU 312 is configured to execute the function as a controller.

FIG. 5 shows the configuration of the audio deck 4. The audio deck 4 converts the audio data into a predetermined compression encoding method (ATRAC method: Adaptive).
This is an audio recording / reproducing apparatus that encodes by Transform Acoustic Coding) and records and reproduces it on a medium such as a magneto-optical disk called a mini disk (MD).

That is, as shown in FIG. 5, a signal recorded on a predetermined magneto-optical disk (or optical disk) 401 is optically read by an optical pickup 402, and the signal read by the optical pickup 402 is read by a recording / reproducing system. Circuit 40
3 for processing, the reproduction data of the ATRAC system is obtained, and the reproduction data is transferred to the ATRAC decoder 404.
, The original digital audio data is restored, the restored digital audio data is converted into an analog audio signal by the digital / analog converter 405, and then output from the analog output terminal 406. Supply to connected audio equipment. The digital audio data decoded by the ATRAC decoder 404 is output from a digital output terminal 407. Further, ATRAC decoder 4
ATRAC playback data (or A
Playback data decoded from the TRAC method)
The data is supplied to the EE1394 interface unit 412 and can be transmitted to the connected bus 9.

As a configuration of the recording system, an analog audio signal obtained at an analog input terminal 408 is converted into digital audio data by an analog / digital converter 409, and the converted audio data is converted into an ATR signal.
The audio data is supplied to the AC encoder 410 and is converted into audio data encoded in the ATRAC format by the ATRAC encoder 410. The audio data encoded in the ATRAC format by the ATRAC encoder 410 is supplied to a recording / reproducing system circuit 403 to be processed, thereby forming a recording signal to be supplied to the optical pickup unit 402, and the recording signal is recorded on the magneto-optical disk 401. Is done. Also, from bus 9 to IEEE
AT supplied to the E1394 interface unit 412
Digital audio data of the RAC system or the like is also supplied to the recording / reproducing system circuit 403 via the ATRAC encoder 210 and is recorded on the magneto-optical disk 401.

The reproduction operation and the recording operation in these circuits are executed under the control of a central control unit (CPU) 413. Also, the IEEE1394 interface unit 41
CPU 2 also sends data from bus 2 to bus 9 and receives data from bus 9 at interface unit 412.
413 is executed. CPU 41
3 is a memory 41 for storing data and the like necessary for control.
4 is connected.

FIG. 6 shows the configuration of the printer 5. The printer 5 of the present example includes an IEEE 1394 interface unit 501 and is configured to be able to print data transmitted via the bus 9. This printer 5
Is a central control unit (CPU) 5 for controlling the printing operation.
04 and a RAM 50 for temporarily storing print data and the like.
2 and a ROM 503 for storing data necessary for print control
And a print engine 505 for executing a printing operation, each of which is connected by an internal bus.

Next, the IEEE to which each of the above devices is connected
A state in which data is transmitted on the E1394 bus 9 will be described. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a cycle structure of data transmission of devices connected by IEEE1394. IE
In EE1394, data is divided into packets and
The data is transmitted in a time division manner on the basis of a cycle having a length of 25 μS. This cycle is created by a cycle start signal supplied from a node having a cycle master function (any device connected to the bus). The isochronous packet secures a band (a time unit but called a band) necessary for transmission from the beginning of every cycle. Therefore, in isochronous transmission, transmission of data within a certain time is guaranteed. However, if a transmission error occurs, there is no protection mechanism and data is lost. Asynchronous transmission, in which the node that has secured the bus as a result of arbitration, sends out asynchronous packets during the time that is not used for isochronous transmission in each cycle, ensures reliable transmission by using acknowledgments and retries. However, the transmission timing is not constant.

In order for a given node (device) to perform isochronous transmission, the node must be compatible with the isochronous function. At least one of the nodes corresponding to the isochronous function must have a cycle master function. In addition, IEEE13
At least one of the nodes connected to the 94 serial bus must have the function of an isochronous resource manager. The device having the function of the isochronous resource manager corresponds to the above-described controller (IRD in this example).

Here, in the system of this example, the IEEE
Using an AV / C command defined as a command for controlling a device connected via a 1394 serial bus, control of each device, determination of a state, and the like can be performed. The data used in the AV / C command will be described below.

FIG. 8 shows the data structure of a packet transmitted in the asynchronous transfer mode of the AV / C command. The AV / C command is a command set for controlling AV equipment, and is CTS (command set ID).
= “0000”. AV / C command frames and response frames are exchanged between nodes.
A response to the command is to be made within 100 ms so as not to burden the bus and the AV equipment. As shown in FIG. 9, the data of the asynchronous packet is composed of 32 bits in the horizontal direction (= 1 quadle).
t). The upper part in the figure shows the header part of the packet, and the lower part in the figure shows the data block. The destination ID indicates a destination.

CTS indicates the ID of the command set. In the AV / C command set, CTS = "0000"
It is. The type / response field indicates the functional classification of the command when the packet is a command, and indicates the processing result of the command when the packet is a response.

The commands are roughly divided into (1) a command for controlling the function from outside (CONTROL), (2) a command for inquiring the state from outside (STATUS),
(3) A command (GENERAL INQUIRY (o
pccode support) and SPECIFIC
INQUIRY (opcode and operand
s)), and (4) four types of commands (NOTIFY) for requesting external notification of state changes are defined.

The response is returned according to the type of the command. Responses to the CONTROL command include NOT INPLEMENTED (not implemented), ACCEPTED (accept), and REJECT.
ED (rejection) and (INTERIM (provisional). The response to the STATUS command includes N
OT INPLEMENTED, REJECTED, I
N TRANSITION (migrating) and STAB
There is LE (stable). GENERAL INQUIRY
Responses to the SPECIFIC INQUIRY command include IMPLEMENTED (implemented) and NOT IMPLEMENTED. In response to the NOTIFY command,
NOT IMPLEMENTED, REJECTED,
INTERIM and CHANGED (changed).

The subunit type is provided to specify a function in the device.
recorder / player, tuner, etc. are assigned. In order to determine when there are a plurality of subunits of the same type, subunit
Addressing is performed with it id. opcode represents a command, and operand represents a parameter of the command. Additional operation
ands is a field added as needed.
The padding is also a field added as needed. dataCRC (Cyclic Redunda)
ncy Check) is used for error checking during data transmission.

FIG. 9 shows a specific example of the AV / C command. (A) of FIG. 9 shows ctype / respons
The example of e is shown. The upper part of the figure represents a command, and the lower part of the figure represents a response. "000
CONTROL for "0" and STATU for "0001"
S, "0010" is SPECIFIC INQUIR
NOTIFY is assigned to Y and “0011”, and GENERAL INQUIRY is assigned to “0100”. “0101 to 0111” are reserved and reserved for future specifications. "1000" has NOT I
NPLEMENTED, "1001" is ACCEPT
ED, “1010” has REJECTED, “101”
“1” is IN TRANSITION, “1100” is IMPLEMENTED / STABLE, “110”.
"1" is CHNGED, "1111" is INTERI
M has been assigned. “1110” is reserved and reserved for future specifications.

FIG. 9B shows a subunit type.
The example of e is shown. “00000” is Video
o Monitor, “00011” is Disk r
recorder / Player, "00100" is T
ape recorder / Player, "0010
“1” is Tuner and “00111” is VideoC
amera, "11100" has Vendor uni
que and “11110” have Subunit type
The extended to next byte is assigned. Note that a unit is assigned to “11111”, which is used when it is sent to the device itself, for example, power on / off.

FIG. 9C shows a specific example of the opcode. Opco for each subunit type
de table exists, and here, subunit
type is Tape recorder / Player
The opcode in the case of is shown. Also, opcode
Operand is defined for each e. here,
“00h” is VENDOR-DEPENDENT,
SEACHMODE for "50h", T for "51h"
IMECODE, ATN for "52h", OPEN MIC for "60h", READ MI for "61h"
C, WRITE MIC for "62h", LOAD MEDIUM for "C1h", RECORD for "C2h"
D, PLAY for "C3h", WIND for "C4h"
Is assigned.

The devices connected to the bus are controlled using the AV / C commands defined as described above, and data transmission between the devices connected to the bus is performed based on the control. .

Next, as an example in which data transmission is performed between devices connected by a bus as described above, a processing example when printing is executed by the printer 5 will be described. Here, it is assumed that the process is to cause the printer 5 to print data on the recording medium mounted on the audio deck 4 under the control of the IRD 3.

At this time, an operator performing an operation related to printing executes the operation based on the display on the monitor receiver 3a connected to the IRD 3. That is, for example, the monitor receiver 3a connected to the IRD 3 can display a screen for instructing a reproduction or recording operation of a recording medium (a magneto-optical disk or an optical disk) mounted on the audio deck 4. .

FIG. 10 shows a display example of a screen for instructing the operation of the audio deck 4. Information such as an album title name, an artist name, a song name, and a playing time can be recorded on a recording medium mounted on the audio deck 4 of this example in an area for recording index information called TOC. A display area 81 for these pieces of recording information is provided on the upper side of the screen. The information is transmitted to the IRD 3 via the bus 9 under the control of, for example, the AV / C command described above.

A device type display area 82 is provided to indicate which device the information being displayed is information about.
It is displayed that the portion described as D1 is selected. Then, there is a display for instructing various operation states of the audio deck 4. Specifically, for example, a display area 83 of operation buttons for instructing a state of reproduction or recording of a disc such as reproduction, recording, fast forward, and rewind, a display area 84 indicating whether or not a recording medium is mounted, (Recording) time, a counter display area 85, a power key display area 91, an input switching key display area 92, a lyrics display key display area 93, and an image display key display area 9.
4 and a print instruction key display area 95 are displayed.

The display area of these keys is, for example, IR
By operating a key arranged on D3 (or a remote control device (not shown)), a cursor is displayed on the screen, and the display position of the cursor is made coincident with the display area of each key. By doing so, the operation instructions displayed in each area are transmitted from the IRD 3 to the audio deck 4 or the like. The transmission of the operation instruction is also executed by control based on, for example, the AV / C command described above.

When an operation of selecting the print instruction key 95 in the screen shown in FIG. 10 is performed, control is performed to print the information displayed in the display area 81 of the recording information on the recording medium. Also at this time, the control is executed under the control based on the AV / C command.
Under the control of D3, the recording information of the recording medium to be printed is directly transmitted from the audio deck 4 to the printer 5, and printing is performed by the printer 5. FIG.
The print instruction key 95 is displayed in the screen shown in FIG.
The IRD 3 as a controller is connected to the printer 5 on the bus 9.
Only when it is determined that is connected.

FIG. 11 shows an example of a data transfer procedure and a print control procedure when transmitting information necessary for this printing. In this transmission, all necessary data is transmitted in the asynchronous transfer mode. In the following, according to the drawings, when it is determined that a printing operation has been performed by the IRD 3 serving as a controller, data (add job) for starting the printer 5 is transmitted from the IRD 3 to the printer 5 first, and the response is transmitted. Printer 5 to I
It is returned to RD3 (step S11). Next, mode data (set operation mode) necessary for printing on the printer 5, such as the size and color to be printed, is transmitted from the IRD 3 to the printer 5, and a response is returned from the printer 5 to the IRD 3 (step S12). ). Further, data (format of input im
age format) is transmitted from the IRD 3 to the printer 5, and the response is returned from the printer 5 to the IRD 3 (step S13). Up to this point, the standard for the printer subunit of AV / C commands (AV / C Printer
Subunit Additional Specification).

Next, the IRD 3 as a controller transmits print data between the audio deck 4 as a source (producer) of the print data and the printer 5 as a destination (consumer) of the print data. Bus 9
The connection establishment process for securing the above transmission path is performed. First, as the connection establishment process, IRD
3 transmits an allocate (ALLOCATE) data for setting an input plug for an asynchronous transfer channel of the printer 5 and returns a response (step S14). Next, the IRD 3 sets the output plug for the asynchronous transfer channel of the audio deck 4 and transmits the ALLOCATE ATTACH data indicating the plug to receive the data.
The response is returned (step S15). Attach (ATTACH) data indicating the plug of the data transmission source is transmitted to the printer 5 and a response is returned (step S16). Further IRD3
Transmits object number select (ONS) data instructing execution of transmission to the audio deck 4 (step S17), and transmits data (receiveimage) for instructing reception to the printer 5 (step S17).
18).

When this receiving command is received by the printer 5,
Printer 5 instructs audio deck 4 to start transmitting data (oAPR SEND)
Is transmitted (step S18). The audio deck 4 receiving the data transmits the data to be printed for one screen (step S19). Here, this print data is also transmitted in the asynchronous transfer mode. Then, data (iAPR LAST) indicating that the transmission of the print data has been completed is transmitted (step S20).

Further, data (ACCEPTED) indicating that the transmission processing of the print data has been completed is transmitted from the audio deck 4 to the IRD 3 (step S21), and data indicating that the processing has been completed is transmitted from the printer 5 (step S21). ACCEPTE
D) is transmitted to the IRD 3 (step S22).

When the data to be printed is received after the processing up to this point is completed, the printer 5 executes the printing processing of the data. After the printing is completed (or at the stage when the printing is ready), the IRD 3 sends data (DETACH) for instructing the printer 5 to release the connection.
Is transmitted and the response is returned (step S2).
3). The IRD 3 also includes data (DETACH RELEAS) for instructing the audio deck 4 to release the connection.
E), and the response is returned (step S24). Further, the IRD 3 sends data (RELE) indicating to the printer 5 that the release of the connection has been completed.
ASE), and the response is returned (step S25), and the process for printing is terminated. When the number of prints is plural, for example, after the transmission of the print data in step S19 is repeated for the number of prints, the end data in step S20 is finally transmitted.

FIG. 12 shows an example of a label printed by the printer 5 in this manner. Here, as a recording medium mounted on the audio deck 4, a mini disc (M
A medium having an index area (TOC area) referred to as D) is used, and the title of the disc (album) recorded in the index area, the artist name, the title of each song, and the playing time are represented by In the form of a list, 1
It is printed on one label. This printed label is
For example, the size may be such that it can be stuck on the surface of the housing containing the disk.

Further, for example, the user selects the lyrics display key 93 on the monitor screen shown in FIG. 10 and prints the lyrics for each song in the display area 81 of the recorded information on the monitor screen. When the operation of selecting the key 95 is performed,
The lyrics of the displayed song may be printed by the printer 5. The lyrics data is recorded, for example, in a subcode area of a track on the recording medium on which the audio data is recorded, and the lyrics data read from the subcode area is transmitted to the printer 5 by the same processing. Then, it can be printed. FIG. 13 shows a print example of the lyrics, in which the title of the song (song name) and the artist name are printed at the beginning, and the lyrics of the corresponding song are printed from the beginning to the end.

Further, for example, the user selects the image display key 94 on the monitor screen shown in FIG. 10 to display a still image such as an album jacket image in the display area 81 of the record information on the monitor screen. When the operation of selecting the print key 95 is performed, the displayed still image may be printed by the printer 5. The data of the still image such as the jacket image is also recorded in, for example, a subcode area in the recording medium, and the still image data read from the subcode area is transmitted to the printer 5 by the same processing. Then, it can be printed. FIG. 14 shows a print example of this jacket image.

Next, another printing example will be described. In the following example, the printer 5 prints an arbitrary reception screen in a television broadcast received by the IRD 3 or a display screen of text data transmitted together with the television broadcast. In this case, for example, when an image to be printed is displayed on the monitor receiver 3a connected to the IRD 3, a menu screen for selecting a function is displayed on the screen as shown in FIG. Then, the user performs an operation to select the item displayed as print. At this time, the data of the displayed screen is
A process of transmitting the data from the RD 3 to the printer 5 and printing the data is performed. It should be noted that the item displayed as print is displayed on the menu screen only when the controller IRD 3 determines that the printer 5 is connected to the bus 9.

FIG. 15 shows an example of a data transfer procedure and a print control procedure when transmitting information necessary for printing in this case. In this transmission, all necessary data is transmitted in the asynchronous transfer mode. Further, in this example, the IRD 3 is a controller for data transmission for printing and is also a transmission source (producer) of printing data, and the printer 5 is a receiving destination (consumer) of printing data.

The operation will be described with reference to the drawings. If it is determined that an operation for printing a screen displayed by receiving a broadcast signal or the like is performed by the controller IRD3, data (add job) for starting the printer 5 first is used.
Is transmitted from the IRD 3 to the printer 5, and the response is returned from the printer 5 to the IRD 3 (step S31). Next, the mode data (set operation mod
e) is transmitted from the IRD 3 to the printer 5, and the response is returned from the printer 5 to the IRD 3 (step S32). Furthermore, data (input image format) relating to the format of the data to be printed is stored in the IRD3
To the printer 5, and the response is returned from the printer 5 to the IRD 3 (step S33).

Next, the IRD 3 as a controller establishes a transmission path on the bus 9 for transmitting print data between the IRD 3 as a producer and the printer 5 as a receiver (consumer) of the print data. A connection establishment process is performed on the asynchronous transfer channel to secure the connection. First, as the connection establishment process, IRD
3 transmits an allocate (ALLOCATE) data for setting an input plug for an asynchronous transfer channel of the printer 5 and returns a response (step S34). The IRD3 sets an output plug for an asynchronous transfer channel in the IRD3, and
, The data of the attach (ATTACH) indicating the plug of the data transmission source is transmitted, and the response is returned (step S35). Further, the IRD 3 receives data (receive im) for instructing the printer 5 to receive data.
age) is transmitted (step S36).

When the printer 5 receives this reception command,
The printer 5 transmits to the IRD 3 data (oAPR SEND) for instructing that data transmission can be started (step S37). Upon receiving this data, the IRD 3 transmits the data to be printed for one screen (step S38). The print data is also transmitted in the asynchronous transfer mode. Then, data indicating that the transmission of the print data has been completed (iAPR LAST
) Is transmitted (step S39).

When this data is received by the printer 5, data (ACCE) indicating that the print data receiving process has been completed is completed.
(PTED) is transmitted to the IRD 3 (step S4).
0).

When the processing up to this point is completed, the printer 5 executes printing processing of the received data. After the printing is completed (or when the printing is ready), the IR
D3 transmits data (DETACH) for instructing the printer 5 to release the connection, and returns the response (step S41). After that, IRD3
Transmits the data (RELEASE) indicating that the release of the connection has been completed to the printer 5 and returns a response (step S42), thus ending the processing for printing.

FIG. 17 is an example of a monitor screen printed by the printer 5 in this manner. This example shows an example in which a portion of the monitor screen shown in FIG. 16 excluding the lower right menu screen is printed in a predetermined format.

Next, another printing example will be described. In the following example, the printer 5 prints the index information such as the shooting date and time stored in the non-volatile memory (MIC) 208 built in the recording medium (cassette 207) mounted on the video camera 2. is there.
Also in this case, the control is executed based on the AV / C command. In this example, the controller I
Under the control of the RD3, the data stored in the memory 208 is temporarily transmitted from the video camera 2 to the IRD3.
The printer 5 transmits data to be printed by the printer 5, and the printer 5 executes printing.

FIG. 18 shows an example of a data transfer procedure and a print control procedure when transmitting information necessary for this printing. In this transmission, all necessary data is transmitted in the asynchronous transfer mode. In the following, the order will be described with reference to the drawings. If it is determined that the operation of printing the shooting information of the recording medium mounted on the video camera 2 has been performed by the controller IRD 3, data (addjob) for starting the printer 5 is first transmitted to the IRD 3. From the printer 5 to the printer 5, and the response
It is returned to the RD3 (step S51). Next, mode data (set operation mode) necessary for printing on the printer 5, such as the size and color to be printed, is transmitted from the IRD 3 to the printer 5, and a response is returned from the printer 5 to the IRD 3 (step S52). ). Further, data (format of input im
age format) is transmitted from the IRD 3 to the printer 5, and the response is returned from the printer 5 to the IRD 3 (step S53).

Next, the IRD 3 serving as the controller is the IR (source) which is the transmission source (producer) of the print data.
A connection establishment process for securing a transmission path on the bus 9 for transmitting print data is performed between D3 and the printer 5 which is a print data receiving destination (consumer). First, as the connection establishment processing, IRD3
Transmits the data of the allocate (ALLOCATE) for setting the input plug for the asynchronous transfer channel of the printer 5 and returns the response (step S
54). The IRD 3 sets an output plug for an asynchronous transfer channel in the IRD 3 and attaches to the printer 5 an instruction (AT) for instructing a plug of a data transmission source.
TACH) data and return the response (step S55).

When the processing up to this point is completed, the IRD3
Sends a command to read the data stored in the memory 208 to the video camera 2, and obtains the stored data in a response (step S56). When the IRD 3 reads out and stores the data stored in the memory 208 in the cassette mounted on the video camera in this manner, the IRD 3 issues data (receive im) for instructing the printer 5 to receive the data.
age) is transmitted (step S57).

When the printer 5 receives this reception command,
The printer 5 transmits to the IRD 3 data (oAPR SEND) for instructing that data transmission can be started (step S58). Upon receiving this data, the IRD 3 transmits the data to be printed for one screen (step S59). The print data is also transmitted in the asynchronous transfer mode. Then, data indicating that the transmission of the print data has been completed (iAPR LAST
) Is transmitted (step S60).

When this data is received by the printer 5, the data (ACCE) indicating that the print data receiving process is completed.
PTED) is transmitted to the IRD 3 (step S6)
1).

When the processing up to this point is completed, the printer 5 executes printing processing of the received data. After the printing is completed (or when the printing is ready), the IR
D3 transmits data (DETACH) for instructing the printer 5 to release the connection, and returns the response (step S62). After that, IRD3
Transmits data (RELEASE) indicating that the release of the connection has been completed to the printer 5, causes the printer 5 to return a response (step S62), and ends the printing process.

FIG. 19 shows an example of a menu screen for executing such printing. For example, such a menu screen is displayed on the screen of the monitor receiver 3a connected to the IRD 3, and a list relating to index data stored in a cassette mounted on the video camera 2 is displayed. Print or let the operator choose.
The stored data of the item designated by this selection is stored in step S
At 56, the data is read from the memory 208 and the data is printed as a list. FIG. 20 shows an example in which data relating to the shooting date is printed in this way. In this example, an example is shown in which the shooting date and time of each item and each title are printed in a predetermined format. If the memory 208 has a storage such as an index image (for example, the first still image for each unit of photographing) or the like, the image data may be read and transmitted to a printer for printing.

In the examples of FIGS. 18 to 20, the data stored in the memory built in the cassette mounted on the video camera 2 is printed, but the data stored in the cassette mounted on the video deck 1 is printed. It is also possible to print data stored in a memory built in the printer by the same processing. In this case, for example, printing of a recording date and time, a channel number, a program title, and the like can be considered.

As in the above-described respective print processing examples, each device including a printer is connected by an IEEE1394 bus as in this example, and print data is transmitted to the printer by control based on AV / C commands. Then, by causing the printer to execute printing, various data can be easily printed. That is, for example, as described above, a list of data stored in an index area of a storage medium mounted on an audio deck, and a list of data stored in a memory mounted on a cassette mounted on a video camera or a video deck. Can be easily performed only by operating the device functioning as a controller connected to the bus.

The print data transmitted to the printer may be of any format as long as the data can be received by the printer connected to the bus. For example, in addition to transmitting text data and printing a string of characters and numerals indicated by the text data, image data of a predetermined format (for example, JPEG still image data) is transmitted and the A still image indicated by data may be printed.

In the above-described embodiment, the IEEE standard is used.
Although the description has been given of the case of the network configured by the 1394 bus, the present invention can be applied to the case where the same data transmission is performed between devices of other network configurations to control printing and the like. The devices connected in that case are not limited to the above-described video devices and audio devices.

[0077]

According to the present invention, under the control of a predetermined control device connected to a digital communication control bus, image data or text data obtained at a data transmission source connected to the bus is printed by a printing device. The printing process
It can be easily and accurately performed using general-purpose control commands, and required data can be easily printed.

In this case, the image data or text data to be printed is data read from a memory attached to a housing containing a recording medium attached to a data transmission source device. Printing of data stored in a memory attached to the housed housing can be easily performed.

The image data or text data to be printed is data read out from the index area of the recording medium mounted on the data transmission source device.
The storage data in the index area can be easily printed.

Further, since the image data or text data to be printed is data received by the device that transmitted the data, it is possible to easily print various received data such as a television broadcast signal.

When an operation screen of a data transmission source device is displayed while a device capable of printing is connected to the bus, an area for instructing execution of printing is displayed on the operation screen. Accordingly, only when printing is possible, the corresponding area is displayed and the operation for printing becomes possible, and the operability is improved.

The transmission of data from the data transmission source device to the device that executes printing is executed by a predetermined controller connected to the bus after establishing a connection between the two devices, and the image data is transmitted. Or, for the transmission of text data, direct transmission between the two devices enables the control process to be performed accurately by the controller, and the data transmission for printing is performed between the device that sent the data and the printing device. The printing operation can be performed quickly and efficiently and reliably.

Further, transmission of data from the data transmission source device to the device that executes printing is performed by transmitting image data or text data from the data transmission source device to this controller under the control of a predetermined controller connected to the bus. After the data is transmitted, the controller transmits the data to the device that executes printing, so that the device that executes printing only needs to communicate with the controller and print data sent by any device connected to the bus. The printing operation can be performed efficiently and reliably by the management of the controller.

Further, after the printing is completed, the transmission path on the bus used for transmitting the print data is opened so that after the printing is completed, the data between the other devices connected to the bus is transmitted. The transmission path can be used for transmission, and the transmission path on the bus is used efficiently.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a video deck according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a video camera according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an IRD according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an audio deck according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a printer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a transmission state according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of data of a transfer packet according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a data structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example on a monitor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a data transfer and printing procedure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an index label according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of lyrics printing according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a jacket image printing example according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a data transfer and printing procedure according to another embodiment of the present invention.

16 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a monitor display screen according to the example of FIG.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing a monitor screen print example according to the example of FIG. 15;

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing a data transfer and printing procedure according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

19 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of the video camera according to the example of FIG. 18;

20 is an explanatory diagram showing a date index printing example of the video camera according to the example of FIG. 18;

[Explanation of symbols]

1. VCR, 1a monitor, 2 video camera,
3: Digital satellite broadcast receiver (IRD), 3a: Monitor, 4: Audio deck, 5: Printer, 9: IEEE
E1394 bus line

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04N 5/76 H04N 5/76 E 5E501 F term (Reference) 2C061 AP01 HJ06 HN05 HN15 HQ06 5B021 AA01 AA02 BB05 PP08 5B077 NN02 5C052 AA01 AA11 AB04 CC06 CC11 EE02 EE03 FA01 FA03 FA04 FA05 FA07 FB01 FB05 FB06 FB07 FC08 FE04 5C062 AA05 AA29 AB14 AB22 AB23 AB42 AC04 AC05 AC43 AE15 BA00 5E501 AA06 AB13 AC15 BA03 CA01

Claims (13)

[Claims] An image data or text data obtained from an attached recording medium or an external device is displayed on a first device connected to a digital communication control bus of a predetermined system by a predetermined display means, and the display is performed. When printing of display data is instructed by an instruction based on the display by the means, the image data or text data is transmitted from the first device to the second device having a printing function connected to the bus. A print control method in which the data is transmitted through a predetermined transmission path set above, and the second device performs a print process of the transmitted data. 2. The print control method according to claim 1, wherein the image data or the text data is data read from a memory attached to a housing containing a recording medium attached to the first device. A printing control method. 3. The print control method according to claim 1, wherein said image data or text data is data read from an index area of a recording medium mounted on said first device. 4. The print control method according to claim 1, wherein the image data or the text data is data received by the first device. 5. The print control method according to claim 1, wherein, when the operation screen of the first device is displayed on the display means while the second device is connected to the bus. A print control method for displaying an area instructing execution of printing by the second device. 6. The print control method according to claim 1, wherein the transmission of data from the first device to the second device is performed by a predetermined controller connected to the bus, which establishes a connection between the two devices. Established and executed, and for transmission of the image data or text data,
A print control method for transmitting data directly from a first device to a second device. 7. The print control method according to claim 1, wherein the transmission of data from the first device to the second device is controlled by a predetermined controller connected to the bus. And a controller that transmits image data or text data to the controller, and then transmits the data to the second device from the controller. 8. The printing control method according to claim 1, wherein the transmission path is opened after the printing is completed. 9. A transmission control device connected to a digital communication control bus of a predetermined system for controlling other devices connected to the bus, wherein the transmission control device is mounted on a first device connected to the bus. Display control means for controlling display of image data or text data obtained from a recording medium or externally on predetermined display means, and when detecting input of an instruction based on display on the display means, After securing a transmission path, the image data or text data obtained by the first device is
A transmission control device, comprising: a transmission control unit that controls transmission to a second device having a printing function connected to the bus and having the printing function to execute printing by the second device. 10. The transmission control device according to claim 9, wherein said display control means sends said first display to said display means while detecting that a second device is connected to said bus. A transmission control device that displays an area instructing execution of printing by the second device when displaying an operation screen of the device. 11. The transmission control device according to claim 9, wherein the processing of transmitting image data or text data from the first device to the second device under the control of the transmission control means is performed from the first device. A transmission control device that is a process for directly transmitting data to a second device. 12. The transmission control device according to claim 9, wherein the transmission of the image data or the text data from the first device to the second device under the control of the transmission control means is performed from the first device. A transmission control device, which is a process of transmitting data once to the transmission control device and then transmitting the data to a second device. 13. The transmission control device according to claim 9, wherein said transmission control means performs processing for opening said transmission path when printing by said second device is completed.