JP2001333363A - Device, system and method for information communication - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information communication device, system and method which can transmit the image or voice files to be reproduced to other communication devices and then can reproduce the files via the remote control that is carried out by a user via an information transmitter. SOLUTION: An information transmitter generates a new file name from the directory information and the file name of a recording medium storing the information to be reproduced, generates a batch file where the reproduction condition of the information to be reproduced are described together the new file name and transmits the batch file and the information to be reproduced. Meanwhile, an information receiver receives the batch file and information to be reproduced from the information transmitter, records the batch file on a recording medium and reproduces the received information according to the reproduction condition that is described on the batch file.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information communication apparatus, an information communication system and an information communication method, and more particularly to an information communication apparatus, an information communication system and an information communication in a push model for transmitting an image and a sound to be reproduced between communication apparatuses. About the method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A digital camera in which data relating to the number of orders is stored in a memory card in a camera body by setting the number of orders for an image displayed on a monitor and pressing an execution button after setting the number of orders. This is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-150673.

[0003] Further, receiving side data format information is received from a printer, and the receiving side data format information is compared with data in a "conversion data format" column of a data format conversion table developed in a RAM, and is used by the digital camera. Select a data format with the highest priority from among data formats that can be converted and data formats that can be received by the printer, set it as the data format of the image data to be transmitted, and Format conversion program in ROM
A communication system, a transmitting device, a receiving device, which reads out from the image data to be transmitted after converting the data format of the image data to be transmitted to the set data format,
A communication control method and a data transmission method of the system are disclosed in JP-A-10-341327.

[0004]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Conventional Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-1
In the digital camera disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 50673, a print order file in which print order information is described is also recorded in a medium on which an image is recorded, and when the medium is mounted on a printer or a device on a laboratory service side. The print processing is automatically executed at the same time. However, recent digital cameras record images on removable media such as a memory card,
A device having a communication interface for external connection, such as C, USB, etc., is generally used.

When printing images recorded in a plurality of directories in a medium using a print order file recorded in a conventional memory card, the path of an image file to be printed recorded on the medium is used. And read the image. However, when printing an image via a communication interface, the path name and directory name of the transmission source medium are not meaningful on the recording medium of the image receiving side (printer side), and the same file name is stored in the same directory. Therefore, when transferring an image via the communication interface, the above-described method for reading an image using the print order file cannot be used as it is.

[0006] A communication system disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-341327 is a communication system in which a digital camera and a printer are directly connected by communication and an image from the digital camera is printed by the printer. It is necessary to operate both the printer and the printer to perform the printing process, and the operability is very complicated. In addition, there is an inconvenience that it is impossible to set the image to be printed and the number of prints in advance and execute batch processing collectively.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and a batch file in which reproduction conditions are described and image or audio information having a newly generated file name are transmitted to an information communication device via a communication interface. It is an object of the present invention to provide an information communication device, an information communication system, and an information communication method capable of easily reproducing information transmitted and received based on reproduction conditions described in the batch file.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a first recording medium for recording an image or sound to be reproduced, and wherein the image or sound to be reproduced is stored. File name generating means for generating a new image or sound file name that does not duplicate a file name for each image or sound based on the directory information and the image or sound file name to be reproduced; A batch file generating means for generating a batch file that describes information on a reproduction condition of an image or a sound to be reproduced together with the newly generated file name, and transmitting the batch file, An information transmitting device including first communication means for transmitting the generated file name, and a batch file transmitted by the information transmitting device. And, a second for receiving image or sound
An information receiving apparatus, comprising: a communication unit, a second recording medium for recording the received batch file, and a reproduction unit for reproducing the received image or sound based on the reproduction conditions described in the batch file. It is characterized by comprising.

According to the present invention, an information communication system comprises: a first recording medium for recording an image or sound to be reproduced; directory information storing the image or sound to be reproduced; File name generating means for generating a new image or audio file name that does not duplicate a file name for each image or audio based on the file name, and information on the image or audio reproduction conditions to be reproduced, Batch file generation means for generating a batch file to be described together with the newly generated file name, and first communication for transmitting the batch file and transmitting the image or sound to be reproduced under the newly generated file name Information transmitting device comprising means, a batch file transmitted by the information transmitting device,
Second communication means for receiving an image or sound, a second recording medium for recording the received batch file, and reproduction for reproducing the received image or audio based on reproduction conditions described in the batch file Means for transmitting a batch file describing playback conditions and image or audio information having a newly generated file name to the information communication apparatus via the communication interface. Thus, the received information can be easily reproduced based on the reproduction conditions described in the batch file.

[0010]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of an information communication device, an information communication system and an information communication method according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing a state in which an electronic camera, which is an embodiment of an information transmitting device, and a printer, which is an embodiment of an information receiving device, are connected by communication.

Referring to FIG. 1, an electronic camera 10 includes a photographing lens 12 for forming an image of a subject on an image pickup unit, a display unit 16 for displaying various information such as image data and a frame number display 14, and an electronic camera 10. Power switch 18 for inputting the start and stop of the function, a release button 20 for the user to instruct shooting, and a mode switching dial 2 for switching and setting various modes provided in the electronic camera 10.
2, an erasing button 24 for designating a desired item from the items displayed on the display means 16, a setting button 26 for registering a desired item from the items displayed on the display means 16, An increment button 28 for operating when incrementing a frame number or the like displayed on the means 16 and a decrement button 30 for operating when decrementing a frame number or the like displayed on the display means 16 are provided. Have been.

When transmitting information such as image data and audio data to and from an external device by communication, an antenna 32 for transmitting and receiving a carrier wave and data, a communication connector 34 used for performing wired communication, and A recording medium mounting portion 38 used when exchanging information via a removable recording medium 36 for recording information such as audio is provided.

The printer 40 includes an antenna 42 for transmitting / receiving a carrier wave and data when transmitting / receiving information such as image data to / from other communication devices by communication, a communication cable 44 used for performing wired communication, and an insertion / removal. A recording medium mounting unit 48 used when exchanging information via a possible recording medium 46 is provided. The mounting status of the recording medium 46 or the access status of the recording medium 46 is indicated by a recording medium status display 5.
0 allows the user to be notified.

Paper 52 for printing images and characters
Is a paper magazine 5 mounted on the printer 40.
4 is loaded inside. When the printer 40 prints an image, the print status indicator 56 is turned on, and the paper 52 on which the image is printed is discharged from the print outlet 58.

The printer 40 has a power switch 60 for inputting the activation and deactivation of the functions of the printer 40, and a power display 62 for displaying the activated and deactivated states of the printer 40.
And a cancel button 64 for instructing stop of printing
An automatic print button 66 for instructing execution of image printing according to a predetermined printing procedure, and an automatic print for notifying that an automatic printing batch file or a print order file exists on the recording medium and that automatic printing is enabled. An effective display 68 is provided. Also, an individual print button 70 for instructing individual printing from among a plurality of images, an individual print effective display 72 for notifying that individual printing is in an effective state, and an instruction to sequentially feed images to be printed. A forward button 74 and a reverse button 76 for instructing to reverse the image to be printed are provided.

Although not shown in FIG. 1, the printer 40 may be provided with a display means such as a color liquid crystal display for displaying communication information, a thumbnail image of the selected image file, and information on printing. .

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a display of various modes provided on the mode switching dial 22.

According to FIG. 1, a mode switching dial 22 has a communication mode (indicated as Online in FIG. 2) for performing communication with another communication device (such as an information receiving device), and a shooting mode for performing shooting. The mode (described as Cam in FIG. 2),
A reproduction mode for reproducing recorded images (FIG. 2)
Is described as “Play”), and a setup mode for setting the date, shooting mode, number of shooting pixels, auto power-off time, setting the volume of a warning sound, creating a print order file, and the like. By switching the mode switching dial 22 by the user, each mode of the electronic camera 10 can be set.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a signal processing system of the electronic camera.

The image pickup system of the electronic camera 10 is provided with an image pickup means 80 for forming an image of a subject on a light receiving surface, photoelectrically converting the image, and outputting it as image data. Information processing means 8
2 controls the entire electronic camera 10 and controls the sampling timing of image data, recording control of image data, communication control, display control, directory information in which images or sounds to be transmitted are stored, and transmission of images or sounds to be transmitted. Generation of a new image or audio file name that does not duplicate the file name based on the file name (file name generation means), and information on the reproduction condition of the image or audio to be transmitted is described in the batch file together with the newly generated file name. It performs various kinds of information processing such as generation of a batch file to be performed (batch file generation means), conversion processing of the number of pixels of image data, and control of setting and cancellation of a power saving mode.

The image pickup system of the electronic camera 10 includes an image processing means 84 for performing processing such as a change in the number of pixels, sharpness correction, gamma correction, contrast correction, white balance correction, and the like. An A / D converter 86 for converting data is provided.

The input system of the electronic camera 10 includes input means 88 including a release button 20, a mode switching dial 22, an erase button 24, a setting button 26, an increment button 28, a decrement button 30, and the like. An I / O 90, which is a port for converting each information signal input by the means 88, is provided.

The image conversion system of the electronic camera 10 includes:
Compression / expansion means 92 for controlling the compression of image data and audio data information by a method represented by JPEG or MPEG, and for controlling the expansion / decompression of the compressed data, and recording the image data on the removable recording medium 36 A recording medium interface 94 for converting data for reading and reading is provided. The recording medium 36 is a detachable recording unit represented by a semiconductor such as a memory card or MO, magnetic recording, or optical recording.

The information processing means 82 has a ROM in which an operation program and various constants are stored, and serves as a work area when executing the program, and can temporarily record images and sounds or record a batch file. A memory 96 constituted by a RAM serving as a recording means, and a nonvolatile memory 97 serving as a recording means capable of continuing to record various information such as various constants and a batch file relating to the operation of the electronic camera 10 even when the power is turned off. A calendar clock 98 for managing shooting date and time and the like, and a flash control means 102 for controlling light emission of a flash 100 that emits light to supplement the light amount of a subject at the time of shooting are connected via a bus 104.

The communication means of the electronic camera 10 used for transmitting and receiving information such as images and sounds to and from an external device by communication includes image data,
Transmitting and receiving means 106 for transmitting or receiving information such as a batch file in which audio data, reproduction conditions and file names are described, and an antenna 32 for transmitting and receiving carrier waves and data
And a communication connector 34 used to connect devices that transmit and receive information such as image data, audio data, and batch files with a communication cable 44 to perform wired communication.

The display system of the electronic camera 10 includes a D / A converter 108 for converting image data into a signal for display on a display means 16 such as an LCD, and a VRAM for temporarily recording images and information to be displayed. And an OSD 11 for converting code information instructed by the information processing means 82 into character or message data to be displayed and on-screen display with an image.
2 are provided. The display means 16 displays a print order file, displays a path name and a directory name (including a folder name) of a directory (including a folder) in which images and sounds are stored, and displays the configuration of the directory. Tree display is possible.

FIG. 4 shows display contents displayed on the display means 16 when the mode of the electronic camera 10 is set to the setup mode.

According to the figure, when the setup mode is set, the date and time are changed, the photographing mode is changed to change the parameter relating to the compression ratio of the image data among the image characteristics, and the parameter is related to the amount of image data indicating the image characteristics. Is displayed for changing the number of recording pixels, setting the auto-off time, and adjusting the volume of the warning sound. By operating the input means 88 provided in the electronic camera 10, these settings can be changed. Although not shown, it is also possible to create and edit a print order file.

The date and time are displayed on the calendar clock 9
8 displays the date and time currently engraved, and when the user changes the numerical value by selecting to change the numerical value, the input date / time and time information is transmitted from the information processing means 82 to the calendar clock 98. Then, start ticking the entered date and time.

The photographing modes displayed on the display means 16 include "FINE", "NORMAL", and "ECONO".
Various shooting modes having different image data compression rates of “MY” are shown. In the case of the example of FIG. 4, the “FINE” mode is a setting of a low compression rate with the largest data amount of the image.

The number of recording pixels is VGA (640 × 480)
And UXGA (1600 × 1200) pixels (resolution)
It is shown. As described above, when performing high-quality printing or high-quality display, recording is performed in advance under the conditions of a high pixel count and a low compression ratio. If the image data is used for transferring image data to another communication device, recording with a low pixel count and a high compression ratio is performed. Set the amount of data.

The auto-off time is automatically set to a power saving mode (for example, by lowering the processing speed of the information processing means 82 after a predetermined period of time set to extend the life of the battery has elapsed). This is a setting of a timeout time for entering a mode in which power supply to unused peripheral elements is stopped. When the power saving mode is set and the electronic camera 10 is started from a state in which the power saving mode is set, the user operates one of the input units 88 or receives a command from another communication device via communication. It is activated by sending a command prompting activation. The power saving mode setting means for setting and canceling the power saving mode may be implemented by the information processing means 82, or may be provided with an independent power saving mode setting means for controlling power. Good.

In the alarm sound setting, a volume at which an alarm sound is issued to the user when the electronic camera 10 is started, when the communication processing is completed, when photographing, or the like is set. These pieces of information on the date and time, the shooting mode, and the number of recording pixels are displayed together with the image at the time of reproduction as displayed on the display unit 16 in FIG.

The photographing process of the electronic camera 10 configured as described above will be described.

The subject image to be photographed is formed on the light receiving surface of the imaging means 80, and the formed subject image is photoelectrically converted and output to the image processing means 84. The obtained image data is subjected to amplification and noise reduction processing by the image processing means 84, converted into digital data via the A / D converter 86, and then recorded in the memory 96 for a time. Information processing means 82
Transmits the image data recorded in the memory 96 to the frame memory 110, and the frame memory 110 sequentially converts the image data at a predetermined frame rate into the D / A converter 1
08. If necessary, the information processing means 82
Converts character data recorded in the memory 96 into an OS.
To the D112, and the OSD112 converts the character data to D / A
The signal is transmitted to the converter 108. The D / A converter 108 converts image data, character data to be combined, and the like into a video signal suitable for display by the display unit 16 and transmits the video signal to the display unit 16, and the image and characters are displayed on the display unit 16. .

When the user presses the release button 20 provided on the input means 88, the mode enters a mode for photographing a subject. Then, the information processing means 82 transfers the image data recorded in the memory 96 to the compression / expansion means 92 and outputs a command to execute the compression processing of the image data under predetermined conditions. Then, the image data is sequentially transmitted to the recording medium interface 94, and the recording medium interface 94 is transmitted.
Indicates that the image data is to be recorded on the recording medium
6 is performed.

When the mode switch dial 22 is set to the communication mode and the send button set in the input means 88 is pressed, the information processing means 82 reads the specified image data sequentially from the recording medium 36 or the memory 96. Then, after converting the data into a predetermined data format, a process of transmitting the data to the outside via the transmission / reception means 106 and the antenna 32 or the communication connector 34 is executed. Further, a batch file in which print order information is described may be transmitted.

When transmitting / receiving information to / from another communication device via the antenna 32, the user specifies wireless communication as necessary, converts the information into a radio signal or an optical signal, and performs wireless communication. Do. Further, when transmitting / receiving information to / from another communication device via the connector 34, the user designates wired communication as necessary, and connects each device which transmits / receives the information with a communication cable 44. The communication is performed by converting the information into an electric signal or an optical signal by wire. In addition, the electronic camera 10 may automatically recognize and select a wired or wireless communication method.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a signal processing system of the printer.

According to the figure, the information processing system of the printer 40 (information receiving device) includes an information processing means (CPU) 120 for controlling the entire printer 40 and an information processing means 12.
A memory 122 composed of a ROM in which a program for operating 0, various constants and the like are written, and a RAM serving as a work area when the information processing means 120 executes processing.
A non-volatile memory 124 that is a recording unit capable of continuously storing various information such as various constants and a batch file relating to the operation of the printer 40 even when the power is turned off; a recording medium status display 50, a print status display 56; Display 6
2. Display means 125 including an automatic print valid display 68, an individual print valid display 72, etc., a power switch 60, a cancel button 64, and an automatic print button 6.
6, input means 126 including an individual print button 70, a forward button 74, a reverse button 76, and the like.

The image signal processing system of the printer 40 includes a recording medium mounting section 48 for mounting a recording medium 46 on which information such as image data is recorded, and information such as image data recorded on the recording medium 46. A recording medium interface 127 for reading and writing information, and a print engine 128 (reproducing means, printing means) for printing the received image or character information as necessary based on the reproducing conditions described in the batch file And a frame memory 132 for temporarily recording information to be displayed on a display means such as an external monitor.
Sequentially transmits image data to the display controller 134 at a predetermined frame rate. The display controller 134
The image data to be displayed is converted into a video signal suitable for display by the display unit 130 and transmitted to the display unit 130, and images and characters are displayed on the display unit 130.

The communication means of the printer 40 used when transmitting and receiving information such as image data, audio data, and a batch file to and from an external device through communication includes an information processing means 120
A transmission / reception unit 136 for transmitting or receiving directory information or image data in accordance with a command from the PC, an antenna 42 for transmitting / receiving a carrier wave and data, and a device for transmitting / receiving information via a communication cable for communication by wire. And a communication connector 138 used for the communication.

Information processing means 120 in the printer 40;
Memory 122, nonvolatile memory 124, display unit 12
5, input means 126, recording medium interface 12
7, print engine 128, frame memory 132,
Each peripheral circuit including the transmitting / receiving means 136 is connected by a bus 139, and the information processing means 120 can control each peripheral circuit.

The communication means for performing wireless communication between the electronic camera 10 and the printer 40 is communication means using light such as radio waves, ultrasonic waves, and infrared rays as carrier waves. When infrared rays are used for the communication means, an interface means based on IrDA specifications may be used. The communication means when communicating using the wired communication means is RS-232, RS-42.
2. Serial communication means such as USB and IEEE1394 may be used, or interface means using parallel signals may be used.

The electronic camera 10 and the printer 40 may transmit and receive information by establishing a direct communication connection, or may use a communication line such as a public line, a communication network such as the Internet, or other communication devices. The transmission and reception of information may be performed via the Internet.

FIG. 6 shows a directory structure for image files recorded on the recording medium 36 of the electronic camera 10.

According to the figure, the directory structure relating to the image file includes a root “ROOT”, an “ORDER” storing a print order file, and a print order file 140A stored in the directory “ORDER” (existing print order file 140A). Batch file) "PRT-INF
O. TXT ", a directory" IMAGE "indicating image data, a section" 001VACATION "indicating an image taken by a user during a vacation,
Each directory group 141 of “002BIRTHDAY”
"DSCF0001.JPG", "DSCF000
2. JPG "and the other image file groups 142. Note that, as shown in the figure, each directory "001VACATION", "002BIRTHDA"
“Y” may store files having the same names.

For example, the directory name is generally represented by “nnnXXX... X”, where nnn is 001 to 99.
The number representing the directory number of 9 is assigned, and XX
X ... X are given names of arbitrary alphabets. In addition, the above file name is generally “DSCFmmm
m. JPG ”, and DSCF is an identifier indicating an image file captured by the electronic camera.
mm is the file number from 0001 to 9999, JP
G is an identifier indicating that the image data is recorded by the JPEG compression method.

As described above, by adding a number to the directory name and the file name, the directory “00” is assigned.
The file “DSCF0002.JPG” stored in the hierarchy below “1VACATION” is “001-000”.
2. JPG ", a new file name that does not overlap based on the original directory information and the original file name, or a new file name that includes at least a part of the information of the original directory information and the original file name. Can be represented. The directory "001VA" shown in FIG.
The image files “DSCF0001.JPG” and “DSCF00” stored in the hierarchy below “CATION”
03. JPG ”is an image file recorded with the number of pixels (resolution) of UXGA (1600 × 1200).
CF0002. For example, "JPG" may include image files having different parameters indicating image characteristics, such as image files recorded with the number of pixels of VGA (640 × 480).

When the user directly specifies an image to be transmitted to the printer 40 (information receiving apparatus) and printed, the user first operates the input means 88 of the electronic camera 10 (information transmitting apparatus) to change the processing mode to the transmission mode. Set to. When communication is automatically established between the communication devices, the directory (including the path name and the directory name) and the image file information shown in FIG. You. Then, the user operates the increment button 28 or the decrement button 30 provided on the input means 88 while viewing the display, moves the designated frame, selects a desired image file, and if necessary, When the transmission destination device is selected, transmission of the image starts.

Further, one or more images to be transmitted and printed by the user to the printer 40 (information receiving apparatus) and printing conditions (reproduction conditions) are set in advance, and transmission or printing is executed collectively. It is also possible. In that case,
When the processing mode is set to the transmission mode by operating the input means 88 of the electronic camera 10 (information transmission device), communication is automatically established between the mutual communication devices. And the electronic camera 10
Automatically converts the file name of the image to be printed described in the print order file 140A into a new file name, generates a new batch file 140 based on the print order file 140A, and transmits the images to be sequentially printed. I do.

FIG. 7 shows the contents of the original print order file.

According to the figure, the print order file 14
0A describes four print jobs (four types of print condition information). As print conditions, a path name of a directory to which an image to be printed belongs, a file name of the image, a size of print paper and a paper quality information ( In FIG.
“Type”) and the number-of-prints information are described in, for example, a text format. Further, in addition to the printing conditions, information on index printing, trimming and rotation information, image file format, date information,
Information such as title information, a user name, a user address, and photographing device information, and information such as color information when printing in different colors may be described together.

FIG. 8 shows a directory structure in which a group of image files having a new image file name generated by the file generating means of the electronic camera 10 is stored.

According to the figure, the print order file 14
Batch file 140 newly generated based on 0A
And the file name “DSCF0002.J” stored in the hierarchy below “001VACATION” shown in FIG.
PG ", a new file name" 001-0002. PG "including the original directory information and the original file name information.
JPG "(generally replaced with" nnn-mmm.JPG ").

Similarly, a new file name "0
01-0004. JPG "," 001-0005.JP "
G "and" 002-0003.JPG "are generated as unique handles in the same flat directory. A file name for which reproduction is not specified in the print order file 140A or the batch file 140 is
They are invisible (as if they do not exist). As described above, by converting a plurality of image file groups into a flat directory structure, printing can be performed using the recording media 36 and 46 as a conventional medium, and a plurality of image files can be transmitted to the information receiving apparatus by communication. Can be transmitted collectively, and the reproduction process can be automatically performed.

The file name or directory structure newly generated by the file generating means may be a virtual file name or a virtual directory name, or the newly generated file name and directory structure may be registered. Is also good.

The newly generated batch file 140
And the image to be transmitted is recorded on the recording medium 36, and the recording medium 36 is extracted and mounted on the recording medium mounting section 48 of the printer 40.
It is possible to carry out the printing process based on the reproduction conditions described in (1). As described above, the processing on the printer 40 side for printing an image via the recording media 36 and 46 is almost the same processing method as the processing for receiving and printing information on the batch file 140 and the image via communication. Most of the processing program on the printer 40 side can be shared, and the processing program can be simplified.

If the file name or directory structure newly generated by the file generation means is a virtual file name or virtual directory name that does not actually exist, the newly generated "001-0002.JPG" When reading of a virtual file such as "IMAGE \ 001VACATION \ DSCF0" is specified,
002. A link is provided so that "JPG" can be read out, and the handle can be made. When transmitting the image file to the information receiving apparatus such as the printer 40, the image is transmitted with a newly generated file name.

FIG. 9 shows the original print order file 140.
A shows the contents described in the newly generated batch file 140 obtained by converting A by the batch file generating means.

According to the figure, four print jobs (four types of printing condition information) are described in a newly generated batch file 140, and the file generating means uses the original directory information as printing conditions. And a file name newly generated so as to include the original file name information, and the size and paper quality information of the print paper equal to the contents described in the original print order file 140A ("Type" in FIG. 9). And print number information.

As shown in the figure, for example, the image file name ".. \ IMAGE \ 001VACATION \ DS" described in the original print order file 140A of FIG.
CF0002. “JPG” is converted to “001-0002.JPG” in the newly generated batch file 140.

In addition to the printing conditions, information such as index printing information, trimming and rotation information, image file format, date information, title information, user name, user address, photographing device information, etc., and printing with different colors are performed. Information such as color information at that time may be described together.

FIG. 10 shows a flowchart of communication performed by the electronic camera and the printer.

When the electronic camera 10 is set to the communication mode and the image files to be printed are transmitted collectively to the printer 40, the communication connection is started by the method shown in FIG. The file name and path name of the image to be printed are converted into a handle (new file name), and a new batch file 140 (may be a virtual order file) is generated based on the original print order file 140A. To transmit images to be sequentially printed.

When the user sets the processing mode of the electronic camera 10 to the transmission mode, the processing program of the electronic camera 10 proceeds to step S100 “Connect Request” (hereinafter S1).
A command of “connection request” is transmitted to the printer 40 in FIG.

The printer 40 starts the communication connection process upon receiving the "connection request" command. When the communication connection process of the printer 40 progresses, S102 “Connec
A response indicating “connection completed” is returned to the electronic camera 10 with “t OK”. When the printer 40 is in the power saving mode, the printer 40 may automatically release the power saving mode after receiving the “connection request” command and perform the subsequent communication processing.

When the communication connection is completed, the electronic camera 10
Information processing means 82 of S104 "attach handle (virtual file name + virtual directory structure) to image file designated for printing in print order file"
The file name does not overlap with each image or sound based on the directory information and the file name in which the original image file name is registered in the image file described in the print order file 140A set in advance. A new file name that includes a new file name or a part of the information of the directory name and the file name in which the original image file name is registered is generated and given.

In the next step S106 “Converting the actual file name (and Path) of the print order file into a handle to create a virtual order file”, the information processing means 82 determines the original image file described in the print order file 140A. The batch file 140 is generated by converting the name into the file name newly generated in S104.

In the next step S108 “Send virtual order file”, batch file 1 newly generated by electronic camera 10
40 is transmitted to the printer 40.

When the printer 40 receives the batch file 140, the printer 40 records the received batch file 140 on the non-volatile memory 124, the memory 122, or the recording medium 46 as a recording medium. When the recording of the received batch file 140 is completed and the preparation for receiving the image file is completed, the printer 40 transmits a command indicating “preparation completed” to the electronic camera 10 in S110 “Ready”.

When the electronic camera 10 receives the command indicating “preparation completed”, the electronic camera 10 stores images designated for printing in a predetermined directory on the recording medium 36 in accordance with the order of jobs described in the batch file 140. The process of reading from is performed. For example, if the first file name described in the batch file 140 is “0”
01-0002. JPG ", the absolute path" \ IMAGE \ 001VACATION \ DSCF0 "
002. JPG ”.

In the next step S112 “Send image file designated for printing”, “001-0002.JPG” described in the batch file 140 (the original path name and file name are “$ IMAGE @ 001VACATIO”)
N @ DSCF0002. JPG ”). The file name of the image file to be transmitted at this time is the newly generated file name “001-000”.
2. JPG "and transmit. When the image is received by the printer 40, the received data is recorded in any one of the nonvolatile memory 124, the memory 122, and the recording medium 46.

Then, in the next step S114 “print execution of the number of sheets specified in the print order file (two sheets)”, the information processing means 120 reads out the image of the recorded image file and writes it in the batch file 140. After performing processing for decompressing image information or changing parameters indicating the characteristics of the image as necessary based on the reproduction conditions being set, the print engine 128 is given a specified number of prints in the specified print style. Output instructions to print. The print engine 128 supplies the paper 52 loaded in the paper magazine 54 to the printing unit, executes a printing process, and prints the paper 5 on which a predetermined image is printed.
2 is discharged from the print discharge port 58.

The above-described print processing generally requires a longer processing time than the transmission of image information. Therefore, if there is room in the recording medium for recording the received image information, S116 “Ready” even during printing. Electronic camera 1
A command indicating “ready” may be transmitted to 0 to start receiving the next image.

The image files are transmitted sequentially from S116 to S134 based on the printing conditions described in the batch file 140. When transmission of all the image files described in the batch file 140 has been completed, the electronic camera 10 proceeds to step S136 “Disconne
A command indicating “disconnection request” is transmitted in “ct Request”, and communication is terminated and processing for disconnection is started.

When the printer 40 receives the command indicating the “disconnect request”, the printer 40 starts processing for terminating the communication. When the communication termination processing ends normally, the printer 40 responds with the command “Disconnect OK” indicating “disconnect complete”. Then, the communication process ends. When the electronic camera 10 receives the “disconnection completion” response, the electronic camera 10 also ends the communication processing.

In the above embodiment, the information transmitting apparatus according to the present invention has been described as an example of an electronic camera provided with an image pickup means. However, the present invention is not limited to an electronic camera, but is provided with an image pickup means. It may be a scanner.

In the above description, the information transmitting apparatus has been described as an example in which the electronic camera 10 is provided with the recording medium 36 for recording an image. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The object of the present invention can be achieved even if the information transmitting apparatus is provided with a recording medium, and the information receiving apparatus is an audio player having audio reproducing means for reproducing sound. In this case, the sound reproducing means reproduces the received sound based on the reproduction conditions described in the batch file.

Further, instead of the printing means for printing the image, the information receiving apparatus may be a display device having a display means for reproducing and displaying the image. In this case, the display means reproduces and displays the received image based on the reproduction conditions described in the batch file.

[0082]

As described above, the information communication system according to the present invention comprises: a first recording medium for recording an image or sound to be reproduced; directory information storing the image or sound to be reproduced; File name generation means for generating a new image or audio file name that does not duplicate a file name for an image or audio based on the image or audio file name to be reproduced, and information on the reproduction conditions of the image or audio to be reproduced File generation means for generating a batch file that describes the image file together with the newly generated file name, and a first communication for transmitting the batch file and transmitting the image or sound to be reproduced under the generated file name Information transmitting device comprising means, a batch file transmitted by the information transmitting device,
Second communication means for receiving an image or sound, a second recording medium for recording the received batch file, and reproduction for reproducing the received image or audio based on reproduction conditions described in the batch file Means for transmitting a batch file describing playback conditions and image or audio information having a newly generated file name to the information communication apparatus via the communication interface. Thus, the received information can be easily reproduced based on the reproduction conditions described in the batch file.

Further, a plurality of files recorded in a plurality of directories can be easily and collectively transmitted to a recording medium or an information receiving apparatus which does not support the directory.

Further, since the information receiving side can automatically reproduce the information based on the batch file in which the reproducing conditions created in advance are described, the user mainly operates only the information transmitting apparatus to obtain the desired information. Information can be easily reproduced.

Further, even if the recording capacity of the information receiving apparatus is smaller than the amount of information transmitted by the information transmitting apparatus, if the batch file in which the reproduction condition is described can be recorded, The information receiving side can automatically reproduce the information based on the reproduction conditions described in the batch file.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing a state in which an electronic camera, which is an embodiment of an information transmitting device, and a printer, which is an embodiment of an information receiving device, are connected by communication.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a display of various modes provided on a mode switching dial.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a signal processing system of the electronic camera.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing display contents displayed when the electronic camera is set to a setup mode.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a communication processing system of the printer.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a directory structure related to image files recorded on a recording medium of the electronic camera.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing contents described in a print order file.

FIG. 8 is a view showing a directory structure storing a new image file name;

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the contents of a batch file newly generated by the batch file generation means.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of communication performed by the electronic camera and the printer.

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference Signs List 10: electronic camera, 12: photographing lens, 16: display means, 22: mode switching dial, 32: antenna, 34
... communication connector, 36 ... recording medium, 40 ... printer, 4
2 ... antenna, 44 ... communication cable, 46 ... recording medium,
52: paper, 80: imaging means, 82: information processing means, 8
4 image processing means, 88 input means, 92 compression / expansion means, 96 memory, 106 transmission / reception means, 120 information processing means, 122 memory, 125 display means, 128
... print engine, 130 ... display means, 136 ... transmission / reception means, 138 ... communication connector, 140 ... batch file, 140A ... print order file, 141 ... directory group, 142 ... file group

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04N 5/907 H04N 101: 00 5/91 5/91 L // H04N 101: 00 H J CF term ( 5B082 AA13 EA01 EA09 5C022 AA13 AC69 AC71 5C052 AA12 AA17 CC11 DD02 EE02 EE03 EE08 GA02 GA05 GB06 GB07 GB09 GC05 GD03 GE08 5C053 FA04 FA08 FA29 GA11 GB11 GB28 GB36 JA05 JA16 KA03 KA25 LA01 LA03

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A first recording medium for recording an image or sound to be reproduced, directory information in which the image or sound to be reproduced is stored, and a file name of the image or sound to be reproduced. File name generating means for generating a new image or audio file name that does not duplicate a file name for an image or audio; and
Batch file generating means for generating a batch file to be described together with the newly generated file name; and first communication for transmitting the batch file and transmitting the image or sound to be reproduced under the newly generated file name. Means, an information transmitting device comprising: a batch file transmitted by the information transmitting device; a second communication unit for receiving an image or a sound; a second recording medium for recording the received batch file; An information receiving apparatus, comprising: a reproducing unit configured to reproduce an image or a sound received based on a reproducing condition described in the batch file. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, when an existing batch file is present, the file name generating means includes directory information in which the image or sound to be reproduced described in the existing batch file is stored and the file to be reproduced. Based on the image or audio file name, a new image or audio file name that does not duplicate the file name for each image or audio is generated, and the batch file generation unit is described in the existing batch file. 2. The information communication system according to claim 1, wherein a new batch file is generated based on the information on the reproduction condition of the image or sound to be reproduced and the file name newly generated by the file name generation means. 3. The file name generating means includes: directory information storing the image or sound to be reproduced;
3. The information according to claim 1, wherein a new image or audio file name including at least a part of the information of the directory information and the file name is generated from the image or audio file name to be reproduced. Communications system. 4. The batch file generating means describes information for storing a newly generated image or sound of a file name in a single directory, and the second recording medium receives information from the information transmitting device. 4. The information communication system according to claim 1, wherein images or sounds are recorded in the same directory as the received batch file. 5. The information receiving apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a printing unit that prints a received image based on a reproduction condition described in the received batch file. An information communication system according to claim 1. 6. An information communication method in which reproduction conditions are added to arbitrary images or sounds existing in a plurality of directories of a recording medium on an information transmission side and transmitted to an information reception side, wherein the information transmission side performs reproduction. Based on the directory information of the recording medium in which the image or audio is stored and the file name of the image or audio to be reproduced, a new image or audio file name that does not duplicate a file name for each image or audio is created. Generate and generate a batch file that describes the information on the reproduction conditions of the image or audio to be reproduced together with the newly generated file name, and transmit the batch file and generate the newly generated image or audio. The information receiving side receives the batch file and the image or sound transmitted by the information transmitting side, and Batch file recording on a recording medium, an information communication method characterized by reproducing an image or sound received on the basis of the reproduction conditions described in the batch file. 7. The information transmitting side transmits the batch file first, and then starts transmission of the image or audio according to the order described in the batch file. Is recorded on a recording medium, and a process of reproducing the received image or sound is started.The information transmitting side is configured to perform the reproduction process performed by the information receiving side and the image or the sound received by the information receiving side. 7. The information communication method according to claim 6, wherein the next transmission is performed according to a free space of a recording medium for recording the information. 8. An individual image or sound based on a recording medium for recording an image or sound to be reproduced, directory information storing the image or sound to be reproduced, and a file name of the image or sound to be reproduced. File name generating means for generating a new image or audio file name that does not duplicate the file name, and information on the image or audio reproduction conditions to be reproduced,
Batch file generating means for generating a batch file to be described together with the newly generated file name, and a communication means for transmitting the batch file and transmitting the image or sound to be reproduced under the newly generated file name, An information communication device comprising: