JP2003209782A - Image transmitter, image transmission method, image transmission and reception system, and image transmission control program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image transmitter, an image transmission method, an image transmission and reception system, and an image transmission control program for transmitting image data even to the receiving device of a conventional version in radio communication using a Bluetooth standard. <P>SOLUTION: In a step ST3, support check for BIP is performed. A DSC (dynamic system configuration) 10 accesses a service recorder database of a printer 20 to check whether the BIP is supported in the service recorder database and further to check which push feature of the BIP is supported. If the BIP and the push feature are not supported, processing advances to a step ST4. In the step ST4, a service recorder database of an OPP is accessed to acquire support information from a support format list item when no item of the BIP is supported in the printer 20. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image transmitting device,
The present invention relates to an image transmission method, an image transmission / reception system, and an image transmission program, and particularly relates to Bluetooth.
The present invention relates to an image transmitting apparatus, an image transmitting method, an image transmitting / receiving system, and an image transmission control program for wirelessly transmitting / receiving image data using the (registered trademark) standard.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, mobile communication terminals have been used to interface.
In order to connect to the Internet, it was necessary to connect a terminal having a data communication function and a laptop computer with a separate cable. However, Bluetooth (Blue
The commercialization of tooth) modules has made it possible to wirelessly communicate data between a personal computer and its peripherals. In addition to this, cable connection is not required for image transmission / reception between devices such as a digital camera and a printer, and the maximum data transmission rate is 1 Mbp.
s, wireless data communication with a maximum transmission distance of 10 m has become possible.

[0003] Bluetooth is an interface module developed by Ericsson of Sweden since 1995, assuming use in a mobile environment such as a mobile phone, and a radio frequency is used for communication between various electronic devices. Is specified as a standard communication method that enables high-speed data exchange without using a physical cable. When defining this communication method, a different type of PC
In addition to Ericsson, IBM, Intel, Nokia to standardize data communication between devices
And Bluetooth by several companies including Toshiba.
Established a consortium for wireless R between portable mobile devices
Creating a global standard for F-based connectivity. The standards proposed here include architecture and protocol specifications from the physical layer to the application layer.

Bluetooth technology automatically synchronizes application information held in a mobile terminal device with similar information held in a fixed desktop computer, eg when a user of the mobile terminal device enters the office. To enable that. This Bluetooth technology enables seamless voice and data transmission over wireless short-range radios, allowing users to easily and quickly connect various devices without the need for cables. It has the advantage of enabling and expanding the communication capabilities of mobile computers, mobile phones and other mobile terminals. The Bluetooth operating environment, although not yet fully defined, is expected to have some similarities to the traditional IrDA (Infrared Data Association) specification and the Extended Infrared (AIr) specification.

Bluetooth wireless technology provides a mechanism for forming small, dedicated ad hoc groups of connected devices that are remote from a fixed network infrastructure. The Bluetooth module distinguishes between a master unit and a slave unit within the same network segment, the former is the device whose clock and hopping sequence is used to synchronize all other devices. . In other words, the Bluetooth approach is centralized in the master unit.
Also, in the Bluetooth module, query-based discovery techniques are used to find Bluetooth devices with unknown addresses. Queries are also centralized at the registry server.

For the spread of Bluetooth-equipped devices, it is necessary that they can be connected to each other even if they are manufactured by different manufacturers. Therefore, the Bluetooth Consortium defines the exchange of signals during use as profile specifications in order to provide compatibility between devices.

Bluetooth Sp published in June 1999
In ecification Version 1.0, OPP (Object Push Prof) is provided as a protocol procedure necessary for an application that provides an object push usage model.
ile) is defined. In this OPP, GOEP (Generic Object Exc) is provided in a lower layer in order to define requirements for interconnection required for an application.
hange Profile) is used. A device that stores data is called a server, and a device that inputs / takes out data is called a client.

Since this OPP was specified early in the Bluetooth profile, O
Although many devices support PP, all images are treated as objects in OPP.

The standardization work of the Bluetooth specifications has progressed, and a revised version, Version 1.0B, was issued in December 1999. After that, the second revision, Version 1.1
In, the ambiguous part of the specification such as the piconet implementation method has been corrected. In addition, Bluetooth S
IG (Special Interest Group) Vers is a specification that improves data transmission speed and supports new profiles
Nine working groups have been established to discuss new profiles for ion 2.0. Version 2.0 supports RF (Radio) as well as support for new profiles.
Frequency) specifications are also changed. In parallel with such standardization of Bluetooth SIG, standardization work by the IEEE 802.15 committee is also in progress.

Currently, as a profile of Version 2.0 of a new specification, BIP (Basic Imaging) for still images is used.
Profile) is in the final formulation process. This BIP
Is a profile used for a device that handles still images.

[0011]

Even if BIP is released as version 1.0 and the corresponding device is commercialized, in the actual image exchange, if the other device is not a transmitting / receiving device that adopts BIP, the application will be executed. There was a problem that it did not hold. On the other hand, the OPPs that have been conventionally used have the advantage that there are many compatible devices since the time has passed since they were released. Therefore, in order to newly use a BIP with few compatible devices, it is necessary to increase the number of profiles that can exchange images.

In addition to OPP, there are profiles that enable image transmission / reception. Therefore, in BIP, it is necessary to use these functions together to transmit and receive.
An object of the present invention is to provide an image transmitting apparatus, an image transmitting method, an image transmitting / receiving system, and an image transmission control program capable of transmitting image data to a receiving device of a conventional version in wireless communication using the Bluetooth standard. Especially.

[0013]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, in an image transmitting apparatus for wirelessly transmitting image data using the Bluetooth standard, a data exchange profile supported by a receiving side apparatus of the image data. According to the above, there is provided an image transmitting apparatus characterized by selecting either BIP (Basic Imaging Profile) or OPP (Object Push Profile) and wirelessly transmitting the image data according to a data exchange procedure based on the selected one. .

In such an image transmitting apparatus, when the image data receiving side apparatus does not support BIP, it is possible to transmit the image data according to a conventionally used OPP-based data exchange procedure. .

Further, according to the present invention, in the image transmitting method for wirelessly transmitting the image data using the Bluetooth standard, either BIP or OPP is selected according to the data exchange profile supported by the image data receiving side device. Then, there is provided an image transmitting method, characterized in that the image data is wirelessly transmitted according to a data exchange procedure based on this.

In such an image transmitting method, when the image data receiving side device does not support BIP, it is possible to transmit the image data in accordance with a conventionally used OPP-based data exchange procedure. .

[0017]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment,
As an example of an image transmission / reception system, image transmission / reception and printing performed between a digital still camera (hereinafter referred to as DSC) and a printer will be described.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a DSC which is one of the devices of the image transmitting / receiving system. As shown in the figure, the DSC 10 includes a camera section 11 having an imaging function, a DSP (Digital Signal) for performing analog-digital conversion of an imaged image signal, data compression processing, and the like.
Processor) 12, a memory 13 including a VRAM (Video Random Access Memory) for temporarily storing image data and the like, and an R / W (reader) for writing and reading to and from a memory card 14a which is a removable semiconductor memory. / Writer) section 14, an image display monitor 15, and a control microcomputer 16 which are respectively connected to the bus. Further, the control microcomputer 16 is connected to a Bluetooth module 17 having an antenna or the like for wireless communication with an external device.

In the DSC 10, under the control of the control microcomputer 16, the image signal picked up by the camera section 11 is converted into digital data of a predetermined format by the DSP 12, and the memory card 1 is read through the R / W 14.
4a. Further, the captured image and the image recorded in the memory card 14a can be displayed on the monitor 15. Further, the image data recorded in the memory card 14a can be wirelessly transmitted from the Bluetooth module 17 to another device.

The control microcomputer 16 is a control processing unit that controls each circuit block of the DSC 10, and controls each circuit block based on an instruction signal input from a key input unit (not shown). The key input unit includes a shutter release button included in an ordinary digital camera, a mode selection switch for selecting a mode such as “camera mode” or “playback mode”, and the like. The control microcomputer 16 controls, for example, sampling timing of image data, recording control of image data, display control, wireless communication control, generation of directories classified by parameters indicating characteristics of images and sounds,
Various information conversion processing such as pixel number conversion processing of image data, and control such as setting and cancellation of the power saving mode are performed.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of a printer that receives an image signal from the DSC 10 and prints it. The printer 20 includes a Bluetooth module 21 similar to the Bluetooth module 17 of the DSC 10 shown in FIG. 1, and is connected to a personal computer or the like by Bluetooth without a cable. The Bluetooth module 21 takes in information such as image data into the printing unit 23 and the memory 24 via the control microcomputer 22 that controls the entire printer 20. The printing unit 23 includes a mechanism unit that prints the acquired image and character information, and includes the memory 2
Information 4 such as image data is recorded.

The image transmission / reception system of the present invention further includes transmission between DSCs, transmission from a DSC to a printer,
It can be assumed to send to a PC or mobile phone. Further, not only a device such as the DSC 10 that acquires an image by the image capturing unit, but also a device including a memory that holds an image, such as a transmission from a personal computer to a printer, can be the transmission side device. Further, in addition to this, for example, a scanner or the like can be the device on the transmission side.

The applications used for transmission / reception may be image display, image holding, image printing, and the like. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the Bluetooth module.

HCI (Host Controller Interface) 3
Reference numeral 1 is for controlling connection with a higher-level protocol through an existing interface such as USB (Universal Serial Bus), and hardware for controlling wireless communication of Bluetooth and software for using it. It is provided between. The link management layer 32 is a CPU for establishing and controlling communication with other Bluetooth devices.
(Central Processing Unit). The link management layer 32 is connected to a baseband link controller 33 that performs baseband processing, and outputs a 2.4 GHz radio wave from the RF transceiver 34 via an antenna. The flash memory 35 is the link management layer 32.
It stores the parameters set in.

As a communication specification between Bluetooth compatible devices, a profile for each use of the transmitting / receiving device
GAP (Generic Access Profile) for connecting, authenticating, and encrypting devices, and SD for discovering services registered in other devices.
It is provided in the lower layer of another profile such as P (Service Discovery Profile) and has a profile defining common specifications. In order to communicate between Bluetooth devices, both must support the same profile.

FIG. 4 shows an SDP (Service Discovery Profile) provided in common with the Bluetooth module.
It is a figure which shows the hierarchical structure (protocol model) of. Communication between devices using Bluetooth is compatible with Bluetooth SI.
The specifications are defined by G as a hierarchical protocol stack. 4A shows the protocol hierarchy of the local device, and 4B shows the protocol hierarchy of the remote device. Here, the local device 4A constitutes a client, and the remote device 4B constitutes a server having a service recorder database 41, both of which send and receive signals via a data transmission path.

The radio section RF is a data transmission line corresponding to a physical layer, and here, defines a physical method of Bluetooth radio communication called a frequency hopping type spread spectrum method using a 2.4 GHz frequency band. There is.

The base band BB, which is a layer above it, is
Communication time slot in data link layer, frequency hopping pattern determination, ACL (Asynchronous Conne
ction-Less) / SCO (Synchronous Connection-Orien)
ted) link provision, packet retransmission, error correction and detection,
Performs encryption, etc.

The link management protocol LMP, which is a layer above it, is a protocol for establishing and controlling communication with other Bluetooth devices in the network layer, and is for establishing a connection, authenticating a device, and in data / voice mode. Settings, packet switching, data transmission / reception, low power mode settings, etc. are performed.

The logical link control and adaptation protocol L2CAP manages the logical connection of data of the upper application in the transport layer.

In the service discovery protocol SDP, the devices between the client and server in the upper layers make inquiries with each other in order to know the services that the Bluetooth devices within the communicable range can provide and their characteristics.

Bluetooth module control B
The TMC manages the Bluetooth module. In the local device 4A configured in this way,
When the service discovery application SDA discovers a service that can be provided by the remote device 4B, a user interface UI is provided.

FIG. 5 shows an OPP (Object Push Profile).
It is a figure which shows the hierarchical structure (protocol model) of. This OPP is not a profile for transmitting images in the first place, but is a general-purpose object exchange profile that regulates transmission / reception between server clients as a series of data chunks in any file including images. The object push usage model uses GOEP (Generic Object Exchange Profile) in a lower layer to define requirements for interconnection required by applications. Typical scenarios provided by this profile are object push, business card retrieval and business card exchange between the Bluetooth devices that make up the push client and push server. here,
RF COMM (RF Communication Protocol) is a compatible protocol for emulating a serial port, and OBEX (Object Exchange Protocol) defines exchange (connection, transmission, disconnection) of real objects in the presentation layer.

FIG. 6 shows a BIP (Basic Imaging Profil).
It is a figure which shows the hierarchical structure of e). The hierarchical structure of the protocol defines the exchange (connection, transmission, disconnection) of real objects by OBEX, as in the OPP of FIG.
Here, ME is a management entity (initialization connection conduit).

This BIP is a profile in which images are sent and received. When sending an image, the advantage of BIP is that it can negotiate the image format and size. For example, when sending image data from DSC to a mobile phone, even if a file of 3 million pixels is sent, It is likely that you will not be able to receive it by phone.

Therefore, it is possible to know the image format and size that can be received by the mobile phone before transmission, and the transmission side converts the image into a size of, for example, 160 × 120 and then transmits. Therefore, from the viewpoint of compatibility, it is more advantageous to perform image transmission using BIP.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure for transmitting an image from the local device 4A that uses both BIP and OPP to the remote device 4B. Step ST1
Then, the Bluetooth connection with the remote device 4B is established in the local device 4A. In the following description, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 as an example, the local device 4A is a DS equipped with the Bluetooth module 17.
C10, the remote device 4B is the printer 20, and the DSC 10 connects to the printer 20.

In step ST2, BIP support information is acquired. In order for the printer 20 (server) providing the service to receive the image signal, it is necessary to determine which profile is supported by the printer 20 by the DSC.
It is necessary to know on the 10 side. Therefore, in DSC10, S
By using the search function of DP (Service Discovery Profile), the service recorder database on the printer 20 side is accessed to obtain information (service record) as to whether or not BIP is supported.

In step ST3, a BIP support check is performed. The DSC 10 accesses the service recorder database of the printer 20 to check whether the BIP is supported, and further, the BIP push feature (Push Featu).
re) to check which is supported.
BIP push feature check items include image transmission / reception (PUSH), image transmission / reception-storage (PUSH-STORE),
Image transmission / reception-print (PUSH-PRINT) or image transmission / reception-display (PUSH-DISPLAY) is included.

When BIP is supported, the process proceeds to step ST6, and when it is not supported, the process proceeds to step ST4. In step ST4, the printer 2
When no item of BIP is supported to 0, the service recorder database of OPP is accessed and the support information is acquired from the support format list item.

In step ST5, OPP support check is performed. In DSC10, printer 20
Check if PP is supported, and add 0x in the list of supported formats.
FF: Checks whether 0xFF of any type of object is supported.

As a result, if it is supported, the process proceeds to step ST6, and if neither BIP nor OPP is supported, the process proceeds to step ST7 to disconnect without transmitting to the printer 20.

In step ST6, image transmission is performed. BIP or OPP depending on the result of support check
OBEX connection in. In the OBEX connection, image transmission processing is realized by using a function called push according to the specifications of each profile. The two differ only in the header information added to the push, and the flow of opening the OBEX session from the Bluetooth connection state, transmitting the image by the OBEX push, and closing the OBEX session does not change.

At this time, if a BIP connection is made,
Based on the image support information acquired by the DSC 10, it is possible to perform a negotiation regarding the image format and the image size with the printer 20.

In step ST7, the Bluetooth connection is disconnected. By the way, in the above step ST6, B
In the case of the IP connection, it is possible to carry out the negotiation concerning the image format and the image size, but in the case of the OPP connection, such a negotiation function is not provided. Therefore, in the image transmitting / receiving apparatus that uses a plurality of profiles together, there is a problem that the image transmitted from the image is inconsistent on the receiving apparatus side.

That is, if the DSC 10 has the Bluetooth module 17 that uses two functions in combination, D
A plurality of printers 2 each corresponding to the image of SC10
You can send it to 0 to print the image. However, for example, when one printer is compatible with BIP and the other printer receives the image only by OPP, the image of DSC10 is printed by the Bluetooth module which uses two functions together. In this case, there is a problem that the image size or the like varies depending on each partner device.

Therefore, even when the BIP connection is made,
OPP without negotiation in DSC10
In some cases, it may be preferable to set it so that the same image as the above is sent. For example, it is possible to send images of the same image format and size from the DSC 10 while maintaining consistency with printers that support different profile types from OPP.

Whether or not such consistency should be maintained in the DSC 10 depends on the application. For example, if the application is to display an image, even if the image format or size is changed, if it is displayed on the display device of the partner device, even if the display is slightly different for each partner device. , In the first place, since there is a display specification peculiar to the partner device, it does not matter so much. However, if this is an application for storage purposes, the transmitted images should be the same regardless of the type of partner device and profile support status. Therefore, if you send the image as it is like OPP to the person who can send the image using BIP, the image sent and saved in the application for saving can be sent to any device. Be identical and consistent.

FIG. 8 shows an FTP (File Transfer Profil).
It is a figure which shows the hierarchical structure of e). Similar to OPP, this protocol model provides transfer of files including images on a Bluetooth-connected device and various operations. By performing image exchange using this type of profile together, The number of devices that can exchange images can be dramatically increased.

The image transmission control processing function using the Bluetooth standard in the image transmission apparatus of the present invention can be realized by a computer. In that case, a program describing the processing content of the function that the image transmitting apparatus should have is provided. By executing the program on a computer, the above processing functions are realized on the computer. The program describing the processing content can be recorded in a computer-readable recording medium. Computer-readable recording media include magnetic recording devices, optical disks, magneto-optical recording media, semiconductor memories, and the like. The magnetic recording device includes a hard disk device (HDD), a flexible disk (FD), a magnetic tape, and the like. DVD (Digita)
l Versatile Disk), DVD-RAM (Random Access)
Memory), CD-ROM (CompactDisk Read Only Memo)
ry), CD-R (Recordable) / RW (ReWritable), and the like. Magneto-optical recording media include MO (Magneto-Optica)
l disk) etc.

When distributing the program, for example, a DVD or a CD-ROM in which the program is recorded.
Portable recording media such as. It is also possible to store the program in the storage device of the server computer and transfer the program from the server computer to another computer via the network.

The computer that executes the program stores, for example, the program recorded in the portable recording medium or the program transferred from the server computer in its own storage device. Then, the computer reads the program from its own storage device and executes processing according to the program. The computer can also read the program directly from the portable recording medium and execute processing according to the program. In addition, the computer can also sequentially execute processing according to the received program each time the program is transferred from the server computer.

[0053]

As described above, according to the image transmitting apparatus of the present invention, when the image data receiving side apparatus does not support the BIP, it has been used conventionally.
Since the transmission can be performed in accordance with PP, the new specification BI
It is possible to increase the number of devices compatible with the Bluetooth module that handles image data in P. Also, since image data can be sent as is without negotiation on image format and image size,
A consistent transmitted image can be obtained regardless of the type of receiving device or the state of profile support.

According to the image transmitting method of the present invention,
When the image data receiving device does not support BIP, it can perform transmission according to the OPP that has been used in the past, so it is possible to expand the number of compatible devices using the Bluetooth module that handles image data with the new specification BIP. it can. In addition, since the image data can be transmitted as it is without performing negotiation regarding the image format and the image size, consistent transmission images can be obtained regardless of the type of the receiving side device and the profile support state.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a DSC as one device of an image transmission / reception system.
3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of FIG.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a printer that receives an image signal from a DSC and prints the image signal.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a Bluetooth module.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a hierarchical structure of SDP (Service Discovery Profile) commonly provided in Bluetooth modules.

FIG. 5: OPP (Object Push Profile)
It is a figure which shows the hierarchical structure of.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a hierarchical structure of BIP (Basic Imaging Profile).

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure of transmitting an image from a local device that uses both BIP and OPP to a remote device.

FIG. 8: FTP (File Transfer Profile)
It is a figure which shows the hierarchical structure of.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 ... DSC, 11 ... Camera section, 12 ... DSP, 13 ...
Memory, 14 ... R / W section, 15 ... Monitor, 16 ... Control microcomputer, 17 ... Bluetooth module, 18 ... Memory card, 20 ... Printer, 21 ... Bluetooth module, 22 ... Control microcomputer, 23 ... Printing section, 24 ... Memory

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) H04N 5/76 H04L 13/00 305C 5K067 (72) Inventor Masahiko Nagumo 6-7 Kitashinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo No. 35 F-term in Sony Corporation (reference) 5B089 GB01 KG03 5C052 AA00 AB02 AB08 DD02 5C053 FA08 FA23 FA27 GB21 JA21 KA04 KA24 LA01 LA14 5C062 AA01 AA37 AB38 AC38 AE01 AF14 BB02 5K034 CC02 EE03 HBB63 KD0267 HH21

Claims (15)

[Claims] 1. An image transmitting apparatus for wirelessly transmitting image data using the Bluetooth standard, wherein a BIP (Basic Imaging Profil) is used in accordance with a data exchange profile supported by a receiving side apparatus of the image data.
An image transmitting apparatus, characterized in that either e) or OPP (Object Push Profile) is selected and the image data is wirelessly transmitted according to a data exchange procedure based thereon. 2. SDP (Service Discovery Profile)
The image transmitting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the data exchange profile supported by the receiving side apparatus is detected by using. 3. BI as the data exchange profile
The image transmitting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the data exchange procedure based on P is selected with priority. 4. The image transmitting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the data exchange procedure based on OPP can be executed even when the receiving side apparatus supports BIP. 5. The image data can be transmitted in the BIP-based data exchange procedure without negotiating a data format or a data size of the image data to be transmitted. The image transmission device described. 6. The image transmitting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the data exchange procedure based on the data exchange profile other than BIP and OPP is executable. 7. An image pickup unit for picking up an image of a subject, and an image recording unit for recording the picked-up image as the digital image data, and the image data recorded in the image recording unit is wirelessly transmitted. The image transmitting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein 8. An image transmitting method for wirelessly transmitting image data using the Bluetooth standard, wherein one of BIP and OPP is selected according to a data exchange profile supported by a device on the image data receiving side. An image transmitting method, wherein the image data is wirelessly transmitted according to a data exchange procedure based on the above. 9. The image transmitting method according to claim 8, wherein the data exchange profile supported by the receiving side device is detected by using SDP. 10. B as the data exchange profile
9. The image transmitting method according to claim 8, wherein the data exchange procedure based on IP is selected with priority. 11. The image transmitting method according to claim 8, wherein the data exchange procedure based on OPP can be executed even when the receiving side apparatus supports BIP. 12. The data exchange procedure based on BIP, wherein the image data can be transmitted without performing a negotiation regarding a data format or a data size of the image data to be transmitted. Image transmission method described. 13. The image transmitting method according to claim 8, wherein the data exchange procedure based on the data exchange profile other than BIP and OPP is executable. 14. An image transmission / reception system for wirelessly transmitting / receiving image data using the Bluetooth standard, wherein the image data transmission side device is a BIP device according to a data exchange profile supported by the image data reception side device. And an OPP, and wirelessly transmits the image data according to a data exchange procedure based on the selected OPP and OPP. 15. In an image transmission control program for wirelessly transmitting image data using the Bluetooth standard, one of BIP and OPP is selected according to a data exchange profile supported by a device on the image data receiving side. An image transmission control program for causing a computer to execute a process of wirelessly transmitting the image data according to a data exchange procedure based thereon.