JP2004078300A - Recording device, recording system, and recording method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To shorten a recording time without deteriorating the quality of a recorded image and without increasing cost, in a recording device which of directly reads and records image data stored in a storage medium and connectable to host equipment. <P>SOLUTION: When recording is performed by the recording device for recording the image data stored in the storage medium, the state of a selection key for recording via. PC is detected (S601), the recording is performed in either of a direction recording mode (S608) for executing all of the data processings required for recording the image data in the recording device and a second recording mode (S602) for executing at least a part of the data processings required for recording the image data by the host equipment connected to the recording device. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a recording apparatus, a recording system, and a recording method, and in particular, includes a slot into which a storage medium can be inserted, and an interface for accessing data stored in the storage medium inserted into the slot. The present invention relates to a recording device capable of recording stored image data, a recording system including the recording device, and a recording method.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art As an information output device in a word processor, a personal computer, a facsimile, or the like, a printer that records desired information such as characters and images on a sheet-like recording medium such as paper or film is widely used.
[0003]
The printer is connected to a host device such as a personal computer, and the printer driver installed in the host device processes the data such as images and characters to be recorded into a form suitable for recording by the printer, and controls the data. In general, the data is transmitted to a printer to execute recording.
[0004]
2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, as image input devices such as digital cameras have become widespread, an interface has been provided for a storage medium in which image data such as a memory card has been stored, and images have been read directly from the storage medium without using a host device to perform recording. So-called direct printers have attracted attention.
[0005]
In many cases, such a direct printer is configured to be connectable to a host device, but when a storage medium is inserted into the printer, it is necessary to record image data stored in the storage medium. All the processes are configured to be performed in the printer.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, since the data processing capability of a normal printer is lower than that of a personal computer or the like, printing with a direct printer alone takes more time than transferring data from a personal computer and executing printing.
[0007]
In order to suppress such an increase in the recording time, a high-speed CPU or a CPU dedicated to image processing is separately mounted to improve the data processing capability of the printer. It causes a significant rise.
[0008]
On the other hand, when printing is performed by a single printer in order to suppress an increase in printing time without increasing cost, a method of shortening the processing time by simplifying image processing or the like has been proposed. In this case, the image quality of the recorded image deteriorates.
[0009]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and a recording apparatus that can directly read and record image data stored in a storage medium and that can be connected to a host device, It is an object of the present invention to provide a configuration and a method capable of shortening the recording time without deteriorating the image quality and without increasing the cost.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, a recording apparatus of the present invention includes a slot into which a storage medium can be inserted, and an interface for accessing data stored in the storage medium inserted into the slot. A recording device capable of recording stored image data,
A first recording mode in which all data processing required to record the image data is executed in the recording device;
A second recording mode in which at least a part of data processing necessary for recording the image data is executed by a host device connected to the recording device.
[0011]
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording system including a slot into which a storage medium can be inserted, and an interface for accessing data stored in the storage medium inserted into the slot. A recording system comprising: a recording device capable of recording stored image data; and a host device connected to the recording device,
The recording device,
A first recording mode in which all data processing required to record the image data is executed in the recording device;
A second recording mode for causing the host device to execute at least a part of data processing necessary for recording the image data,
The host device,
Image processing means for receiving image data transmitted from the recording apparatus in the second recording mode and executing at least a part of the data processing;
Transfer means for transferring, to the recording device, data on which at least a part of the data processing has been executed.
[0012]
Further, the above object is provided with a slot in which a storage medium can be inserted, and an interface for accessing data stored in the storage medium inserted in the slot, wherein recording of image data stored in the storage medium is performed. A recording method for performing recording with a recording system including a possible recording device and a host device connected to the recording device,
A transmitting step of transmitting the image data from the recording device to the host device,
In the host device, an image processing step of executing at least a part of data processing required to record the image data,
A transfer step of transferring the data on which at least a part of the data processing has been executed from the host device to the recording device, according to the present invention.
[0013]
That is, the present invention includes a slot into which a storage medium can be inserted, and an interface for accessing data stored in the storage medium inserted into the slot, and can record image data stored in the storage medium. When recording is performed by a simple recording apparatus, at least a first recording mode in which all data processing required to record image data is performed in the recording apparatus and a data processing required to record image data are performed. Part of the recording is performed in one of the second recording modes executed by the host device connected to the recording apparatus.
[0014]
In this way, when the first recording mode is selected, the load is not distributed to the connected host device, and the host device can use its own data processing capacity to the maximum. On the other hand, when the second recording mode is selected, the host device performs processing with a large load such as image processing and creation of recording data, so that the entire processing is performed rather than performing all processing in the recording apparatus. The processing speed can be improved.
[0015]
Therefore, for example, when an application whose processing speed is important is running on the host device, the load of the processing related to recording is not distributed to the host device, and the application whose processing speed is important is running on the host device. Otherwise, by distributing the processing load related to recording to the host device, the image data stored in the storage medium can be processed at high speed without increasing the cost of the recording apparatus and without deteriorating the quality of the recorded image. It becomes possible to record.
[0016]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0017]
In the embodiment described below, a case where a printer using an inkjet recording method is used as a recording device will be described as an example.
[0018]
In the present specification, “recording” (sometimes referred to as “printing”) refers not only to forming significant information such as characters and figures, but also to meaningless or insignificant human perception. Regardless of whether or not the image is exposed, a case where an image, a pattern, a pattern, or the like is widely formed on a recording medium or a case where the medium is processed is also described.
[0019]
In addition, the term “recording medium” refers to not only paper used in general recording devices, but also a wide range of materials that can accept ink, such as cloth, plastic films, metal plates, glass, ceramics, wood, and leather. Shall be.
[0020]
Further, “ink” (sometimes referred to as “liquid”) is to be interpreted broadly as in the definition of “recording (printing)”, and when applied on a recording medium, an image or pattern , A liquid that can be used for forming a pattern or the like, processing a recording medium, or treating ink (for example, coagulation or insolubilization of a colorant in ink applied to a recording medium).
[0021]
Further, “connection” means not only physically connecting two devices but also electrical communication, and any mechanical / physical means, interface, protocol, or the like may be used.
[0022]
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a printer 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The printer according to the present embodiment receives data from a host device such as a personal computer (PC) and performs recording, and functions as a normal PC printer and image data stored in a storage medium such as a memory card. It has a function as a direct printer that directly reads and executes recording.
[0023]
In FIG. 1, a main body forming an outer shell of the printer 1000 includes outer members of a lower case 1001, an upper case 1002, an access cover 1003, and a discharge tray 1004. Further, the lower case 1001 forms a substantially lower half of the apparatus 1000, and the upper case 1002 forms a substantially upper half of the main body. It has a hollow body structure, and an opening is formed in each of an upper surface portion and a front surface portion thereof. Further, one end of the discharge tray 1004 is rotatably held by the lower case 1001 so that the opening formed on the front surface of the lower case 1001 can be opened and closed by the rotation. Therefore, when the recording operation is performed, the recording medium can be discharged from here by rotating the discharge tray 1004 to the front side to open the opening, and the discharged recording media are sequentially stacked. It is possible to do. Also, two auxiliary trays 1004a and 1004b are stored in the paper discharge tray 1004, and the supporting area of the discharged recording medium is expanded in three stages by pulling out each tray as needed. It can be reduced.
[0024]
One end of the access cover 1003 is rotatably held by the upper case 1002 so that an opening formed on the upper surface can be opened and closed. When the access cover 1003 is opened, the access cover 1003 is housed inside the main body. It is possible to replace a recording head cartridge (not shown) or an ink tank (not shown). Although not particularly shown here, when the access cover 1003 is opened and closed, a projection formed on the back surface rotates the cover opening / closing lever, and the rotation position of the lever is detected by a micro switch or the like. Thus, the open / closed state of the access cover can be detected.
[0025]
A power key 1005 is provided on the upper surface of the upper case 1002 so as to be able to be pressed.
[0026]
On the right side of the upper case 1002, an operation panel 1010 including a liquid crystal display portion 1006, various key switches, and the like is provided. The configuration of the operation panel 1010 will be described later in detail with reference to FIG. An automatic feeding unit 1007 automatically feeds a sheet-shaped recording medium into the apparatus main body. Reference numeral 1008 denotes a paper interval selection lever for adjusting the interval between the print head and the recording medium. Reference numeral 1009 denotes a card slot, to which an adapter into which a memory card can be inserted is attached. Through this adapter, image data stored in the memory card can be directly fetched and recorded. Examples of the memory card include a compact flash (registered trademark) memory, a smart media, and a memory stick. Reference numeral 1011 denotes a viewer (liquid crystal display unit), which is detachable from the main body of the apparatus. When searching for an image to be printed from images stored in a memory card, an image for each frame, an index image and the like are displayed. Used to display. Reference numeral 1013 denotes a USB bus connector for connecting a host device.
[0027]
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the operation panel 1010 of the printer according to the present embodiment.
[0028]
In FIG. 2, a liquid crystal display unit 1006 displays menu items for variously setting data on items recorded on the left and right thereof. Items displayed here include the number of the first image data in the range to be recorded, the designated frame number (start / designation), the number of the last image data in the range to end the recording (end), and the number of copies (number of copies). Recording the type of recording medium (paper) used for recording (paper type), setting the number of photos to be recorded on one sheet (layout), specifying the quality of recording (quality), and recording the date when the image data was created For example, designation of whether to perform recording (date recording), designation of whether to correct and record image data (image correction), display of the number of sheets required for recording (number of sheets), and the like. Each of these items is selected or designated using the cursor key 2001.
[0029]
In addition, these items together with the type of recording described later, transfer image data in the memory card to the host device when the host device is connected and the host device can access the printer, and perform necessary recording. When the host device performs at least a part of the data processing, transfers print data from the host device to the printer again, and executes a print operation, the item is sent to the host device as recording supplementary information together with image data. .
[0030]
Reference numeral 2002 denotes a mode key. Each time this key is pressed, the type of recording (index recording, all-frame recording, 1-frame recording, etc.) can be switched, and the corresponding LED of the LED 2003 is turned on accordingly. Reference numeral 2004 denotes a maintenance key for performing printer maintenance such as cleaning of the recording head. A recording start key 2005 is depressed when instructing the start of recording or when finalizing the maintenance settings. A recording stop key 2006 is depressed when stopping recording or instructing to stop maintenance.
[0031]
2007, when a host device such as a PC is connected and the printer can be accessed from the host device, the image data stored in the memory card is transferred to the host device, and data processing required for recording is performed. Perform the printing operation by transferring the print data from the host device to the printer at least partially by the host device, or perform the data processing required for printing by the printer alone and perform the printing operation without going through the host device Record selection key via the PC for selecting whether or not to perform.
[0032]
In this embodiment, the printer is provided with the record selection key via PC 2007. However, a function such as a check box is provided as a GUI (graphic user interface) of the printer-dedicated application installed in the host device. When the printer obtains the selection information, the selection can be made.
[0033]
Next, with reference to FIG. 3, a configuration of a main part related to control of the printer according to the present embodiment will be described. In FIG. 3, the same symbols are given to portions common to the above-described drawings, and description thereof is omitted.
[0034]
In FIG. 3, reference numeral 3000 denotes a control unit (control board). Reference numeral 3001 denotes an ASIC (dedicated custom LSI), the configuration of which will be described later in detail with reference to the block diagram of FIG.
[0035]
A CPU 3002 executes system control and image processing such as conversion from a luminance signal (RGB) to a density signal (CMYK), scaling, gamma conversion, and error diffusion. A memory 3003 has a program memory 3003a for storing a control program of the CPU 3002, a RAM area for storing a program at the time of execution, and a work area functioning as a work memory for storing image data and the like. Reference numeral 3004 denotes a printer engine, in which a printer engine for an inkjet printer that records a color image using a plurality of color inks is mounted. Reference numeral 3006 denotes a connector for connecting the viewer 1011.
[0036]
Reference numeral 3008 denotes a USB bus hub (USB HUB). When the printer 1000 performs printing based on print data from the PC 3010 connected as a host device, data from the PC 3010 is passed through as it is, and the printer 1000 passes through the USB bus 3021. Output to the printer engine 3004. Thus, the connected PC 3010 can exchange data and signals directly with the printer engine 3004 to execute recording. That is, in this case, the printer functions as a general PC printer. A power connector 3009 receives a DC voltage converted from commercial AC by the power pack 3013.
[0037]
The PC 3010 is a general personal computer connected as a host device, and has a printer driver for performing a normal PC printer mode and a via-PC recording mode, which will be described later, installed in correspondence with the printer of the present embodiment. I have. Reference numeral 3011 denotes the aforementioned memory card.
[0038]
The exchange of signals between the control unit 3000 and the printer engine 3004 is performed via the USB bus 3021 or the IEEE1284 bus 3022 described above.
[0039]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the ASIC 3001. In FIG. 4, the same reference numerals are given to parts common to the above-described drawings, and description thereof will be omitted.
[0040]
Reference numeral 4001 denotes a memory card interface unit which reads image data stored in the inserted memory card 3011 or writes data to the memory card 3011. Reference numeral 4002 denotes an IEEE1284 interface for exchanging data with the printer engine 3004. The IEEE 1284 interface is a bus used when recording image data stored in the memory card 3011 without passing through a host device. A USB interface unit 4003 exchanges data with the PC 3010.
[0041]
An operation panel interface unit 4005 inputs various operation signals from the operation panel 1010 and outputs display data to the display unit 1006. Reference numeral 4006 denotes a viewer interface unit, which controls display of image data on the viewer 1011. Reference numeral 4007 denotes an interface unit that controls an interface between various switches, an LED 4009, and the like. Reference numeral 4008 denotes a CPU interface unit which controls data exchange with the CPU 3002. Reference numeral 4010 denotes an internal bus (ASIC bus) for connecting these units.
[0042]
An outline of the operation when printing is performed by the printer based on the above configuration will be described below.
[0043]
<Normal PC printer mode>
This is a mode for recording an image based on the recording data sent from the PC 3010. In this mode, when data from the PC 3010 is input via the connector 1013, the data is sent directly to the printer engine 3004 via the USB bus hub 3008 and the USB bus 3021, and recording is performed based on the data from the PC 3010.
[0044]
<Recording from a memory card: Direct recording mode>
When the memory card 3011 is inserted into or removed from the card slot 1009, an interrupt occurs, whereby the CPU 3002 can detect whether the memory card 3011 has been inserted or removed. When the memory card 3011 is inserted, the image data compressed by a predetermined method such as JPEG is read from the memory card 3011 and temporarily stored in the memory 3003. Decompress and store in memory 3003 again.
[0045]
Next, using the operation panel 1010, when a recording instruction such as a range designation of the stored image data to be recorded, the number of recording copies, and the type of paper used for recording is instructed, conversion from RGB signals to YMCK signals is performed. Image processing such as gamma correction and error diffusion is executed to convert the data into print data that can be printed by the printer engine 3004, and output to the printer engine 3004 via the IEEE1284 interface unit 4002 for printing.
[0046]
<Recording from a memory card: recording mode via PC>
The printer can determine whether the host device is connected to the USB connector 1013 by detecting the USB_VBUS signal using the general-purpose input port of the CPU 3002.
[0047]
Similarly, the host device also detects that the printer is connected, based on a change in the signal level of the data line of the USB interface from L to H. When the connection of the printer is detected, it is negotiated to periodically access the printer while the printer is connected. This periodic communication enables the printer to always know whether the host device is currently connected and whether communication is possible.
[0048]
When the recording start key 2005 is pressed by the user, the image data to be recorded specified by the operation panel 1010 is read out from the memory card 3011, the range of the image data to be recorded is specified by the operation panel 1010, and the number of recording copies is specified. And the recording supplementary information such as the type of paper used for recording are transferred to the host device via the USB interface. In the host device, a dedicated application such as a printer driver receives the data, creates print data based on the sent recording accompanying information, and then transfers the print data to the printer. Then, recording is performed by the printer receiving the recording data from the host device.
[0049]
At this time, the flow of data sent from the host device to the printer is the same as in the above-described normal PC printer mode.
[0050]
The format of the recording data transmitted from the host device to the printer is preferably the same format as the recording data transmitted from the host device to the printer in the normal PC printer mode. It may be. In other words, all the data processing necessary for recording may be performed by the host device, but part of the data processing may be performed by the host device and the rest may be performed by the printer.
[0051]
For example, the host device only needs to decompress the JPEG format compressed data. This processing is not limited to decompression processing of JPEG format compressed data, but may be color conversion processing (RGB → R * G * B *), color correction processing, binarization processing, or the like.
[0052]
It is also preferable that the user can set the processing performed by the host device using an operation panel of the printer or a printer driver installed in the host device.
[0053]
Here, processing for recording image data stored in a memory card in the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts in FIGS. 5 and 6.
[0054]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation performed by the user. As shown, after turning on the power of the printer, the user first inserts a memory card into the card slot 1009 (step S501), and sets each item on the operation panel 1010 (step S502). Then, the recording selection key 2007 via PC is turned on / off according to whether or not to perform recording via the host device (step S503), and the recording start key 2005 is turned on (step S504), and the recording operation is executed. Is performed (step S505).
[0055]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing processing on the printer and host device side corresponding to step S505 in FIG. When the recording start key 2005 is turned on, the printer detects the pressed state of the recording selection key via PC 2007 (step S601), and according to the state, the recording mode via PC (step S602) or the direct recording mode (step S602). The process proceeds to S608).
[0056]
When entering the recording mode via the PC, it is checked whether the printer can communicate with the host device. If the communication is not possible, the host device or the connection state is set correctly. It is preferable to notify the user.
[0057]
Further, when the direct recording mode is selected, even if the printer is connected to the host device and can communicate with each other, all the processes relating to recording are performed by the printer alone.
[0058]
In the via-PC recording mode, the printer reads the image data from the memory card (step S603), and transmits the image data to be recorded to the host device together with the recording supplementary information corresponding to the set item (step S604). The host device performs image processing on the image data transmitted from the printer in accordance with the recording supplementary information to create print data (step S605). Then, the created recording data is transmitted to the printer (step S606). The printer performs a printing operation according to the print data received from the host device (step S607).
[0059]
On the other hand, in the direct recording mode, the printer reads image data (step S609), performs image processing and creates recording data (step S610), and executes a recording operation according to the created recording data (step S611).
[0060]
As described above, in the present embodiment, in the via-PC recording mode, the host device performs image processing with a large load on the CPU and creation of recording data. Generally, the data processing speed of the CPU of a host device such as a PC is much higher than the data processing speed of the CPU of the printer. It is possible to record the image data stored in the memory card in a shorter time than the time required for the recording.
[0061]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the printer has the recording mode via the PC and the direct recording mode, and when the recording mode via the PC is selected, communication between the host device and the printer is possible. If so, the host device performs image processing and print data creation, so that image data stored in the memory card can be processed at high speed without increasing the cost of the printer and degrading the quality of the print image. It becomes possible to record.
[0062]
Also, when the direct recording mode is selected, all the processing required to record the image data stored in the memory card is performed by the printer alone, even if the connection is possible with the host device and communication is possible. Do with.
[0063]
Since the user can arbitrarily select one of the two recording modes in this manner, for example, when the host device is running an application whose processing speed is important, the load of the processing related to recording is not distributed to the host device. Can be
[0064]
[Other embodiments]
In the above embodiment, an ink jet printer has been described as an example of a recording device.However, it is known to those skilled in the art that the recording device according to the present invention may be a printer that employs a recording method other than the ink jet method. It will be easily understood.
[0065]
Further, in the above embodiment, the image data stored in the memory card is directly read and the recording is executed. However, the storage medium in which the image data is stored is not limited to a semiconductor storage medium such as a memory card. It may be a magnetic and / or optical storage medium such as a disk, MO, CD, DVD and the like.
[0066]
The present invention is also applicable to a case where an image input device such as a digital camera is directly connected to a printer and image data is directly read from the image input device and recording is performed instead of reading image data stored in a memory card. Is applicable.
[0067]
In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the connection between the printer and the host device is established via the USB or the IEEE1284 interface. You may.
[0068]
The present invention can be applied to a system including a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, etc.), but may be applied to an apparatus (for example, a copying machine, a facsimile machine, etc.) including one device. May be applied. Further, an object of the present invention is to provide a storage medium storing a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or an apparatus, and a computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus to store the storage medium. It is needless to say that the present invention can also be achieved by reading and executing the program code stored in the program.
[0069]
In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the function of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.
[0070]
As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, and the like can be used.
[0071]
When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a part or all of the actual processing is performed and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.
[0072]
Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a CPU or the like provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.
[0073]
When the present invention is applied to the storage medium, the storage medium stores program codes corresponding to the above-described flowcharts (shown in FIG. 5 and / or FIG. 6).
[0074]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, when the first recording mode is selected, the load is not distributed to the connected host device, and the host device can use its own data processing capacity to the maximum. State. On the other hand, when the second recording mode is selected, the host device performs processing with a large load such as image processing and creation of recording data, so that the entire processing is performed rather than performing all processing in the recording apparatus. The processing speed can be improved.
[0075]
Therefore, for example, when an application whose processing speed is important is running on the host device, the load of the processing related to recording is not distributed to the host device, and the application whose processing speed is important is running on the host device. Otherwise, by distributing the processing load related to recording to the host device, the image data stored in the storage medium can be processed at high speed without increasing the cost of the recording apparatus and without deteriorating the quality of the recorded image. It becomes possible to record.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a direct printer according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an operation panel of the printer shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a main part related to control of the printer in FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an ASIC of the printer in FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a process performed by a user when recording an image stored in a memory card in the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating processing on a printer and a host device side when recording an image stored in a memory card in the embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1000 Printer 1001 Lower case 1002 Upper case 1003 Access cover 1004 Eject tray 1004a, 1004b Auxiliary tray 1005 Power key 1006 Liquid crystal display unit 1007 Automatic feeding unit 1008 Paper selection lever 1009 Card slot 1010 Operation panel 1011 Viewer 1013 PC connection terminal 2001 Cursor Key 2002 mode key 2003 LED
2004 Maintenance key 2005 Recording start key 2006 Recording stop key 2007 Recording selection key via PC 3000 Control unit 3001 ASIC
3002 CPU
3003 memory 3003a program memory 3004 printer engine 3006 viewer connector 3007 operation panel connector 3008 USB hub 3009 power connector 3010 PC
3011 memory card 3013 power supply 3021 USB bus 3022 IEEE1284 bus 4001 memory card interface unit 4002 IEEE1284 interface unit 4003 USB interface unit 4005 operation panel interface unit 4006 viewer interface unit 4007 various switch interface units 4008 CPU interface unit 4009 various switches, LEDs, etc. 4010 ASIC bus

Claims (13)

A recording apparatus comprising: a slot into which a storage medium can be inserted; and an interface for accessing data stored in the storage medium inserted into the slot, and capable of recording image data stored in the storage medium. hand,
A first recording mode in which all data processing required to record the image data is executed in the recording device;
And a second recording mode in which at least a part of data processing required for recording the image data is executed by a host device connected to the recording device.
Stem. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a selection unit for allowing a user to select one of the first and second recording modes. In the second recording mode, transmitting means for transmitting the image data and supplementary information for recording the image data to the host device, and receiving means for receiving data processed by the host device. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording apparatus is provided. 4. The recording apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising an input unit for allowing a user to input the additional information. The recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the additional information includes at least one of designation of image data to be recorded, recording quality, the number of recordings, and a recording layout. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a display unit for allowing a user to check the image. 7. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage medium is a memory card. A recording device that includes a slot into which a storage medium can be inserted, and an interface for accessing data stored in the storage medium inserted into the slot, and that can record image data stored in the storage medium; A host device connected to the recording device,
The recording device,
A first recording mode in which all data processing required to record the image data is executed in the recording device;
A second recording mode for causing the host device to execute at least a part of data processing necessary for recording the image data,
The host device,
Image processing means for receiving image data transmitted from the recording apparatus in the second recording mode and executing at least a part of the data processing;
A transfer unit that transfers data on which at least a part of the data processing has been executed to the printing apparatus. The recording system according to claim 8, further comprising a selection unit for allowing a user to select one of the first and second recording modes. The recording system according to claim 9, wherein the selection unit is provided in the recording device. 10. The recording system according to claim 9, wherein the selection unit is realized by a specific application program installed on the host device. In the second recording mode, the recording device transmits the image data and supplementary information for recording the image data to the host device, and the host device performs at least the data processing according to the supplementary information. The recording system according to claim 8, wherein a part of the recording system is executed. A recording device that includes a slot into which a storage medium can be inserted, and an interface for accessing data stored in the storage medium inserted into the slot, and that can record image data stored in the storage medium; A recording method for performing recording by a recording system including a host device connected to the recording device,
A transmitting step of transmitting the image data from the recording device to the host device,
In the host device, an image processing step of executing at least a part of data processing required to record the image data,
A transfer step of transferring data on which at least a part of the data processing has been executed from the host device to the recording device.

Images