JP2004303194A - Image output system, image output device, image supplier, control program and image output method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image output system for easily adding a function after stipulating a protocol while maintaining compatibility for a plurality of vendors, an image output device, an image supplier, a control program and an image output method. <P>SOLUTION: At the time of generating control information relating to image output on the basis of an image output control protocol, when a prescribed function in the image output control protocol is extended, the image supplier 2 and the image output device 1 connected by a communication path 3 leaves an existing tag expressing the function inside a script, inserts an extension tag corresponding to the extension, generates a series of scripts described in a markup language and transmits and receives the generated scripts as the control information to/from a communicating party through the communication path 3. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

The present invention relates to an image output system and an image output method for transmitting control information and image data via a communication path and outputting an image based on image data stored in an image supply device by an image output device, and an image output method and an image output method. And a control program.

There is a so-called direct print system in which a digital still camera and a printer are connected without using a personal computer or the like, and an image photographed by the digital still camera is printed by the printer (for example, see Patent Document 1).

In a direct print system, transmission and reception of image data, a print job start command, and the like are performed between a digital still camera and a printer using a vendor-specific protocol.

JP-A-2002-330394 (prior art section)

However, since each vendor uses a unique protocol, there is a case where an image from a digital still camera can be printed by a printer of one vendor but cannot be printed by a printer of another vendor. In this case, if the same protocol is used by a plurality of vendors, images from the digital still camera can be printed by a printer of any of the vendors.However, the printer has a function unique to each vendor, and is completely used. Difficult to use the same protocol. Further, the functions of the printer are evolving year by year, and once a uniform protocol is defined, it becomes difficult to add a new function.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has an image output system, an image output device, an image supply device, a control program, and an image that easily add a function after a protocol is defined while maintaining compatibility with a plurality of vendors. The purpose is to obtain an output method.

In order to solve the above problems, an image output system according to the present invention includes an image supply device that stores image data, an image output device that outputs an image based on image data, an image supply device, and the image output device. An image supply device and an image output device are provided as follows, with a communication path directly connected. The image output device checks whether an extended function for a predetermined function is available in the image supply device, and, based on a predetermined image output control protocol, a series of control information related to image output described in a markup language. If the extended function is available in both the image supply device and the image output device, the first communication means for transmitting and receiving the script via the communication path, and the existing tag expressing the function in the script is used. A first script generating unit for generating a script by inserting an extension tag corresponding to the remaining extended function. Also,
The image supply device checks whether the extended function for the predetermined function is available in the image output device, and, based on the image output control protocol, as a series of scripts describing control information related to image output in a markup language. If the extended function is available in both the second communication means for transmitting and receiving via the communication path and both the image supply device and the image output device, the existing tag expressing the function is left in the script and the A second script generation unit for generating a script by inserting an extension tag corresponding to the extension function.

When this image output system is used, it is possible to easily add a function after defining a protocol while maintaining compatibility with a plurality of vendors by utilizing the characteristics of a markup language.

An image output device of the present invention controls a communication circuit connected to an image supply device that stores image data via a communication path, an output unit that outputs an image based on image data, and a communication circuit.
A communication control unit that checks whether an extended function for a predetermined function is available in the image supply device, and that transmits and receives control information related to image output via a communication path as a series of scripts described in a markup language, If the extended function is available in both the image supply device and the image output device, leave the existing tag expressing the function in the script, insert the extended tag corresponding to the extended extension, and execute the script. Script generating means for generating.

By using this image output device, it is possible to easily add a function after defining the protocol while maintaining compatibility with a plurality of vendors.

Further, the image output device of the present invention has the following features in the image output device of the above invention. The script generation means generates a script by inserting an extension tag at a nest level lower than an existing tag in the script.

Thereby, the tag of the extended function is arranged below the tag of the existing function, so that it is possible to easily determine whether or not the extended function is set for a certain function.

Further, the image output device of the present invention has the following features in any of the above-described image output devices. The script generation unit generates a script by inserting an expansion tag in association with image data to be processed by a function expanded in the script.

  Thus, use / non-use of the extended function can be switched for each image.

Further, the image output device of the present invention has the following features in any of the above-described image output devices. This image output apparatus uses a markup language capable of additionally defining a document type.

  This makes it easier to add functions after the protocol is defined.

Further, the image output device of the present invention has the following features in any of the above-described image output devices. The communication control unit transmits and receives, as control information relating to image output, a control command in the image output process, a response to the control command, and a notification of the state of the apparatus as a series of scripts described in a markup language.

This allows control commands, their responses,
It is possible to easily add a function after the protocol is defined, while maintaining compatibility with a plurality of vendors for device status notification and the like.

Further, the image output device of the present invention has the following features in any of the above-described image output devices. The communication control unit transmits and receives, as a series of scripts described in a markup language, a script that does not include image data to be output as an image but includes only control information related to image output.

Thus, control information in a markup language can be transmitted and received independently of the image data to be output without changing the format of the image data to be output from the existing one.

Further, the image output device of the present invention has the following features in any of the above-described image output devices. When a predetermined function in the image output control protocol is extended, the script generation means arranges the extended tag in the script before an existing tag expressing the function to generate control information.

Thereby, when interpreting the script, the extension tag is interpreted first, so that the function of the existing tag can be easily invalidated.

Further, the image output device of the present invention has the following features in any of the above-described image output devices. The extension tag is a tag for designating vendor-specific image processing.

As a result, image processing having various characteristics for each vendor can be specified at the time of image output.

Further, the image output device of the present invention has the following features in any of the above-described image output devices. The output means performs image processing on the image data based on the image processing control data recorded in the image data file when the image processing is designated by the extension tag, and outputs the image data after the image processing. An image is output based on the image.

This makes it possible to easily add an image processing function using an image file having image data and image processing control data.

Further, the image output device of the present invention has the following features in any of the above-described image output devices. The output means, when the image processing is designated by the extension tag, performs the image processing designated by the extension tag of the predetermined image processing on the image data, and outputs the image based on the image data after the image processing I do.

As a result, it is possible to easily add a function of selecting any of the prepared image processing and applying the selected image processing to the image data.

Further, the image output device of the present invention has the following features in any of the above-described image output devices. This image output device uses, as an extension tag, a tag that specifies a frame insertion printing process for printing by combining a frame image and an image of image data.

  This makes it possible to easily add a function of performing unique frame insertion printing.

Further, the image output device of the present invention has the following features in any of the above-described image output devices. This image output device uses a tag for specifying image data for a frame image as an extension tag.

This makes it possible to easily add a function of performing unique frame insertion printing using the image data specified by the existing tag and the frame image data specified by the extension tag.

Further, the image output device of the present invention has the following features in any of the above-described image output devices. The output unit combines at least the image of the image data and the frame image when the frame insertion printing process is designated by the extension tag, and outputs the combined image.

This makes it possible to easily add a function of performing unique frame insertion printing using the image data specified by the existing tag and the frame image data specified by the extension tag.

Further, the image output device of the present invention has the following features in any of the above-described image output devices. This image output device uses, as an extension tag, a tag that specifies image data for a frame image and image data for a background image.

This makes it possible to easily add a function of performing unique frame insertion printing using the image data specified by the existing tag, the frame image data specified by the extension tag, and the image data of the background image.

Further, the image output device of the present invention has the following features in any of the above-described image output devices. The output unit combines the image of the image data, the frame image, and the background image when the frame insertion printing process is designated by the extension tag, and outputs the combined image.

This makes it possible to easily add a function of performing unique frame insertion printing using the image data specified by the existing tag, the frame image data specified by the extension tag, and the image data of the background image.

Further, the image output device of the present invention has the following features in any of the above-described image output devices. The communication control unit checks the size and the paper type of the printing paper specified by the control information, and when there is no paper of the specified paper type in the specified size, the predetermined control information is transmitted using the extended tag. And transmits the control information to the image supply device.

This ensures that if printing paper of the specified paper type (matte, photo print, etc.) and of the specified paper size is not prepared by the vendor, third party, etc., it will not be printed accidentally. it can.

The image supply device of the present invention controls a recording medium that stores image data, a communication circuit connected via a communication path to an image output device that outputs an image based on the image data, and a communication circuit.
A communication control unit that checks whether an extended function for a predetermined function is available in the image output device, and that transmits and receives control information related to image output via a communication path as a series of scripts described in a markup language, If the extended function is available in both the image supply device and the image output device, leave the existing tag expressing the function in the script, insert the extended tag corresponding to the extended function, and execute the script. Script generating means for generating.

When this image supply device is used, it is possible to easily add a function after defining the protocol while maintaining compatibility with a plurality of vendors.

The image supply device according to the present invention is the same as the image supply device according to the invention, but further has the following features. The script generation means generates a script by inserting an extension tag at a nest level lower than an existing tag in the script.

Thereby, the tag of the extended function is arranged below the tag of the existing function, so that it is possible to easily determine whether or not the extended function is set for a certain function.

Further, the image supply device of the present invention has the following features in any one of the image supply devices of the above invention. The script generation unit generates a script by inserting an expansion tag in association with image data to be processed by a function expanded in the script.

  Thus, use / non-use of the extended function can be switched for each image.

Further, the image supply device of the present invention has the following features in any one of the image supply devices of the above invention. This image supply device uses a markup language capable of additionally defining a document type.

  This makes it easier to add functions after the protocol is defined.

Further, the image supply device of the present invention has the following features in any one of the image supply devices of the above invention. The communication control unit transmits and receives, as control information relating to image output, a control command in the image output process, a response to the control command, and a notification of the state of the apparatus as a series of scripts described in a markup language.

This allows control commands, their responses,
It is possible to easily add a function after the protocol is defined, while maintaining compatibility with a plurality of vendors for device status notification and the like.

Further, the image supply device of the present invention has the following features in any one of the image supply devices of the above invention. The communication control unit transmits and receives, as a series of scripts described in a markup language, a script that does not include image data to be output as an image but includes only control information related to image output.

Thus, control information in a markup language can be transmitted and received independently of the image data to be output without changing the format of the image data to be output from the existing one.

Further, the image supply device of the present invention has the following features in any one of the image supply devices of the above invention. When a predetermined function in the image output control protocol is extended, the script generation means arranges the extended tag in the script before an existing tag expressing the function to generate control information.

Thereby, when interpreting the script, the extension tag is interpreted first, so that the function of the existing tag can be easily invalidated.

Further, the image supply device of the present invention has the following features in any one of the image supply devices of the above invention. This image supply device uses a tag for specifying vendor-specific image processing as an extension tag.

As a result, image processing having various characteristics for each vendor can be specified at the time of image output.

Further, the image supply device of the present invention has the following features in any one of the image supply devices of the above invention. This image supply device uses, as an extension tag, a tag that specifies a frame insertion printing process for printing by combining a frame image and an image of image data.

  This makes it possible to easily add a function of performing unique frame insertion printing.

Further, the image supply device of the present invention has the following features in any one of the image supply devices of the above invention. This image supply device uses a tag that specifies image data for a frame image as an extension tag.

This makes it possible to easily add a function of performing unique frame insertion printing using the image data specified by the existing tag and the frame image data specified by the extension tag.

Further, the image supply device of the present invention has the following features in any one of the image supply devices of the above invention. This image supply device uses, as an extension tag, a tag that specifies image data for a frame image and image data for a background image.

This makes it possible to easily add a function of performing unique frame insertion printing using the image data specified by the existing tag, the frame image data specified by the extension tag, and the image data of the background image.

A control program according to the present invention is a control program executed by a computer built in an image output device that outputs an image based on image data, and is an image supply device connected to the image output device and supplying image data. Confirms whether or not an extended function of a predetermined function can be used, controls a communication circuit connected to the image supply device via a communication path, and describes control information relating to image output in a markup language. A communication control unit that transmits and receives a series of scripts via a communication path, and an existing tag that expresses the function in the script when the extended function is available in both the image supply device and the image output device. And insert an extension tag corresponding to the extended function to function as script generation means for generating a script.

The use of this control program makes it possible to easily add functions after defining the protocol while maintaining compatibility with a plurality of vendors.

A control program according to the present invention is a control program executed by a computer built in an image supply device that stores image data. The computer-readable storage medium is connected to the image supply device and outputs an image based on the image data. Confirms whether or not an extended function for a predetermined function can be used, controls a communication circuit connected to the image output device via a communication path, and describes control information relating to image output in a markup language. A communication control unit that transmits and receives a series of scripts via a communication path, and an existing tag that expresses the function in the script when the extended function is available in both the image supply device and the image output device. And insert an extension tag corresponding to the extended function to function as script generation means for generating a script.

The use of this control program makes it possible to easily add functions after defining the protocol while maintaining compatibility with a plurality of vendors.

The image output method according to the present invention is configured to directly transmit and receive control information via a communication path between an image supply device that stores image data and an image output device that outputs an image based on the image data. An image output method for outputting an image based on the image data stored in the image output device by an image output device, wherein the image supply device and the image output device mutually determine whether an extended function for a predetermined function is available. Confirm that if the extended function is available in both the image supply device and the image output device, express the function when generating control information relating to image output based on a predetermined image output control protocol. Leave the existing tag, insert the extension tag corresponding to the extended function, generate a series of scripts written in markup language, and use the generated script as To transmitted and received between the image supply apparatus and the image output device to.

When this image output method is used, it is possible to easily add a function after defining the protocol while maintaining compatibility with a plurality of vendors by using the characteristics of the markup language.

According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain an image output system and an image output method in which a function can be easily added after defining a protocol while maintaining compatibility with a plurality of vendors, and an image output device, an image supply device, and a control program used in the same. be able to.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

Reference configuration example of image output system
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a reference configuration example 1 of the image output system. For example, this image output system can be a kind of a so-called direct printing system. In FIG. 1, an image output device 1 is a device that outputs an image based on image data. Examples of the form of the image output apparatus 1 include a printer that prints an image on paper or the like based on image data. The image supply device 2 is a device capable of storing image data and transmitting the image data as needed. Examples of the form of the image supply device 2 include a digital camera that stores a captured image as image data in a predetermined recording medium.

The communication path 3 is a transmission medium that connects the image output device 1 and the image supply device 2. The communication path 3 is not limited to a wired communication path, and may use a wireless communication path. In Reference Configuration Example 1, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable is used for the communication path 3. When the communication path 3 is a wired communication path, the image output device 1 and the image supply device 2 are provided with connectors (not shown). The connectors are respectively connected.

In the image output device 1 shown in FIG. 1, the communication circuit 11 is a circuit for transmitting and receiving various information as electric signals via the communication path 3. The communication control unit 12 is a circuit or a device that controls the communication circuit 11 and transmits and receives information to and from a communication partner in accordance with various protocols. The communication circuit 11 and the communication control unit 12 function as first communication means for transmitting and receiving control information relating to image output via the communication path 3 as a series of scripts described in a markup language.

The output control unit 13 is a circuit or device that controls and monitors the output mechanism 14 and controls image output processing (print processing when the image output apparatus 1 is a printer). The output mechanism 14 is a mechanical and / or electrical component that outputs an image. As the output mechanism 14 in the case of a printer, a printing mechanism, a paper feeding mechanism, and the like correspond. In Reference Configuration Example 1, the output control unit 13 and the output mechanism 14 constitute an output unit that outputs an image based on image data.

The operation unit 15 is a circuit or a device that is operated by a user and outputs a signal according to the operation. Various switches, a touch panel, and the like are appropriately used as the operation unit 15. The display device 16 is a device that displays various information. Various indicators, a liquid crystal display, and the like are appropriately used as the display device 16.

The power supply circuit 17 is a circuit that is connected to, for example, a commercial power supply or an AC / DC converter and supplies the supplied power to an internal circuit.

In the image supply device 2 illustrated in FIG. 1, the communication circuit 21 is a circuit that transmits and receives various information as electric signals via the communication path 3. The communication control unit 22 is a circuit or a device that controls the communication circuit 21 and transmits and receives information to and from a communication partner in accordance with various protocols. In addition, the communication circuit 21 and the communication control unit 22 function as a second communication unit that transmits and receives control information related to image output via the communication path 3 as a series of scripts described in a markup language.

The central control unit 23 is a circuit or a device that executes various processes while exchanging various information with a circuit or a device having various functions such as the communication control unit 22 and the recording medium 24.

The recording medium 24 is a device that stores one or a plurality of image data files 31 including image data. The image data file 31 includes, for example, an image photographed by a digital camera,
This is a file containing image data of other images. The format of this image data is, for example, JP
EG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) format, EXIF (EXchangeable Image File)
) Format.

As the recording medium 24, a semiconductor memory, a memory card using the semiconductor memory,
A magnetic recording medium, an optical recording medium, a magneto-optical recording medium, or the like is used, and may be fixed inside the image supply device 2 or may be detachable from the image supply device 2.

The operation unit 25 is a circuit or a device that is operated by a user and outputs a signal according to the operation. Various switches, a touch panel, and the like are appropriately used as the operation unit 15. The display device 26 is a device that displays various information such as an image based on image data. As the display device 26, various indicators, a liquid crystal display, and the like are appropriately used.

The battery 27 is a battery that supplies power to an internal circuit of the image supply device 2. As the battery 27, a storage battery, a disposable battery, or the like is used. When the image supply device 2 is a device that requires portability, a battery 27 is provided as a power source. However, when the image supply device 2 is a device that does not require portability, an image output device is used as a power source. A power supply circuit such as the power supply circuit 17 of the device 1 may be provided instead.

FIG. 2 shows an image output device 1 and an image supply device 2 in Reference Example 1 of the image output system.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a protocol used between the server and the server.

In the first reference configuration example, first, as described above, the communication path 3 that is a USB cable is used as the physical layer. In the image output device 1 and the image supply device 2 according to the reference configuration example 1, there is a USB layer as a layer for controlling the physical layer, and a still image class (SIC) is used as a USB class. Thereby, a data transmission path is realized. As the USB standard, there are USB1.1, USB2.0, and the like at present, but the next version or later proposed later may be used, or a communication standard equivalent to USB may be used instead. When a USB is used for the communication path 3, the image output device 1 is a host, and the image supply device 2 is a device.

At a higher level, an image transfer protocol (such as an external device) that regulates external control of the digital still image device (DSPD) and image data transfer to the outside of the digital still image device (DSPD).
PTP) is used. The PTP standard is PHOTOGRAPHIC.
AND IMAGING MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION, IN
C, "PIMA15740: 2000". Note that PTP is a protocol that provides a communication method for exchanging image data between DSPDs. In PTP, objects (such as image data files) in storage are not paths but object IDs (object handles). Is specified by

In the reference configuration example 1, the image supply device 2 such as a digital camera is placed above the PTP.
Is directly supplied to the image output apparatus 1 such as a printer via the communication path 3 via the communication path 3 and a new direct print service (hereinafter referred to as D) is a protocol for performing printing.
A protocol (called PS) is used. In the DPS protocol, control information related to image output between the image output device 1 and the image supply device 2 is written in a markup language (here, XML;
It is transmitted and received via the communication path 3 as a series of scripts described in eXtensible Markup Language). In addition, as the control information related to the image output, various commands in the image output process,
There is a response to the command, notification of the state of the device, and the like. This script also contains
Only the control information is included, and the image data to be output is not included. That is,
Information such as the storage location of the image data file is included in this script, but the image data itself is not included.

Note that the lower layer of the DPS protocol is not limited to PTP. Therefore, in order to obtain consistency between the DPS protocol and a plurality of types of lower layers, the DPS protocol and the lower layer (here, P
TP) is provided with a wrapper layer.

In Reference Configuration Example 1, of the above-described protocols, the physical layer is realized by the communication circuit 11, the communication path 3, and the communication circuit 21, the USB layer is realized by the communication circuit 11 and the communication circuit 21, the PTP layer, The wrapper layer and the DPS protocol layer are realized by the communication control unit 12 and the communication control unit 22.

That is, the communication control units 12 and 22 respectively include a first entity for interpreting a DPS protocol which is an image output control protocol for transmitting and receiving control information relating to image output described in a markup language, and a lower layer for the first entity. A second entity for interpreting PTP, which is an image data management transfer protocol for managing image data stored in the image supply device 2 and transferring the image data to the image output device 1, and a lower layer communication channel for the second entity. It functions as a third entity that controls the third physical layer.

In addition, the wrapper layer of each of the communication control units 12 and 22 is configured so that the communication between the image output control protocol of the first entity and the image data management transfer protocol according to the type of the image data management transfer protocol of the second entity. Function as protocol conversion means for performing the protocol conversion in. That is, the wrapper layers of the communication control units 12 and 22 replace commands of the upper protocol (DPS protocol) with commands of the lower protocol (PTP) as necessary.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a printer as an image output device in Reference Configuration Example 1 of the image output system. In FIG. 3, a CPU 41 is a device that executes a program and executes processing described in the program. The ROM 42 is a memory in which programs and data are stored in advance. The RAM 43 is a memory for temporarily storing the program and data when executing the program.

The programs executed by the CPU 41 include a program for generating control data for printing from image data and a program for performing communication in accordance with the DPS protocol and the image transfer protocol in the ROM 42 or another recording medium (not shown). Is stored.

The print engine 44 is a circuit or a device that controls the output mechanism 14 based on control data for printing supplied from the CPU 41 to execute a printing process.

The USB host-side interface 45 corresponds to the communication circuit 11 in FIG. 1 and is a host-side interface circuit defined by the USB standard.

The bus 46 is a signal path for interconnecting the CPU 41, the ROM 42, the RAM 43, the print engine 44, the USB host-side interface 45, the operation unit 15, and the display device 16. Note that the number of buses 46 and the topology of connections to the buses 46 such as the CPU 41 and the print engine 44 are not limited to those in FIG.

  The operation unit 15 and the display device 16 in FIG. 3 are the same as those in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a plurality of functions of the image output apparatus 1 in Reference Example 1 of the image output system. In FIG. 4, a communication control function 51 is a function for performing communication control below the image transfer protocol.

The DPS protocol processing function 52 includes a DPS command processing function 61 for generating or interpreting control information specified in the DPS protocol, an XML script generating function 62 for generating an XML script corresponding to the control information, and an XML description. Includes an XML parser 63 that parses control information.

Note that the XML parser 63 may be designed to be able to analyze all syntaxes of XML, or may be able to analyze only syntax used in the DPS protocol. In that case, the XML parser 63 only needs to be able to determine only the tags necessary for describing the XML script related to the DPS protocol.

The XML script generation function 62 stores an XML script template in the ROM 42 or the like in advance for each type of control information such as a command, edits the template, and generates an XML script indicating the control information. Is also good.

The image processing function 53 is a function for changing the format of image data, the print data generation function 54 is a function for generating control data for printing from the image data after the format change, and the print control function 55 is And a function for executing a printing process in accordance with the control data for printing.

  The state management function 56 is a function of monitoring the state of processing by each of the above functions.

Note that these functions are realized by the CPU 41 executing the above-described program.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a digital camera as the image supply device 2 in Reference Configuration Example 1 of the image output system. In FIG. 5, a CPU 71 is a device that executes a program and executes processing described in the program. The ROM 72 is a memory in which programs and data are stored in advance. The RAM 73 is a memory that temporarily stores the program and data when executing the program.

The programs executed by the CPU 71 include a program for controlling each unit at the time of photographing, and a program for performing communication and managing image data according to the DPS protocol and the image transfer protocol. It is stored on the medium.

The image capturing device 74 is a device that captures an image of a subject in accordance with a command from the CPU 71 and outputs image data after the image capturing.

The memory card 75 corresponds to the recording medium 24 in FIG. 1 and is a recording medium for storing image data obtained by photographing and the like. Note that, instead of the memory card 75, a semiconductor memory, a magnetic recording device, or the like fixed in the device may be used.

The USB device-side interface 76 corresponds to the communication circuit 21 in FIG. 1 and is a device-side interface circuit defined by the USB standard.

The bus 77 includes a CPU 71, a ROM 72, a RAM 73, a photographing device 74, and a memory card 75.
, USB device side interface 76, operation unit 25, and display device 26. The number of the buses 77 and the topology of the connection of the CPU 71 and the like to the bus 77 are not limited to those shown in FIG.

  The operation unit 25 and the display device 26 in FIG. 5 are the same as those in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a plurality of functions of the image supply device 2 in Reference Example 1 of the image output system. In FIG. 6, a communication control function 81 is a function for performing communication control below the image transfer protocol.

The DPS protocol processing function 82 includes a DPS command processing function 91 that generates or interprets control information specified in the DPS protocol, an XML script generation function 92 that generates an XML script corresponding to the control information, and XML. Includes an XML parser 93 that parses control information.

Note that the XML parser 93 may be designed to be able to analyze all syntaxes of XML, or may be able to analyze only syntax used in the DPS protocol. In this case, the XML parser 93 only needs to be able to determine only the tags necessary for describing the XML script related to the DPS protocol.

In addition, the XML script generation function 92 stores an XML script template in advance in the ROM 72 or the like for each type of control information such as a command, edits the template, and generates an XML script indicating the control information. Is also good.

In addition, the file system management function 83 stores the data in the memory card 75 as the recording medium 24,
This is a function of storing image data as an image data file 31 according to a predetermined directory structure and file structure.

Further, the user interface function 84 is a function of receiving an operation performed by the user on the operation unit 25 and displaying various information on the display device 26.

The setting management function 85 is a function for setting conditions such as print processing in accordance with an operation by a user. The state management function 86 is a function of monitoring the state of processing by each of the above-described functions.

Note that these functions are realized by the CPU 71 executing the above-described program.

Next, the operation of each device in the above system will be described. FIG. 7 is a view for explaining image output processing at the DPS protocol level in Reference Example 1 of the image output system. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining image output processing at the image transfer protocol level in Reference Example 1 of the image output system.

The image output device 1 and the image supply device 2 store files with predetermined names, respectively.
When the image output device 1 and the image supply device 2 are physically connected by the communication path 3 by the user,
When the file is detected based on the PTP, it is detected that a device compatible with the DPS protocol has been connected as a communication partner. By this connection process, it is guaranteed that the communication partner uses the same protocol as that used by itself.

After the connection process, the image output apparatus 1 and the image supply apparatus 2 provide the version information of the DPS protocol, the name of the vendor (the image output apparatus 1 or the image supply apparatus 2), the version information specific to the vendor, and the product name of the own. Mutually transmit and receive environmental information including its own serial number and the like.

Next, the image supply device 2 acquires, from the image output device 1, selectable set values, that is, options for each function of the image output device 1 that can be set by the image supply device 2. When the image output apparatus 1 is a printer, such functions include print quality setting, paper size setting, paper type setting, image data file file format setting, date printing setting, file name There are print settings, image optimization process settings, print layout settings, fixed-size print settings, and cropping settings. If the image output device 1 has an extended function for each of these functions, the image output device 1 may include the extended function as an option and notify the image supply device 2 of the setting value option for each function. .

Thereafter, first, for example, when a predetermined operation is performed on the operation unit 25, the image supply device 2 transmits an image output job start command to the image output device 1 via the communication path 3 (Step S).
1).

At that time, in the image supply device 2, the communication control unit 22 generates and transmits an XML script of the image output job start command DPS_StartJob according to the DPS protocol. Here, image data to be output is specified in the XML script.

The image output job start command DPS_StartJob includes the following job condition setting information and image output information.

As job condition setting information, quality information for setting the quality of image output in this job, paper type information in a print job, paper size information in a print job, image format information, image processing setting information, page layout information, and the like are required. Included depending on.

The image output information includes cropping area information for specifying an area for cropping, object ID of image data, information on the number of copies of each image, a unique job ID for each job, and path information for image data or a job specification file. Information on the number of times of repeated supply of each image data (that is, information indicating how many times the same image data is continuously supplied to the image output apparatus 1) and the like are included as necessary.

FIG. 9 shows an image output job start command DPS_Stat used in Reference Configuration Example 1.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an rtJob XML script. In FIG. 9, the job tag is 1
Tag for specifying one job. Note that the xx tag indicates both the <xx> tag and the </ xx> tag (the same applies hereinafter). Below the job tag, job
A Config tag and a PrintInfo tag are arranged. The jobConfig tag is a tag for specifying job condition setting information.

In the script shown in FIG. 9, quality is added below the jobConfig tag.
Tag, paperSize tag, paperType tag, fileType tag, da
te tag, fileName tag, imageOptimize tag, and layout
A tItem tag is placed.

The quality tag is a tag for designating quality information such as standard, draft, and fine. The paperSize tag is a tag for specifying paper size information in this job, such as A4 size, and the paper size is specified by a predetermined numerical value (for example, 020110000). The paperType tag is a tag for specifying paper type information in this job, such as standard paper or photo paper, and has a predetermined numerical value (for example, 0).
3020000), the paper size is designated. The fileType tag is EXIF, J
A tag for designating image format information in the job, such as PEG, TIFF, GIF, etc., and the image format is designated by a predetermined numerical value (for example, 03020,000).

Further, the date tag is a tag for specifying whether or not to print date information specified by printInfo. The fileName tag is a tag for specifying whether or not to print the file path information specified by printInfo. imageOpti
The mize tag is a tag for designating image optimization setting information indicating whether to perform image optimization. The layoutItem tag is a tag for designating a page layout in this job, and an image format is designated by a predetermined numerical value (for example, 08010000).

The printInfo tag is a tag for specifying image output information. pri
An image tag is arranged below the ntInfo tag. The image tag is a tag for specifying an image to be output. In the script shown in FIG. 9, imag
An imageID tag and an imageDate tag are arranged below the e tag. im
The ageID tag is a tag for designating the object ID of the image data to be output. The imageDate tag is a tag for designating a date to be printed beside an image.

In the script shown in FIG. 9, there is only one image tag. However, when outputting a plurality of images, the object ID of the image data is specified by the image tag for each of the plurality of images. . Also, when outputting the same image continuously multiple times,
A copies tag may be placed next to the image tag of the image, and the number of times of repeated supply may be designated.

Note that the dps tag in FIG. 9 is a tag indicating that the script is an XML script related to DPS, and a URL (Uniform Reform) of a storage location of namespace information used in DPS as an attribute.
source Locator).

The communication control unit 22 of the image supply device 2 transmits the job start command X on the DPS protocol.
Although the ML script is logically transmitted, the XML script is converted into an image transfer protocol command, and the command is processed at the image transfer protocol level.

That is, according to the image transfer protocol, the communication control unit 22 of the image supply device 2 first transmits a file transfer request command RequestObjectTransfer (step SS1). This command is transmitted to the image output device 1 via the USB layer and the physical layer.

In the image output device 1, upon receiving the file transfer request command RequestObjectTransfer in accordance with the image transfer protocol, the communication control unit 12 transmits a command GetObjectInfo for inquiring about the attribute of the file to be transferred (step S).
S2). This command is transmitted to the image supply device 2 via the USB layer and the physical layer.

In the image supply device 2, the communication control unit 22 executes the command Ge according to the image transfer protocol.
Upon receipt of tObjectInfo, file information (file format, file capacity, etc.) of the XML script of the command DPS_StartJob is transmitted (step SS3).
). This file information is transmitted to the image output device 1 via the USB layer and the physical layer.

In the image output device 1, when the communication control unit 12 receives the file information according to the image transfer protocol, the communication control unit 12 specifies the XML script and obtains the file acquisition command GetObj.
is transmitted (step SS4). This file information is transmitted to the image supply device 2 via the USB layer and the physical layer.

In the image supply device 2, the communication control unit 22 executes the command Ge according to the image transfer protocol.
When the tObject is received, the specified file (command DPS_StartJob) is received.
Is transmitted (step SS5). This file is transmitted to the image output device 1 via the USB layer and the physical layer.

In the image output device 1, when the communication control unit 12 receives the file according to the image transfer protocol, it means that the command DPS_StartJob has been received in the DPS protocol layer.

Here, the image output device 1 is the printer shown in FIGS.
Is the digital camera shown in FIG. 5 and FIG.
The communication is performed by the S protocol processing functions 52 and 82 and the communication control functions 51 and 81, and communication by the image transfer protocol is performed between the communication control function 51 and the communication control function 81.

Next, the image output device 1 interprets the XML script of the acquired image output job start command (step S2), and acquires from the image supply device 2 image data to be output in the XML script. (Step S3).

In the reference configuration example 1, after receiving the image output job start command from the image supply device 2, the image output device 1 controls the processing flow of the image output job. That is, the image output device 1 manages the progress of the image output process, and appropriately acquires information and image data necessary for the image output process from the image supply device 2.

At that time, in the image output device 1, the communication control unit 12 uses the XML in accordance with the DPS protocol.
Object ID described in the script (corresponds to the object ID in PTP)
Specifies the image data file 31 with the XML script file acquisition command DPS_
GetFile is issued. Note that an object ID (that is, an object handle) in PTP for an object and an object I in the DPS protocol
D may be the same value or different values. If the values are different,
The mapping of the object ID is appropriately performed between the DPS protocol and the PTP.

FIG. 10 shows a file acquisition command DPS_GetFi used in Reference Configuration Example 1.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an XML script of le. In FIG. 10, getFileReq
The west tag is a tag indicating that the command is a file acquisition command. In FIG. 10, a fileID tag and a buffPtr are provided below the getFileRequest tag.
Tags are placed. The fileID tag is a tag for designating the object ID of the acquisition target file. The buffPtr tag is a tag for designating a pointer to a buffer used for receiving the acquired file.

The communication control unit 12 performs a file acquisition command DPS_GetFi of the DPS protocol.
le is converted into a file acquisition command GetObject of the image transfer protocol and transmitted. This command is transmitted to the image supply device 2 via the USB layer and the physical layer.

Instead of the file acquisition command DPS_GetFile for acquiring the entire file, a file part acquisition command DPS_GetPartial for acquiring a part of the file is used.
The file may be transmitted a plurality of times to acquire the entire file. This file part acquisition command DPS_GetPartialFile is converted into a command GetPartialObject of the image transfer protocol.

In the image supply device 2, the communication control unit 22 executes the command Ge according to the image transfer protocol.
Upon receiving the tObject, the file (image data file 31) of the specified object ID is read and transmitted. This file is transmitted to the image output device 1 via the USB layer and the physical layer.

In the image output device 1, when the communication control unit 12 receives the file according to the image transfer protocol, the communication control unit 12 also receives the file in the DPS protocol layer.

Here, the image output device 1 is the printer shown in FIGS.
5 is a digital camera shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the acquisition of this image data requires the DPS protocol processing function 52 and the communication control function 51 in the image output device 1 and the communication control function 81 and the communication control function 81 in the image supply device 2. The file system management function 83 is used.

Then, when acquiring the image data, the image output device 1 outputs an image based on the image data (Step S4). At that time, in the image output device 1, the output control unit 13 and the output mechanism 14 perform an image output process.

Here, when the image output apparatus 1 is the printer shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, an image processing function 53, a print data generation function 54, and a print control function 55 are used for image output processing.

As described above, according to the reference configuration example 1, the image output device 1 and the image supply device 2
Communication path 3 as a series of scripts describing control information related to image output in a markup language
Send and receive via. This makes it easy to modify the protocol after the regulation while maintaining compatibility with multiple vendors by utilizing the extensibility of the syntax of the markup language.

Further, according to the above-described Reference Configuration Example 1, XML that can additionally define a document type is used as a markup language. This makes it easier to modify the protocol after the regulation.

Further, according to the above-described Reference Configuration Example 1, the communication control units 12 and 22 communicate with the first entity that interprets the DPS protocol that transmits and receives the control information related to the image output described in the markup language, and the first entity In the lower layer, a second entity that manages image data stored in the image supply device 2 and interprets the PTP to be transferred to the image output device 1, and in the lower layer of the second entity, a physical layer of the communication path 3 ( Here, each functions as a third entity that controls USB). As a result, various existing protocols can be used in the layer below the PTP, and when it is desired to modify the protocol related to image output after the definition, only the DPS protocol needs to be modified, and the modification scale can be reduced.

Furthermore, according to the above-described Reference Configuration Example 1, the communication control units 12 and 22 use the second
The protocol conversion between the DPS protocol of the first entity and the image data management transfer protocol is performed according to the type (here, PTP) of the image data management transfer protocol of the first entity. As a result, the difference in the adopted image data management transfer protocol is absorbed in the wrapper layer, so if you want to modify the protocol related to image output after the definition, modify only the image output control protocol with little modification to the wrapper layer And the correction scale can be reduced.

Furthermore, according to the above-described Reference Configuration Example 1, the output control unit 13 of the image output device 1 controls the processing flow of image output. Thereby, the information processing amount of the image supply device 2 hardly increases,
This system can be realized even if the information processing performance of the image supply device 2 is low.

Furthermore, according to the above-described Reference Configuration Example 1, the communication control units 12 and 22 use the control command in the image output process, the response to the control command, and the state of the apparatus (including the state of the job) as the control information related to the image output. ) Is sent and received as a series of scripts described in markup language. This makes it possible to transmit and receive a text-based control command that is easy to read, a response to the command, a status notification of the device, and the like, thereby making it easy to modify the protocol after the regulation while maintaining compatibility with a plurality of vendors.

Furthermore, according to the above-described Reference Configuration Example 1, the communication control units 12 and 22 include only control information related to image output as a series of scripts described in a markup language without including image data to be output. Send and receive scripts including Thus, control information in a markup language can be transmitted and received independently of the data to be output, without changing the format of the data to be output from the existing data.

Further, according to the above-described Reference Configuration Example 1, the image output device 1 is configured to output the image to the output mechanism 14.
And an output control unit 13 that generates control data for controlling the output mechanism from the image data and controls the output mechanism based on the control data. Thereby, the image supply device 2 includes:
A function of generating control data for controlling the output mechanism from the image data (a function included in a conventional printer driver used in a personal computer or the like) may not be required, and the image supply device 2 can be inexpensive.

Further, according to the above-described reference configuration example 1, when the XML parser 63 of the image output apparatus 1 is configured to determine only tags necessary for describing control information related to image output among tags in the markup language. Can realize the XML parser 63 with a small-scale circuit or a program, and can reduce the cost of the image output apparatus 1.

Furthermore, according to the above-described reference configuration example 1, when the XML parser 93 of the image supply device 2 is configured to determine only tags necessary for describing control information related to image output among tags in the markup language. Can implement the XML parser 93 with a small-scale circuit or program, and can reduce the cost of the image supply device 2.

Further, according to the first reference configuration example, the communication control units 12 and 22 store the script template for each type of control information, and generate the control information script from the template. As a result, only the part that has not been determined in the template needs to be edited, so that the control information script can be generated in a short time.

Further, according to the first configuration example, when a predetermined operation is performed on the operation unit 25, the communication control unit 22 and the communication circuit 21 of the image supply device 2 perform image output using the image output job start command as control information. Transmit to the device 1. The output control unit 13 of the image output device 1 includes the communication control unit 1
When the image output job start command is received by the communication circuit 2 and the communication circuit 11, the image output process is started according to the image output job start command. This allows the user to output an image by operating the operation unit 25 of the image supply device 2. Therefore, when the image supply device 2 has the user-friendly operation unit 25, Thereby, operability is improved.

Further, according to the first reference configuration example, when the image data stored in the image supply device 2 is needed in the image output process, the communication control unit 12 of the image output device 1 sends the image data transfer request. The image is transmitted to the image supply device 2. Upon receiving the image data transfer request, the communication control unit 22 of the image supply device 2 transmits the image data to the image output device 1. Accordingly, since the image supply device 2 only needs to transmit image data in response to a request from the image output device 1, the information processing amount of the image supply device 2 hardly increases, and the information processing performance of the image supply device 2 is reduced. This system can be realized at a low cost.

1. Reference configuration example of image output system
In the reference configuration example 2 of the image output system, the image supply device 2 stores image data and a job specification file that specifies an image output job, and the image output device 1 acquires the job specification file, and stores the job specification file. On the basis of this information, control information relating to image output described in a markup language is generated.

In Reference Configuration Example 2, the image data and the job specification file are DPOF (Digital Prin
t Order Format) method. The DPOF standard is currently DPOF1.
The version is 10 but may be the next version or later proposed in the future. Further, another standard having the same effect may be used instead of DPOF.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a directory structure of the DPOF method. In the directory structure of the DPOF scheme, as a lower directory of the root, there are a directory DCIM which is higher than the image data file and a directory MISC which is higher than the job specification file. Below the directory DCIM, a vendor-specific directory (here, 100E
PSON), and an image data file (here, IMAGE01.JP)
G etc.). On the other hand, the directory MISC stores A
UTPRINT. There is MRK. DPOF job specification file AUTPRINT.
The MRK includes print job information, image source information, print setting information, and the like.

FIG. 12 shows a job specification file AUTPRINT. It is a figure showing an example of MRK. The AUTPRINT. The MRK contains three jobs,
For each job, the job ID (PRT PID) and print type (PRT TYP
), The number of copies (PRT QTY), the storage location of the image data (IMG SRC), and the format of the image data (IMG FMT).

The basic configurations of the image output device 1 and the image supply device 2 in Reference Configuration Example 2 are as follows.
This is the same as in Reference Example 1. However, the operations of the communication control unit 12 and the communication control unit 22 in the reference configuration example 2 are changed as described below.

Next, the operation of each device of the above system will be described. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an image output process at the DPS protocol level in Reference Example 2 of the image output system.
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an image output process at an image transfer protocol level in Reference Example 2 of the image output system.

First, for example, when a predetermined operation is performed on the operation unit 25, the image supply device 2 transmits an image output job start command to the image output device 1 via the communication path 3 (Step S21).

At that time, in the image supply device 2, the communication control unit 22 executes the image output job start command DPS.
Generate and transmit an XML script of _StartJob. Here, it is described that a job specification file is used in the XML script. That is, for example, in a script as shown in FIG. 9, a job specification file is specified by an imageID tag that specifies image data. The object ID of the job specification file is used for the specification.

The communication processing when transmitting the XML script of the image output job start command DPS_StartJob from the image supply apparatus 2 to the image output apparatus 1 is the same as that in step S1 in the first reference configuration example. Omitted.

Next, the image output device 1 interprets the acquired XML script (Step S22), and acquires a job specification file described in the XML script from the image supply device 2 (Step S23).

At that time, in the image output device 1, the communication control unit 12 uses the XML in accordance with the DPS protocol.
Object ID described in the script (corresponds to the object ID in PTP)
XML script file information acquisition command DPS_
Send GetFileInfo. The communication control unit 12 converts the DPS protocol file information acquisition command DPS_GetFileInfo into an image transfer protocol file information acquisition command GetObjectInfo, and transmits the converted file information acquisition command GetObjectInfo (step SS11).
. This command is transmitted to the image supply device 2 via the USB layer and the physical layer.

In the image supply device 2, the communication control unit 22 executes the command Ge according to the image transfer protocol.
Upon receiving the tObjectInfo, the file information of the file having the specified object ID is transmitted (step SS12). This file information is transmitted to the image output device 1 via the USB layer and the physical layer.

In the image output device 1, when the communication control unit 12 receives the file information according to the image transfer protocol, the communication control unit 12 describes the file information as an XML script and passes it to the DPS protocol layer.

Next, in the image output device 1, the communication control unit 12 specifies the job specification file by the object ID according to the DPS protocol and obtains the file acquisition command DP of the XML script.
Issues S_GetFile. The communication control unit 12 converts the file acquisition command DPS_GetFile of the DPS protocol into a file acquisition command Ge of the image transfer protocol.
The data is converted into tObject and transmitted (step SS13). This command is transmitted to the image supply device 2 via the USB layer and the physical layer.

In the image supply device 2, the communication control unit 22 executes the command Ge according to the image transfer protocol.
When the tObject is received, the file (job specification file) of the specified object ID is read and transmitted (step SS14). This file is transmitted to the image output device 1 via the USB layer and the physical layer.

In the image output device 1, when the communication control unit 12 receives the file according to the image transfer protocol, the communication control unit 12 also receives the file in the DPS protocol layer.

Here, the image output device 1 is the printer shown in FIGS.
In the case of the digital camera shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the job specification file is acquired by the DPS protocol processing function 52 and the communication control function 51 in the image output apparatus 1 and the communication control function 81 in the image supply apparatus 2. And a file system management function 83 is used.

Then, upon acquiring the job specification file, the communication control unit 12 of the image output device 1 interprets the job specification file (Step S24).

The communication control unit 12 of the image output device 1 acquires the image data specified in each job described in the job specification file from the image supply device 2 (Step S25).

At that time, first, the job specification file AUTPRINT. In the MRK, since the storage location of the image data file is described by a relative path, in the image output device 1, the communication control unit 12 specifies the path according to the DPS protocol in order to obtain the object ID of the image data. Then, a command DPS_GetObjectID for acquiring the object ID of the file at the path is generated as an XML script and transmitted.

FIG. 15 shows an object ID acquisition command DPS_G used in Reference Configuration Example 2.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of an XML script of etObjectID. In FIG.
The tObjectIDRequest tag is a tag indicating that the command is an object ID acquisition command. In FIG. 15, a basePathID tag and an imagePath tag are arranged below the getObjectIDRequest tag. baseP
The athID tag is a tag for specifying a directory serving as a basis for a relative path specified by the imagePath tag. The imagePath tag is a tag for specifying a file from which an object ID is to be obtained by a relative path from the directory specified by the basePathID tag.

The communication control unit 12 of the image output device 1 executes the command DPS_Get in the DPS protocol layer.
In response to the issuance of the ObjectID, the command SendOb is sent according to the image transfer protocol.
file information of jetInfo and XML script, and command SendObject
ct and the XML script are transmitted (steps SS21 to SS24). These commands, file information, and XML scripts are transmitted to the image supply device 2 via the USB layer and the physical layer.

In the image supply device 2, the communication control unit 22 receives the command, the file information, and the XML script according to the image transfer protocol, and uses the XML
The command DPS_GetObjectID, which is an L script, is received.

The communication control unit 22 of the image supply device 2 receives the received command D according to the DPS protocol.
The XML script of PS_GetObjectID is interpreted, and the command DPS_GetO is interpreted.
The object ID assigned to the file of the path specified by the objectID is specified, and an XML script indicating the object ID is generated and transmitted as a response to the command DPS_GetObjectID.

FIG. 16 shows an object ID acquisition command DPS_G used in Reference Configuration Example 2.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an XML script of a response of etObjectID. In FIG. 16, an opResult tag is a tag for designating a processing result code of an object ID acquisition command. The getObjectIDResponse tag is a tag for specifying a return value of a processing result of the object ID acquisition command. In FIG. 16, a basePathID tag is added below the getObjectIDResponse tag.
An imagePath tag and an imageID tag are arranged. basePathID
The tag and the imagePath tag are the same as those specified in the command.
The ageID tag is a tag for designating an object ID obtained as a result of processing a command.

The communication control unit 22 of the image supply device 2 executes the command DPS_Get in the DPS protocol layer.
In response to the response to the ObjectID, first, a file transfer request command RequestObjectTransfer is transmitted according to the image transfer protocol (step SS3).
1). This command is transmitted to the image output device 1 via the USB layer and the physical layer.

In the image output device 1, upon receiving the file transfer request command RequestObjectTransfer in accordance with the image transfer protocol, the communication control unit 12 transmits a command GetObjectInfo for inquiring about the attribute of the file to be transferred (step S).
S32). This command is transmitted to the image supply device 2 via the USB layer and the physical layer.

In the image supply device 2, the communication control unit 22 executes the command Ge according to the image transfer protocol.
Upon receiving the tObjectInfo, the file information of the XML script in response to the command DPS_GetObjectID is transmitted (step SS33). This file information is transmitted to the image output device 1 via the USB layer and the physical layer.

In the image output device 1, when the communication control unit 12 receives the file information according to the image transfer protocol, the communication control unit 12 specifies the XML script of the response and obtains the file acquisition command Get.
The object is transmitted (step SS34). This file information is transmitted to the image supply device 2 via the USB layer and the physical layer.

In the image supply device 2, the communication control unit 22 executes the command Ge according to the image transfer protocol.
When the tObject is received, the specified file (command DPS_GetObject) is received.
An XML script in response to the tID is transmitted (step SS35). This file is transmitted to the image output device 1 via the USB layer and the physical layer.

In the image output device 1, when the communication control unit 12 receives the file according to the image transfer protocol, it means that a response to the command DPS_GetObjectID has been received in the DPS protocol layer.

Thus, the image output device 1 acquires the object ID of the image data file specified in the job specification file.

Then, in the image output apparatus 1, the communication control unit 12 specifies the image data file with the obtained object ID according to the DPS protocol, and transmits a file information acquisition command DPS_GetFileInfo of the XML script.

FIG. 17 shows a file information acquisition command DPS_Get used in Reference Configuration Example 2.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an XML script of FileInfo. In FIG. 17, getF
The ileInfoRequest tag is a tag indicating a file information acquisition command. In FIG. 17, fi is placed below the getFileInfoRequest tag.
A leID tag is arranged. The fileID tag is a tag for designating the object ID of the file for which file information is to be obtained.

The communication control unit 12 of the image output apparatus 1 converts the file information acquisition command DPS_GetFileInfo of the DPS protocol into a file information acquisition command GetObjectInfo of the image transfer protocol, and transmits the converted command. This command is transmitted to the image supply device 2 via the USB layer and the physical layer.

In the image supply device 2, the communication control unit 22 executes the command Ge according to the image transfer protocol.
Upon receiving tObjectInfo, the file information of the file having the specified object ID is transmitted. This file information is transmitted to the image output device 1 via the USB layer and the physical layer.
Transmitted to

In the image output device 1, when the communication control unit 12 receives the file information according to the image transfer protocol, the communication control unit 12 describes the file information as an XML script and passes it to the DPS protocol layer.

FIG. 18 shows a file information acquisition command DPS_Get used in Reference Configuration Example 2.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of an XML script of a response of FileInfo. In FIG. 18, o
The pResult tag is a tag for specifying a processing result code of the object ID acquisition command. The getFileInfoResponse tag is a tag for designating the return value of the processing result of the file information acquisition command. In FIG. 18, get
Below the FileInfoResponse tag, a fileType tag and a file
A Size tag is arranged. The fileType tag is a tag for designating a file format in the file information. The fileSize tag is a tag for designating the file size in the file information. The file format is specified by a number assigned to each format in advance.

Next, in the image output device 1, the communication control unit 12 specifies the image data file with the obtained object ID and transmits the XML script file acquisition command DPS_GetFile according to the DPS protocol. The communication control unit 12 converts the file acquisition command DPS_GetFile of the DPS protocol into a file acquisition command GetObject of the image transfer protocol, and transmits the command. This command is transmitted to the image supply device 2 via the USB layer and the physical layer.

Instead of the file acquisition command DPS_GetFile for acquiring the entire file, a file part acquisition command DPS_GetPartial for acquiring a part of the file is used.
The file may be transmitted a plurality of times to acquire the entire file. This file part acquisition command DPS_GetPartialFile is converted into a command GetPartialObject of the image transfer protocol.

In the image supply device 2, the communication control unit 22 executes the command Ge according to the image transfer protocol.
Upon receiving the tObject, the file (image data file 31) of the specified object ID is read and transmitted. This file is transmitted to the image output device 1 via the USB layer and the physical layer.

In the image output device 1, when the communication control unit 12 receives the file according to the image transfer protocol, the communication control unit 12 also receives the file in the DPS protocol layer.

Here, the image output device 1 is the printer shown in FIGS.
5 is a digital camera shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the acquisition of this image data requires the DPS protocol processing function 52 and the communication control function 51 in the image output device 1 and the communication control function 81 and the communication control function 81 in the image supply device 2. The file system management function 83 is used.

Then, when acquiring the image data, the image output device 1 outputs an image based on the image data (Step S26). At that time, in the image output device 1, the output control unit 13 and the output mechanism 14 perform an image output process.

Here, when the image output apparatus 1 is the printer shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, an image processing function 53, a print data generation function 54, and a print control function 55 are used for image output processing.

As described above, in the reference configuration example 2, the job specification file stored in the image supply device 2 is transferred to the image output device 1, and the image output device 1 interprets the job specification file and executes the job. Further, as another embodiment, the image supply device 2 interprets the job designation file,
A job start command may be generated in accordance with the contents of the job specification file and transmitted to the image output device 1, and the image output device 1 may interpret the job start command and execute the job.

Note that the image output system according to Reference Configuration Example 2 can be combined with any of the other embodiments.

As described above, according to the above-described Reference Configuration Example 2, the image supply device 2 uses the job specification file (here, DPOF AUTPRINT.M) to specify the image data and the image output job.
RK file), the image output apparatus 1 acquires the job specification file, interprets the designated job, and controls the image output described in the markup language based on the information of the job specification file. Generate information. Thus, an existing job specification file such as the DPOF method can be used, and a complicated image output job can be easily executed.

Further, according to the above-described Reference Configuration Example 2, the image supply device 2 can specify one of one or a plurality of image data to be output and a job specification file in the image output job start command. When the image data is specified in the image output job start command, the image output device 1 acquires the image data from the image supply device 2 according to the image output job start command, and outputs the job designation file in the image output job start command. Is specified, the job specification file is obtained from the image supply device 2 in accordance with the image output job start command, and the image data specified in the job specification file is obtained from the image supply device 2. Thus, image data to be output can be specified for each image data or collectively in a job specification file, and image output jobs of various patterns can be performed.

2. Reference configuration example of image output system
Reference configuration example 3 of the image output system is a recovery when the image output system according to the reference configuration example 1 or the reference configuration example 2 recovers from a failure that cannot be autonomously restored (for example, a paper jam, a power supply cutoff, a communication path disconnection, and the like). The processing is performed.

In Reference Configuration Example 3 of the image output system, the image output apparatus 1 transmits restart information indicating a print target assigned to a predetermined position (first, last, etc.) in a page layout in print processing as image output to the image supply apparatus. 2 and, after the print processing is interrupted due to the failure, the print job start command for newly starting the print processing and the control information for specifying the first print target at the time of resumption are received from the image supply device 2. Restart print processing from the print target.
On the other hand, the image supply device 2 receives and stores the restart information, and when restarting the print processing, together with the print job start command for newly starting the print processing, the restart information stored last. The control information for designating the first print target at the time of restart is transmitted to the image output apparatus 1 based on the restart.

The basic configurations of the image output device 1 and the image supply device 2 in Reference Configuration Example 3 are as follows.
This is the same as the case of Reference Configuration Example 1, but the following functions are added.

  Next, the operation of each device in the above system will be described.

FIG. 19 is a state transition diagram of the image output device in the reference configuration example 3 of the image output system.

If there is no print job, the image output apparatus 1 has no job (ie, idle state).
When a print job is supplied from the image supply device 2, the printer shifts to a print state and performs print processing. Then, when the print job is completed and there is no subsequent print job, the image output apparatus 1 shifts to a no-job state. The management of this state is performed by the output control unit 13 of the image output device 1.

When a failure occurs in the printing state, the image output device 1 shifts to the hold state and interrupts the printing process. In the case of a failure that can be autonomously restored, when the failure disappears, the image output apparatus 1 returns to the printing state and restarts the interrupted print processing. On the other hand, in the case of an unrecoverable failure such as a paper jam or communication path disconnection, the image output apparatus 1 remains in the hold state until a reset command is issued. To the no-job state. If there is a remaining print job at that time or if a new print job occurs after that, the image output apparatus 1 shifts to the printing state.

Further, when the power of the image output apparatus 1 is cut off, the print job in the image output apparatus 1 disappears. Therefore, when the power is turned on thereafter, the image output apparatus 1 enters a no-job state.

Next, the recovery process will be described. The procedure of the recovery process can be any one of a plurality of types according to the type of the failure, as described below.

First, an example of a recovery process when a failure that cannot be autonomously recovered, such as a paper jam, a communication path disconnection, a normal disconnection of the power supply, or an abnormal disconnection of the power supply, will be described. FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a recovery process performed in the normal printing process of Reference Configuration Example 3 of the image output system. FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the recovery processing of Reference Example 3 of the image output system.

First, in the printing state, the image output apparatus 1 executes a printing process. At this time, when detecting the switching from a certain page to the next page (step S101), the image output device 1 outputs the job status information at the beginning of the switched page. The image is transmitted to the image supply device 2. That is, the image output apparatus 1 outputs the job ID (corresponding to the value of “PRT PID” of DPOF) of the print job specifying the image data to be used first in the page layout of the switched page, The data storage path (corresponding to the value of “IMG SRC” in DPOF) and the number of times of repeated supply (corresponding to the value of “PRT QTY” in DPOF) are indicated by the restart information (the job used in the recovery processing). The status information is transmitted to the image supply device 2 (step S102).
.

In the reference configuration example 3, when a page change occurs, the communication control unit 12 of the image output apparatus 1 generates an XML script of a job status notification command DPS_NotifyJobStatus for notifying job status information at that time according to the DPS protocol. And
Send. In the XML script of the command DPS_NotifyJobStatus,
The tags <prtPid> and </ prtPid> indicating the job ID surround the value of the job ID, and tags <imagePath> and </ imagePad indicating the path of the storage location of the image data.
th> encloses the value of the path of the storage location of the image data and a tag <co
pyId>, </ copyId> enclose the value of the number of times of repeated supply.

FIG. 22 shows a job status notification command DPS_Noti used in Reference Configuration Example 3.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an XML script of fyJobStatus. In FIG. 22, n
The “authorizeJobStatusRequest” tag is a tag indicating a job status notification command. In FIG. 22, notifyJobStatusRequests
Below the t tag, jStatus tag, prtPid tag, imagePath tag, c
An optId tag, a progress tag, and a jEndReason tag are arranged.

If a job specification file is used, the prtPid tag, imagePa
The value specified by the tag and the copyId tag includes the job specification file AUTPRINT. The value in the MRK is used, and the value of the job ID of the job being processed at that time, the path of the image data, and the number of times of repeated supply are set.

The jStatus tag is a tag for designating whether the job status is a print status, a no-job status, or a hold status. The progress tag is a tag for designating the total page number T in the job and the page number N being printed in the N / T format. The jEndReason tag is a tag for designating a value indicating the cause of the job termination, such as normal termination, termination by user operation, abnormal termination, and the like. When there is no job, a value is specified by the jEndReason tag.

In the script shown in FIG. 22, the job ID, the image path, and the number of times of repetitive supply are specified by the prtPid tag, the imagePath tag, and the copyId tag. However, if the job specification file is not used, the job start The image data specified by the imageID tag in the command and the number of repetitions of supply specified by the copies tag may be used in the job status notification command.

On the other hand, the image supply device 2 sends the job I from the image output device 1 every time the page is switched.
When receiving restart information such as D, the path of the storage location of the image data at the beginning of the page, and the number of times the image data is repeatedly supplied (step S111), these are stored and the image output device
The latest restart information notified from is held (step S112).

In Reference Configuration Example 3, the communication control unit 22 of the image supply device 2 receives the command DPS_NotifyJobStatus XML script for each page according to the DPS protocol, and from the XML script, stores the job ID and the image data storage location. The pass and the number of times of repeated supply of image data are extracted and stored.

In this way, the image supply device 2 determines, for each page where the printing process has been started, the job ID of the print job specifying the image data at the predetermined position (here, the first position) and the storage location of the image data. The restart information such as the pass and the number of times of repetitive supply of the image data is sequentially stored. Since the job ID, the path of the storage location of the image data, and the number of times of repetitive supply of the image data need only be the latest one, the older one may be deleted.

Then, in the printing state, when an unrecoverable failure such as a paper jam or a power-off operation occurs (step S121), the image output apparatus 1 shifts to a hold state and notifies the image supply apparatus 2 of the failure. (Step S122). Note that, when the power is normally shut down by the power-off operation, the image output device 1 performs this notification using the power of the battery or the capacitor.

In the reference configuration example 3, when a failure occurs, the communication control unit 12 of the image output device 1
Command DPS_NotifyDevice for notifying the status of the device according to the S protocol
Generate and send an eStatus XML script. Command DPS_Notify
In the XML script of DeviceStatus, the tag <error indicating the status of the failure
Status> and </ errorStatus> enclose a value indicating a fault state, and tags <reason> and </ reason> indicating a cause of the fault enclose a value indicating the cause of the fault.

FIG. 23 shows a device status notification command DPS_Not used in Reference Configuration Example 3.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an XML script of ifyDeviceStatus. In FIG. 23, a notifyDeviceStatusRequest tag is a tag indicating that the command is a device status notification command. In FIG. 23, notifyDeviceS
An errorStatus tag, a reason tag, a disconnectEnable tag, and a capabilityChange tag are arranged below the statusRequest tag.

The errorStatus tag is a tag for specifying a failure state such as no failure, a recoverable failure, and an unrecoverable failure. The reason tag is a tag for designating the cause of a failure such as no failure, paper-related failure, ink-related failure, hardware-related failure, and data-related failure. The disconnectEnable tag is a tag for specifying whether or not the connection can be released. The capabilityChange tag is a tag for designating whether or not the printing conditions permitted in the image output device 1 have been changed.

The image supply device 2 receives the notification of the failure occurrence from the image output device 1 (step S1).
31), and read out the latest resumption information (job ID, path of the storage location of the first image data of the page, number of times of repetitive supply of the image data, etc.) notified from the image output device 1 (step S132).

In the reference configuration example 3, the communication control unit 22 of the image supply device 2 receives the XML script of the command DPS_NotifyDeviceStatus according to the DPS protocol, and recognizes a failure state from the XML script.

Then, the image supply device 2 adds the latest restart information to the print job start command transmitted earlier at the start of the print job and transmits the command (step S133).

In the reference configuration example 3, the communication control unit 22 of the image supply device 2 sets the latest job ID, the path of the storage location of the first image data of the page, and the number of times of repeated supply of the image data according to the DPS protocol. Of the command DPS_StartJob.

FIG. 24 shows a print job start command DPS_S at the time of job restart in Reference Configuration Example 3.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an XML script of startJob. As shown in FIG. 24, in the print job start command DPS_StartJob at the time of job restart, the object ID (here, 00000002) of the job specification file is specified by the imageID tag, the job ID indicating the restart position, and the first image data of the page. The path of the storage location and the number of times that the image data is repeatedly supplied are represented by a prtPid tag, an imagePath tag, and a co
pie tags.

Upon receiving the print job start command (step S124), the image output apparatus 1 receives the print job start command.
A transmission request for the previously used job specification file specified in the print job start command is transmitted.

In the reference configuration example 3, the communication control unit 12 of the image output device 1 receives the job start command DPS_StartJob of the XML script according to the DPS protocol, specifies the job specification file, and issues the file acquisition command DPS_GetFile.

Then, the image supply device 2 transmits the job specification file in response to the job specification file transmission request (Step S134). The image output device 1 receives the job specification file (Step S125).

In the reference configuration example 3, the communication control unit 12 of the image output device 1 issues a file acquisition command DPS_GetFile in the DPS protocol, and acquires a job specification file from the image supply device 2.

The image output device 1 refers to the contents of the job specification file and determines the job ID specified by the print job start command, the path of the storage location of the image data at the beginning of the page, and the position corresponding to the number of times of repetitive supply of the image data. If found in the job specification file, the position is specified as the print job restart position (step S126).

Then, the image output device 1 restarts the print job from the restart position (step S127).
), And acquires image data from the image supply device 2 as necessary (steps S127 and S13).
5).

As a result, the print job interrupted by the occurrence of the failure is restarted after the reset command, and printing is restarted from the top of the page where the failure occurred. FIG. 25 is a diagram for explaining printing restart in Reference Configuration Example 3 of the image output system. For example, as shown in FIG.
Even if a failure occurs while printing the images 101b and 101d halfway after the printing of the print job 01c, the job designation file based on the job ID, the path, and the number of times of repetitive supply for the image 101a assigned at the beginning of the page. The print restart position is specified, and the print job is restarted. When a plurality of images are arranged on one page as shown in FIG. 25, the job ID or the like is stored for the image having the earliest appearance order in the print job, and printing is restarted from that image.

For example, when the job designation file shown in FIG.
01a assigned to IMAGE 01.01a. JPG, job ID “001”, path “./DCIM/100 EPSON / IMAGE01.JPG”, number of repetitions “002”
Is stored as restart information. When a failure occurs at the position shown in FIG.
Printing is restarted with the same layout from the first job in FIG.

When a page break occurs during the repeated supply of the print target, the image output device 1 changes the value of the number of repeated supply notified to the image supply device 2 to the remaining number of repeated supply. Notify the value. Thus, in the image supply device 2, when a page break occurs during the repeated supply of the printing target, the stored number of repeated supply is changed to the remaining number of repeated supply. In this case, the job resuming position is detected based on the job ID and the file path, or the number of times of repetitive supply in the job specification file to be transmitted to the image output apparatus 1 is similarly changed.

Next, an example of a recovery process when the communication path 3 is disconnected and the power supply of the image output apparatus 1 is abnormally disconnected will be described. FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the recovery processing of Reference Example 3 of the image output system. Note that the processing during the normal operation in this case is the same as the above-described case (FIG. 20).

First, when disconnection of the communication path 3 or abnormal disconnection of the power supply of the image output apparatus 1 occurs (Step S).
141), since the communication connection between the image output device 1 and the image supply device 2 is disconnected, the image supply device 2 detects the disconnection of the communication connection (for example, USB connection) (step S151).

Thereafter, when the communication path 3 and the power supply are restored, the image output device 1 is reset or restarted (step S123). When the communication connection is established via the communication path 3, the image supply device 2 detects that the connection with the image output device 1 has been restored (step S152).
).

When the connection is restored, the image supply device 2 transmits the restart information together with the print job start command to the image output device 1 as described above, and the image output device 1 restarts the print job accordingly.

In the example of the recovery processing described above, the image output apparatus 1 transmits the restart information to the image supply apparatus 2 for each page. However, instead, the image output apparatus 1 generates a failure such as a paper jam. When it is detected, the restart information may be automatically transmitted to the image supply device 2.
Next, the case will be described.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating still another example of the recovery processing of Reference Example 3 of the image output system. In this case, the processing during normal operation as in the above-described case (FIG. 20) is not particularly necessary, and when a failure occurs, the restart information is transmitted from the image output device 1 to the image supply device 2.

In the case of this recovery processing, as shown in FIG. 27, when a failure occurs, the image output device 1 notifies the occurrence of the failure (step S122), and transmits restart information to the image supply device 2 (step S161).

The image supply device 2 receives the notification of the occurrence of the failure (step S131), receives the restart information (step S171), holds the information (step S172), and stores the information (step S172).
Waits until is restored (step S173).

When the image output device 1 is restored by resetting or restarting (step S123), the image supply device 2 detects the restoration of the image output device 1 and transmits restart information together with a print job start command to the image output device 1 (step S123). S174). The image output device 1 restarts the print job as described above based on the print job start command and the restart information.

Note that Reference Configuration Example 3 of the image output system can be combined with any of the other embodiments.

Further, in the reference configuration example 3, the job ID, the pass, and the number of times of repetitive supply are used as the information indicating the print restart position. However, if the print restart position can be accurately specified, one of the three is used. Or just two. Further, other job status information may be used for the restart information.

Further, in the reference configuration example 3, the job status information on the first image data of the page layout of the page after the page break is used as the restart information, but the job state information on the last image data of the page layout of the page before the page break is used. The job status information may be used for the restart information. In that case, the print job is restarted from the position following the position matching the restart information in the series of print jobs.

As described above, according to the reference configuration example 3, the image output apparatus 1 transmits the restart information indicating the print target assigned to the predetermined position (here, the head) in the page layout in the print processing as the image output. After the print job is transmitted to the image supply device 2 and the printing process is stopped due to a failure, the print job start command is received from the image supply device 2 together with control information for specifying the first print target at the time of resumption. Resume processing. On the other hand, the image supply device 2 receives and stores the resumption information, and when resuming the printing process, specifies the first print target at the time of resumption based on the latest resumption information together with the print job start command. Control information to be transmitted to the image output apparatus 1. Thus, even if the image output apparatus 1 is reset and the job information is lost, the print processing can be accurately resumed after the restoration.

Further, according to the reference configuration example 3, as an example, the image output device 1 transmits the restart information to the image supply device 2 only when a failure is detected. As a result, it is not necessary to frequently send and receive the restart information for restoration, so that the printing process can be accurately restarted after the restoration without increasing the processing in the normal operation.

Further, according to the reference configuration example 3, as an example, the image output apparatus 1 outputs the
The restart information is transmitted to the image supply device 2. As a result, even when the restart information cannot be transmitted when a failure occurs, the print processing can be accurately restarted after the recovery.

Further, according to the reference configuration example 3, the restart information includes the job ID of the print job for the print target assigned to the predetermined position in the page layout and the information indicating the storage location of the print target in the image supply device 2. , And at least one of the number of times of repetitive supply of the print target. As a result, the print restart position can be accurately specified after restoration.

Further, according to the above-described Reference Configuration Example 3, the image supply device 2 uses the repetition supply number of the print target at least in the resumption information, and if a page break occurs during the repetitive supply of the print target, Change the number of times of supply to the remaining number of times of repeated supply. As a result, even when the number of times of repetitive supply is set to a plurality, the printing process can be accurately resumed after restoration.

Further, according to the reference configuration example 3, when the image output device 1 detects a failure, the image output device 1 notifies the image supply device 2 of the detection, and then stops the printing process. On the other hand, when the image supply device 2 receives the reset command, the image supply device 2 transmits restart information to the image output device 1 together with the print job command. As a result, printing is resumed in response to the reset command after the restoration is surely performed, and the printing process can be accurately resumed after the restoration.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
In the image output system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in the DPS protocol, an extension tag for adding an extended function after being defined is used when generating and transmitting / receiving control information. Note that the configuration and other operations of the image output system according to Embodiment 1 may be the same as any of the above-described reference configuration examples 1 to 3 of the image output system.
The description is omitted.

The image supply device 2 and the image output device 1 specify the use of the extended function in a state where an existing tag expressing the function is left as it is when the function in the DPS protocol is extended. Is generated, and control information that is an XML script is generated according to the XML syntax.

At this time, the image supply device 2 and the image output device 1 insert an extension tag at a lower nest level than an existing tag representing the function, or use an existing tag for specifying image data to be processed by the function. Insert an extension tag in association with. For example, the extension tag is inserted immediately before, immediately after, or inside an element including an existing tag that specifies image data.

More specifically, for example, in the image output apparatus 1 as a printer, the CPU 41 operates according to a predetermined control program stored in a recording medium such as a ROM 42,
When a predetermined function in the S protocol is extended, an existing tag expressing the function is left in the XML script, and an extension tag corresponding to the extension is inserted to generate a script. As described above, when the CPU 41 operates according to the predetermined control program, the XML
A script generation function 62 is realized, and the XML script generation function 62 realizes a first script generation unit.

Further, for example, in the image supply device 2 as a digital camera, the CPU 71 operates according to a predetermined control program stored in a recording medium such as the ROM 72 to
When a predetermined function in the protocol is extended, a script is generated by inserting an extension tag corresponding to the extension while leaving an existing tag expressing the function in the XML script. As described above, the XML script generation function 92 is realized by the CPU 71 operating according to the predetermined control program, and the XML script generation function 92 realizes a second script generation unit.

In the first embodiment, an extension tag for specifying the use of vendor-specific image processing is used as an extension tag for adding an extension function after the regulation. Examples of such image processing include an APF (auto photo fine) function, a PIM (print image matching) function, and an Exif printing function.
The Exif printing function is as follows. Exif file standard files include shooting information (exposure information, aperture information, G information) in addition to the original image data converted to the JPEG format.
This is a function for printing by performing image processing based on this shooting information.

In the first embodiment, as an example, image processing for an image to be output is described as PI
A case in which the function is extended to the M function will be described.

  First, the PIM function will be described.

In the PIM function, for an image photographed by a photographing device such as a digital camera, the image data and output control data for controlling an image output device such as a color printer at the time of image output are associated with one image. Recorded as a file. The output control data includes a print control command, image processing control data that is a parameter used in image processing, and the like. When an image output device such as a color printer is supplied with an image file having image data and output control data, it performs image processing on the image data based on the output control data, An image is output (printed) based on the image.

The values of the parameters included in the image processing control data are set according to the shooting scene. FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating an example of parameters and values of image processing control data used in the PIM function. In FIG. 28, presets of parameters corresponding to 11 types of shooting scenes are prepared in advance. These presets include seven parameters of “contrast”, “brightness”, “color balance”, “saturation”, “sharpness”, “memory color”, and “noise removal”. Note that these presets are prepared by the vendor of the digital camera. In addition, the user can set and register a desired parameter set. In addition, in addition to the image processing control data described above, the image file includes, as output control data, a gamma value of the digital camera, a target color space, an exposure time set at the time of shooting, a white balance, an aperture, a shutter speed, It also includes shooting conditions such as the focal length of the lens.

FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image file. The image file shown in FIG. 29 has a file structure according to the digital camera image file format standard (Exif). The specification of the Exif file is defined by the Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association (JEITA).

This image file has an image data storage area 101 for storing image data and an auxiliary information storage area 102 for storing various auxiliary information related to the stored image data. Image data is stored in the image data storage area 101 in the JPEG format. In the attached information storage area 102, attached information including a maker note 103 is stored in, for example, a TIFF format.
The maker note 103 is stored in an undefined area open to the maker of the digital camera. In the first embodiment, the image processing control data is stored as the maker note 103. In the Exif format file, a tag is used to specify each data, and the maker note 103 includes a tag (MakerNote) having a tag name “MakerNote”.
erNote tag) is assigned.

In the first embodiment, the image file is in the Exif format. However, the file format is not limited to this, and may have a structure that can integrally include image data and image processing control data. Any one may be used.

The maker note 103 includes print matching data to be described later, and the print matching data corresponds to image processing control data. The image processing control data includes a tag (PrintMatching tag) having a tag name “PrintMatching”.
Is assigned.

FIG. 30 is a diagram showing the data structure of the maker note 103 in the image file. FIG. 31 is a diagram showing a data structure of print matching data defined in the maker note 103 shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 30, the storage area of each data in the maker note 103 is the maker note 1
03 is specified by an offset value from the top address of the data storage area. The maker note 103 includes a maker name (6 bytes), a spare area (2 bytes), the number of local tag entries (2 bytes), and each local tag (12 bytes each) at the top address. Note that an end code “0x00” indicating a character end sequence is added after the manufacturer name.

The data structure of the print matching data in FIG. 30 is as shown in FIG. 31. In the print matching data, a print matching identifier indicating that a print matching parameter is stored is set in the print matching data. A parameter setting number n indicating the number of parameters, a parameter number previously assigned to the parameter to be set, a parameter setting value to be set to the parameter to be set, and the like are included. Note that the parameter number is, for example, 2-byte information, and the parameter setting value is 4-byte information. On the image output device side, the values of the parameters set by the print matching data are acquired as image processing control data.

  Thus, an image file related to the PIM function is configured.

Next, generation of an XML script, which is control information, when image output is performed using the PIM function in the image output system according to the first embodiment will be described.

In the first embodiment, for example, when the image supply device 2 is a photographing device such as a digital camera having a PIM function, the recording medium 24 of the image supply device 2 includes the image data and the output control data. Is recorded.

In the first embodiment, when the image supply device 2 causes the image output device 1 to perform image output such as printing using the PIM function, the image output job start command DPS_Start
In Job, an imageOptimize2 tag, which is an extension tag for designating image output using the PIM function, is inserted into the lower nest level of the imageOptimize tag, which is an existing tag for image optimization, and XML is control information. Generate a script. Note that the name of the extension tag is not limited to imageOptimize2, but is freely defined by each vendor.

FIG. 32 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image output job start command DPS_StartJob generated by the image supply device 2 in the image output system according to the first embodiment. In the image output job start command DPS_StartJob generated by the image supply device 2 in the image output system according to the first embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 32, an element “<imageOptimize >> 0 including an existing tag“ imageOptimize ”tag is used.
7000000 <// imageOptimize >>, the image that is an extension tag “image”
An element including an Optimize2 tag “<imageOptimize2> 0800000
0 </ imageoptimize2> ”is provided. And ima which is an extension tag
Whether or not to execute the image output using the PIM function is set by a value (here, “080000”) designated by the “geOptimize” tag. In this case, the object ID specified by the imageID tag is the object ID of the above-described image file including the output control data.

Then, the image output job start command DPS_StartJ thus generated is generated.
Ob is transmitted from the image supply device 2 to the image output device 1 via the communication path 3.

If the image output device 1 supplied with the image output job start command DPS_StartJob is a model that supports image output using this PIM function, the image output device 1
Recognizes that the imageOptimize2 tag is a tag for specifying image output using the PIM function, and performs image output (for example, printing) using the PIM function based on the value specified by the tag. It is determined whether or not. If it is determined that the image output using the PIM function is performed, the image output device 1 performs image processing on the image data in the image file based on the output control data of the image file acquired from the image supply device 2. Is executed, and an image is output (for example, printed) based on the image data after the image processing.

On the other hand, if the image output apparatus 1 to which the image output job start command DPS_StartJob is supplied is not a model that supports image output using the PIM function, the image output apparatus 1 does not define the imageOptimize2 tag, which is an extended tag. The device 1 recognizes the imageOptimize2 tag, which is an extension tag, as an undefined tag, and
In accordance with the rules of ML, an element including the tag is ignored, and an image is output (for example, printed) based on the image data. At this time, the image output device 1 uses the existing tag “imageOptimize”.
Based on the value specified by the e tag, it is determined whether or not to perform image optimization. If it is determined to perform image optimization, predetermined image processing is performed on image data in the image file, An image may be output based on the image data after the image processing.

In the example of the image output job start command DPS_StartJob shown in FIG. 32, the extension tag is arranged immediately below the existing tag. However, an element including the extension tag may be arranged for each image file. FIG. 33 illustrates an image output job start command DPS_Start generated by the image supply device 2 in the image output system according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating another example of Job. For example, as shown in FIG.
An element including an eOptimize tag "<imageOptimize >> 0700000
</ ImageOptimize >>, imageID that specifies an image file
In association with the element including the tag, the element “<imageOptimize2> 08800000000 <// imageOptimize> including the imageOptimize2 tag which is an extension tag
ze2> ”may be provided. Also in that case, the image tag that is the extension tag
With the value specified by the imize2 tag (here, “0800000000”), the PIM
Whether or not to specify the image output using the function is set. The object ID specified by the imageID tag is the object ID of the above-described image file including the output control data.

In the first embodiment, it is determined whether to use the extended function according to the value specified by the extended tag. However, the use of the extended function only by the extended tag without specifying such a value is determined. You may make it set. That is, in this case, if the extension tag is inserted, the extension function is executed.

Further, in the first embodiment, whether or not the extended function of the image processing is performed based on the output control data in the image file is set by the extension tag, and the image processing control data in the image file is used in the image processing. However, the value of the parameter in the output control data may be directly set by the extension tag.

In the first embodiment, when a certain function in the DPS protocol is extended, the image supply device 2 and the image output device 1 use the existing function that expresses the function in an XML script that configures control information according to an XML syntax. The control information may be generated by arranging the extension tag before the tag. In this case, when interpreting the script, the extension tag is interpreted first, so that the function of the existing tag can be easily invalidated.

Further, in the first embodiment, the image processing is performed based on the output control data in the image file. Instead, or in addition, the image supply device 2 transmits the image processing parameters and the like using the extension tag. When the image processing is designated by the extension tag, the image output device 1 performs the image processing designated by the extension tag of the predetermined image processing on the image data, and the image data after the image processing is designated. An image may be output based on the image.

Note that the transmission and reception of commands in the first embodiment are described in the above-described Reference Configuration Examples 1 to 3.
Therefore, the description is omitted.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, the image output device 1 and the image supply device 2
When a series of scripts in which control information relating to image output is described in a markup language based on an image output control protocol is generated and a predetermined function in the image output control protocol is extended, the function is expressed in the script. A script is generated by inserting an extension tag corresponding to the extension while leaving the existing tag to be transmitted, and the generated script is transmitted / received to / from a communication partner via the communication path 3.

This makes it possible to easily add a function after defining the protocol while maintaining compatibility with a plurality of vendors by using the features of the markup language.

Further, according to the first embodiment, the image output device 1 and the image supply device 2 generate a script by inserting an extension tag at a lower nest level than an existing tag in the script.

As a result, the tag of the extended function is placed below the tag of the existing function (that is, between the start tag and the end tag), so that it is easy to determine whether the extended function is set for a certain function. Can be determined.

Further, according to the first embodiment, the image output device 1 and the image supply device 2 generate the script by inserting the extension tag in association with the image data to be processed by the function extended in the script.

  Thus, use / non-use of the extended function can be switched for each image.

Further, according to the first embodiment, as a markup language for describing control information, XML or the like that can additionally define a document type is used.

  This makes it possible to easily add functions after the protocol is defined.

Further, according to the first embodiment, the image output device 1 and the image supply device 2 transmit, as control information related to image output, a control command in an image output process, a response to the control command, and a notification of a device state. , Sent and received as a series of scripts described in a markup language.

This allows control commands, their responses,
It is possible to easily add a function after the protocol is defined, while maintaining compatibility with a plurality of vendors for device status notification and the like.

Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the image output device 1 and the image supply device 2 do not include image data to be output as a series of scripts described in a markup language, and perform control related to image output. Send and receive scripts containing information only.

As a result, without changing the format of the data to be output from the existing data,
Control information in a markup language can be transmitted and received independently of data to be output.

Further, according to the first embodiment, a tag for designating vendor-specific image processing is used as an extension tag.

As a result, image processing having various characteristics for each vendor can be specified at the time of image output.

Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, when the image processing is designated by the extension tag, the image output device 1 performs the processing on the image data based on the image processing control data recorded in the file of the image data. Image processing, and outputs an image based on the image data after the image processing.

This makes it possible to easily add a function of image processing using an image file having image data and image processing control data.

Further, according to the first embodiment, when the image processing is specified by the expansion tag, the image output device 1 performs the image processing specified by the expansion tag of the predetermined image processing on the image data. It is also possible to output an image based on the processed image data.

In this case, it is possible to easily add a function of selecting any of the prepared image processing and applying the selected image processing to the image data.

Embodiment 2 FIG.
The image output system according to the second embodiment of the present invention uses, in the DPS protocol, an extension tag for adding an extension function after being defined in the generation and transmission / reception of control information, as in the first embodiment. It is like that. In the second embodiment, an extension tag for adding a function of frame insertion printing for printing by combining a frame image and an image of image data as an extension function after defining an image output control protocol is used.

Note that the configuration and other operations of the image output system according to the second embodiment may be the same as any of the above-described reference configuration examples 1 to 3 of the image output system or the first embodiment. Omitted.

Here, a frame insertion printing function (hereinafter, referred to as a PIF function) will be described. In addition,
Hereinafter, printing using the PIF function is referred to as PIF printing.

FIG. 34 is a diagram illustrating the concept of the PIF function. FIG. 35 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print image in the case of PIF printing. When the PIF function is used, for example, as shown in FIG. 34, a plurality of images 121, 122, and 123 are printed in the same image area in a superimposed state. In that case, for example, one image 123 of those images 121, 122, 123 is
This is a frame image, and the frame image data describes information about a transparent area in which another image 122 is displayed (for example, the position of the area, the transparency, and the like). And FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5, the image data of the background image 121, the image data of the image 122 to be printed, and the data of the image 123 which is a frame image are combined to generate image data of one image 131. Then, the combined image 131 is printed based on the image data.

The layout of the target image, background image and frame image in the case of PIF printing is as follows.
Defined in the layout definition file. FIG. 36 is a diagram illustrating an example of the layout definition file. As shown in FIG. 36, the layout definition file includes header information (a part starting with a heading [HEADER]) and page information (a part starting with a heading [PAGE]).
Is described.

The header information includes information on the layout definition file. For example, the header information includes a variable "HdKeyWord", a variable "HdDirection", a variable "HdSound", and a variable "HdSound".
HdThumbnail ", a variable" HdPhysicalPaperSize ", a variable" HdMargines ", and the like.

The variable “HdKeyWord” is a variable having a specific or user-desired keyword related to the page layout as a value. For example, in FIG. 36, "Christmas" and "Greeting" are used. The keyword is not limited to single-byte alphanumeric characters, but may be a character having a desired character code. The layout definition file is searched based on the keyword by “HdKeyWord”.

The variable “HdDirection” is a variable having the display direction information of the page layout as a value. The display direction is the orientation of the page layout when displayed on the viewfinder or display screen of the digital camera or printed, for example, portrait or landscape.

The variable “HdSound” is a variable having sound file information, that is, a pointer to a sound file associated with the layout definition file as a value. The variable "HdSo
The value of “und” is, for example, the file name of the sound file (for example, “GS
OUND.PCM ") and a relative path name (for example," \ EPUDL \ "as shown in FIG. 36). Absolute path names may be used instead of relative path names. Hereinafter, the expression method of the file pointer can be the same as in this case. As described above, a sound file can be associated with the layout definition file. For example, when the layout definition file is externally output, the sound file may be output.
The sound file is played at a predetermined time. For example, when a page layout described in the layout definition file is displayed on a viewfinder or display unit of a digital camera, a display unit of a printer, or the like, or when a page design including the page layout is printed. The sound etc. recorded in the sound file is automatically reproduced.

The variable “HdThumbnail” is a variable having, as a value, thumbnail information, that is, a pointer to an image data file of a thumbnail image of a page layout. Note that this thumbnail image is created using a specific device (a personal computer, a mobile phone, a digital camera, a printer, or the like). Note that a list of a plurality of page layouts in which thumbnail images are arranged may be displayed or printed according to a user operation.

The variable “HdPhysicalPaperSize” is a variable having a physical page size information, that is, a value having a paper size that completely matches the size of the page layout when the page layout is printed.

The variable “HdMargines” is a variable having, as a value, print margin information, that is, information indicating how much margin is left on a print sheet to print a page layout. For example, as shown in FIG. 36, when the value of the variable “HdMargines” is “3, 3, 3, 3”, printing is performed so that a margin of 3 mm is created at the upper, lower, left, and right edges of a rectangular sheet. Be done. Note that the numerical value of the print margin is not limited to a positive value, and may be zero or a negative value. In such a case, printing is performed without forming any blank space.

The page information in the layout definition file includes information on page layout attributes. For example, the page information includes the function “Draw Picture” and the function “Draw Strings
, And the function "Draw Line".

The function “Draw Picture” is a function for drawing an image by using information on the image area and the like as arguments.

The first argument of the function “Draw Picture” is an image file pointer that associates a target image file applied to the image area. The value of the image file pointer of the first argument is
If the target image is determined at the time of generating the layout definition file, the file pointer is used as the file pointer of the target image. If the target image is not determined at the time of generating the layout definition file, it is set to NULL (empty). When the background image 121 applied to the image area of the page layout is determined in advance, the file pointer of the image is described as the first argument. The type of image to be applied may be identified by the extension of the file name. For example, in the case of a background image, the extension may be “EFF”. If the target image is not determined when the layout definition file is generated, the target image is specified in a print job start command or the like.

The second argument of the function “Draw Picture” is the photo ID of the image area. The value of the photo ID is an integer of 1 or more when the image to be applied has not been determined, and is zero when the image to be applied has been determined.

The third to sixth arguments of the function “Draw Picture” are XY coordinate values of two diagonal points indicating the outline of the rectangular image area. Note that the outer shape of the image area is not limited to a square, but may be a polygon, a perfect circle, an ellipse, or the like. The method of indicating the outer shape of the image area is not limited to a method of describing coordinates. It may be a function expression.

The seventh argument of the function “Draw Picture” is rotation degree information indicating the degree of rotating the image applied to the image area. The rotation degree information can be set in a predetermined range (for example, 0 to 360 degrees).

The eighth argument of the function “Draw Picture” is a numerical value specifying a fitting rule to be applied to the image. As the fitting rule, for example, a rule that the image is applied as it is regardless of whether a blank space is generated in the image area, or an image is formed so that the user's desired range is displayed while maintaining the user's desired aspect ratio. There are rules, such as applying without generating a margin in an area.

The ninth argument of the function “Draw Picture” is a numerical value that specifies a positioning rule that determines a position where an image is arranged in the image area. Examples of the alignment rule include upper left alignment (a method of aligning the upper left vertex of the image with the upper left vertex of the image area) and center alignment (a method of aligning the center of the image with the center of the image area).

The function “Draw Strings” in the page information is a function for drawing a decorative part such as a character or a figure specified by the argument at a position specified by the argument. The structure of the function "Draw Strings" differs depending on what decorative component is applied to the page layout.

The first argument of the function “Draw Strings” is a pointer to an image file used for applying a decorative part. The second argument of the function “Draw Strings” is the photo ID of the image area.

The third argument of the function “Draw Strings” is first decorative component information indicating the content of the decorative component. In FIG. 36, the second argument is “% G,% d,% y”. This value “% G,% d,% y” represents a character string indicating the shooting date of the image in the image file described as the use image information. Note that a character string desired by the user may be described instead of the character string indicating the shooting date.

The fourth to seventh arguments of the function “Draw Strings” are decorative component application position information indicating the position where the decorative component specified by the first decorative component information is arranged. In FIG. 36, the fourth
From the argument to the seventh argument, use the same format as the specification of the image area outline, and use “100, 200, 200, 300
"It is.

The eighth to twelfth arguments of the function “Draw Strings” are second decorative component information indicating attributes of the decorative component to be applied. In FIG. 36, from the eighth argument to the twelfth argument, ““ Minc
ho ”, 0, 128, 128, 128”. In FIG. 36, the attributes described from the eighth argument to the twelfth argument are the attributes of the characters representing the shooting date inserted in the decorative component application position described above. Here, it is indicated that a character string representing a shooting date is described in a Mincho font, a size of 8 points, each color of RGB having a value of 128, and the like.

The function “Draw Line” in the page information is a function for drawing a line applied to the page layout. The function “Draw Line” takes eight arguments, the first and second arguments are the start coordinates of the line, and the third and fourth arguments are the peripheral coordinates of the line. The fifth to eighth arguments are attribute information (line thickness and RGB values) of the line to be drawn. In FIG. 36, the fifth to eighth arguments are set to “5, 255, 0, 0”, the line thickness is set to 5 points, the R value of the line color is 255, and the G value is 0 and B value are set to 0.

When PIF printing is performed, the above-described layout definition file is specified in a print job start command, and a plurality of images 121, 122, and 123 are synthesized by an image output device such as a printer with a layout based on the layout definition file. The combined image is printed.

Next, a series of processes including generation of an XML script as control information when performing the PIF printing in the image output system according to the second embodiment will be described.

First, in the image supply device 2 as a digital camera, the CPU 71 performs the following operation according to a predetermined control program. The CPU 71 interprets the layout definition file stored in the recording medium 24 or the like according to a user operation or the like, generates a page layout based on the interpretation result, and displays the page layout on the display device 26. I do.

Thereafter, when a photographing operation is performed on the operation unit 25 while the page layout is displayed on the finder or the display device 26, the photographing device 74 stores an image obtained from the field of view of the camera at that time as image data. Then, the CPU 71 converts the image data obtained by the photographing device 74 into an image file of a predetermined format (for example, a JPEG format) and stores the image file in the memory 75.

Next, the CPU 71 selects the image data of the photographed image as the image to be inserted into the image area (that is, the target image area) in the displayed page layout. And
The CPU 71 generates a print job start command DPS_StartJob for executing PIF printing corresponding to the layout definition file of the currently displayed page layout and the image data file of the captured image.

FIG. 37 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print job start command DPS_StartJob generated by the image supply device 2 in the image output system according to the second embodiment.

In the print job start command DPS_StartJob for PIF printing, for example, FIG.
As shown in the figure, a background image 121 is generated by a paperSizeLink tag which is an extension tag.
The object ID of the image data file is specified, and the layout tag
The nk tag specifies the object ID of the layout definition file, and the extension tag imageLink specifies the frame image data file (file with the extension EFF). Note that the object ID of the target image (image 122) is specified by an imageID tag which is an existing tag.

Upon receiving the print job start command DPS_StartJob, the image output device 1 acquires image data and a layout definition file for the background image 121, the target image 122, and the frame image 123 from the image supply device 2, and acquires the layout definition file. The image data after synthesis is generated in accordance with the page layout described in (1) and printed based on the image data.

Note that transmission and reception of commands according to the second embodiment are described in reference configuration examples 1 to 3 described above.
Alternatively, since it can be similar to Embodiment 1, the description thereof is omitted.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, a tag that specifies frame insertion printing for printing by combining a frame image and an image of image data can be used as an extension tag.
A function to perform unique frame insertion printing can be easily added.

Embodiment 3 FIG.
The image output system according to the third embodiment of the present invention has the same DPS as in the first and second embodiments.
In the protocol, an extension tag for adding an extension function after the regulation is provided, and is used when generating and transmitting / receiving control information including the extension function. Embodiment 3
Other configurations and operations of the image output system according to the third embodiment are the same as those in any of the above embodiments, and thus description thereof will be omitted.

In the third embodiment, the image output apparatus 1 can print on paper sizes (A4, B5, B4, etc.) and paper types (plain paper, photo print paper, etc.) prepared by a vendor or a third party for each paper size. ) Is stored in advance in, for example, the ROM 43, and the like.
Examine the size and paper type of the printing paper specified in the control information related to image output, and if there is no paper of the specified paper type with the specified size, use the extended tag to provide control information indicating that. The control information is transmitted to the image supply device 2.

For example, in the print job start command DPS_StartJob, the image supply device 2 specifies a paper size and a paper type by using a paperSize tag that specifies a paper size and a paperType tag that specifies a paper type, as expansion tags. A print job start command DPS_StartJob is transmitted to the image output device 1.

When receiving the print job start command DPS_StartJob, the image output apparatus 1 receives the print job start command DPS_StartJob and sets the paper size and paper specified by the paperSize tag.
The paper type specified by the Type tag is specified, and information on the correspondence between the paper size and the paper type stored in advance is referred to, and whether or not the specified paper type exists for the specified paper size Is determined.

If the specified paper type exists for the specified paper size, the image output apparatus 1 attempts to start a print job in accordance with the print job start command DPS_StartJob.

On the other hand, if the specified paper type does not exist for the specified paper size, the image output device 1 generates an XML script including an extension tag indicating an error notification as control information, and transmits the control result to the image supply device 2. . If the image supply device 2 receives the control information of a model that can support the extended tag of the error notification, the image supply device 2 detects a setting error of the paper type or the paper size and notifies the user, for example.

As described above, according to the third embodiment, the image output apparatus 1 checks the size and the paper type of the printing paper specified by the control information, and determines that the paper of the paper type specified by the specified size is used. If not present, control information indicating this is generated using the extension tag, and the control information is transmitted to the image supply device 2. This allows the specified paper type (plain paper, matte,
If printing paper of the specified paper size is not prepared by vendors or third parties (that is, it is not manufactured and sold), printing may not be performed accidentally. it can.

Embodiment 4 FIG.
The image output system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is different from the image output system according to the other embodiments in that the image output device 1 controls the image output processing flow instead of controlling the image output processing flow. The processing flow is controlled. That is, the image supply device 2 manages the progress of the image output process in response to the operation of the operation unit 25 or the notification of the state of the image output device 1, and transmits information and image data necessary for the image output process to the image supply device 2. Supply as appropriate.

For this reason, in the fourth embodiment, the central control unit 23 functions as an image output control unit that controls a processing flow of image output, and the communication control unit 22 of the image supply device 2 controls the image output device 1 according to the DPS protocol. Is transmitted, and the communication control unit 12 of the image output apparatus 1 transmits an XML script indicating the state of the image output apparatus 1 as a response to the command. Such a command is issued from the communication control unit 22 as needed, and the central control unit 23 of the image supply device 2 monitors the state of the image output device 1 via the communication control unit 22.

In the fourth embodiment, the central control unit 23 transmits the DPOF AUTPRINT. It interprets a job specification file such as MRK, executes an image output job according to the contents of the job specification file, and transmits layout information, image output target data, and the like to the image output apparatus 1. When receiving the layout information, the data to be output, and the like, the image output device 1 performs an image output process based on the layout information and the data to be output.

Note that the basic configuration of the image output system according to the fourth embodiment is the same as in the above-described embodiment, and the processing flow at the time of image output is also the same. That is, Embodiment 4
In the image output system according to (1), the image supply device 2 is the control entity of the processing flow.
In other words, the first embodiment having any one of Reference Configuration Examples 1 to 3 as a basic configuration.
The image output systems of (1) to (3) are pull-type systems in which the image output device 1 that receives image data controls the processing flow. The image output system of the fourth embodiment is an image supply device that supplies image data. Reference numeral 2 denotes a push-type system that controls the processing flow.

Further, in the image output system according to the fourth embodiment, in response to an operation on the operation unit 15 of the image output device 1, information on the operation is transmitted to the image supply device 2, and the image output process is started. Good. In this case, when a predetermined operation is performed on the operation unit 15, the communication control unit 12 of the image output device 1 transmits an image output job start command to the image supply device 2 as control information. The central control unit 23 of the image supply device 2 includes a communication control unit 22 and a control circuit 21.
When the image output job start command is received, the image output process is started according to the image output job start command, and various control commands are transmitted to the image output apparatus 1.

As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the central control unit 23 of the image supply device 2 controls the processing flow of image output. Thus, the present system can be realized even if the information processing performance of the image output device 1 is low.

Furthermore, according to the fourth embodiment, in response to an operation on the operation unit of the image output device 1,
When the information of the operation is transmitted to the image supply device 2 and the image output process is started, the image can be output by operating the operation unit 15 of the image output device 1 by the user. When the device 1 has the user-friendly operation unit 15, the operability is improved by the operation unit 15.

Embodiment 5 FIG.
The image output system according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention further supplies power from the image output device 1 to the image supply device 2.

At this time, a power supply line built in the communication path 3 is used, and power is supplied to each internal circuit from the communication circuit 22 connected to the communication path 3 instead of the battery 27 of the image supply device 2. .

Note that the image output device 1 determines whether power can be supplied to the image supply device 2 when the image supply device 2 is connected, and supplies power only when power supply is possible. Is also good.

Here, determination of whether or not power can be supplied to the image supply device 2 when the image output device 1 and the image supply device 2 are connected by a USB cable when a USB is used for the communication path 3 will be described. FIG. 38 is a flowchart illustrating a process of setting the power supply mode of the image supply device when connecting to the image output device in the image output system according to the fifth embodiment.

First, the communication control unit 22 of the image supply device 2 controls the communication circuit 21 to set the maximum output parameter in the configuration descriptor specified by USB to a set value for bus power mode (for example, 500 mA). Then (step S201), the communication circuit 21 performs a connection process with the setting (step S202). The communication circuit 11 of the image output device 1 permits the connection when the power of the set value for the bus power mode can be supplied, and rejects the connection otherwise (step S203).

When the power supply at the set value for the bus power mode is permitted, the communication circuit 21 of the image supply device 2 connects in the bus power mode as it is, and outputs the power from the image output device 1 through the communication path 3. The supply is received (step S204).

On the other hand, when the power supply with the bus power mode setting value is rejected, the communication control unit 22 of the image supply device 2 sets the maximum output parameter in the configuration descriptor to the self power mode setting value (for example, (Milliamps) (step S205)
), The communication circuit 21 performs the connection process again with the setting (step S206).

Then, the communication circuit 21 of the image supply device 2 is connected in the self-power mode, and continues operation using the battery 27 of the image supply device 2 as a power source (step S207).

As described above, the image supply device 2 attempts to connect in the bus power mode, operates by receiving the power supply from the image output device 1 when the connection is permitted, and operates when the connection is rejected. It operates in the mode and operates with the power of its own battery 27.

Note that the image supply device 2 may be configured to be supplied with power from the image output device 1 via the communication path 3 when the power of the battery 27 becomes lower than a predetermined reference value.

Further, as the communication path 3 having the power supply line, in addition to USB, there are IEEE1394 and the like, and communication may be performed using those communication standards.

The image output system according to the fifth embodiment can be combined with any of the other embodiments. Further, in the fifth embodiment, XM of various notifications and responses indicating the status of the apparatus is performed.
In the control information that is an L script, a value indicating the above-described power supply state is inserted into a predetermined extension tag, and the XML script with the extension tag inserted is transmitted between the image output device 1 and the image supply device 2. You may make it.

As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, the data transmission communication path 3 is a communication path having a power supply line, and the image supply apparatus 2 is connected to the image output apparatus 1 via the communication path 3. Powered by Accordingly, power consumption of the battery 27 in the image supply device 2 can be suppressed, and image output processing can be performed for a long time.

3. Reference configuration example of image output system
Reference configuration example 4 of the image output system includes, for example, as shown in Reference configuration example 3, when communication with the communication partner is restored after one of the power is turned off or the communication path 3 is disconnected. The identity of the communication partner before and after the interruption of communication is determined, communication with the same communication partner is resumed, and the image output processing is continued.

That is, the image output device 1 stores a unique identifier on the communication protocol of the image supply device 2 connected via the communication path 3 and, when the power is turned off, connects via the communication path 3 after the power is restored. A unique identifier is acquired on the communication protocol of the image supply device 2 that has been set, and the identity of the image supply device 2 is determined based on the identifier. As a result, even if the power supply for recovery from the failure is turned off, the image supply device 2 that was the communication partner at the time of the failure can be accurately specified.

Note that the unique identifier in the communication protocol is a MAC (Medium Access Control) address or the like, and the power is turned off such as a nonvolatile memory, a volatile memory connected to a backup power supply, or a magnetic recording medium. It is also stored on a recording medium that retains the stored contents.

In addition, the image supply device 2 stores a unique identifier on the communication protocol of the image output device 1 connected via the communication path 3 and, when the power is turned off, connects via the communication path 3 after the power is restored. A unique identifier is obtained on the communication protocol of the image output device 1 that has been set, and the identity of the image output device 1 is determined based on the identifier. As a result, even when the power supply for recovery from the failure is turned off, the image output device 1 with which the communication was performed when the failure occurred can be accurately specified.

Further, the image output device 1 stores a unique identifier on the communication protocol of the image supply device 2 connected via the communication path 3. For example, the connection connector of the communication path 3 is connected to the image output device 1 or the image supply device. When the communication path 3 is disconnected due to disconnection from the connection connector of the communication path 2, after the connection of the communication path 3 is restored, the communication path of the image supply apparatus 2 connected via the communication path 3 is unique to the communication protocol. An identifier is obtained, and the identity of the image supply device is determined based on the identifier. Thus, even if the communication path for recovery from the failure is temporarily disconnected, the image supply device 2 that was the communication partner at the time of the failure can be accurately specified.

Further, the image supply device 2 stores a unique identifier on the communication protocol of the image output device 1 connected via the communication path 3. For example, the connection connector of the communication path 3 is connected to the image output device 1 or the image supply device. When the communication path 3 is disconnected due to disconnection from the connector 2 or the like, after the connection of the communication path 3 is restored, a unique communication protocol is established on the communication protocol of the image output apparatus 1 connected via the communication path 3. An identifier is obtained, and the identity of the image output devices 1 is determined based on the identifier. As a result, even when the communication path for recovery from the failure is temporarily disconnected, the image output device 1 that was the communication partner at the time of the failure can be accurately specified.

Note that Reference Configuration Example 4 of this image output system can be combined with any of Embodiments 1 to 5. Further, for example, when this reference configuration example 4 is combined with the above-described reference configuration example 3, only when the identity of the communication partner before and after the failure and recovery is recognized, as described in reference configuration example 3, Recovery processing can be performed. Further, when the identity is not recognized, the image supply device 2 does not perform the process for resuming the image output job, and
A completely new image output job start command may be issued.

4. Reference configuration example of image output system
The reference configuration example 5 of the image output system has a plurality of image output devices 1-1 to 1-n, and when a failure occurs in a certain image output device 1-j, an alternative image output device 1-k is used. search,
The image output process is continued by the alternative image output device 1-k.

FIG. 39 is a block diagram showing Reference Configuration Example 5 of the image output system. In FIG. 39, an image output device 1-i (i = 1,..., N) is a device similar to the above-described image output device 1, and has a communication circuit 11 corresponding to a communication path 3-i. . Further, the image supply device 2-1 includes:
This is a device similar to the image supply device 2 described above.
1 that can be connected to -1 to 1-n via the wired communication path 3-1 or the wireless communication paths 3-1 to 3-n
Alternatively, a plurality of communication circuits are provided, and information specifying the first print target at the time of resuming printing is transmitted by any one of the communication circuits to an image output apparatus 1-k ( k
≠ j). At this time, as information to be transmitted to another image output apparatus 1-k (k ≠ j), the information described in Reference Configuration Example 3 is transmitted, and printing is restarted as described in Reference Configuration Example 3. You may do so. Thus, even when recovery is difficult, printing can be accurately resumed by another image output device 1-k. In addition, printing can be accurately resumed immediately by another image output apparatus 1-k without waiting for restoration. These are the effects that can be similarly obtained even with a pull-type system.

For example, when a failure occurs during the printing process by the image output device 1-1, the image supply device 2-1 selects one of the remaining image output devices 1-2 to 1-n, Information specifying the first print target at the time of resuming printing is transmitted by one of the communication circuits. The image output device 1-k that has received the information specifies the restart position in the job based on the information, and starts the printing process from that position.

The image supply device 2-1 is an image output device capable of interpreting an image output control protocol (for example, the above-described DPS protocol or PTP) used by itself among the plurality of image output devices 1-2 to 1-n. 1-r may be selected, and information specifying the first print target at the time of resumption may be transmitted to the image output device 1-r.

Further, the image supply device 2-1 selects an image output device 1-r that can print under the print conditions specified in the interrupted print job from among the plurality of image output devices 1-2 to 1-n, Information specifying the first print target at the time of restart may be transmitted to the image output device 1-r. Thus, even if another image output device is used, printing can be resumed in the same print state as the original image output device. Such printing conditions include paper size, paper type, vendor-specific color correction processing, frame image superimposition printing (printing a frame image superimposed on an image based on image data), and the like.

Note that Reference Configuration Example 5 of this image output system can be combined with any of Embodiments 1 to 5.

Embodiment 6 FIG.
The image output system according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention further includes an operation unit 1 of the image output device 1.
In accordance with a predetermined operation on the digital camera 5, the digital camera serving as the image supply device 2 performs photographing.

That is, when a predetermined operation is performed on the operation unit 15, the image output device 1 transmits a photographing command to the image supply device 2. Perform processing. Note that the shooting command may be transmitted as a command in a predetermined DPS protocol of the XML script. In that case, the image output device 1
An extension tag indicating this operation is inserted into a command or response for notifying the status of the apparatus to generate an XML script as control information, and transmits the generated XML script to the image supply apparatus 2. Thus, the photographing can be performed without operating the image supply device 2.

Further, the image supply device 2 performs image capturing processing in response to an image capturing command from the image output device 1, and then transmits image data of the captured image to the image output device 1. Image data may be received, and an image may be output based on the image data. In this case, the transmission of the image data may be performed using a predetermined command in the DPS protocol. Thus, by simply operating the image output device 1, the image captured at that time is output, and the image can be visually recognized.

Further, the image supply device 2 may delete the image data of the captured image after the transmission is completed or after the image output device 1 outputs the image. Thereby, it is possible to repeatedly perform photographing even if the storage capacity of the image supply device 2 is small.

Further, the image supply device 2 has a storage unit (for example, a recording medium 24) for storing image data, and stores image data of a photographed image.
Alternatively, when the value becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value, old image data may be deleted. Thereby, it is possible to repeatedly perform photographing even if the storage capacity of the image supply device 2 is small.

Further, the image output device 1 may repeatedly transmit a shooting command to the image supply device 2 at a predetermined cycle, and periodically output an image. Thus, images of predetermined places and objects are periodically output, so that those places and objects can be monitored. When a digital camera is used for the image supply device 2 and a printer is used for the image output device 1, a surveillance system can be constructed at low cost.

The image output system according to the sixth embodiment can be combined with any of the other embodiments.

Embodiment 7 FIG.
FIG. 40 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image output device according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention.
In FIG. 40, an image output device 201 is a device that outputs an image based on image data. Examples of the form of the image output device 201 include a printer that prints an image on paper or the like based on image data. The image supply device 202 is a device that stores image data and can transmit the image data as needed. Examples of the form of the image supply device 202 include a digital camera that stores a captured image as image data in a predetermined recording medium. The communication path 203 is a transmission medium that connects the image output device 1 and the image supply device 2. This communication path 3
Is not limited to a wired communication path, and a wireless communication path may be used. Here, a USB cable is used for the communication path 3.

The personal computer 204 is a host device that is included in a predetermined device driver and supplies print control data based on image data to the image output device 201. Communication channel 2
A communication path 05 has the same communication standard as the communication path 203.

In the image output device 201 shown in FIG. 40, the connector 218 is a first connection unit that can electrically connect the image supply device 2 that stores image data.
B is a connector on the host side. The changeover switch 219 is a device that functions as a switching unit that connects the connector 218 to one of the communication circuit 211 and the hub 222 according to a manual operation by a user or a connection state of a cable to the connectors 218 and 221.

The connector 221 is connected to another host device (here, the personal computer 204).
Is a second connection means that can be electrically connected, and is a connector on the USB device side.
The hub 222 is a device that is electrically connected to the connector 221 and operates as a relay unit having a USB hub function. The communication circuit 223 is a USB device-side communication circuit that communicates with the personal computer 204. The memory card interface 224 is a USB device into which a memory card is inserted and which reads and writes data from and to the memory card.

In addition, regarding the communication circuit 211, the communication control unit 212, the output control unit 213, the output mechanism 214, the operation unit 215, the display device 216, and the power supply circuit 217, the communication circuit 11, the communication control unit 12, the output control Unit 13, output mechanism 14, operation unit 15, display device 1
6 and the power supply circuit 17, and a description thereof will be omitted.

Note that the communication circuit 211 functions as an upstream device-side communication unit having a function of communicating with an upstream device (USB host) in USB.

  Next, the operation of the above device will be described.

First, when outputting an image based on image data stored in an image supply device 202 such as a digital camera, the image output device 201 and the image supply device 202 are connected by a USB cable serving as a communication path 203, and The connector 218 is connected to the communication circuit 211 by the changeover switch 219. In this case, the communication circuit 211 of the image output device 1 functions as a USB host controller, and the image supply device 202 becomes a USB device.

In this state, image data is supplied from the image supply device 202 to the image output device 201,
An image based on the image data is output. The transmission of the image data at this time is performed, for example, by the method described above.

On the other hand, when the personal computer 204 accesses the image supply device 202,
The image output device 201 and the image supply device 202 are connected by a USB cable serving as a communication path 203, and the personal computer 204 and the image output apparatus 201 are connected by a USB cable serving as a communication path 205. Connector 2 by switch 219
18 is connected to the hub 222. In this state, the personal computer 204
The image supply device 202, the communication circuit 223, and the memory card interface 224 function as a USB device via the hub 222. Thus, the personal computer 204 can access the image supply device 202.

When printing is performed based on data from the personal computer 204, the personal computer 204 and the image output device 201 may be connected via a USB cable serving as a communication path 205. In this state, the personal computer 204
The communication circuit 223 and the like function as a USB device. The personal computer 204 supplies print data to the image output apparatus 201. The print data is transmitted to the communication circuit 223 via the hub 222, and output control is performed. An image based on the print data is output by the unit 213 and the output mechanism 214.

In the seventh embodiment, the image output device 201 is provided with the connector 221 that is a USB device-side connector and the connector 218 that is a USB host-side connector, but uses the USB-OnTheGo technology. When the two connectors 218 and 221 are one connector and the personal computer 204 as a USB host is connected, the image output device 201 operates as a USB device and the image supply device 202 as a USB device is connected. In this case, the image output device 201 may operate as a USB host.

The image output device according to the seventh embodiment can be combined with any of the other embodiments.

As described above, according to the seventh embodiment, one image output device 1 is used as a peripheral device of another host device (personal computer 204), and a device for direct printing with the image supply device 2. And can function as a relay device between another host device (personal computer 204) and the image supply device 2.

Embodiment 8 FIG.
The image output system according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention further includes:
The layout of an image at the time of image output by the image output device 1 can be selected.

That is, the image supply device 2 selects a layout at the time of image output according to a user operation while displaying the layout information on the display device 26 by the operation unit 25, the display device 26, and the central control unit 23. Control information for outputting image data in the selected layout is transmitted to the image output device 1 via the communication path 3. For example, the control information indicating the layout at that time is transmitted by being included in the image output job command of the DPS protocol. Then, the image output device 1 sets a layout at the time of image output based on the control information relating to the layout, and performs an image output process. That is, the operation unit 25, the display device 26, and the central control unit 23 function as a layout selection unit that includes a user interface portion and selects a layout at the time of image output.

The image output system according to the eighth embodiment can be combined with any of the other embodiments.

As described above, according to the eighth embodiment, in the image output system, the user operates the image supply device 2 such as a digital camera, and according to the state of the image data stored in the image supply device 2, This is convenient because the user can select a layout, and since the user interface of the device storing the image data is used, there is no need to transfer image data or the like to another device for layout selection.

Embodiment 9 FIG.
The image output system according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention is such that the image output result of the image output device 1 for certain image data is previewed on the display device 26 of the image supply device 2. That is, the display device 26 functions as a display unit that displays a preview image of an image output based on the image data.

The image supply device 2 selects, for example, image data to be output according to an operation on the operation unit 25, and displays an image (so-called preview image) indicating an image output state of the selected image data on the display device 26. . Then, after the preview image is displayed, the image supply device 2 transmits the image data to be image-outputted via the communication path 3 and the image output device 1
Output.

The image output system according to the ninth embodiment can be combined with any of the other embodiments.

As described above, according to the ninth embodiment, since the image supply device 2 can perform a preview using the stored image data, the preview can be performed accurately, and Since the preview is performed before the transfer, the image output condition can be easily changed in the image supply device 2.

Embodiment 10 FIG.
It is more preferable that the PIM function, which is an extended function, functions as follows when a plurality of output devices exist. An example in which the output device is a printing device and a display device will be described. Display correction information (correction information) is set in the display device so that the display is corrected by linking to the PIM information at the time of manufacture. The flow of the printing process and the display process is as follows. The image data reflecting the PIM function is printed after image processing based on the PIM information. The displayed image data is subjected to image processing based on the PIM information and the display correction information, and is corrected. In this way,
The printed matter and the displayed matter are visually recognized as substantially the same.
As described above, according to the tenth embodiment, image data in which display correction information is incorporated in a display device and a PIM function is added as an extended function is transmitted from a supply device to a printing device and a display device. In this case, the displayed matter and the printed matter can be almost visually recognized.

Embodiment 11 FIG.
When selecting image data to which an extension tag (PIM function) is to be added, the selection can be made for each image or for a plurality of images at once. That is, when the user selects image data to which the PIM function is to be added from the panel (input unit) on the supply device side or the output device side, the expansion tag (PI
M function) is automatically inserted into the selected image data.

Embodiment 12 FIG.
A plurality of functions can be added for each image or collectively for a plurality of images. That is, when the user sets one or more functions to be added to the image data from the panel (input unit) on the supply device side or the output device side, a plurality of extension tags are automatically inserted into the image data. Is done.

The embodiments described above are preferred examples of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to these, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. It is.

For example, in each of the embodiments described above, the control information is described using XML, which is one of markup languages, but the control information is described using other markup languages such as SGML (Standard Generalized Markup Language). It may be described.

Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, PTP and USB are used in the layers below the DPS protocol, but TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet P) is used.
Other protocols such as rotocol may be used. As a transmission medium at that time, a wired LAN, Bluetooth, wireless LAN, or the like may be used.

Further, the command name, tag name, and extension tag name of the DPS protocol used in each of the above embodiments are not limited to those described above, and may be other names. Also,
As for the command of the DPS protocol, another command having a similar function or a combination thereof may be used. Further, the functions specified by the extension tags are not limited to those described above.

In each of the above embodiments, the image output device 1 can be a printer,
The image supply device 2 can be a digital camera for moving images and / or still images. Alternatively, the image output device 1 may be another recording device that records an image on a medium such as paper, a display device such as a display that presents an image of light, or the like, and the image supply device 2 includes a digital camera. An electronic device or an electronic device that receives an image signal may be used. Such electronic devices include mobile phones, PDAs, music players, television receivers, video recording / reproducing devices, television telephones, video vision conferencing devices, and the like. The image supply device 2 may be a portable device or a device that is not very portable.

In each of the above-described embodiments, when the transfer of the image data necessary for the image output from the image supply device 2 to the image output device 1 is completed, the connection with the image output device 1 may be released. The connection release notification may be transmitted from the image output device 1 to the image supply device 2. An extension tag indicating the disconnection notice may be inserted into control information such as a command or response notifying the status of the device or the job, and the control information may be transmitted from the image output device 1 to the image supply device 2. .

In each of the above embodiments, a USB mass storage class may be used instead of PTP as the image data management transfer protocol.

The image in each of the above embodiments may be a text image in addition to a picture image. Also, the image output target may be a text table such as a title table of a music album such as a music CD or a music MD, or a lyrics card. In this case, for example, the image supply device 2 or the image output device 1 acquires the text data from a distribution server on the Internet based on the information recorded in the music album.

In the above-described Reference Configuration Example 2, the image output device 1 acquires a job specification file, analyzes the job specification file, and executes an image output job. The image output job may be executed by analyzing the job specification file, generating an image output job start command as control information related to image output, and transmitting the control information to the image output apparatus 1.

In the image output system according to the first embodiment, when the use of the PIM function is specified, an XML script as control information may be generated as follows. FIG. 41 is a flowchart illustrating generation of an XML script that is control information when the PIM function exists as an extended function of the image optimization function, which is a type of image processing function, in the image output system according to the first embodiment. is there.

In this case, for example, when the image supply device 2 is a photographing device such as a digital camera having a PIM function, the above-described image file having the image data and the output control data is stored in the recording medium 24 of the image supply device 2. Be recorded.

When the image supply device 2 outputs an image such as printing based on a user operation, if the image optimization function is specified, first, is there an extended function that can be used for the image optimization function? It is determined whether or not it is (step S321).

When determining that the PIM function is usable, the image supply device 2 optimizes an image that can be used by itself (the image supply device 2) based on environmental information of the image output device 1 and / or a choice of a set value of the function. It is determined whether the PIM function, which is an extended function of the function, can be used in the image output apparatus 1 (step S322). For example, the image supply device 2 determines whether or not the extended function can be used based on the vendor-specific version information in the environment information. That is, the vendor-specific version information indicates whether the extended function can be used.

When the image supply device 2 determines that the PIM function is usable in the image output device 1, in the image output job start command DPS_StartJob, the image supply device 2 changes the nest level below the imageOptimize tag, which is an existing tag for image optimization. An XML script, which is control information, is generated by inserting an imageOptimize2 tag, which is an extension tag for designating image output using the PIM function (step S323). Note that the name of the extension tag is not limited to imageOptimize2, but is freely defined by each vendor.

On the other hand, when the image supply device 2 does not have the extended function that can use the image optimization function, and when the extended function of the image optimization function that can be used by itself (the image supply device 2) is used in the image output device 1. If it is not possible, the image output job start command DP without inserting the extension tag
An S_StartJob is generated (step S324).

Then, the image output job start command DPS_StartJ thus generated is generated.
Ob is transmitted from the image supply device 2 to the image output device 1 via the communication path 3 (Step S).
325).

If the image output device 1 supplied with the image output job start command DPS_StartJob is a model that supports image output using this PIM function, the image output device 1
Recognizes that the imageOptimize2 tag is a tag for specifying image output using the PIM function, and performs image output (for example, printing) using the PIM function based on the value specified by the tag. It is determined whether or not. If it is determined that the image output using the PIM function is performed, the image output device 1 performs image processing on the image data in the image file based on the output control data of the image file acquired from the image supply device 2. Is executed, and an image is output (for example, printed) based on the image data after the image processing.

On the other hand, if the image output device 1 is not a model that supports image output using the PIM function, it receives an image output job start command that does not include an extension tag, and based on the image output job start command, the image output job is not expanded. Perform image output using the function.

If the image output device 1 is not a model corresponding to the image output using the PIM function and receives an image output job start command including an extension tag by mistake, the image output device 1 Is recognized as an undefined tag, the element including the tag is ignored according to the rules of XML, and an image is output (for example, printed) based on the image data. At this time, the image output device 1 uses the existing tag “image”.
Based on the value specified by the Optimize tag, it is determined whether to perform image optimization. If it is determined that image optimization is to be performed, predetermined image processing is performed on image data in the image file, An image may be output based on the image data after the image processing.

In this way, when the use of the PIM function is specified, an XML script that is control information may be generated as follows. In the case of an extension function other than the PIM function, it is of course possible to similarly use the extension tag after determining in advance whether or not the extension function can be used.

  The present invention is applicable to, for example, a direct printing system.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a reference configuration example 1 of the image output system. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a protocol used between the image output device and the image supply device in Reference Example 1 of the image output system. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a printer as an image output device in Reference Configuration Example 1 of the image output system. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a relationship between a plurality of functions of the image output device in Reference Example 1 of the image output system. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a digital camera as an image supply device in Reference Configuration Example 1 of the image output system. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a plurality of functions of the image supply device in Reference Example 1 of the image output system. FIG. 7 is a view for explaining image output processing at the DPS protocol level in Reference Example 1 of the image output system. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining image output processing at the image transfer protocol level in Reference Example 1 of the image output system. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of an XML script of an image output job start command used in Reference Configuration Example 1. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an XML script of a file acquisition command used in Reference Configuration Example 1. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a directory structure of the DPOF method. FIG. 12 shows a job specification file AUTPRINT. It is a figure showing an example of MRK. FIG. 13 is a diagram for describing image output processing at the DPS protocol level in Reference Example 2 of the image output system. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an image output process at the image transfer protocol level in Reference Example 2 of the image output system. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of an XML script of an object ID acquisition command used in Reference Configuration Example 2. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of an XML script of a response to an object ID acquisition command used in Reference Configuration Example 2. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of an XML script of a file information acquisition command used in Reference Configuration Example 2. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of an XML script of a response to a file information acquisition command used in Reference Configuration Example 2. FIG. 19 is a state transition diagram of the image output device in the reference configuration example 3 of the image output system. FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a recovery process performed in the normal printing process of Reference Configuration Example 3 of the image output system. FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating a recovery process of Reference Configuration Example 3 of the image output system. FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of an XML script of a job status notification command used in Reference Configuration Example 3. FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of an XML script of a device status notification command used in Reference Configuration Example 3. FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating an example of an XML script of a print job start command at the time of job restart in Reference Configuration Example 3. FIG. 25 is a diagram for explaining printing restart in Reference Configuration Example 3 of the image output system. FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the recovery processing of Reference Example 3 of the image output system. FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating still another example of the recovery processing of Reference Example 3 of the image output system. FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating an example of parameters and values of image processing control data used in the PIM function. FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image file. FIG. 30 is a diagram showing a data structure of a maker note in an image file. FIG. 31 is a diagram showing a data structure of print matching data defined in the maker note shown in FIG. FIG. 32 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image output job start command generated by the image supply device in the image output system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 33 is a diagram illustrating another example of the image output job start command generated by the image supply device in the image output system according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 34 is a diagram illustrating the concept of the PIF function. FIG. 35 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print image in the case of PIF printing. FIG. 36 is a diagram illustrating an example of the layout definition file. FIG. 37 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print job start command generated by the image supply device in the image output system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 38 is a flowchart illustrating a process of setting the power supply mode of the image supply device when connecting to the image output device in the image output system according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 39 is a block diagram showing Reference Configuration Example 5 of the image output system. FIG. 40 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image output device according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention. FIG. 41 is a flowchart illustrating generation of an XML script that is control information when the PIM function exists as an extended function of the image optimization function, which is a type of image processing function, in the image output system according to the first embodiment. is there.

Explanation of reference numerals

1,1-1 to 1-n, 201 Image output device 2,2-1,202 Image supply device 3,3-1 to 3-n, 203,205 Communication path 11 Communication circuit (first communication means)
12 communication control unit (first communication means)
13. Output control unit (output means)
14. Output mechanism (output means)
21 communication circuit (second communication means)
22 Communication control unit (second communication means)
24 Recording Medium 62 XML Script Generation Function (First Script Generation Means)
92 XML script generation function (second script generation means)

Claims (37)

An image supply system that stores image data, an image output device that outputs an image based on the image data, and an image output system that includes a communication path that directly connects the image supply device and the image output device,
The image output device confirms whether or not an extended function for a predetermined function can be used in the image supply device, and describes control information related to image output in a markup language based on a predetermined image output control protocol. The first to send and receive via the above communication path as a series of scripts
In the case where the extended function is available in both the communication means and the image supply device and the image output device, the existing tag expressing the function is retained in the script and the extension is performed according to the extended function. First script generating means for generating the script by inserting a tag,
The image supply device checks whether or not an extended function for a predetermined function can be used in the image output device. Based on the image output control protocol, a series of control information related to image output is described in a markup language. If the extended function can be used in both the image supply device and the image output device as the second communication means for transmitting and receiving via the communication path as the script, the function is expressed in the script. Second script generation means for generating the script by leaving an existing tag to be inserted and inserting an extension tag corresponding to the extended function,
An image output system characterized by the following. A communication circuit connected to an image supply device that stores image data via a communication path;
Output means for outputting an image based on the image data,
The communication circuit is controlled to check whether an extended function for a predetermined function can be used in the image supply device, and control information relating to image output is written as a series of scripts described in a markup language. A communication control unit for transmitting and receiving via
If the extended function can be used in both the image supply device and the image output device, insert the extended tag corresponding to the extended extension while leaving the existing tag expressing the function in the script. Script generating means for generating the script,
An image output device comprising: 3. The image output device according to claim 2, wherein the script generation unit generates the script by inserting the extension tag at a lower nest level than the existing tag in the script. 3. The image output apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the script generation unit generates the script by inserting the extension tag in association with image data to be processed by a function extended in the script. . The image output device according to claim 2, wherein the markup language can additionally define a document type. The communication control unit transmits and receives, as control information related to image output, a control command in an image output process, a response to the control command, and a notification of a device state as a series of scripts described in a markup language. The image output device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein The communication control unit transmits and receives, as a series of scripts described in the markup language, a script including only control information related to image output without including image data to be output as an image. The image output device according to any one of claims 2 to 6. When a predetermined function in the image output control protocol is extended, the script generation unit generates the control information by arranging the extended tag in the script before an existing tag expressing the function. 3. The image output device according to claim 2, wherein: 3. The image output device according to claim 2, wherein the extension tag is a tag for designating image processing unique to a vendor. The output means, when the image processing is designated by the extension tag, performs image processing on the image data based on the image processing control data recorded in the file of the image data, and outputs the processed image. The image output device according to claim 9, wherein the image output device outputs an image based on the data. The output means, when image processing is specified by the extension tag, performs image processing specified by the extension tag of the predetermined image processing on the image data, based on the image data after the image processing The image output device according to claim 9, which outputs an image. 3. The image output apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the extension tag is a tag for designating a frame insertion printing process for printing by combining a frame image and the image of the image data. 13. The image output device according to claim 12, wherein the extension tag is a tag for specifying image data for a frame image. 13. The image processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the output unit combines at least the image of the image data and the frame image when a frame insertion print process is designated by the extension tag, and outputs the combined image. An image output device according to claim 13. 14. The image output device according to claim 12, wherein the extension tag is a tag for specifying image data for a frame image and image data for a background image. The output means combines the image of the image data, the frame image, and the background image when the frame insertion print processing is designated by the extension tag, and outputs the combined image. Item 16. The image output device according to Item 15. The communication control unit checks the size and the paper type of the printing paper specified by the control information, and expands the predetermined control information when there is no paper of the specified paper type in the specified size. The image output device according to claim 2, wherein the image output device is generated using a tag, and the control information is transmitted to the image supply device. A recording medium for storing image data,
A communication circuit connected via a communication path to an image output device that outputs an image based on the image data,
The communication circuit is controlled to check whether an extended function for a predetermined function is available in the image output device, and control information relating to image output is described as a series of scripts described in a markup language. A communication control unit for transmitting and receiving via
If the extended function can be used in both the image supply device and the image output device, insert the extended tag corresponding to the extended function while leaving the existing tag expressing the function in the script. Script generating means for generating the script,
An image supply device comprising: 19. The image supply device according to claim 18, wherein the script generation unit generates the script by inserting the extension tag into a lower nest level than the existing tag in the script. 19. The image supply apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the script generation unit generates the script by inserting the extension tag in association with image data to be processed by a function extended in the script. . 21. The image supply apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the markup language can additionally define a document type. The communication control unit transmits and receives, as control information related to image output, a control command in an image output process, a response to the control command, and a notification of a device state as a series of scripts described in a markup language. The image supply device according to any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein: The communication control unit transmits and receives, as a series of scripts described in the markup language, a script including only control information related to image output without including image data to be output as an image. The image supply device according to any one of claims 18 to 22. When a predetermined function in the image output control protocol is extended, the script generation unit generates the control information by arranging the extended tag in the script before an existing tag expressing the function. 19. The image supply device according to claim 18, wherein: 19. The image supply apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the extension tag is a tag for designating a vendor-specific image processing. 19. The image supply apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the extension tag is a tag for specifying a frame insertion printing process for printing by combining a frame image and an image of the image data. 27. The image supply device according to claim 26, wherein the extension tag is a tag for specifying image data for a frame image. 27. The image output device according to claim 26, wherein the extension tag is a tag for specifying image data for a frame image and image data for a background image. In a control program that is executed by a computer built in an image output device that outputs an image based on image data,
The image supply device connected to the image output device to supply image data checks whether an extended function for a predetermined function is available, and controls a communication circuit connected to the image supply device via a communication path. A communication control unit that transmits and receives control information related to image output as a series of scripts described in a markup language via the communication path; and the extended function is used in both the image supply device and the image output device. If possible, leave an existing tag expressing the function in the script, insert an extension tag corresponding to the extension, and generate the script as script generation means.
A control program characterized by functioning. In a control program executed by a computer built in an image supply device that stores image data, the computer is
The image output device connected to the image supply device outputs an image based on the image data. The image output device checks whether an extended function of a predetermined function can be used. The communication connected to the image output device via a communication path. A communication control unit that controls a circuit to transmit and receive control information related to image output as a series of scripts described in a markup language via the communication path; and an extension thereof in both the image supply device and the image output device. If the function is available, leave an existing tag expressing the function in the script, insert an extension tag corresponding to the extended function, and generate the script as script generation means.
A control program characterized by functioning. An image supply device that stores image data, and an image output device that outputs an image based on the image data, directly transmits and receives control information via a communication path, and stores the image data stored in the image supply device. An image output method for outputting an image based on the image output device,
Mutually confirming whether an extended function for a predetermined function is available between the image supply device and the image output device,
If the extended function is available in both the image supply device and the image output device, an existing function that expresses the function is used when generating control information related to image output based on a predetermined image output control protocol. , And insert the extension tag corresponding to the extension,
Generate a series of scripts written in markup language,
Sending and receiving the generated script as the control information between the image supply device and the image output device via the communication path,
An image output method characterized by the following. An image output method for outputting image data stored in the image supply device based on control information received from the image supply device via a communication path, wherein the step of receiving the control information; and Outputting an image of the image data based on the control information,
An image processing method, wherein a part of the control information is a series of scripts described in a markup language relating to image output, and an extended function relating to image output of the image data can be inserted. In an image supply device, a control information generation method for generating control information related to image output,
A step of generating control information, which is a series of scripts described in a markup language related to image output, and a step of inserting an extended function related to the image output into the control information,
A control information generation method, comprising: Control information that is directly transmitted and received via a communication path between an image supply device that stores image data and an image output device that outputs an image based on the image data, and the control information is partially related to image output. Control information, which is a series of scripts described in a markup language, wherein an extended function relating to image output of the image data can be inserted. Based on the control information received from the image supply device via the communication path, in an image output method for outputting an image of the image data stored in the image supply device, the step of receiving the control information,
Reading out the set correction information; and outputting the image data based on at least one of the received control information and the correction information. A series of scripts described in a markup language related to the image processing method, wherein an extended function related to image output of the image data can be inserted. In an image supply device, a control information generation method for generating control information related to image output,
A step of generating control information that is a series of scripts partially described in a markup language related to image output, and a step of selecting image data into which an extended function is inserted from stored image data. And automatically inserting the extended function into the control information. In an image supply device, a control information generation method for generating control information related to image output,
A step of generating control information that is a series of scripts partially described in a markup language related to image output; a step of selecting image data into which an extended function is to be inserted from stored image data; Setting a plurality of types of extended functions for the image data,
A control information generating method, wherein the set extended function is automatically inserted into the control information.

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