JP2005014459A - Printer, image storage, and automatic print control system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform optimal print setting automatically depending on the type of an image storage being connected and to perform print out based on the print setting. <P>SOLUTION: An image storage is connected with a printer and the printer detects image storage type information from the image storage. Based on the image storage type information, the printer detects print set information optimal to the connected image storage from a table associating image storage information with optimal print set information prestored in the printer. Subsequently, the printer performs print setting based on the print set information and performs print out based on the print setting. When the image storage type information does not exist on the table, default setting or print setting optimal to an approximate type is performed or print set information optimal to a new image storage is detected from the image storage and set. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image storage device having means for storing an image, means for connecting to the image storage device, means for transmitting / receiving digital information via the connection, and recording the digital information so as to be visible on a recording sheet. More specifically, a printing apparatus having a recording unit that performs recording and a printing control system. Specifically, the printing apparatus performs optimum print settings according to the model information of the connected image storage device, or prohibits inappropriate print settings. Thus, the present invention relates to a configuration for performing optimum print settings simply by connecting a printing device and an image storage device, and performing print control for obtaining optimum print output based on the print settings.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, there have been increasing opportunities for digital information to be handled in various forms.
[0003]
For example, a form in which image data is output by directly connecting an image storage device that stores digital information and a printing device is one of them.
[0004]
Meanwhile, in an environment in which a plurality of types of image storage devices (PCs, digital cameras, scanners, etc.) and a printing device are directly connected, in order to perform optimum print output in any printing device connected to any image storage device, It is necessary to perform optimum print settings for each model of the image storage device. Generally, since the print setting method differs depending on the model of each image storage device, there is a disadvantage that a complicated operation system results.
[0005]
In order to eliminate such drawbacks, there are printing apparatuses that automatically perform print settings.
[0006]
For example, in Patent Document 1, in a state where a plurality of external devices are connected to a printing apparatus, a corresponding interface is automatically selected based on data from the external apparatus, and data sent to the printing apparatus is displayed. A printing control method and apparatus capable of converting the data to conform to the above are disclosed.
[0007]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 07-271534 A
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in this type of printing apparatus and print control system, print settings are automatically made based on input data. Therefore, every time there is an input from an external device, input data is analyzed and settings are made based on the analysis results. Therefore, there is a problem that the processing becomes complicated.
[0009]
For example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 07-271534, a plurality of external devices are connected to a printing apparatus, and a corresponding interface is automatically selected based on input data from the external device, and data sent is Since the data is converted into data suitable for the printing apparatus, the processing at the time of data input becomes complicated.
[0010]
On the other hand, the present invention eliminates the drawbacks of the prior art, stores automatic setting information corresponding to an image storage device to be connected in advance, and detects the automatic setting information only once at the time of data input or connection. An object of the present invention is to provide a printing apparatus and a print control system that can easily perform optimum print settings without performing various processes and operations.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
To achieve the above object, according to the present invention, in a printing apparatus having means for recording digital information on a recording sheet so as to be visible, a memory means for storing digital information and an image storage apparatus having means for storing an image are provided. Means for wired or wireless connection; means for transmitting / receiving digital information via the connection means; means for detecting model information of the image storage device being connected by the transmission / reception means; the image storage device model information; A table associating optimum print setting information with the image storage device, means for detecting optimum print setting information corresponding to the model information of the image storage device detected by the detection means from the table, and the connection If the optimum print setting information for the image storage device cannot be detected from the model information of the image storage device connected by Means for performing a default print settings are, characterized by comprising a means for performing printing output based on automatically print setting means and the print setting to perform on the basis of the print setting information.
[0012]
One of the print setting information is image processing information, and when the image storage device is connected to the means for storing the optimum image processing information for each model of the image storage device being connected by the connection means, In particular, it is set by means for performing the image processing setting.
[0013]
Further, one of the print setting information is template information, and when the image storage device is connected to a means for storing a template image that is frequently used for each model of the image storage device connected by the connection means, The template image is set by means for preferentially setting the template image.
[0014]
According to another aspect, there is provided means for prohibiting inappropriate setting according to the model information of the image storage device detected by the connected model information detecting means.
[0015]
In another embodiment, when the optimum print setting information corresponding to the model of the image storage device detected by the connected model information detection unit cannot be detected, the image storage device model information of the closest model is used. And a means for performing print settings.
[0016]
In another form, when the optimum print setting information corresponding to the model of the image storage device detected by the connected model information detection unit cannot be detected, the transmission / reception unit uses the image storage device model information. Receiving the print setting information optimum for the image storage device, associating both pieces of information, and registering the information as new information in the connected model setting information table.
[0017]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0018]
The configuration of the printing apparatus according to the first to sixth embodiments will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0019]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0020]
S101 is a printing device, S102 is a digital camera which is one of image storage devices, and S103 shows a state in which the printing device (S101) and the image storage device (S102) are wired or wirelessly connected.
[0021]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed functional configuration of the printing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[0022]
S201 is a control device, S202 is a memory means for storing print data, S203 is a connection means for connecting to an image storage device such as a digital camera, PC, scanner or the like by wire or wireless, and S204 is the connection means. Transmission / reception means for transmitting / receiving digital information to / from the image storage device connected in (S203), S205: image processing means for printing out digital information, and S206 set by the print setting information setting means (S206) Printing means for performing printing based on print settings, S207 for power supply SW, S208 for connected model information detecting means for detecting the model information of the image storage device connected by the connecting means (S203), and S209 for the image Connection in which storage device model information is associated with print setting information that is optimal for the image storage device The type setting information table S210 is print setting information detection for detecting optimum print setting information from the connected model setting information table (S209) based on the connected model information detected by the connected model information detecting means (S208). Means, S211 is a template information storage means for storing a template image frequently used for each model of the image storage device, and S212 is an image for storing optimum image processing setting information for each model of the image storage device. Processing information storage means S213 is an image processing setting means for performing optimal image processing settings based on the image processing setting information stored by the image processing information storage means (S212), and S214 is the connection means (S203). Inappropriate print setting prohibiting means for prohibiting improper print settings for the connected image storage device by S215, If the connected model information cannot be detected by the connected model information detecting means (S208), a default print setting means for performing standard default print settings, and S216, the connected model information is detected by the connected model information detecting means (S208). When the connection model information cannot be detected by the connection model information detection unit (S208), the approximate model information print setting unit S217 for performing print settings based on the model information of the closest model when the connection unit information cannot be detected. New model information registration means for associating the model information of the currently connected image storage device with the optimum print setting information for the image storage device and registering both information in the connected model setting information table (S209) in S203) , S218 is a template stored by the template information storage means (S211). A template setting means for setting a template based on the image information, S219 outputs a digital image information or the like to a recording medium in a visible manner, that is, a printer unit for printing on recording paper, and S220 selects the printer unit (S219). A printer control unit for controlling.
[0023]
The scope of the present invention is S205, S206, S208, S209, S210, S211, S212, S213, S214, S215, S216, and S218.
[0024]
FIG. 3 shows a digital camera which is one of the image storage devices in the embodiment of the present invention.
[0025]
S301 is a shutter button, S302 is a viewfinder, S303 is a strobe, S304 is a lens, S305 is a liquid crystal display (LCD), S306 is a forward button, S307 is a return button, and S308 is a print button.
[0026]
FIG. 4 is a small printer as one of the printing apparatuses according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[0027]
S401 is a recording medium that is detachably loaded into the printing apparatus, S402 is a recording sheet that has been recorded by the printing apparatus, S403 is a loading port for the recording medium (S401), and S404 is the recording sheet (S402). The first embodiment to the sixth embodiment of the present invention relating to the power source SW, the image storage device and the printing device described above will be described below.
[0028]
(First embodiment)
As a first embodiment of the present invention, a printing apparatus to which claims 1, 3, 4, and 7 are applied will be described.
[0029]
Specifically, a digital camera which is one of image storage devices and a small printer which is one of printing devices are connected, and the printing device includes image processing setting means (S213), printing means ( S206), connected model information detecting means (S208), connected model setting information table (S209), print setting information detecting means (S210), default print setting means (S215), and image processing information storage means (S212). It is characterized by that.
[0030]
The outline will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0031]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram in a first embodiment to which the present invention is applied.
[0032]
A digital camera and a printing apparatus are connected, and when print data is received from the digital camera, model information of the digital camera is received, and image processing optimum for the digital camera is performed based on the digital camera model information Setting information is detected, image processing is performed based on the image processing setting information, and optimum print output is performed based on the image processing result. Further, when the model information of the digital camera is not detected by the connected model information detecting means (S208), or based on the model information of the image storage device, the connected camera model information is stored in the digital camera from the connected model setting information table (S209). When the optimum image processing information is not detected, the image processing is performed based on the standard default image processing information and printed out.
[0033]
FIG. 5 is a detailed algorithm in the printing apparatus when the first embodiment to which the present invention is applied is implemented.
[0034]
Details of FIG. 5 will be described.
[0035]
Step # 1 is the starting point of this algorithm. In step # 2, it is determined whether or not the power switch is ON. If “yes”, go to step # 3; if “no”, wait as it is.
[0036]
In step # 3, it is determined whether or not digital information is received from the digital camera connected by the connecting means (S203). If “yes”, the digital information is stored in the memory means (S202), and if “no”, waits as it is.
[0037]
In step # 4, it is determined whether or not the model information of the connected digital camera is detected by the connected model information detecting means (S208). If “yes”, the model information is stored in the memory means (S202). If “no”, the process proceeds to step # 6.
[0038]
In step # 5, it is determined whether or not the print setting information stored in step # 4 exists in the connection model setting information table (S209) corresponding to the connection model information stored in step # 4. If “yes”, the process proceeds to step # 6, and if “no”, the process proceeds to step # 7.
[0039]
In step # 6, the print setting information detecting means (S210) detects image processing information optimum for printing the digital data stored in the connected digital camera from the connected model setting information table (S209). The image processing information is stored by the memory means (S202). The image processing information is stored by the image processing information storage means (S212).
[0040]
In step # 7, standard default print setting is performed by the default print setting means (S215), and the process proceeds to step # 9.
[0041]
In step # 8, image processing setting is performed by the image processing setting means (S213) based on the image processing information detected in step # 6.
[0042]
In step # 9, based on the image processing setting set in step # 8, the image processing means (S205) performs image processing on the digital image information stored in step # 3, and again the memory means (S202). ) To store the digital image information.
[0043]
In step # 10, the printing unit (S206) drives the printer unit (S219) via the printer control unit (S220) to perform preliminary ejection, clogging, nozzle recovery, and the like.
[0044]
In step # 11, the printer unit (S219) is driven via the printer control unit (S220), and the digital image information stored in step # 9 is printed.
[0045]
In step # 12, the printed recording paper is discharged from the recording paper discharge port.
Step # 13 is the end point of this algorithm.
[0046]
(Second Embodiment)
As the present embodiment, there is a printing apparatus to which claims 1, 3, 5, and 7 are applied according to a modification of the first embodiment.
[0047]
Specifically, a digital camera that is one of image storage devices and a small printer that is one of the printing devices are connected, and the printing device includes printing means (S206), connected model information detecting means. (S208), connected model setting information table (S209), print setting information detecting means (S210), default print setting means (S215), template information storage means (S211), template setting means (S218). And
[0048]
The outline will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0049]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram in a second embodiment to which the present invention is applied.
[0050]
In the first embodiment, the information set based on the connected model information may be template information that is frequently used for each connected model.
[0051]
The outline will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0052]
FIG. 6 shows a detailed algorithm in the small printer when the second embodiment to which the present invention is applied is carried out.
[0053]
FIG. 6 will be described with respect to differences from the first embodiment.
[0054]
In step # 7, the most frequently used template information is detected by the print setting information detecting means (S210) in the digital camera connected by the connecting means (S203). The template information is stored by the template information storage means (S211).
[0055]
In step # 8, template setting is performed by the template setting means (S218) based on the template information detected in step # 7.
[0056]
In step # 9, based on the template setting set in step # 8, the image processing means (S205) combines the digital image information stored in step # 3 and the template image set in step # 8. Then, the digital image information is stored again by the memory means (S202).
[0057]
The steps other than the above steps are the same as the algorithm shown in the first embodiment.
[0058]
(Third embodiment)
As this embodiment, there is a printing apparatus to which claims 1, 2, 4, and 7 are applied in regard to a modification of the first embodiment.
[0059]
Specifically, a digital camera which is one of image storage devices and a small printer which is one of printing devices are connected, and the printing device includes image processing setting means (S213), printing means ( S206), connected model information detecting means (S208), connected model setting information table (S209), print setting information detecting means (S210), default print setting means (S215), and image processing information storage means (S212). It is characterized by that.
[0060]
The outline will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0061]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram in a third embodiment to which the present invention is applied.
[0062]
In the first embodiment, when a digital camera and a small printer are connected, model information of the digital camera may be received from the digital camera.
[0063]
The outline will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0064]
FIG. 7 shows a detailed algorithm in the small printer when the third embodiment to which the present invention is applied is carried out.
[0065]
7 will be described with respect to differences from the first embodiment.
[0066]
In step # 3, it is determined whether or not the image storage device is connected by the connecting means (S203). If “yes”, go to step # 4, and if “no”, wait as it is.
[0067]
In step # 14, it is determined whether or not digital image information has been received by the transmission / reception means (S204). If “yes”, go to step # 9, and if “no”, wait as it is.
[0068]
The steps other than the above steps are the same as the algorithm shown in the first embodiment.
[0069]
(Fourth embodiment)
As this embodiment, there is a printing apparatus to which claims 1, 3, 4, 6, and 7 are applied in relation to the modified example of the first embodiment.
[0070]
Specifically, a digital camera which is one of image storage devices and a small printer which is one of printing devices are connected, and the printing device includes image processing setting means (S213), printing means ( S206), connected model information detecting means (S208), connected model setting information table (S209), print setting information detecting means (S210), default print setting means (S215), image processing information storage means (S212), inappropriate printing The setting prohibiting means (S214) is provided.
[0071]
The outline will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0072]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram in a fourth embodiment to which the present invention is applied.
[0073]
In the first embodiment, based on the connection model information of the image storage device, not only optimal print settings for the image storage device may be performed, but also inappropriate settings for the image storage device may be prohibited.
[0074]
The outline will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0075]
FIG. 8 is a detailed algorithm in the small printer when carrying out the fourth embodiment to which the present invention is applied.
[0076]
FIG. 8 will be described with respect to differences from the first embodiment.
[0077]
In step # 14, it is determined whether or not manual print setting (setting by an operator other than automatic setting) has been set. If “yes”, the process proceeds to step # 15, and if “no”, the process proceeds to step # 9.
[0078]
In step # 15, it is determined whether or not inappropriate image processing settings have been made by the inappropriate print setting prohibiting means (S214). For example, if the digital camera connected by the connecting means (203) is a monochrome machine, it is determined whether or not the color print mode is set as the print setting (image processing information setting). If “yes”, the process proceeds to step # 16, and if “no”, the process proceeds to step # 9.
[0079]
In step # 16, the invalid manual print setting set in step # 14 is invalidated, and the process proceeds to step # 9. For example, when the digital camera connected by the connection means (S203) is a monochrome machine, the color printing mode is disabled (the monochrome printing mode is enabled).
[0080]
The steps other than the above steps are the same as the algorithm shown in the first embodiment.
[0081]
(Fifth embodiment)
As the present embodiment, a printing apparatus to which claims 1, 3, 4, 7, and 8 are applied in regard to modifications of the first embodiment.
[0082]
Specifically, a digital camera which is one of image storage devices and a small printer which is one of printing devices are connected, and the printing device includes image processing setting means (S213), printing means ( S206), connected model information detecting means (S208), connected model setting information table (S209), print setting information detecting means (S210), default print setting means (S215), approximate model information print setting means (S216), image processing An information storage means (S212) is provided.
[0083]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram in a fifth embodiment to which the present invention is applied.
[0084]
In the first embodiment, when the model information of the digital camera is not detected by the connection model information detection means (S208), or based on the image storage device model information, the connection model setting information table (S209) When the optimum image processing information for the digital camera is not detected, the approximate model information print setting means (S216) is closest to the model of the connected digital camera based on the model information of the image storage device (for example, the same) Manufacturer) Appropriate print settings may be made based on the model information of the digital camera.
[0085]
The outline will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0086]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram in a fifth embodiment to which the present invention is applied.
[0087]
FIG. 9 is a detailed algorithm in the small printer when the fifth embodiment to which the present invention is applied is carried out.
[0088]
FIG. 8 will be described with respect to differences from the first embodiment.
[0089]
In step # 14, based on the digital camera model information detected in step # 4, the approximate model information setting means (S215) is closest to the model of the digital camera being connected by the connection means (S203) (for example, The image processing setting information that is most suitable for the digital camera model is set.
[0090]
The steps other than the above steps are the same as the algorithm shown in the first embodiment.
[0091]
(Sixth embodiment)
Specifically, a digital camera which is one of image storage devices and a small printer which is one of printing devices are connected, and the printing device includes image processing setting means (S213), printing means ( S206), connected model information detecting means (S208), connected model setting information table (S209), print setting information detecting means (S210), default print setting means (S215), new model information registering means (S217), image processing information. Storage means (S212).
[0092]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram in a fifth embodiment to which the present invention is applied.
[0093]
In the first embodiment, when the model information of the digital camera is not detected by the connection model information detection means (S208), or based on the image storage device model information, the connection model setting information table (S209) When the optimum image processing information for the digital camera is not detected, print setting information optimum for the image storage device is received by the transmission / reception means (S204), and the image storage device is obtained by the new model information registration means (S217). The model information and the optimum print setting information are newly registered in the connected model setting information table as associated information.
[0094]
The outline will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0095]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram in a sixth embodiment to which the present invention is applied.
[0096]
FIG. 9 is a detailed algorithm in the small printer when the fifth embodiment to which the present invention is applied is carried out.
[0097]
9 will be described with respect to differences from the first embodiment.
[0098]
In step # 14, the digital camera model information detected in step # 4 is associated with the print setting information (image processing setting information) optimum for the digital camera by the transmission / reception means (S204), and the new model Information is newly registered in the connection model setting information table (S209) by the information registration means (S217).
The steps other than the above steps are the same as the algorithm shown in the first embodiment.
[0099]
(Other embodiments)
According to the present invention, in the printing apparatus comprising the means shown in the first to sixth embodiments, the print setting means includes image processing setting means (S213) and template setting means (S218). Not limited to this, other setting means such as date input setting means and layout setting means may be used.
[0100]
In addition, the image storage device in the first to sixth embodiments is not limited to a digital camera, and may be a PC, a PDA, a scanner, or the like as long as the device has a means for storing an image. May be. Similarly, the printing apparatus is not limited to a small printer, and may be an ink jet printer, a laser printer, or the like as long as the apparatus includes a means for recording on recording paper.
[0101]
【The invention's effect】
As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, in the printing apparatus connected to the image storage device, optimum print setting information is automatically set according to the model of the image storage device to be connected, and the setting information By performing the print output based on the above, it is possible for the operator to easily perform the optimum print output without having to be familiar with the specifications and performance of the image storage device and without performing complicated settings.
[0102]
Further, even when a new image storage device other than the image storage device registered in advance in the printing apparatus is connected, a means for printing based on a default setting which is a standard print setting, or the image storage device Means for printing based on the setting of the model that is most similar (for example, the same manufacturer, made by the same age, etc.), and both information of the new image storage device and the optimal print setting information of the image storage device are newly stored in the printing device. By providing the means for registering, it is possible to obtain an effect that the optimum print output can be obtained smoothly even from a new image storage device.
[0103]
In addition to automatically setting optimum print setting information depending on the model of the image storage device to be connected, it is possible to prevent erroneous print settings by providing means for prohibiting inappropriate print settings. Is obtained.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing first to sixth embodiments to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed functional configuration of the printing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 shows a digital camera which is one of image storage devices in the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a small printer as one of printing apparatuses according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a detailed algorithm in a small printer when implementing the first embodiment to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 6 is a detailed algorithm in a small-sized printer when the second embodiment to which the present invention is applied is implemented.
FIG. 7 is a detailed algorithm in a small printer when carrying out a third embodiment to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 8 is a detailed algorithm in a small printer when carrying out the fourth embodiment to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 9 is a detailed algorithm in a small printer when carrying out a fifth embodiment to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 10 is a detailed algorithm in a small-sized printer when carrying out the sixth embodiment to which the present invention is applied.

Claims (9)

In a printing apparatus having a recording means for recording digital information on a recording sheet so as to be visible, means for wired or wireless connection with an image storage apparatus having a storage means for storing an image;
Means for transmitting and receiving digital information via the image storage device and the connection means;
Means for detecting model information of the image storage device;
Means for detecting optimum setting information according to the model information of the image storage device;
Means for automatically performing print settings based on the setting information detected by the detection means;
A printing apparatus comprising: means for performing print output based on the print settings. In the printing apparatus,
One of the means for detecting the model information of the image storage device is:
When connecting to the image storage device by the connecting means,
The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for receiving model information of the image storage device by the transmission / reception means. In the printing apparatus,
One of the means for detecting the model information of the image storage device is:
The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for receiving model information of the image storage device when the transmission / reception means receives print data from the image storage device. In the printing apparatus,
One of the print setting information is
The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing setting information is optimum for an image storage apparatus connected by the connection unit. In the printing apparatus,
Means for storing a template image having a high use frequency for each model of the image storage device being connected by the connection means;
A printing apparatus comprising: a template setting unit that preferentially sets a frequently used template stored by the template information storage unit when the image storage device is connected by the connection unit. In the printing apparatus,
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for prohibiting improper settings as well as performing optimum print settings for the model of the image storage device detected by the connected model information detecting means (S208). Printing device. In the printing apparatus,
Means for performing standard default print setting means when the connected model setting information detecting means cannot detect the model of the image storage device connected by the connecting means and the print setting information optimum for the connected model; The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing apparatus is provided. In the printing apparatus,
When the connection model setting information detection unit cannot detect the model of the image storage device connected by the connection unit and the print setting information optimal for the connection model, it approximates most (for example, the same manufacturer, made by the same age, etc. 2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for performing print setting based on model information of the model image storage apparatus. In the printing apparatus,
When the connection model setting information detection unit cannot detect the model of the image storage device connected by the connection unit and the print setting information optimal for the connection model,
Means for receiving the image storage device model information and the optimum print setting information for the image storage device by the transmission / reception means;
2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for associating both the image storage apparatus model information and the print setting information and registering them in the print setting information table.

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