JP2006059216A - Print setting instruction apparatus, image printer, direct printing system and method for instructing print setting - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To appropriately instruct print setting for a combination of setting values printable by an image printer such as a printer. <P>SOLUTION: The instruction side communication means 19 of a print setting instructions apparatus 1 communicates with the image printer 2 printing an image. An alternatives reception means 16 receives, through the instructions side communication means 19, alternatives selectable by the image printer 2 as the setting value for each setting item set in asking the image printer 2 to print the image. A selection means 16 selects the setting value for the following setting item from the alternatives selectable by the image printer 2 in terms of the following setting item in setting the setting values for a plurality of selected setting items when the setting value is selected for the following setting item after selecting the setting values from the alternatives for the plurality of setting items. A print setting instructions transmission means 16 transmits, through the instruction side communication means 19, print setting instructions including the setting value for the setting item set in asking the image printer 2 to print the image to the image printer 2. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a print setting instruction apparatus, an image printing apparatus, a direct print system, and a print setting instruction method.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which a computer and a printer are connected by a USB cable. The computer outputs printing conditions for printing the selected image to the printer based on the fixed print data selected from the plurality of fixed print data. In this printing condition, a paper size, a paper type, and the like are designated. Further, the computer controls the range of the standard print data that can be selected in accordance with the print capability of the printer acquired in advance. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the printer from designating printing conditions that cannot be printed.

International Publication WO 2004/021164 (drawings, detailed description of the invention)

  As described above, in the conventional printing system disclosed in Patent Document 1, the printer prints by controlling the range of the standard print data that can be selected by the computer according to the printing capability of the printer acquired in advance. It is possible to prevent a printing condition that cannot be specified from being specified.

  In addition to connecting the computer and the printer with the USB cable in this way, a system is realized in which the DSC (Digital Still Camera) and the printer are directly connected with the USB cable, and the image selected by the DSC is printed with the printer. ing. Such a system is called a direct print system.

  Even in this direct print system, in order to print an image selected by the DSC with the printer, it is necessary to instruct the print setting from the DSC to the printer. Therefore, the setting item for causing the printer to print an image is stored in the DSC, and the DSC acquires the setting value option of the setting item from the printer, and sets the print setting from the setting value options acquired from the printer. It may be configured to select a setting value to be specified.

  However, the setting item for causing the printer to print an image on the printer is stored in this way, and the DSC acquires the setting value option of the setting item from the printer, and from among the setting value options acquired from the printer. Even if the setting value designated in the print setting is selected, the printer may not be able to execute printing depending on the combination of the plurality of selected setting values. For example, in a printer that supports the L size and A4 as the paper size but prints only on the L size size paper with photographic image quality, a print setting instruction that specifies the L plate and plain paper is generated in the DSC. The printer cannot execute printing based on the print setting instruction.

  The present invention provides a print setting instruction apparatus, an image printing apparatus, a direct print system, and a print setting instruction method capable of appropriately instructing a print setting of a combination of setting values that can be printed by an image printing apparatus such as a printer. With the goal.

  The print setting instruction apparatus according to the present invention is selected by the image printing apparatus as a setting value for each setting item that is set when the image printing apparatus prints an image. When selecting a setting value for the next setting item after selecting a setting value from the options for a plurality of setting items and a selection receiving unit for receiving possible options via the instruction side communication unit, a plurality of selected options Selection means for selecting the setting value of the next setting item from the options that can be selected by the image printing device for the next setting item when setting the setting value of the setting item, and setting when printing the image on the image printing device Print setting instruction transmission means for transmitting a print setting instruction including the setting value of the setting item to be transmitted to the image printing apparatus via the instruction side communication means.

  If this configuration is adopted, the setting values of a plurality of print setting items set by the print setting instruction device are combinations of setting values that can be printed by the connected image printing device. Therefore, the image printing apparatus can print with a combination of setting values instructed to the print setting instruction apparatus.

  In the print setting instruction apparatus according to the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the above-described invention, the selection unit includes a request command indicating a next setting item and an argument including setting values of all setting items selected by the selection unit. The request is transmitted to the image printing apparatus.

  If this configuration is adopted, the print setting instruction apparatus transmits a transmission request including a request command indicating the next setting item to the image printing apparatus together with an argument including the setting values of all the setting items selected by the selection unit. Therefore, for example, even if a part of the setting value selected by the selection unit is changed during a series of setting value selection processing periods, the print setting instruction device does not change the changed setting value. Requests a set value that can be set under a combination of

  The print setting instruction apparatus according to the present invention includes, in addition to the configurations of the above-described inventions, a plurality of items including a paper size, a paper type, and a print layout that are set when the selection unit causes the image printing apparatus to print an image. For each setting item, a setting value is selected from options.

  If this configuration is adopted, the print setting instruction apparatus selects setting values for a plurality of setting items including a paper size, a paper type, and a print layout. The setting value choices for the third and subsequent setting items are only those based on two or more already determined setting values. In addition, the setting values selected in the three or more setting items are combinations of setting values that can be printed as they are in an image printing apparatus that prints an image.

  In addition to the configuration of each of the inventions described above, the print setting instruction apparatus according to the present invention is displayed with display means for selectively displaying a setting value option of each setting item received by the option receiving means. And an input unit that generates a selection instruction for selecting one of the selected options, and the option selected by the selection instruction of the input unit is selected as a set value.

  If this configuration is adopted, the print setting instructing apparatus can select one setting value from among setting value options displayed so as to be selectable on the display means.

  An image printing apparatus according to the present invention includes a setting value storage unit that stores setting value options for each setting item in an image print setting, and a print-side communication unit that communicates with a print setting instruction device that transmits an image print setting instruction. And an option request to receive, via the print side communication means, a request for sending an option that can be selected as a setting value of a setting item in the print side communication means together with the setting values of a plurality of setting items that have been selected in the print setting instruction device Among the setting items that have been received by the receiving means and the transmission request, among the setting value choices stored in the setting value storage means, the plurality of selected setting items received by the option request receiving means And an option transmission unit that transmits options that can be selected by the image printing apparatus when the set value is set via the printing-side communication unit.

  If this configuration is adopted, the image printing apparatus can select setting values of a plurality of setting items set in the print setting instruction apparatus from options including setting values that can be printed by the image printing apparatus. Therefore, the image printing apparatus can print with a combination of setting values instructed to the print setting instruction apparatus.

  In addition to the configuration of the above-described invention, the image printing apparatus according to the present invention prints an image when the option transmission unit sets the setting values of a plurality of selected setting items for the setting item for which a transmission request has been received. When there is no option that can be selected by the apparatus, a response including no option is transmitted via the printing side communication means.

  If this configuration is adopted, the image printing apparatus responds by the same processing as when there is a setting value even when there is no selectable option for the setting value of the setting item instructed to the print setting instruction apparatus. be able to. In addition, the print setting instruction apparatus can continue the setting value selection process thereafter by receiving a response that does not include the setting value option.

  A direct print system according to the present invention includes a print setting instruction apparatus according to each of the above-described inventions and an image printing apparatus according to each of the above-described inventions, and the image printing apparatus generates a print setting generated in the print setting instruction apparatus. An image is printed based on the instruction.

  If this configuration is adopted, the print setting instruction apparatus does not generate a print setting instruction of a combination of setting values that cannot be printed by the image printing apparatus, and the image setting apparatus does not have the print setting instruction apparatus. An image can be printed in accordance with the generated print setting instruction.

  The print setting instruction method according to the present invention includes a step of requesting the image printing apparatus to transmit options that can be selected by the image printing apparatus as setting values of setting items to be set when the image printing apparatus prints an image; Steps for receiving options that can be selected by the printing device from the image printing device, and selecting a setting value for the next setting item after selecting a setting value from the options for a plurality of setting items. Step for selecting the setting value of the next setting item from the options that can be selected by the image printing device for the next setting item when setting the setting value of the item, and the setting to be set when the image printing device prints an image Transmitting a print setting instruction including the setting value of the item to the image printing apparatus.

  If this method is adopted, the setting values of a plurality of setting items that are set when the image printing apparatus prints an image are combinations of setting values that can be printed by the image printing apparatus. Therefore, the image printing apparatus can print with a combination of setting values instructed to the print setting instruction apparatus.

  Hereinafter, a print setting instruction apparatus, an image printing apparatus, a direct print system, and a print setting instruction method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The direct print system will be described as an example having a DSC and a printer. The print setting instruction apparatus will be described using DSC as an example. The image printing apparatus will be described using a printer as an example. The print setting instruction method will be described as a part of the operation of the DSC.

  FIG. 1 is a system perspective view showing a direct print system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The direct print system includes a DSC 1 as a print setting instruction device and a printer 2 as an image printing device. This direct printing system prints an image selected in the DSC 1 by the printer 2 based on a print setting instruction made in the DSC 1.

  The DSC 1 and the printer 2 are directly connected by a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable 3. The DSC 1 and the printer 2 may be connected by a cable communication path such as a cable other than the USB cable 3 such as an Ethernet (registered trademark) cable. The DSC 1 and the printer 2 may be configured to be able to communicate directly via a wireless communication path such as, for example, Bluetooth.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing functions implemented in the direct print system of FIG.

  The DSC 1 includes a liquid crystal monitor 11 that can display an image in full color, an input device 12 that outputs an input instruction according to an operation, and a USB communication I / F (interface) 13 to which the USB cable 3 is connected. The semiconductor memory 14 can be inserted into and removed from the DSC 1. The semiconductor memory 14 inserted in the DSC 1 stores a plurality of image files 15 captured by the DSC 1.

  In the DSC 1, an unillustrated built-in computer executes a program stored in an unillustrated built-in memory, so that a print client unit 16 serving as an option receiving unit, a selecting unit, and a print setting instruction transmitting unit, and a PTP (Picture Transfer Protocol) ) The communication unit 17 and the USB still image class (USB_SIC) communication unit 18 are realized. Note that the program stored in the memory is a computer-readable program, and even if it is stored in the memory when the DSC 1 is shipped, the memory is stored via a recording medium or transmission medium (not shown) after the DSC 1 is shipped. May be stored in the memory.

  The USB communication I / F 13, the USB_SIC communication unit 18, and the PTP communication unit 17 constitute a communication unit 19 of the DSC 1 as an instruction side communication unit. The communication unit 19 transmits / receives data to / from a communication unit 29 described later of the printer 2 connected by the USB cable 3. The data transmitted and received between the communication units 19 and 35 includes a request printer capability described later and data of the image file 15.

  The USB communication I / F 13 of the DSC 1 functions as a USB device when the USB cable 3 is connected, and establishes a connection for data communication with the USB host. The USB_SIC communication unit 18 of the DSC 1 generates an endpoint for the USB still image class and the like by communicating with the USB_SIC communication unit on the USB host side. The PTP communication unit 17 of the DSC 1 transmits and receives PTP commands and files to and from the PTP communication unit on the USB host side using the previous endpoint.

  The print client unit 16 selects an image of the image file 15 stored in the semiconductor memory 14. The print client unit 16 performs processing for generating a print setting instruction for causing the printer 2 to print the selected image while acquiring the setting value options of the setting items that can be printed by the printer 2 using the request printer capability. Execute. The print client unit 16 transmits a print operation including the print setting instruction to the printer 2.

  The printer 2 includes a USB communication I / F (interface) 21 to which the USB cable 3 is connected, and a printing unit 22 that prints on paper based on a print job.

  In the printer 2, a built-in computer (not shown) executes a program stored in a built-in memory (not shown), so that a print server unit 23 as an option request receiving unit and an option transmitting unit, a PTP communication unit 24, and a USB_SIC communication The unit 25 and the print job generation unit 26 are realized. The program stored in the memory is a computer-readable program. Even if the program is stored in the memory when the printer 2 is shipped, the program is stored in the memory via a recording medium or a transmission medium (not shown) after the printer 2 is shipped. It may be stored.

  Further, in the built-in memory (not shown) of the printer 2, a setting value storage unit 27 for each setting item as a setting value storage unit and a set value combination storage unit 28 are stored.

  The setting item setting value storage unit 27 stores setting values printable by the printer 2 for each setting item. Examples of the setting items include printable paper size and type, printable image print layout and image quality, and image correction processing. Examples of the set value of the paper size include A4, B5, A5, 2L plate, L plate, postcard, and name paper. The set value of the paper type includes, for example, plain paper, postcard paper, glossy paper, inkjet paper, photo paper, high-quality paper, and the like. The setting value of the image print layout is, for example, 1 up (1 image on 1 sheet), 2 up (2 images on 1 sheet), 4 up (4 images on 1 sheet) , Index (image list based on thumbnail images), and no up-edge. If there is no designation of no border in the set value, printing with a border is performed. As the set value of the print image quality of an image, for example, there are usually high quality and the like. Examples of setting values for image correction processing include correction and no correction.

  The setting value combination storage unit 28 stores combinations of setting values that can be printed by the printer 2. Examples of combinations of setting values that can be printed by the printer 2 stored in the setting value combination storage unit 28 include “postcard-photo paper-1 no border” and “postcard-plain paper-1 up”. The combination of setting values in the previous example means that an image can be printed without borders on a postcard-sized photo paper. The combination of setting values in the later example means that one image can be printed on a postcard-sized plain paper.

  The set value combination storage unit 28 may store a combination of set values that the printer 2 cannot print. For example, when the set value combination storage unit 28 stores, for example, “L plate-plain paper” as a combination of set values that cannot be printed by the printer 2, the printer 2 prints an image on L size plain paper. It means you can't.

  The USB communication I / F 21, the USB_SIC communication unit 25, and the PTP communication unit 24 of the printer 2 constitute a communication unit 29 of the printer 2 as a printing side communication unit. The USB communication I / F 21 of the printer 2 functions as a USB host when the USB cable 3 is connected. Therefore, when the communication unit 29 of the printer 2 and the communication unit 19 of the DSC 1 are connected by the USB cable 3, the communication units 19 and 35 can transmit and receive data to and from each other.

  The print server unit 23 transmits and receives various operations and responses to and from the print client unit 16. Examples of such operations include a request printer capability that the print client unit 16 transmits to the print server unit 23, and a printer capability that the print server unit 23 transmits to the print client unit 16 as a response.

  When the print operation or the like from the print client unit 16 is supplied from the communication unit 29, the print server unit 23 executes processing according to the supplied operation. For example, when a print operation is supplied, the print server unit 23 instructs the print job generation unit 26 to execute the supplied print operation.

  The print job generation unit 26 generates a print setting by using a print setting instruction included in the print operation, generates a print job based on the generated print setting and the image of the image file selected by the DSC 1, and generates the print job. The printed job is supplied to the printing unit 22.

  Next, an operation in direct printing of the direct printing system of FIG. 1 having the above configuration will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the overall processing flow of the DSC 1 and the printer 2 in direct printing. The box on the straight line described below the characters “DSC (1)” indicates the main processing executed by DSC1 in direct printing. The box on the straight line described below the characters “printer (2)” indicates the main processing executed by the printer 2 in direct printing. The arrow line between the two direct lines indicates main data transmitted and received between the DSC 1 and the printer 2 in direct printing.

  When performing direct printing, first, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the DSC 1 and the printer 2 are connected by the USB cable 3 (step ST1). When the DSC 1 and the printer 2 are connected by the USB cable 3, predetermined communication is performed between the communication unit 19 of the DSC 1 and the communication unit 29 of the printer 2, and data such as files and commands are transmitted between them. Ready to send and receive.

  When the communication units 19 and 35 are ready to transmit and receive data, a discovery process is executed (step ST2). Specifically, the print client unit 16 of the DSC 1 and the print server unit 23 of the printer 2 use these communication units 19 and 35 to transmit / receive a predetermined file to / from each other. By sending and receiving predetermined files, the print client unit 16 of the DSC 1 and the print server unit 23 of the printer 2 are devices in which the counterpart devices connected by the USB cable 3 are compatible with predetermined direct printing. Recognize that there is.

  Thereafter, the print client unit 16 of the DSC 1 starts an image selection process. Note that the print client unit 16 may start the image selection process based on a direct print start instruction from the input device 12 or the recognition that a device corresponding to direct print is connected.

  The print client unit 16 first displays the image of the image file 15 stored in the semiconductor memory 14 on the liquid crystal monitor 11. When a selection instruction for selecting an image is input from the input device 12 while the image is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 11, the print client unit 16 selects the image file 15 of the displayed image as an image to be printed. (Step ST3).

When the image file 15 of the image to be printed is selected, the print client unit 16 starts generation processing of a print setting instruction for instructing a sheet on which the selected image is printed.

  4 is a rear view showing the rear surface of the DSC 1 in FIG. On the back surface of the DSC 1, a liquid crystal monitor 11 and a cross key 31 as a kind of input device 12 are arranged. The liquid crystal monitor 11 of FIG. 4 displays a print setting instruction generation process start instruction screen as an example of a display screen. On the print setting instruction generation start instruction screen, a display object 32 to which “paper setting” is assigned and an arrow-shaped display object 33 displayed on the left side of the display object 32 are displayed. For example, when the user operates the right part of the cross key 31, the print client unit 16 starts generating a print setting instruction based on a selection instruction output from the input device 12 based on the operation.

  When the print client unit 16 starts the print setting instruction generation process, the print client unit 16 first generates a request printer capability that is a command for requesting an option for a set value of the paper size that can be printed by the printer 2 (step ST4). ).

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a request printer capability that is first generated by the print client unit 16 when a start instruction is given on the start instruction screen of FIG. 4. The request printer capability is text data in an XML (extensible Markup Language) format. The request printer capability is an operation command for acquiring setting value options for each setting item that can be printed by the printer 2.

  The request printer capability that is first generated in the print setting instruction generation processing shown in FIG. 5 is a tag indicating the XML version (<? Xml version = “1.0”?>) And a pair indicating that it is a request. Tag (<Request>, </ Request>). Between a pair of tags indicating a request, a pair of tags (<ReqPrinterCapability>, </ ReqPrinterCapability>) indicating that the request is a request for a choice of setting values that can be printed by the printer 2 is described. The A tag (<PaperSize />) indicating a setting item (paper size in this case) for requesting a setting value option is set between a pair of tags indicating that it is a request for a setting value option that can be printed by the printer 2. Described.

  When the print client unit 16 generates the first request printer capability for requesting a paper size setting value option, the communication unit 19 of the DSC 1 transmits this request printer capability to the communication unit 29 of the printer 2. (Step ST5). The communication unit 29 of the printer 2 receives the request printer capability and supplies it to the print server unit 23.

  When the print server unit 23 of the printer 2 is supplied with the first request printer capability for requesting a paper size setting value option, there is no setting value already determined for other setting items. All the set values of the paper size that can be printed by the printer 2 are read from the storage unit 27. Further, the print server unit 23 generates a printer capability that includes all the read setting values as setting value options (step ST6).

  FIG. 6 shows the printer capacities generated first by the print server unit 23 in FIG. 2 according to the request printer capabilities that request the options of the paper size setting values of the printer 2 that are first generated by the print client unit 16. It is a figure which shows an example of capability. The printer capability is text data in XML format. The printer capability is a response for notifying a choice of setting value for each setting item that can be printed by the printer 2.

  The printer capability shown in FIG. 6 includes a tag indicating XML version (<? Xml version = “1.0”?>) And a pair of tags indicating response (<Response>, </ Response>). And having. Between a pair of tags indicating a response, the paper size setting value (L 2L postcard A4) requested by the print client unit 16 of the DSC 1 is a response of a setting value that can be printed by the printer 2. Between a pair of tags (<PaperSize>, </ PaperSize>). Here, the print server unit 23 returns four setting values “L (L version)”, “2L (2L version)”, “postcard”, and “A4” as setable options.

  When the print server unit 23 generates the printer capability, the communication unit 29 of the printer 2 transmits the printer capability generated by the print server unit 23 to the communication unit 19 of the DSC 1 (step ST7). The communication unit 19 of the DSC 1 receives the printer capability and supplies it to the print client unit 16.

  When the printer capability is supplied, the print client unit 16 of the DSC 1 displays four setting value options for the paper size included in the printer capability on the liquid crystal monitor 11 (step ST8). The print client unit 16 displays, on the liquid crystal monitor 11, four setting value options for the paper size included in the printer capability in a state that can be selected using the input device 12.

  FIG. 7 is a rear view showing the rear surface of the DSC 1 in FIG. On the liquid crystal monitor 11 of FIG. 7, a paper size selection screen is displayed. On this selection screen, four display objects 41, 42, 43, and 44 are arranged in a vertical line. Each display object 41, 42, 43, 44 is assigned a character corresponding to a set value option included in the printer capability. Specifically, the set value option “L” is assigned to the top display object 41. The second display object 42 from the top is assigned a character “2L” as a setting value option. The third display object 43 from the top is assigned a character of a setting value option “postcard”. The fourth display object 44 from the top is assigned the letter “A4” as a setting value option.

  Also, on the paper size selection screen of FIG. 7, an arrow-shaped display object 31 is displayed on the left side of the set value selection display objects 41, 42, 43, 44 in the row. When the user operates the upper part of the cross key 31, the arrow-shaped display object 31 moves upward in the display screen. When the user operates the lower part of the cross key 31, the arrow-shaped display object 31 moves downward in the display screen. Thereby, the user can move the arrow-shaped display object 31 to the side of any one display object 41, 42, 43, 44 to which the setting value option is assigned.

  Then, for example, when the user operates the right part of the cross key 31 in a state where the arrow-shaped display objects 31 are arranged beside the display objects 41, 42, 43, and 44 of desired setting value options, the print client Based on the selection instruction output from the input device 12 based on the operation, the unit 16 sets the set values of the display objects 41, 42, 43, and 44 that are the set value choices in which the arrow-shaped display objects 31 are arranged. Then, it is selected as a setting value for the print setting instruction (step ST9). For example, when the right part of the cross key 31 is operated in the state of the display screen of FIG. 7, the print client unit 16 selects “postcard” as the set value of the paper size for the print setting instruction.

  When the paper size, which is the first setting item in the print setting instruction generation process, is selected, the print client unit 16 determines whether the print setting instruction generation process is completed by the selection (step ST10). In the DSC 1 according to this embodiment, when the paper size, paper type, and print layout setting values are selected, it is determined that the print setting instruction generation processing has been completed. Therefore, the print client unit 16 determines that the print setting instruction generation processing has not been completed by the selection.

  Note that the criterion for determining whether or not the print setting instruction generation processing has been completed differs depending on DSC1. A DSC 1 is configured to set only the paper size in the DSC 1. In this case, the DSC 1 determines that the print setting instruction generation processing has been completed by completing the selection of the paper size. The other DSC 1 is configured to set the paper size and type, the print layout and print quality of the image, and the image correction processing in the DSC 1. In this case, the DSC 1 determines that the print setting instruction generation processing has been completed by completing the selection of the setting values of the five setting items.

  The print client unit 16 that has determined that the generation process of the print setting instruction has not been completed, next generates a request printer capability for requesting a choice of a set value of the paper type that can be printed by the printer 2 ( Step ST4).

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the request printer capability generated second by the print client unit 16. In the second request printer capability generated in FIG. 8, there is a setting item for requesting a setting value option between a pair of tags indicating that it is a request for a setting value option that can be printed by the printer 2. And a tag (<PaperType />) indicating the paper type.

  In particular, in the request printer capability generated second by the print client unit 16, the tag (<PaperType />) has one argument “PeperSize =“ postcard ””. This argument includes the setting value “postcard” already selected by the print client unit 16 of the DSC 1.

  The second request printer capability generated by the print client unit 16 is transmitted from the communication unit 19 of the DSC 1 to the communication unit 29 of the printer 2 (step ST5) and supplied to the print server unit 23.

  When the second request printer capability for requesting a choice of setting value of the paper type is supplied to the print server unit 23 of the printer 2, the printer 2 may print from the setting value storage unit 27 for each setting item. Read all set values for the available paper types. Furthermore, since the argument “PeperSize =“ postcard ”” is designated, the print server unit 23 refers to the set value combination storage unit 28. Then, the print server unit 23 reads the setting value options of the paper type that can be printed under the setting value (in this example, “postcard”) included in the argument. In addition, the print server unit 23 generates a printer capability including options of all the read setting values (step ST6).

  FIG. 9 shows the second generation by the print server unit 23 in FIG. 2 according to the request printer capability that requests the setting value option of the paper type of the printer 2 that is generated second by the print client unit 16. It is a figure which shows an example of a printer capability. Between the pair of tags indicating the response of the printer capability, the choice of the set value of the paper type requested by the print client unit 16 of the DSC 1 (plain paper and photo paper) can be printed by the printer 2. It is described by being sandwiched between a pair of tags (<PaperType>, </ PaperType>) indicating that it is a response of a setting value option. Here, the print server unit 23 returns two setting value options of “plain paper” and “photo paper” as paper types that can be printed under the argument (PeperSize = “postcard”).

  When the print server unit 23 generates the printer capability, the communication unit 29 of the printer 2 transmits the printer capability generated by the print server unit 23 to the communication unit 19 of the DSC 1 (step ST7). The communication unit 19 of the DSC 1 receives the printer capability and supplies it to the print client unit 16.

  When the printer capability is supplied, the print client unit 16 of the DSC 1 displays two setting value options of the paper type included in the printer capability on the liquid crystal monitor 11 (step ST8).

  FIG. 10 is a rear view showing the rear surface of the DSC 1 in FIG. On the liquid crystal monitor 11 of FIG. 7, a paper type selection screen is displayed. On this selection screen, two display objects 51 and 52 are arranged vertically. Each display object 51, 52 is assigned a character corresponding to a setting value option included in the printer capability. Specifically, the uppermost display object 51 is assigned a character of a setting value option “plain paper”. The second display object 52 from the top is assigned characters of the setting value option “photo paper”. For example, when the user operates the right part of the cross key 31 in a state where the arrow-shaped display objects 31 are arranged next to the display objects 51 and 52 of desired setting value options, the print client unit 16 Based on the selection instruction output from the input device 12 based on the operation, the setting value options of the setting value selection display objects 51 and 52 in which the arrow-shaped display objects 31 are arranged are used for the print setting instruction. Is selected as a set value (step ST9). For example, when the right part of the cross key 31 is operated in the state of the display screen of FIG. 10, the print client unit 16 selects “photographic paper” as the set value of the paper type for the print setting instruction.

  When the paper type, which is the second setting item in the print setting instruction generation process, is selected, the print client unit 16 determines whether the print setting instruction generation process is completed by the selection (step ST10). In the DSC 1 according to this embodiment, when the paper size, paper type, and print layout setting values are selected, it is determined that the print setting instruction generation processing has been completed. Therefore, the print client unit 16 determines that the print setting instruction generation processing has not been completed by the selection.

  The print client unit 16 that has determined that the generation process of the print setting instruction has not been completed, next generates a request printer capability for requesting a choice of a set value of a paper layout that can be printed by the printer 2 (Step S1). ST4).

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the request printer capability that the print client unit 16 generates third. In the third request printer capability generated in FIG. 11, there is a setting item for requesting a setting value option between a pair of tags indicating that it is a request for a setting value option that can be printed by the printer 2. And a tag (<layout />) indicating a print layout.

  In particular, in the request printer capability generated by the print client unit 16 third, the tag (<layout />) has two arguments “PeperSize =“ postcard ”and“ PeperSize = “photo paper” ”. These two arguments include setting values “postcard” and “photo paper” already selected by the print client unit 16 of the DSC 1.

  The third request printer capability generated by the print client unit 16 is transmitted from the communication unit 19 of the DSC 1 to the communication unit 29 of the printer 2 (step ST5) and supplied to the print server unit 23.

  The print server unit 23 of the printer 2 can be printed by the printer 2 from the setting value storage unit 27 for each setting item when the third request printer capability for requesting the setting value option of the print layout is supplied. Read all print layout settings. Further, the print server unit 23 refers to the set value combination storage unit 28 because two arguments “PeperSize =“ postcard ”and“ PeperSize = “photo paper” ”are designated. Then, the print server unit 23 reads the setting value of the print layout that can be printed under the first argument “PeperSize =“ postcard ”” and the second argument “PeperType =“ photo paper ””. In addition, the print server unit 23 generates a printer capability including all the read setting values (step ST6).

  FIG. 12 shows the third generation by the print server unit 23 in FIG. 2 according to the request printer capability that requests the setting value option of the print layout of the printer 2 that is generated third by the print client unit 16. It is a figure which shows an example of a printer capability. Between the pair of tags indicating the response of the printer capability, the print layout setting value option requested by the print client unit 16 of the DSC 1 (1up 2up Index 1up border is not available) can be printed by the printer 2 These are described by being sandwiched between a pair of tags (<layout>, </ layout>) indicating that the response is a choice value selection option. Here, the print server unit 23 sets “1up”, “2up”, and “Index” as print layouts that can be printed under two arguments “PeperSize =“ postcard ”” and “PeperType =“ photo paper ””. ”And“ 1up no border ”are returned.

  When the print server unit 23 generates the printer capability, the communication unit 29 of the printer 2 transmits the printer capability generated by the print server unit 23 to the communication unit 19 of the DSC 1 (step ST7). The communication unit 19 of the DSC 1 receives the printer capability and supplies it to the print client unit 16.

  When the printer capability is supplied, the print client unit 16 of the DSC 1 displays four setting value options of the print layout included in the printer capability on the liquid crystal monitor 11 (step ST8).

  FIG. 13 is a rear view showing the rear surface of the DSC 1 in FIG. On the liquid crystal monitor 11 of FIG. 13, a print layout selection screen is displayed. On this selection screen, four display objects 61, 62, 63, 64 are arranged vertically. Each display object 61, 62, 63, 64 is assigned a character corresponding to a setting value option included in the printer capability. Specifically, the set value option “1up” is assigned to the top display object 61. The second display object 62 from the top is assigned a character “2up” as a setting value option. The third display object 63 from the top is assigned a character of the setting value option “Index”. The fourth display object 64 from the top is assigned a character of setting value option “no 1up border”.

  For example, when the user operates the right part of the cross key 31 in a state where the arrow-shaped display objects 31 are arranged beside the display objects 61, 62, 63, and 64 of desired setting value options, the print client Based on the selection instruction output from the input device 12 based on the operation, the unit 16 sets the set values of the display objects 61, 62, 63, and 64 of the set value choices in which the arrow-shaped display objects 31 are arranged. The option is selected as a setting value for a print setting instruction (step ST9). For example, when the right portion of the cross key 31 is operated in the state of the display screen of FIG. 13, the print client unit 16 selects “no 1up border” as the print layout setting value for the print setting instruction.

  When the paper type, which is the third setting item in the print setting instruction generation process, is selected, the print client unit 16 determines whether the print setting instruction generation process is completed by the selection (step ST10). At this timing, all setting values for the paper size, paper type, and print layout are selected. Accordingly, the print client unit 16 determines that the print setting instruction generation processing has been completed by the selection.

  When the print setting instruction generation processing is completed, the print client unit 16 generates a print operation that is a print start command including the print setting instruction (step ST11). The print operation is text data in XML format. The print operation includes the file ID of the selected image file and the selected setting value. The file ID is generated in a one-to-one correspondence with the file name of the image file, and it is sufficient that at least the plurality of image files 25 in the semiconductor memory 14 can be distinguished from each other. For example, an 8-digit number or URL What is necessary is just to produce | generate in formats, such as (Uniform Resource Locator). Further, the selected setting value is described by being sandwiched between a pair of tags indicating print items of the respective setting values. For example, the set value “postcard” of the paper size is described by being sandwiched between a pair of tags (<PaperSize>, </ PaperSize>) indicating setting items of the paper size.

  When the print client unit 16 of the DSC 1 generates a print operation, the communication unit 19 of the DSC 1 transmits the generated print operation to the communication unit 29 of the printer 2 (step ST12). The communication unit 29 of the printer 2 supplies the received print operation to the print server unit 23. The print server unit 23 instructs the print job generation unit 26 to start print job generation processing. The print job generation unit 26 starts print job generation processing based on the instruction (step ST13).

  First, the print job generation unit 26 generates a transmission request for an image file including the file ID described in the print operation 52. The communication unit 29 of the printer 2 transmits a transmission request for the generated image file to the communication unit 19 of the DSC 1 (step ST14). The communication unit 19 of the DSC 1 reads the image file 15 corresponding to the requested file ID from the semiconductor memory 14 and transmits it to the communication unit 29 of the printer 2 (step ST15).

  Next, the print job generation unit 26 generates a print job for printing the image of the image file 15 based on the received image file 15 and the setting value of the print instruction setting described in the print operation 52. . The printing unit 22 prints an image on a sheet based on the print job generated by the print job generation unit 26 (step ST16).

  As described above, the direct print system according to this embodiment can print the image selected in the DSC 1 by the printer 2 based on the print setting instruction made in the DSC 1.

  In addition, in the direct print system according to this embodiment, in the request printer capability in which the print client unit 16 of the DSC 1 requests the transmission of each setting value option from the second to the last setting item, FIG. And as shown in FIG. 11, the setting value of each setting item already determined is added as a condition for selecting the required option. If the received request printer capability includes a set value that has already been determined as a read condition (argument) for the next set value, the print server 23 refers to the set value combination storage unit 28. The setting value of the next setting item that can be printed in combination with the setting value as the reading condition is read.

  As a result, the print client unit 16 selects a setting value from a combination of setting values that can be printed by the printer 2, and transmits a print operation including the selected setting value to the printer 2. Therefore, the DSC 1 does not generate a print setting instruction for a combination of setting values that cannot be printed by the printer 2, and the printer 2 does not generate an image according to the combination of setting values in the print operation generated by the DSC 1. Can be printed.

  In the direct print system according to this embodiment, the already selected setting value is included as an argument in the request printer capability itself that requests transmission of setting value options for each setting item. In particular, in the request printer capability for acquiring a print layout setting value option, which is the third setting item, the paper size setting value and the paper type setting value selected so far are specified as arguments. Therefore, for example, even if the setting value selected during the setting of the print instruction is changed, the print client unit 16 can set the setting value that can be set under the combination of the changed setting values. You can request alternatives.

  In the direct print system according to this embodiment, the print client unit 16 assigns the set value option of the received setting item to the display object and displays it on the liquid crystal monitor 11, and displays the displayed display object on the input device 12. To select one setting value.

  The above embodiment is an example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications and changes are possible.

  In the above embodiment, the communication unit 19 of the DSC 1 and the communication unit 29 of the printer 2 include the PTP communication units 17 and 24, the USB_SIC communication units 18 and 25, and the USB communication I / Fs 13 and 21. Is used. In addition to this, for example, the communication unit 19 of the DSC 1 and the communication unit 29 of the printer 2 are configured by a USB mass storage class communication unit that specifies a SCSI command as a subclass and a USB communication I / F. You may do it.

  In the above embodiment, the print client unit 16 of the DSC 1 generates a request printer capability for each setting item, and displays on the liquid crystal monitor 11 the setting value options of the setting item related to the request acquired accordingly. The set value is selected based on the input device selection instruction in the display state. In addition to this, for example, the print client unit 16 generates request printer capabilities of all setting items to be set, and sequentially selects the setting value options of the setting items related to the request acquired in response to the setting items. It may be displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 11 to allow the user to select a setting value.

  In the above-described embodiment, the print client unit 16 of the DSC 1 obtains paper size, paper type, and print layout setting value options in that order. The order of setting these three setting items may be another order. For example, the print client unit 16 may acquire and select the paper size after selecting the paper type and the print layout.

  In the above-described embodiment, when the print client unit 16 of the DSC 1 selects the paper size, paper type, and print layout setting values, the print client unit 16 determines that the selection is completed and generates a print operation. In addition to this, for example, the print client unit 16 can print from the printer 2 with respect to image printing quality (<Quality />), date printing (<DatePrint />), image optimization (<ImageOptimize />), and the like. It is also possible to acquire and select options for various setting values.

  At this time, for example, when the print client unit 16 acquires the paper size after selecting the paper type, print layout, image print quality, date printing, and image optimization, the tag of the request printer capability (<PaperSize />). ) Has five arguments: “PeperType =“ photo paper ””, “layout =“ 1up ””, “Quality =“ standard ””, “DatePrint =“ off ””, and “ImageOptimize =“ off ”” You can do it.

  In the above-described embodiment, the print server unit 23 of the printer 2 selects the setting value options that can be printed under the combination of arguments (setting values) specified by the setting based on the request printer capability. The printer capability is read out from the separate set value storage unit 27 and includes the options of the read set value. As in this embodiment, it is basically impossible to set only the paper size, paper type, and print layout, but the number of arguments (setting values) increases (for example, 2). When there are special combinations of arguments (setting values), there may be no setting value options that can be printed under that argument (setting value) combination. . If there is no set value option that can be printed, the print server unit 23, for example, does not include a set value option between a pair of tags. A response that does not include a value option).

  When there is no set value option that can be printed in this way, the print server unit 23 returns to DSC 1 by returning a blank printer capability (response not including the set value option). Even when there are no setting value options that can be printed with the combination of the setting values instructed in this way, a response can be made in the same process as when there are setting value options. The print client unit 16 of the DSC 1 can continue the setting value selection process by receiving a response that does not include the setting value option.

  The present invention can be used, for example, in a direct print system in which a digital still camera and a printer are directly connected and an image selected by the digital still camera is printed by the printer.

1 is a perspective view of a direct print system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a functional block diagram of the direct print system of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the whole process in direct printing. It is a rear view of DSC which displays the start instruction | indication screen of a print setting instruction | indication production | generation process. It is a figure which shows the request printer capability produced | generated initially. It is a figure which shows the printer capability produced | generated initially. It is a rear view of DSC which displays a paper size selection screen. It is a figure which shows the request printer capability produced | generated 2nd. It is a figure which shows the printer capability produced | generated 2nd. It is a rear view of DSC which displays a paper type selection screen. It is a figure which shows the request printer capability produced | generated 3rd. It is a figure which shows the printer capability produced | generated 3rd. It is a rear view of DSC which displays the print layout selection screen.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 DSC (print setting instruction | indication apparatus), 2 printer (image printing apparatus), 16 print client parts (option receiving means, selection means, print setting instruction transmission means), 19 communication part (instruction side communication means), 23 print server part (Option request receiving means, option sending means), 27 Setting value storage unit by setting item (setting value storage means), 29 Communication unit (printing side communication means)

Claims (8)

Instruction side communication means for communicating with an image printing apparatus for printing an image;
An option receiving means for receiving, via the instruction side communication means, an option that can be selected by the image printing apparatus as a setting value of each setting item that is set when the image printing apparatus prints an image;
When selecting a setting value for the next setting item after selecting a setting value from the options for the plurality of setting items, the image for the next setting item is displayed when setting values for the plurality of selected setting items are set. A selection means for selecting a setting value of the next setting item from choices selectable by the printing apparatus;
A print setting instruction transmitting means for transmitting a print setting instruction including setting values of setting items to be set when the image printing apparatus prints an image to the image printing apparatus via the instruction side communication means;
A print setting instruction apparatus.   The selection unit transmits a transmission request including a request command indicating the next setting item and an argument including setting values of all setting items selected by the selection unit to the image printing apparatus. The print setting instruction apparatus described.   The selecting means selects a setting value from among the options for each of a plurality of setting items including a paper size, a paper type, and a print layout set when the image printing apparatus prints an image. The print setting instruction apparatus according to claim 1, wherein   The selection means is a display means for selectively displaying a setting value option of each setting item received by the option receiving means, and an input for generating a selection instruction for selecting one of the displayed options. 4. The print setting instruction apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an option selected by the selection instruction of the input unit is selected as a setting value. 5. Setting value storage means for storing setting value options for each setting item in image print settings;
Printing-side communication means for communicating with a print setting instruction device for transmitting an image print setting instruction;
An option for receiving, via the print-side communication means, a transmission request for a choice that can be selected as a setting value of a setting item with the print-side communication means together with the setting values of a plurality of setting items that have been selected in the print setting instruction device A request receiving means;
Setting of a plurality of selected setting items received by the option request receiving means among the setting value options for the setting items stored in the setting value storage means for the setting item that has received the transmission request An option transmission unit that transmits options that can be selected by the image printing apparatus when the value is set, via the printing-side communication unit;
An image printing apparatus comprising:   The option transmission unit, when setting values of a plurality of selected setting items for the setting item that has received a transmission request, when there are no options that can be selected by the image printing apparatus, a response including no option 6. The image printing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the image printing apparatus transmits the information via a printing side communication unit. A print setting instruction apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, and an image printing apparatus according to claim 5 or 6,
The image printing apparatus prints an image based on a print setting instruction generated by the print setting instruction apparatus;
Direct print system characterized by Requesting the image printing apparatus to transmit options that can be selected by the image printing apparatus as setting values of setting items to be set when the image printing apparatus prints an image;
Receiving options that can be selected by the image printing apparatus from the image printing apparatus;
When selecting a setting value for the next setting item after selecting a setting value from the options for the plurality of setting items, the image for the next setting item is displayed when setting values for the plurality of selected setting items are set. A step of selecting a setting value of the next setting item from choices selectable by the printing apparatus;
Transmitting a print setting instruction including a setting value of a setting item to be set when the image printing apparatus prints an image to the image printing apparatus;
A print setting instruction method characterized by comprising:

Images