JP2006079234A - Print setting instructing device, image printing device and direct print system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To print according to the instruction of the print setting of a print setting instructing device. <P>SOLUTION: An instruction side communication means 19 of a print setting instructing device 1 communicates with an image printing device 2 which prints an image according to set values of a plurality of set items set at the time of printing an image. A choice transmission request transmitting means 16 transmits a choices transmission request for requesting choices selectable as the set values of set items, that is, choices selectable when set values of other set items are limited to set values at the point of time of the image printing device 2 through an instruction side communication means 19 to the image printing device 2. A print setting instruction transmitting means 16 transmits a print setting instruction including the set values of the set items selected from among the choices received through the instruction side communication means 19 through the instruction side communication means 19 to the image printing device 2 according to the the choices transmission request. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

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

  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. However, some DSCs cannot set the setting values of all setting items necessary for the printer to execute image printing. When such a DSC is connected, the printer must print an image using a setting value for direct printing previously set in the printer as a setting value of a setting item not specified by the DSC. I must.

  When the setting value for direct printing previously set in the printer is used as the setting value of the setting item for which a specific setting value is not specified in the DSC, the setting value specified in the DSC is used. And a setting value preset in the printer, the printer may not be able to print an image.

  For example, in the case of L size paper, the only available paper type is photographic paper. For this reason, in the case of L-size paper, there are printers that only support printing on photographic paper and do not support printing on plain paper. In such a printer, when the setting for printing an image on A4 size plain paper is made in advance, and when the DSC instructs the print setting to the L size size paper, the printer prints the image on the L size plain paper. A print setting to be generated is generated and printing is to be performed with this print setting. However, as described above, this printer does not support printing an image on L-size plain paper, and therefore cannot actually print an image as instructed.

  According to the present invention, a print setting instruction device such as a DSC that cannot set the setting values of all setting items necessary for an image printing device such as a printer to print an image is connected to the image printing device. Even in such a case, an object is to obtain a print setting instruction apparatus, an image printing apparatus, and a direct print system that can perform printing in accordance with the print setting instruction of the print setting instruction apparatus.

  A print setting instruction apparatus according to the present invention includes an instruction-side communication unit that communicates with an image printing apparatus that prints an image according to setting values of a plurality of setting items that are set when an image is printed, and setting values of setting items An option transmission request for requesting an option that can be selected when the setting value of another setting item is limited to the setting value at that time of the image printing apparatus via the instruction side communication unit. An instruction transmission request transmission means for transmitting to the image printing apparatus, and a print setting instruction including a setting value of a setting item selected from the options received via the instruction side communication means in response to the option transmission request. Print setting instruction transmission means for transmitting to the image printing apparatus via the communication means.

  If this configuration is adopted, the print setting instruction apparatus can be selected as a setting item option requested to the image printing apparatus when the setting value of another setting item is limited to the setting value at that time of the image printing apparatus. Request an option. Then, the print setting instruction apparatus transmits a print setting instruction including the setting value selected from the options received in response to the request as the setting value of the setting item related to the request to the image printing apparatus. Therefore, the image printing apparatus can print an image based on a print setting in which the setting value of the setting item included in the print setting instruction is combined with the setting value already set in the image printing apparatus.

  In the print setting instruction apparatus according to the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the above-described invention, the option transmission request transmission unit specifies another setting item in the option transmission request.

  If this configuration is adopted, the print setting instructing apparatus extracts options that can be printed in combination with the setting value already set in the image printing apparatus as the setting value of another designated setting item. The setting value can be selected from the extracted options.

  In the print setting instruction apparatus according to the present invention, in addition to the configuration of each of the inventions described above, the option transmission request transmission unit specifies a setting item for which a setting value is not specified by the print setting specifying apparatus as another setting item. Is.

  If this configuration is adopted, the print setting instruction apparatus can ensure consistency even for setting items that are not set by the print setting instruction apparatus.

  In the print setting instruction apparatus according to the present invention, in addition to the configuration of each of the inventions described above, the print setting instruction transmission unit uses a setting value at that time of the image printing apparatus for another setting item in the print setting instruction. Is.

  If this configuration is adopted, the print setting instruction device can set the printable combination stored in the image printing device to the image printing device without specifically specifying the setting value of another setting item. The image can be printed based on the print setting combined with the.

  An image printing apparatus according to the present invention includes a printing unit that prints an image in accordance with setting values of a plurality of setting items that are set when an image is printed, and at least one setting item of the plurality of setting items. Print-side communication means that communicates with a print setting instruction apparatus that transmits a print setting instruction that designates a setting value to instruct printing of an image, and prints an option selected as a setting value of a predetermined setting item in the print setting instruction apparatus When transmitting to the setting instruction device, when the setting value of another setting item is limited to the setting value set in the image printing device, options that can be selected in combination with the setting value of the other setting item are And an option transmission unit that transmits to the print setting instruction apparatus via the printing-side communication unit.

  If this configuration is adopted, the image printing apparatus sets the setting of another setting item when the setting value of another setting item is limited to the setting value set by the image printing apparatus. A selectable option can be transmitted in combination with a value, and a print setting instruction including a set value selected from the option can be transmitted. Therefore, the image printing apparatus can print an image based on a print setting in which the setting value of the setting item included in the print setting instruction is combined with the setting value already set in the image printing apparatus.

  In the image printing apparatus according to the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the above-described invention, the option transmission unit includes designation of another setting item, and the printing-side communication unit receives the option of the predetermined setting item from the print setting instruction device. In this case, selectable options are transmitted when the setting value of the other setting item is limited to the setting value set by the image printing apparatus.

  If this configuration is adopted, the image printing apparatus can print when a setting value set in the image printing apparatus is used as a setting value of another setting item specified by the print setting instruction apparatus. Choices can be extracted, and setting values can be selected from the extracted choices.

  In the image printing apparatus according to the present invention, in addition to the configuration of each of the inventions described above, the printing unit receives a print setting instruction including a setting value selected from the options from the print setting instruction apparatus by the printing side communication unit. For other setting items, an image is printed using the set value set by the image printing apparatus.

  If this configuration is adopted, the image printing apparatus can set the printable combination setting values stored in the setting value storage unit even if the setting values of other setting items are not specifically specified in the print setting instruction apparatus. Images can be printed in combination.

  The direct print system according to the present invention includes the print setting instruction apparatus according to each of the above-described inventions and the image printing apparatus according to each of the above-described inventions, and the print setting instruction apparatus selects from among options received from the image printing apparatus. A setting value is selected, and the image printing apparatus prints an image using the setting value selected by the print setting instruction apparatus.

  If this configuration is adopted, the print setting instruction apparatus can be selected as a setting item option requested to the image printing apparatus when the setting value of another setting item is limited to the setting value at that time of the image printing apparatus. Request an option. Then, the print setting instruction apparatus transmits a print setting instruction including the setting value selected from the options received in response to the request as the setting value of the setting item related to the request to the image printing apparatus. Therefore, the image printing apparatus can print an image based on a print setting in which the setting value of the setting item included in the print setting instruction is combined with the setting value already set in the image printing apparatus.

  Hereinafter, a print setting instruction apparatus, a printing apparatus, and a direct print system according to embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The direct print system will be described as an example in which a DSC and a printer are connected. The print setting instruction apparatus will be described using DSC as an example. The printing apparatus will be described using a printer as an example.

  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, whereby a print client unit 16 serving as an option transmission request transmitting unit and a print setting instruction transmitting unit, and a PTP (Picture Transfer Protocol). A communication unit 17 and a 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 33 (described later) of the printer 2 connected by the USB cable 3. Data transmitted and received between the communication units 19 and 33 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 uses the request printer capability as an option transmission request to acquire a setting value of a setting item that can be printed by the printer 2, and print settings for causing the printer 2 to print the selected image. An instruction generation process is executed. 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, a printing unit 22 as a printing unit that prints on paper based on a print job, a liquid crystal monitor 23, and an input device 24. And having.

  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 25 as a printing-side communication unit and an option transmission unit, a PTP communication unit 26, and a USB_SIC communication A unit 27, a print job generation unit 28, and a set value mismatch determination unit 29 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.

  In addition, the setting value storage unit 30 for each setting item, a set value combination storage unit 31, and a current set value storage unit 32 are stored in a built-in memory (not shown) of the printer 2.

  The setting value storage unit 30 for each setting item stores setting values that can be printed 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 set value combination storage unit 31 stores combinations of set 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 31 are “L-photo paper-1 no up edge”, “2L-photo paper-1 no up edge”, “postcard” -Photo Paper-No Up Edge "," A4-Photo Paper-No Up Edge "," Postcard-Plain Paper-1 Up "," A4-Plain Paper-1 Up ", etc. For example, “L-photo paper—no up edge” means that an image can be printed on an L-size photo paper without a single edge.

  The set value combination storage unit 31 may store a combination of set values that cannot be printed by the printer 2. For example, when the set value combination storage unit 31 stores, for example, “L plate-plain paper” as a set value combination that cannot be printed by the printer 2, the printer 2 cannot print an image on L size plain paper. Means that.

  The current setting value storage unit 32 stores the setting values of the setting items used when the printer 2 prints an image in direct printing or the like when there is no print setting instruction for the image for printing. The set value stored in the current set value storage unit 32 is one printable combination set value stored in the set value combination storage unit 31. The current set value storage unit 32 is a default value or a value selected by the user by operating the input device 24 of the printer 2. In this embodiment, the current set value storage unit 32 stores, for example, a set value of “L (L plate) −photographic paper—no up edge (no one side edge)”.

  The communication unit 33 of the printer 2 is configured by the USB communication I / F 21 of the printer 2, the USB_SIC communication unit 27, and the PTP communication unit 26. 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 33 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 33 can transmit and receive data to and from each other.

  The print server unit 25 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 25 and a printer capability that the print server unit 25 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 33, the print server unit 25 executes processing according to the supplied operation. For example, when a print operation is supplied, the print server unit 25 instructs the print job generation unit 28 to execute the supplied print operation.

  The print job generation unit 28 generates a print setting using a print setting instruction included in the print operation, generates a print job based on the generated print setting and an 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.

  The setting value inconsistency determination unit 29 determines inconsistencies in combinations of setting values used for printing. The set value mismatch determination unit 29 operates, for example, as follows. That is, the set value mismatch determination unit 29 displays the combination of the set values stored in the current set value storage unit 32 on the liquid crystal monitor 23. When a setting change input instruction is input from the input device 24 in a state where the combination of setting values stored in the current setting value storage unit 32 is displayed, the setting value mismatch determination unit 29 With reference to the setting value storage unit 30, all setting values of the setting items including the setting value related to the change are read and displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 23. An instruction to select one of the displayed set values is input from the input device 24. Thereafter, when a setting completion instruction is input from the input device 24, the setting value mismatch determination unit 29 refers to the setting value combination storage unit 31 and sets the setting item after replacement with the setting value selected for the setting item. It is confirmed whether or not the combination of values is a combination of set values that can be printed by the printer 2. When the set value combination after the replacement is a combination of set values that can be printed by the printer 2, the set value mismatch determination unit 29 displays the set value combination after the replacement as the current set value storage unit. 32. As a result, the user can store in the printer 2 a combination of setting values that the user wants to use in the printer 2. If the combination of setting values after replacement is not a combination of setting values that can be printed by the printer 2, the setting value inconsistency determination unit 29 causes the user to select a setting value again or perform setting value change processing. Or just cancel it. In addition, when changing the setting value at present, instead of displaying all the setting values by referring to the setting value storage unit 30 for each setting item, the setting values that can be selected by referring to the setting value combination storage unit 31 May be displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 23.

  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. Arrows between the two straight lines indicate 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 33 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 33 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 25 of the printer 2 use these communication units 19 and 33 to send and receive predetermined files to and from each other. When the predetermined file is transmitted and received, the print client unit 16 of the DSC 1 and the print server unit 25 of the printer 2 are devices in which 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.

  In the print setting instruction generation process, the print client unit 16 first generates a request printer capability, which 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. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the request printer capability 36 generated by the print client unit 16. The request printer capability 36 is text data in an XML (extensible Markup Language) format. The request printer capability 36 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 36 generated in the print setting instruction generation process shown in FIG. 4 includes a tag (<? Xml version = “1.0”?>) Indicating the XML version and a pair of requests indicating the 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

  In addition, a tag (<PaperSizes />) indicating a setting item (here, paper size) requesting a setting value option between a pair of tags indicating that the printer 2 is a request for a setting value option that can be printed. ) Is described. In particular, in the request printer capability 36 shown in FIG. 4, the setting item for requesting a setting value option has an argument “PaperType =“ Default ””. This argument “PaperType =“ Default ”” is a setting value of the paper type in which PaperType (paper type) as another setting item is stored in the current setting value storage unit 32 of the printer 2 as an option of the setting item. Means a setting value that can be set in combination with photographic paper.

  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 33 of the printer 2. (Step ST5). The communication unit 33 of the printer 2 receives the request printer capability and supplies it to the print server unit 25.

  The print server unit 25 of the printer 2 starts the generation process of the printer capability when the request printer capability for requesting the choice of the set value of the paper size is supplied (step ST6). In the printer capability generation process, the print server unit 25 first reads all setting values of the paper size that can be printed by the printer 2 from the setting item setting value storage unit 30. Further, since the argument “PeperType =“ Default ”” is designated, the print server unit 25 reads the setting value of the setting item (here, paper type (PeperType)) from the current setting value storage unit 32. Further, the print server unit 25 refers to the set value combination storage unit 31 and sets the paper size that can be set in combination with the set value (here, photo paper) stored in the current set value storage unit 32. To extract.

  For example, the set value combination storage unit 31 stores L (L plate), 2L (2L plate), postcard, and A4 as set values of paper sizes that can be set in combination with photographic paper, and plain paper. If postcard A4 is stored as a paper size setting value that can be set in combination with the print server unit 25, the print server unit 25 sets the setting value (here, photographic paper) stored in the current setting value storage unit 32. L (L version), 2L (2L version), postcard and A4 are extracted as set values of the paper size that can be set in combination.

  Then, the print server unit 25 generates a printer capability that includes all of the read setting values as options.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the printer capability 37 generated by the print server unit 25 in FIG. 2 according to the request printer capability 36 in FIG. The printer capability 37 is XML format text data. The printer capability 37 is a response for notifying selection of setting value by setting item that can be printed by the printer 2.

  The printer capability 37 shown in FIG. 5 includes a tag (<? Xml version = “1.0”?>) Indicating an XML version and a pair of tags (<Response>, </ Response>) indicating a response. And). 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 25 returns four set values “L (L version)”, “2L (2L version)”, “postcard”, and “A4” as setable options.

  When the print server unit 25 generates the printer capability 37, the communication unit 33 of the printer 2 transmits the printer capability 37 generated by the print server unit 25 to the communication unit 19 of the DSC 1 (step ST7). The communication unit 19 of the DSC 1 receives the printer capability 37 and supplies it to the print client unit 16.

  When the printer capability 37 is supplied, the print client unit 16 of the DSC 1 displays, on the liquid crystal monitor 11, four setting value options for the paper size included in the printer capability 37 (step ST 8). 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 37, in a state that can be selected using the input device 12.

  6 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 40 as a kind of the input device 12 are arranged. On the liquid crystal monitor 11 of FIG. 6, 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 setting value option included in the printer capability 37. 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.

  In addition, on the paper size selection screen of FIG. 6, an arrow-shaped display object 45 is displayed on the left side of the set value option display objects 41, 42, 43, 44 in the row. When the user operates the upper part of the cross key 40, the arrow-shaped display object 45 moves upward in the display screen. When the user operates the lower part of the cross key 40, the arrow-shaped display object 45 moves downward in the display screen. Thus, the user can move the arrow-shaped display object 45 to the side of any one display object 41, 42, 43, 44 to which the set value option is assigned.

  For example, when the user operates the right part of the cross key 40 in a state where the arrow-shaped display objects 45 are arranged beside the display objects 41, 42, 43, and 44 of the 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 as the set value choices in which the arrow-shaped display objects 45 are arranged. Then, it is selected as a setting value for print setting instruction (step ST9). For example, when the right part of the cross key 40 is operated in the state of the display screen in FIG. 6, the print client unit 16 selects “L” (L version) as the paper size setting value for the print setting instruction. (Step ST9).

  When the paper size, which is a setting item in the print setting instruction generation process, is selected, the print client unit 16 completes the print setting instruction generation process and generates a print operation that is a print start command including the print setting instruction ( Step ST10).

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the print operation 51 generated by the print client unit 16 in FIG. The print operation 51 is XML format text data. The print operation 51 includes a tag (<? Xml version = “1.0”?>) Indicating an XML version and a pair of tags (<Request>, </ Request>) indicating that the print operation 51 is a request. And). Between a pair of tags indicating a request, there is a pair of tags (<PrintJob>, </ PrintJob>) indicating that the request is a request for a print job.

  Between a pair of tags indicating a request for a print job, a setting value related to a print setting instruction is described sandwiched between a pair of unique tags for each setting item of the setting value. In the print operation 51 of FIG. 7, the print quality setting value “Best” is sandwiched between a pair of tags (<PrintQuality>, </ PrintQuality>) indicating the print quality, and the paper size setting value “L” (L version). Is sandwiched between a pair of tags indicating the paper size (<PaperSize>, </ PaperSize>), and the paper type setting value “Default” (meaning that it follows the predetermined setting of the printer at present) indicates a pair of paper types A pair of tags (<Layout>, <PaperType>, </ PaperType>) between which the print layout setting value “Default” (meaning according to a predetermined setting of the printer at present) is displayed. / Layout>).

  The paper type is another setting item designated as an argument in the request printer capability. Then, the print client unit 16 instructs to use the printable combination set value stored in the current set value storage unit 32 of the printer 2 as the value of the other set item in the print operation 51. “Default” is specified.

  Further, the setting value “Jpeg” of the type of the image file 15 is sandwiched between a pair of tags (<FileType>, </ FileType>) indicating the type of the image file 15, and the setting value “0030” (30 sheets printing) ) Is sandwiched between a pair of tags (<Copy>, </ Copy>) indicating the number of prints, and is generated in a one-to-one correspondence with the file ID of the image file 15 (the file name of the image file 15 in the semiconductor memory 14). Set value “00000001” of the image file 15 is sandwiched between a pair of tags (<ImageFileID>, </ ImageFileID>) indicating the file ID of the image file 15, and the setting value “ "2002/05/30" is a pair of tags (<Date>, </ Date>) indicating the date when the print setting instruction is issued. Or it is in are described.

  When the print client unit 16 of DSC1 generates a print operation, the communication unit 19 of DSC1 transmits the generated print operation to the communication unit 33 of the printer 2 (step ST11). The communication unit 33 of the printer 2 supplies the received print operation to the print server unit 25. The print server unit 25 instructs the print job generation unit 28 to start a print job generation process. The print job generation unit 28 starts print job generation processing based on the instruction (step ST12).

  The print job generation unit 28 first generates an image file transmission request including the file ID described in the print operation 51. The communication unit 33 of the printer 2 transmits a transmission request for the generated image file to the communication unit 19 of the DSC 1 (step ST13). 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 33 of the printer 2 (step ST14).

  Next, the print job generation unit 28 prints 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 51. The print job generation unit 28 prints using the setting value of the setting item stored in the current setting value storage unit 32 as the setting value of the setting item for which the setting value “Default” is specified in the print operation. Create a job.

  In the case of the print operation 51 in FIG. 7, the setting value “Default” is specified in the setting item of the paper type and the setting item of the print layout. Therefore, the print job generation unit 28 sets the paper type setting value (photo paper in this case) stored in the current setting value storage unit 32 and the print layout setting value stored in the current setting value storage unit 32 ( In this case, a print job is generated. That is, the print job generation unit 28 generates a print job for printing one image of the image file 15 with the file ID “00000001” on the L-size photo paper without a border.

  The print job generation unit 28 outputs the generated print job to the printing unit 22. The printing unit 22 prints an image on a sheet based on the print job generated by the print job generation unit 28 (step ST15).

  In the printer 2, the set value is changed as appropriate based on the user's operation. For example, unlike the case of FIG. 5, when plain paper is set as the paper type, it is possible to print on postcard size and A4 size paper with plain paper. In this case, since the printer 2 can print on postcard size and A4 size paper, the current set value storage unit 32 sets the paper type setting value to “plain paper”, for example “A4-plain paper”. −1 up ”is stored. In response to the request printer capability 36 of FIG. 4, the print server unit 25 of the printer 2 transmits a response of the printer capability 52 shown in FIG. 8 in step ST7 of FIG.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating another example of the printer capability 52 generated by the print server unit 25 in FIG. 2 in accordance with the request printer capability 36 in FIG. In the printer capability 52, when the current setting value storage unit 32 stores a setting value of “L (L plate) −photo paper—no up edge (no one side edge)” (that is, the setting of this paper type). Compared to the printer capability 37 shown in FIG. 5 (when the value is photographic paper), the paper size options are reduced to two of “postcard” and “A4”. When such two options are received, the LCD monitor 11 of the DSC 1 displays two display objects to which the two options are assigned, and the print client unit 16 is selected from the two options. A thing is selected as a set value.

  As a result, the print job generating unit 28 of the printer 2 generates a print job for printing on the postcard-sized plain paper with a border or a print job for printing on the A4 size plain paper with a border, and the printer 2 performs this printing. Printing can be performed based on the job.

  As described above, in the direct print system according to this embodiment, the printer 2 can select setting item options that can be printed in combination with the printable combination set values stored in the current set value storage unit 32. DSC1 transmits a print operation including the set value selected from the options. Therefore, the printer 2 prints an image based on the print setting in which the setting value of the setting item included in the print operation and the setting value of the printable combination stored in the current setting value storage unit 32 are combined. Can do.

  As a result, in the direct print system according to this embodiment, even if the DSC 1 cannot set the setting values of all the setting items necessary for the printer 2 to execute image printing, The printer 2 can perform printing as instructed by the printing operation of the DSC 1. In addition, since the printer 2 performs printing in accordance with the printing operation of the DSC 1, it is possible to perform printing according to the intention of the user who has instructed printing of an image using the DSC 1.

  In the direct print system according to this embodiment, the print client unit 16 of the DSC 1 designates another setting item different from the setting item related to the request in the request printer capability, and the print server unit 25 of the printer 2 When the setting value of the other setting item is the setting value of the printable combination stored in the current setting value storage unit 32, a printable option is transmitted in combination with the setting value of the other setting item.

  Therefore, the printer 2 extracts options that can be printed in combination with set values of printable combinations stored in the current set value storage unit 32 as set values of other set items specified by the DSC 1, The DSC 1 can select a setting value from the extracted options.

  In the direct print system according to this embodiment, the print client unit 16 of the DSC 1 designates another setting item in the request printer capability that is generated first, and the print server unit 25 of the printer 2 uses the request printer capability. When the setting value of another setting item is a setting value of a printable combination stored in the current setting value storage unit 32, a printable option is transmitted in combination with the setting value of the other setting item.

  Accordingly, the printer 2 matches the consistency between the setting value of the setting item selected by the DSC 1 and the setting value of the printable combination stored in the current setting value storage unit 32, that is, when these are combined, the printer 2 It is possible to secure a state where the print setting is set to enable printing.

  In the direct print system according to this embodiment, the print operation transmission unit of the DSC 1 instructs the print operation to use the printable combination set values stored in the printer 2 for the other setting items. Then (here, “Default” is specified), the printer 2 prints the image with the print settings in accordance with the instruction. Accordingly, even if the DSC 1 does not specifically specify a setting value of another setting item, the printer 2 performs an image based on the print setting combined with the printable combination setting value stored in the printer 2. Can be printed.

  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, only one different setting item is designated for the request printer capability transmitted from the DSC 1 to the printer 2. In addition to this, for example, a plurality of different setting items may be designated in one request printer capability. When a plurality of other setting items are designated, the print server unit 25 of the printer 2 causes the setting values of the plurality of other setting items to be stored in the current setting value storage unit 32. In this case, the setting value that can be printed in combination with the plurality of setting values may be extracted.

  In the above embodiment, the DSC 1 transmits the request printer capability to the printer 2 only once. In addition to this, for example, the DSC 1 may transmit the request printer capability to the printer 2 a plurality of times. In addition, different setting items may be designated for each of the multiple request printer capabilities. In this way, when another setting item is specified in the multiple request printer capabilities, for the setting item for which a setting value has already been selected in DSC 1, the selected setting value is specified as the value of another setting item. Good. Thereby, even in the second and subsequent setting value selections, the combination of the setting values can be prevented from being a combination that the printer 2 cannot print.

  In the above embodiment, the printer 2 stores the setting value of the other setting item in the current setting value storage unit 32 only when another setting item is designated in the request printer capability from the DSC 1. If the setting value is another setting item, the setting value that can be printed in combination with the setting value is extracted as an option. In addition to this, for example, even if another setting item is not specified in the request printer capability, the printer 2 has a setting value of a predetermined other setting item in the first request printer capability, for example. When the setting value is the setting value of the other setting item stored in the current setting value storage unit 32, a printable setting value may be extracted as an option in combination with the setting value.

  In the above embodiment, the communication unit 19 of the DSC 1 and the communication unit 33 of the printer 2 include the PTP communication units 17 and 26, the USB_SIC communication units 18 and 27, 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 33 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.

  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 of direct printing. It is a figure which shows an example of a request printer capability. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of printer capability in response to the request of FIG. 4. It is a rear view which shows the back surface of DSC in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of printing operation. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating another example of the printer capability according to the request of FIG. 4.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 DSC (print setting instruction apparatus), 2 printer (image printing apparatus), 16 print client part (option transmission request transmission means, print setting instruction transmission means), 19 communication part (instruction side communication means), 22 print part (print Means), 25 print server section (printing side communication means, option transmission means)

Claims (8)

An instruction-side communication unit that communicates with an image printing apparatus that prints an image according to setting values of a plurality of setting items set when printing an image;
An option transmission request for requesting an option that can be selected as a setting value of the setting item and that can be selected when the setting value of another setting item is limited to the setting value at that time of the image printing apparatus Option transmission request transmitting means for transmitting the image to the image printing apparatus via the instruction side communication means,
A print setting instruction including the setting value of the setting item selected from the options received via the instruction side communication unit in response to the option transmission request is sent to the image printing apparatus via the instruction side communication unit. A print setting instruction transmitting means for transmitting;
A print setting instruction apparatus.   The print setting instruction apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the option transmission request transmitting unit specifies the another setting item in the option transmission request.   The print setting instruction apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the option transmission request transmission unit designates a setting item for which a setting value is not designated by the print setting designation apparatus as the another setting item.   4. The print setting instruction transmitting unit, in the print setting instruction, instructs to use a setting value at that time of the image printing apparatus for the other setting item. The print setting instruction device according to claim 1. Printing means for printing an image in accordance with setting values of a plurality of setting items set when printing the image;
A printing-side communication unit that communicates with a print setting instruction device that transmits a print setting instruction that specifies a setting value of at least one setting item of the plurality of setting items and instructs printing of an image;
When an option selected as a setting value of a predetermined setting item in the print setting instruction apparatus is transmitted to the print setting instruction apparatus, the setting value of another setting item is limited to the setting value set in the image printing apparatus Option sending means for sending options that can be selected in combination with the setting value of the other setting item to the print setting instruction device via the print side communication means,
An image printing apparatus comprising:   The option transmission unit includes designation of the other setting item, and when the printing side communication unit receives an option of a predetermined setting item from the print setting instruction device, the setting value of the other setting item is 6. The image printing apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising: a selection that can be selected when the setting value is limited to a setting value set by the image printing apparatus.   When the print-side communication unit receives the print setting instruction including the setting value selected from the options from the print setting instruction device, the printing-side communication unit uses the image printing device for the other setting items. 7. The image printing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein an image is printed using the set value that has been set. A print setting instruction apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, and an image printing apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 7,
The print setting instruction device selects a setting value from the options received from the image printing device, and the image printing device prints an image using the setting value selected in the print setting instruction device;
Direct print system characterized by

Images