JP2006245687A - Image photography instrument and its control method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform switching to a direct print mode at high speed and to perform print operation in advance. <P>SOLUTION: A digital camera 1 being connected, at first, with PC2 through a communication means conforming to USB standard or Bluetooth standard displays a connection screen as an initial display screen for showing that connection and then displays one or more PC connection screens continuously. When an ADJ key on an operation console is depressed by a user (operator), it is connected to communicate with a printer 3 and a transition is made immediately to a direct print mode without waiting for input of information showing detailed specification of the printer 3. A print screen selection screen is displayed and image data is delivered to the printer 3. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image capturing device and a control method therefor, and in particular, an image capturing that can be connected as a digital camera to an external device such as a printing device or a personal computer, and can select these devices and send a captured image. The present invention relates to an apparatus and a control method thereof.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a printing system having an image photographing device, a system that connects a printing device and a digital camera via communication means is known.
In particular, as a technology related to connection between apparatuses, a printing system that shifts to a direct print mode via a communication unit when a printing apparatus and a digital camera are connected by a communication unit is known.
As such a printing system, for example, when a printing apparatus and a digital camera are connected by a communication means, the other party authenticates each other with an information transmission request from the printing apparatus side, and both parties directly When a device having a printing function is confirmed, a printing system configured to shift the printing device to a direct printing mode (a mode that operates as a direct printing system) is known (for example, (See Patent Document 1).
In addition, a digital camera system is known in which an image photographed by an image photographing device can be automatically printed by a printing device only by connecting the image photographing device and the printing device wirelessly or via a wire ( For example, see Patent Document 2.)

  On the other hand, for a digital camera system in which a printing apparatus and a digital camera are connected via a communication means and a photographed image is transmitted from the digital camera to the printing apparatus, a method for transferring the photographed data after the apparatuses are connected Various proposals have also been made. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, when an image file stored in a memory card is read and displayed as a reduced screen on a monitor screen of a digital camera, it has already been printed. For the designated image file, the display frame 98 indicates that the image file is designated for printing, and the display frame 100 for the number of prints is displayed so that the number of prints designated at that time can be visually recognized. For image files that have already been printed, changing the color of the display frame will change the image file that has already been printed. Digital camera system is disclosed that employs an image display method that allows visually confirmed yl. (For example, refer to Patent Document 3).

“Patent No. 3530847” "Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-46943" "Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-45339"

However, in the conventional image capturing apparatus and print system described in the above background art, for example, in the case of the system disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, the other party is triggered by an information transmission request from the print apparatus side. Since it is not confirmed that both devices have a direct print function, it is not possible to shift to the above-described direct print mode. Therefore, it takes time until the user can operate the image capturing device in the direct print mode. There was a problem of requiring.
Hereinafter, the above problem will be described more specifically.
FIG. 17 shows an example of an operation screen displayed on a conventional digital camera.
When a conventional digital camera detects a connection with an external device, it prepares for communication in a communication mode with a personal computer (PC) (initial connection screen 201 and PC connection screen 204), and allows a user to perform direct printing. When an operation (ADJ key is pressed) is performed, preparation for connection with the printer is made (connection screen 202). Furthermore, after receiving the printer capability information, the conventional digital camera transitions to the direct print mode (print screen selection screen 203).
In such a connection process, the user cannot perform a direct print operation during a certain period of time when the connection is being made (connection screen 202).

Further, for example, in the case of the system disclosed in Patent Document 2 described above, only a printing device is assumed as an external device viewed from the image photographing device, and practical information including a personal computer as well as the printing device. There was a problem that it was not a proposal that could cover the processing system. Further, the method of using a file transfer means for connection between the image capturing apparatus and the printing apparatus, and further sending out a print command and automatically printing after the connection is not novel for the user and is also easy to operate. There was a problem that it could not be said that it was simplified.
Furthermore, for example, in the case of the system disclosed in Patent Document 3 described above, as the number of image files stored in the memory card increases, as the number of images displayed in the display frame as compressed images increases, There was a problem that it was difficult to see and it was difficult to operate.
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and a first object is to provide an image photographing apparatus capable of switching to the direct print mode at high speed.
A second object of the present invention is to provide an image photographing apparatus capable of switching to the direct print mode at a high speed and enabling a printing operation to be performed in advance.
A third object of the present invention is to provide a method for controlling an image capturing apparatus capable of switching to the direct print mode at high speed.
A fourth object of the present invention is to provide a control method for an image capturing apparatus that can switch to the direct print mode at a high speed and that can perform a printing operation in advance.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image photographing apparatus according to the present invention, wherein, in order to achieve the first object described above, means for converting an image obtained by photographing a subject into image data expressed by an electrical signal; In an image photographing apparatus comprising means for storing the image data in an information recording medium, at least one first external device communicates with one or more second external devices having a printing function. A direct print mode for defining a control operation when the image data is directly transmitted to the second external device;
From a state in which an external device other than the second external device is connected, the direct print mode is set without connecting to the second external device and performing a mutual authentication process with the second external device. Switching means for shifting, and operating means for causing the second external apparatus to perform direct printing after shifting to the direct print mode are provided.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in order to achieve the first and second objects, the image photographing apparatus according to the present invention obtains the capability information of the second external device after shifting to the direct print mode. Storage means for acquiring and storing; means for updating storage contents initially set in the storage means by acquiring the capability information; and a selection screen for setting an execution condition of the second external device. It is characterized by further comprising means for creating based on the acquired capability information and means for displaying the created selection screen.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image capturing apparatus according to the present invention, wherein in order to achieve the first and second objects, the storage means for storing the capability information of the external apparatus includes initial storage contents. Common capability information is stored in each of the one or more second external devices.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in order to achieve the first and second objects, the image photographing apparatus according to the present invention specifies the external device from capability information of the second external device being connected. The means for acquiring the device specifying information, the means for comparing the acquired device specifying information with the device specifying information included in the capability information stored at the time of the previous connection in the storage means, and the comparison result by this means indicate a mismatch. In this case, the information processing apparatus further includes means for updating the storage content stored in the storage means to capability information common to each of the second external devices.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in order to achieve the first and second objects, the image photographing device according to the present invention specifies the device of the external device from the capability information of the second external device being connected. A means for acquiring information, a means for comparing the acquired device specifying information with the device specifying information included in the capability information stored at the time of the previous connection to the storage means, and a comparison result by this means indicates a mismatch Means for comparing the acquired device specifying information with the device specifying information included in the capability information already stored corresponding to each of the one or more external storage devices, and the comparison result by this means matches Is further provided with means for using the capability information indicating the following capability information.

  Furthermore, in order to achieve the first and second objects, the image photographing device according to the present invention described in claim 6 specifies the device of the external device from the capability information of the connected second external device. A means for acquiring information, a means for comparing the acquired device specifying information with the device specifying information included in the capability information stored at the time of the previous connection to the storage means, and a comparison result by this means indicates a mismatch Means for comparing the acquired device specifying information with the device specifying information included in the capability information already stored corresponding to each of the one or more external storage devices, and the comparison result by this means matches Means for using the capability information indicating the coincidence of the device identification information as subsequent capability information, and if the comparison result by the means indicates a mismatch, the connected second external device being connected The stored contents of the storage means to store corresponding to location, is characterized by further comprising means for updating the common capability information to each of the second external device.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling an image photographing apparatus according to the present invention, wherein an image obtained by photographing a subject is converted into image data represented by an electrical signal in order to achieve the third object. And a step of storing the image data in an information recording medium, the method for controlling the image photographing device, wherein at least one first external device and one or more second devices having a printing function are provided. A communication step for communicating with the external device, a direct print mode control step for defining a control operation when the image data is directly sent to the second external device, and the second external device. Switching from the connected external device to the second external device to shift to the direct print mode without going through the mutual authentication process with the second external device And step, after transition to the direct print mode, is characterized by having an operation step for performing a direct printing on the second external device.
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling an image capturing apparatus according to the present invention, wherein, in order to achieve the third and fourth objects, the second connected device is connected after the shift to the direct print mode. A storage step of acquiring capability information of the external device and storing it in the storage device, a step of updating the storage content of the storage device that was initially set by acquiring the capability information, and an execution condition of the second external device And a step of creating a selection screen based on the acquired ability information and a step of displaying the created selection screen.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in order to achieve the third and fourth objects, the storage device for storing the capability information of the external device is an initial storage. The content is characterized in that capability information common to each of the one or more second external devices is stored.
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling an image capturing apparatus according to the present invention, in order to achieve the third and fourth objects, from the capability information of the connected second external apparatus. A step of acquiring the device specifying information, a step of comparing the acquired device specifying information with the device specifying information included in the capability information stored in the storage device at the time of the previous connection, and a comparison result by this step is inconsistent. In the case of showing, the method further comprises the step of updating the storage content stored in the storage device to the capability information common to each of the second external devices.
According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling an image capturing device according to the present invention, in order to achieve the third and fourth objects, from the capability information of the connected second external device. A step of acquiring the device specifying information, a step of comparing the acquired device specifying information with the device specifying information included in the capability information stored in the storage device at the time of the previous connection, and a comparison result by this step is inconsistent. If present, comparing the acquired device identification information with device identification information included in capability information already stored in the storage device corresponding to each of the one or more external storage devices; The method further includes a step of using the capability information indicating that the comparison result in this step is coincident as the capability information thereafter.

  Further, according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling an image capturing device according to the present invention, in order to achieve the third and fourth objects, from the capability information of the connected second external device. A step of acquiring the device specifying information, a step of comparing the acquired device specifying information with the device specifying information included in the capability information stored in the storage device at the time of previous connection to the storage unit, and a comparison by this step If the result indicates inconsistency, the acquired device specifying information is compared with device specifying information included in the capability information already stored in the storage device corresponding to each of the one or more external storage devices. And the step of using the capability information indicating the coincidence of the device specifying information as the subsequent capability information when the comparison result of this step indicates a match, and the step If the comparison result indicates a mismatch, the storage content stored in the storage unit corresponding to the connected second external device is updated to capability information common to each of the second external devices. And a step.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, means for converting an image obtained by photographing a subject into image data expressed by an electrical signal, means for storing the image data in an information recording medium, In the image photographing apparatus having the above, at least one first external device and one or more second external devices having a printing function are communicated by communication means, and the second external device is communicated with A direct print mode for defining a control operation when directly sending the image data is provided, and a connection to the second external device is performed from a state in which an external device other than the second external device is connected. Switching is performed so that the switching unit shifts to the direct print mode without going through the mutual authentication process with the second external device, and the operation unit is shifted to the direct print mode. Further, since the second external device can be operated to perform direct printing, an image photographing device capable of high-speed switching to a state where direct printing can be performed can be provided. .

According to the second aspect of the present invention, after the shift to the direct print mode, the capability information of the second external device is acquired and stored in the storage means, and the capability information is acquired to acquire the capability information. After updating the stored contents initially set in the storage means, and creating a selection screen for setting the execution condition of the second external device based on the acquired capability information, the created Since the selection screen is configured to be displayed on the display means, when the second external apparatus has a usage history, the switching to the direct print mode is performed at a high speed, and the second external apparatus (printer) is still in use. Even if the capability information has not been received, the print screen selection screen and the print condition setting screen can be created and displayed based on the capability information at the previous connection. It is possible to provide an image capturing apparatus printing operation becomes possible.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, the capacity information common to each of the one or more second external devices is stored in the storage means as the initial storage content of the external device. Therefore, even when there is no connection record with the second external device (printer) (that is, at the first connection), the common capability information is stored as the initial value of the capability information, so a printing error occurs. It is possible to provide an image capturing device that is not allowed to occur.

  According to the invention described in claim 4, the device specifying information of the external device is acquired from the capability information of the second external device being connected, and the acquired device specifying information is previously stored in the storage means. When the comparison result by the means indicates a mismatch as compared with the device specifying information included in the capability information stored at the time of connection, the storage content stored in the storage means is stored in each of the second external devices. Since it is configured to update to the common capability information, the capability information at the time of the previous connection being stored is compared with the capability information of the second external device (printer) connected this time, and the manufacturer name, model name, etc. If the device identification information is different, it can be determined that the capability information at the previous connection cannot be used as it is. In such a case, by quickly initializing the capability information at the previous connection stored. Wrong It is possible to eliminate the erroneous operation of specifying printing by referring to the capability information at the previous connection, and even if the amount of capability information is large and it takes time to receive it, the initial stage of acquiring capability information If the recording format of capability information is configured so that device identification information (manufacturer name or model name) that identifies an external device can be detected, image shooting that can reduce the elapsed time required for printing designation is possible. An apparatus can be provided.

  According to the invention described in claim 5, the device specifying information of the external device is acquired from the capability information of the second external device being connected, and the acquired device specifying information is stored in the storage means the previous time. When compared with the device identification information included in the capability information stored at the time of connection, and the comparison result by the means indicates a mismatch, the acquired device identification information corresponds to each of the one or more external storage devices In comparison with the device identification information included in the capability information that has already been stored, the capability information indicating that the comparison result by the means matches is used as the subsequent capability information. If the capability information at the time of connection is different from the second external device (printer) connected this time and the device identification information such as the manufacturer name or model name, the capability information at the previous connection cannot be used as it is. In such a case, if the configuration is such that a plurality of previously connected capability information can be stored, the capability of quickly storing the capability information of the previously connected second external device (printer) By using it as information, it is possible to eliminate erroneous operation of erroneously referring to capability information at the time of previous connection to designate printing. Also, even when the amount of capability information is large and it takes time to receive it, device identification information (manufacturer name or model name) that identifies an external device can be detected at the initial stage of capability information acquisition. If the recording format of capability information is configured, it is possible to provide an image capturing apparatus that can reduce the elapsed time required until printing can be designated.

  Further, according to the invention described in claim 6, the device specifying information of the external device is acquired from the capability information of the second external device being connected, and the device specifying information acquired by the comparing means is stored in the memory. If the comparison result by this means indicates a mismatch as compared with the device specifying information included in the capability information stored at the time of previous connection to the means, the acquired device specifying information is used as the one or more external storage devices. If the comparison result by the comparison means indicates a match, the capability information indicating the match of the device specification information is replaced with the subsequent capability information. When the comparison result by the means indicates a mismatch, the storage contents stored in the storage means corresponding to the connected second external device connected to each of the second external devices are used. Since it is configured to update to the common capability information, the combined effect of claims 4 and 5 is realized, and it is possible to switch to the direct print mode at a high speed and to eliminate an erroneous operation of print designation. An apparatus can be provided.

According to the invention described in claim 7,
A method for controlling an image photographing apparatus, comprising: converting an image obtained by photographing a subject into image data represented by an electrical signal; and storing the image data in an information recording medium.
A communication step of performing communication between at least one first external device and one or more second external devices having a printing function;
A direct print mode control step for defining a control operation when the image data is directly sent to the second external device;
From a state in which an external device other than the second external device is connected, the direct print mode is set without connecting to the second external device and performing a mutual authentication process with the second external device. A transition step to transition,
An operation step for causing the second external device to perform direct printing after transition to the direct print mode;
By having
It is possible to provide a method for controlling an image capturing apparatus capable of switching to a state where direct printing can be performed at high speed.

According to the invention described in claim 8,
After the transition to the direct print mode, a storage step of acquiring capability information of the connected second external device and storing it in the storage device, and storage of the storage device that has been initially set by acquiring the capability information Updating a content; creating a selection screen for setting an execution condition of the second external device based on the acquired capability information; displaying the created selection screen; If the second external device has a usage history, the capability information of the second external device (printer) has not been received yet when the direct print mode is switched at high speed. In this case, the user can create and display the print screen selection screen and print condition setting screen based on the capability information at the previous connection. It is possible to provide a control method for an image capturing apparatus printing operation becomes possible.
According to the invention described in claim 9,
Since the storage device that stores the capability information of the external device stores the capability information common to each of the one or more second external devices as the initial storage content, the second external device ( Even when there is no connection record with a printer), since common capability information is stored as an initial value of capability information, a method for controlling an image capturing apparatus that does not cause a printing error can be provided. it can.

According to the invention as set forth in claim 10,
A step of acquiring device specifying information of the external device from capability information of the second external device being connected, and a device included in the capability information stored in the storage device when the acquired device specifying information is last connected A step of comparing with the specific information, and a step of updating the storage content stored in the storage device to capability information common to each of the second external devices when the comparison result of this step indicates a mismatch, If the device identification information such as the manufacturer name or model name is different by comparing the capability information at the time of the previous connection stored and the capability information of the second external device (printer) connected this time. Since it can be determined that the ability information at the time of the previous connection cannot be used as it is, in such a case, the ability information at the time of the previous connection that is being memorized immediately can be erroneously reset. It is possible to eliminate the malfunction that designates printing by referring to the capability information at the previous connection, and even if the amount of capability information is large and it takes time to receive it, the initial capability information acquisition Image capture that can reduce the elapsed time required for printing identification if the recording format of capability information is configured so that device identification information (manufacturer name, model name, etc.) that identifies external devices can be detected at the stage. An apparatus control method can be provided.

According to the invention of claim 11,
A step of acquiring device specifying information of the external device from capability information of the second external device being connected, and a device included in the capability information stored in the storage device when the acquired device specifying information is last connected If the comparison with the specific information and the comparison result of this step indicate a mismatch, the acquired device specific information is already stored in the storage device corresponding to each of the one or more external storage devices. A step of comparing with the device identification information included in the capability information that has been stored, and a step of using the capability information indicating that the comparison result of the step matches as the subsequent capability information. If the capability information of the second and the second external device (printer) connected this time are different from the device identification information, the capability information at the previous connection can be used as it is. In such a case, it is possible to quickly store the capability information of the second external device (printer) that has been previously connected by storing a plurality of capability information that has been previously connected. Can be used as capability information stored in the memory, so that it is possible to eliminate erroneous operation of erroneously referring to the capability information at the previous connection to designate printing, and the amount of capability information is large, and it takes time to receive it. Even in such a case, if the record formation of capability information is configured so that the device specifying information for specifying the external device can be detected at the initial stage of acquiring capability information, the elapsed time required until printing can be specified can be reduced. It is possible to provide a method for controlling an image capturing apparatus that can be shortened.

According to the invention of claim 12,
A step of extracting device specifying information of the external device from the capability information of the second external device being connected, and a device included in the capability information stored in the storage device with the acquired device specifying information at the previous connection When the step of comparing with the specific information and the comparison result of the step indicate mismatch, the acquired device specific information is already stored in the storage device corresponding to each of the one or more external storage devices. A step of comparing with the device specifying information included in the capability information that has been stored, a step of using the capability information indicating the match of the device specifying information as the subsequent capability information when the comparison result of this step indicates a match, and the step When the comparison result by indicates a mismatch, the storage content stored in the storage device corresponding to the connected second external device is connected, And updating the capability information common to each of the two external devices, the combined effect of claims 10 and 11 can be implemented, the switching to the direct print mode can be performed at high speed, and the print designation can be performed. It is possible to realize a control method for an image capturing apparatus that can eliminate an erroneous operation.

In addition, in relation to the direct print system according to the above invention, related inventions for printing a printed image by mistake or preventing printing omission will be described below.
That is, the image photographing apparatus according to the first related invention includes means for converting an image obtained by photographing a subject into image data expressed by an electrical signal, and means for storing the image data in an information recording medium. In the image photographing apparatus provided with the above, an operation for inputting necessary data and instructions can be performed by the operation means, and communication for exchanging data with the printing apparatus is performed by the printing means. When an image file is printed, information indicating that the image has been printed is added to the image file, and when an instruction for requesting batch printing of unprinted image files is input, unprinted information on the information recording medium It is configured to search for an image file and send a print request for the searched unprinted image file to the printing device. It can be eliminated to print.

The image photographing apparatus according to the second related invention includes means for converting an image obtained by photographing a subject into image data represented by an electrical signal, and means for storing the image data in an information recording medium. In the image photographing apparatus having the above, an operation for inputting necessary data and instructions can be performed by the operation means, and communication for exchanging data with the printing apparatus is performed by the communication means. When a file is printed, information indicating that the image has been printed is added to the image file, and when an instruction for requesting to display one column of the unprinted image file is input, the unprinted image file on the information recording medium The search means searches for the image of the searched unprinted image file among the images displayed on the image selection screen for designating the image to be printed. , By configured to display on the display means so as to be distinguishable from other images, it is possible to allow the printing to select only unprinted image, preventing printing leakage.
Furthermore, an image photographing apparatus according to a third related invention includes means for converting an image obtained by photographing a subject into image data represented by an electrical signal, and means for storing the image data in an information recording medium. In the provided image photographing device, operation for inputting necessary data and instructions can be performed by the operation means, communication for exchanging data with the printing device is performed by the communication means, and the image file on the information recording medium is printed. When the operation means inputs an information requesting that the image file is printed and information indicating that the printed image file is displayed in one column is printed on the information recording medium Among the images displayed on the image selection screen for designating an image to be printed by the search means, the searched printed image file For images, by which is configured to display so that it can be distinguished from the other image, it is possible to reprint work done easily can be displayed by selecting only printed image.

Hereinafter, a first embodiment of an image photographing device and a printing system of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 shows a configuration of a main part of a print system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
In the figure, the print system according to the present embodiment includes a digital camera 1, which is an example of an image photographing apparatus, a PC (personal computer) 2 that can be connected to the digital camera 1, and a print that can be connected to the digital camera 1. And an apparatus (printer) 3.
The digital camera 1 and the PC 2 and the digital camera 1 and the printing apparatus 3 can be connected to each other so as to be communicable with each other using a communication unit corresponding to the USB standard or the Bluetooth standard.
The digital camera 1 is provided with a changeover switch for communicably connecting to either the PC 2 (first external device according to claim 1) or the printing device 3 (second external device according to claim 1). ing.

Hereinafter, each component included in the print system according to the present embodiment will be described.
The digital camera 1 captures an image of a subject, and outputs image data of the captured digital information to either the PC 2 or the printing apparatus 3 via a communication unit compatible with the USB standard or the Bluetooth standard.
The PC 2 processes the image data received from the digital camera 1 in various ways as necessary, and processes the image data so that the user can use it in various fields.
The printing device 3 prints the image data received from the digital camera 1.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a screen displayed before shifting to the direct print mode in the print system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in the figure, for example, the digital camera 1 initially connected to the PC 2 displays a connection screen 210 as an initial display screen showing this connection via a communication means compatible with the USB standard or the Bluetooth standard. Thereafter, the PC connection screen 212 is continuously displayed. During this time, when the user (operator) depresses the ADJ key on the console (operation for performing direct printing), the digital camera 1 displays the printing device. 3 is communicably connected, and without waiting for input of information indicating the detailed specifications of the printing apparatus 3 (hereinafter referred to as “capability information”), the printer immediately shifts to the direct print mode, and the print screen selection screen 211 is displayed. And the image data is sent to the printing apparatus 3. As a result, the user can perform a direct print operation without waiting after the ADJ key is pressed.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of the image photographing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
In the figure, an image photographing apparatus (digital camera 1) of the present embodiment includes a communication apparatus I that is equipped with an interface between a control apparatus 10 that controls the entire digital camera and external apparatuses (PC 2 and printing apparatus 3) and performs communication processing. / F unit 11, console 12 as an operation means for giving a user (operator) manual input means, display device 13 for displaying image data and the like, an optical lens, a CCD, an AD converter, etc. An imaging device 14 that captures an image of a subject and outputs image data of digital information, and an external storage device 15 such as a flash memory that stores image data and the like.
The control device 10 can be constituted by a known microcomputer comprising a CPU / ROM / RAM / input / output port (I / O port) and a bus line connecting these ports.
The external storage device 15 (or the RAM of the control device 10) is composed of a non-volatile memory, that is, retains the memory even when the power is turned off.

Hereinafter, functions of the image photographing apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described.
First, an embodiment corresponding to claim 1 of the present invention will be described.
The image capturing apparatus (digital camera 1) according to the present embodiment is connected to the PC 2 via a communication unit that supports the USB standard or the Bluetooth standard. At the initial point of connection with the PC 2, the digital camera 1 displays the connection screen 210 (FIG. 2) as an initial display screen showing this connection, and then displays one or more PC connection screens 212 (FIG. 2). However, during this time, when the user presses the ADJ key on the console, the digital camera 1 is connected to the printing apparatus 3 in a communicable manner, and immediately without waiting for input of capability information of the printing apparatus 3. A transition is made to the direct print mode, and the print screen selection screen 211 (FIG. 2) is displayed. Thereafter, the digital camera 1 sends the image data stored in the external storage device 15 or the like to the printing device 3.
With this configuration, the user can perform a direct print operation without waiting after pressing the ADJ key.

Next, an embodiment corresponding to claim 2 of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the contents of a capability information storage table provided in the image capturing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
The capability information storage table shown in the figure stores capability information of the second external device (that is, the printing device 3), and is installed in the external storage device 15 (or the RAM of the control device) of the digital camera 1. The
This capability information storage table includes a capability parent table corresponding to each of a plurality of printers connectable to the digital camera 1 and a plurality of capability child tables 1 to Z linked to the capability parent table.
Each capability parent table includes a status flag indicating the connection status between the digital camera 1 and the printer, a manufacturer name indicating the printer manufacturer, a model name indicating the printer model, a version number indicating the printer version, An entry (detailed item) is provided for storing an address for linking to the capability table 1 which is the first table of the corresponding plurality of capability tables 1 to Z.

In each of the capability table 1 to Z, as each entry of the column of the print layout, for example, the capability number indicating the number of items of capability information (varies depending on the printer), an index added to the image data, 1 frame / 2 frames An entry is provided for storing the distinction and the like. In addition, for each entry in the paper size column, for example, an entry for storing a capability number indicating the number of items of capability information (depending on the printer), a postcard, an L version, A4, B5, and the like is provided.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a print condition setting screen in the direct print mode of the image capturing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
The print condition setting screen 401 shown in the figure is displayed when the user selects and designates a screen to be printed from the print screen selection screen 211 shown in FIG. Also, the printing condition initial setting screen 401 shown in FIG. 4 is created and displayed by the control device 10 with reference to the contents of the capability information storage table (FIG. 4).

For example, when the user selects a building image on the print condition initial setting screen 401 and presses an OK button, the screen changes to a print condition detail setting screen denoted by reference numeral 402. In the print condition detail setting screen 402, in addition to setting the paper size and paper type, a print condition detail setting screen 403 which is another print condition detail setting screen can be designated. A print condition detail setting screen 403 sets a print type, presence / absence of date printing, and the like. For example, when a print type is set on the print condition detail setting screen 403 and the right arrow is pressed, a list of selectable capability information is displayed as in the print type capability information screen 404. This capability information list is also created with reference to the capability information storage table (FIG. 4).
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a communication sequence at the time of capability information exchange in the image capturing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of capability information responded from the printer when capability information is exchanged in the image capturing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
When the connection switching process with an external device compliant with the USB standard (details will be described later with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 9) is completed, the initial protocol of the PTP protocol (Picture Transfer Protocol) defined by the USB standard operates. The PTP protocol is established (the description is omitted because the PTP protocol is a standard specification).

On the PTP protocol, first, model-specific information is exchanged as device specifying information indicated by SQ501 in FIG. Of these model-specific information, the control device 10 stores the manufacturer name, model name, and version number in the capability information storage table shown in FIG.
Next, as indicated by SQ502 to SQ504, the control device 10 of the digital camera 1 sequentially acquires the capability information of the printing device 3, and the “printer” in the capability parent table in the capability information storage table shown in FIG. The capability information is accumulated in the capability table 1 indicated by the “next table address” entry in the column “1”.
When the accumulation of the capability information is completed, the status flag in the first entry of the “printer-1” column in the capability parent table of the capability information storage table shown in FIG. 4 is changed from “0” indicating that it is an empty table. It is changed to “2” indicating the currently connected printer. At the same time, the operation screen display process is notified and linked with the display update. The operation screen display process searches the capability parent table, refers to the table whose status flag is “2” indicating the currently connected printer, and reflects it in the display of the operation screen. Alternatively, the operation screen display process may periodically search the capability parent table, monitor the change of the status flag indicating the currently connected printer, and immediately reflect the change in the display if there is a change. Alternatively, when the display screen is changed by operating the operation screen, the ability parent table may be always checked and reflected in the display.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a print request sent to the printer from the image capturing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
When the capability information exchange is completed and the print condition setting screen (FIG. 5) is set, printing in the direct print mode is started. At this time, a print request shown in FIG. 8 is sent from the digital camera 1 to the printing apparatus 3.
Next, an embodiment corresponding to claim 3 of the present invention will be described.
Information indicating the capabilities shared by all printers is registered in the capability child table Z in the capability information storage table (FIG. 4).
When the digital camera 1 is connected to a certain printer for the first time, the status flag of the capability parent table in the capability information storage table corresponding to this printer is a flag value indicating that this capability parent table is empty. Set to “0”.
Therefore, when such a state is detected by the control device 10, the control device 10 creates a printing condition setting screen (FIG. 5) based on the capability information described in the capability table Z described above. indicate.

If the capability information of the capability table Z is set to the capability information that must be provided by any type of printer, there will be no error at the time of printing (it is common to all printers) When there is no capability, it is a case of “no capability”, and the user cannot set the paper size, the paper type, and the like on the print condition detail setting screen 402 (FIG. 5), for example.
Next, an embodiment corresponding to claim 4 of the present invention will be described.
The control device 10 exchanges device-specific device identification information by executing SQ501 (FIG. 6), and then searches the capability parent table using the model information (model name) as a key, and the search result indicates the currently connected printer. When it is detected that it is different from the model information, the status flag is changed from “2” indicating the currently connected printer to “1” indicating the currently held printer, and the capability parent table is continuously empty (that is, the status flag) Is set to “0”), and the model information of the currently connected printer is set in the searched empty table, and then the status flag is set to “2” indicating the currently connected printer. In this case, since the capability exchange has not ended yet, the address of the capability child table Z which is an initial value is set as the next table address. Therefore, even if the setting operation on the print condition setting screen shown in FIG. 5 is performed by the user at this time, no error occurs as in the embodiment corresponding to the fourth aspect.
Next, an embodiment corresponding to claim 5 of the present invention will be described.

The capability information storage table shown in FIG. 4 is configured to manage capability information related to a plurality of printers.
After exchanging the model-specific information by executing SQ501 (FIG. 6), the control device 10 compares the model information (model name) of the currently connected printer with the model information (model name) of the capability parent table, When it is detected that the comparison result is inconsistent, the status flag of the capability parent table is changed from “2” indicating the currently connected printer to “1” indicating the currently held printer, and the status flag is continuously changed. The capability parent table that is “1” indicating the printer being held is searched, and the capability parent that describes the same model information as the model information (model name) of the printer connected this time from the searched capability parent table. Search the table. When such a capability parent table is found, the status flag of this capability parent table is set from “1” indicating the printer being held to “2” indicating the currently connected printer.
Next, an embodiment corresponding to claim 6 of the present invention will be described.
The capability information storage table shown in FIG. 4 is configured to manage capability information related to a plurality of printers as described above.

  After exchanging the model-specific information by executing SQ501 (FIG. 6), the control device 10 compares the model information (model name) of the currently connected printer with the model information (model name) of the capability parent table, When it is detected that the comparison result is inconsistent, the status flag of the capability parent table is changed from “2” indicating the currently connected printer to “1” indicating the currently held printer, and the status flag is continuously changed. The capability parent table that is “1” indicating the printer being held is searched, and the capability parent that describes the same model information as the model information (model name) of the printer connected this time from the searched capability parent table. Search the table. When such a capability parent table is found, the status flag of this capability parent table is set from “1” indicating the printer being held to “2” indicating the currently connected printer. If such a capability parent table is not found, a search is made for a capability parent table that is empty (that is, the status flag is “0”), and the searched empty table is searched for the currently connected printer. Set the model information, and set the status flag to “2” indicating the currently connected printer. In this case, since the capability exchange has not ended yet, the address of the capability child table Z which is an initial value is set as the next table address. Therefore, even if the setting operation on the print condition setting screen shown in FIG. 5 is performed by the user at this time, no error occurs as in the embodiment corresponding to the fourth aspect.

Since the embodiments corresponding to the seventh to twelfth aspects of the present invention are the embodiments relating to the control method of the image photographing apparatus according to the present embodiment, the description thereof is the claims of the present invention described above. Since it is the same as that of embodiment corresponding to 1-6, the description shall be used and description here is abbreviate | omitted.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a procedure of connection switching processing with an external device in the image capturing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
Hereinafter, the procedure of the connection switching process corresponding to the USB standard with the external apparatus in the image capturing apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
First, the control device 10 of the digital camera 1 verifies whether or not the USB connection with the first external device (that is, the PC 2) is made, and waits until the USB connection is made (step S1).
Next, when the control device 10 detects a USB connection with the PC 2, the control device 10 notifies the PC 2 of a device preparation completion signal via the communication I / F 11. At the same time, the connection screen 210 is displayed as an initial display screen to inform the user that the communication connection mode is set (step S2). In the specification conforming to the USB standard, the connection with the PC 2 is detected by detecting the VBUS 5V ON. The device preparation completion signal is notified by a D + pull-up signal.

Next, the control device 10 verifies whether or not the ADJ key of the display device 13 is pressed. If the ADJ key is pressed, the process proceeds to step S8. If the ADJ key is not pressed, the process proceeds to step S4. (Step S3).
In step S4, the control apparatus 10 verifies whether or not a device request from the PC 2 has been received. If no device request has been received from the PC 2, the control apparatus 10 returns to step S3, and receives a device request from the PC 2. If so, the process proceeds to step S5.
In step S <b> 5, the control device 10 returns a response with information indicating mass storage, which is a connection protocol with the PC 2. Since details of this response example are defined in the USB standard, detailed description thereof is omitted here.
Next, the control device 10 verifies whether or not the SET_CONFIGURATION command is received from the PC 2. If the mass storage configuration is designated by the SET_CONFIGURATION command from the PC 2, the process proceeds to step S7, and the SET_CONFIGURATION command from the PC 2 If NO is received, the process returns to step S3 (step S6).
In step S6, when a command (for example, INQUIRY) in the mass storage protocol is received from the PC 2, the process may proceed to step S7.

In step S7, the control device 10 displays the PC connection screen 212 and shifts to the PC communication mode.
In step S8, the control apparatus 10 notifies the PC 2 of device disconnection. In the specification conforming to the USB standard, the state in which the cable is cut can be created by stopping the pull-up of D +.
Next, the control device 10 sends a device preparation completion notification (D + pull-up) to the second external device (that is, the printing device 3), so that the printing device 3 conforms to the USB standard. Connection is started (step S9). When viewed from the second external device (printing device 3 acting as a host), the connection operation in accordance with the USB standard is started because the cable is inserted and removed.
Next, the control device 10 displays a direct print screen and switches to the direct print operation mode (step S10). This process may be executed before step 8 or step S9. In this case, the user is less likely to wait because the external device is switched early.

Next, the control apparatus 10 verifies whether or not a device request from the printing apparatus 3 has been received, and waits until a device request from the printing apparatus 3 is received. When a device request from the printing apparatus 3 is received, the process proceeds to step S12 (step S11).
In step S <b> 11, the control device 10 makes a response using the USB standard PTP protocol.
Next, the control device 10 verifies whether or not the SET_CONFIGURATION command has been received from the printing device 3. If the SET_CONFIGURATION command has not been received from the printing device 3, the control device 10 returns to step S <b> 11 and issues a SET_CONFIGURATION command from the printing device 3. If it has been received, the process is terminated to move to the initial step of PTP, which is the start of the direct print mode.
Note that the PC communication mode may be entered after waiting for a predetermined fixed time after the USB connection with the external device is detected in step S1 (in this case, the ADJ key is used until the predetermined fixed time elapses). Can be switched to the direct print mode by connecting to a printer having a mass storage function and can be switched to the direct print mode.In this case, the direct print until this predetermined time elapses. Switching to the mode is possible even if the mass storage is selected by receiving the SET_CONFIGURATION command from the PC 2 during this period.

[Second Embodiment]
The overall configuration of an image capturing apparatus according to an embodiment related to the present invention (hereinafter referred to as “second embodiment”) is the entire configuration of the image capturing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Same as (FIG. 3).
Comparing the processing operation of the image photographing device according to the second embodiment with the processing operation of the image photographing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, at least the control device in the digital camera 1 shown in FIG. 10 processing operations are different.
Hereinafter, the processing operation of the image capturing apparatus according to the second embodiment will be described.
The embodiment corresponding to the first related invention described above is to print each time an unprinted EXIF file stored in the external storage device 15 is detected (ie, one by one). When an unprinted batch printing operation is performed by the user (operator) via the control, the control device 10 searches for an EXIF file (image file) stored in the external storage device 15. Note that a flag indicating printing has been set in the header portion of the EXIF file (manufacturer's note, etc.), so the control device 10 checks this flag and performs the above search.

If there is an unprinted EXIF file as a result of the flag check, the control device 10 transmits a print request for the unprinted EXIF file to the printer 3. A specific example of this print request is shown in FIG.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a print request for an unprinted EXIF file sent to the printer from the image capturing apparatus according to the second embodiment.
The print request for an unprinted EXIF file shown in the figure is shown in an expression format using the meta language XML (eXtensible Markup Language).
Subsequently, the control device 10 waits for a response of the print result from the printer, and when printing is completed normally, sets the printed flag of the EXIF file to “printed” (updates).
The control device 10 performs the above process on all the unprinted EXIF files.
In another embodiment corresponding to the first related invention, all the unprinted EXIF files stored in the external storage device 15 are extracted and then collectively printed. When an unprinted batch printing operation is performed by the user (operator), the control device 10 searches for an EXIF file (image file) stored in the external storage device 15. Note that a flag indicating printing has been set in the header portion of the EXIF file (manufacturer's note, etc.), so the control device 10 checks this flag and performs the above search.

If there is an unprinted EXIF file as a result of the flag check, the control device 10 registers the file name of the unprinted EXIF file in a list table (FIG. 11) described later.
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a list table for registering unprinted image file names of images photographed by the image photographing device according to the embodiment of the second related invention.
The control device 10 performs the registration process in the list table (FIG. 11) for all the unprinted EXIF files.
When the registration process to the list table (FIG. 11) is completed, the control device 10 creates and sends a print request to the printer shown in FIG. 12 described later with reference to the list table (FIG. 11).
Subsequently, the control device 10 waits for a response of the print result from each printer, and when printing for all the printers is normally completed, sets (updates) the printed flag of the EXIF file to “printed”.
The control device 10 performs the above processing on all the unprinted EXIF files on the list table (FIG. 11).

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of a print request for an unprinted EXIF file sent to the printer from the image capturing apparatus according to the embodiment of the related invention.
The print request for an unprinted EXIF file shown in FIG. 6 also uses XML as a language. In this example, print requests for a plurality of printers are shown.
In the embodiment corresponding to the second related invention, when the user (operator) gives an instruction to display only a list of unprinted images via the console 12, the control device 10 performs the above-described method. By the same method, an image selection screen (FIG. 13) described later is created while creating a list table (FIG. 11). At this time, for the unprinted EXIF file, the control device 10 displays a symbol or the like indicating that the file has not been printed on the reduced image on the image selection screen corresponding to the file. Instead of the above display, the control device 10 displays a symbol indicating that the printed EXIF file has been printed on the reduced image on the image selection screen corresponding to the file. Also good.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an image selection screen in which reduced images of EXIF files displayed by the image capturing apparatus according to the second embodiment are arranged in a matrix.
In the reduced image of the EXIF file shown in the figure, the distinction between an unprinted image and a printed image is also displayed, so the user selects an unprinted image or a printed image from this image selection screen. You can specify printing.
In the embodiment corresponding to the third related invention, when there is an instruction from the user (operator) to display only a list of printed images via the console 12, the control device 10 performs the above-described method. An image selection screen (FIG. 13), which will be described later, is created while creating a list table (FIG. 11) by the same method as described above. At this time, for the printed EXIF file, the control device 10 displays a symbol or the like indicating that it has been printed on the reduced image on the image selection screen corresponding to this file. Instead of the above display, the control device 10 displays a symbol indicating that the unprinted EXIF file is unprinted with respect to the reduced image on the image selection screen corresponding to the file. Also good.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure for requesting a printer to print an unprinted image file from the image capturing apparatus according to the embodiment of the third related invention.
The flowchart shown in the figure shows an example of a processing procedure when printing is performed each time an unprinted EXIF file stored in the external storage device 15 is detected (that is, one by one).
First, the control device 10 (FIG. 3) verifies whether an unprinted batch printing operation has been performed from the console 12, waits until an unprinted batch printing operation is performed, and then performs an unprinted batch printing operation. If it is made, the process proceeds to step S22 (step S21).
In step S22, the control device 10 searches for an unprinted EXIF file (image file) stored in the external storage device 15 (FIG. 3) by checking the flag of the header portion (manufacturer note, etc.) of the EXIF file. To do.
Next, a print request for an unprinted EXIF file is transmitted to the printer (step S23).
Next, the printer waits for a response of the print result and verifies whether or not the print job ends normally. If the print job ends normally, the process proceeds to step S25. If not, the process ends (step S24).
In step S25, the printed flag of the EXIF file is updated to printed.

Next, it is verified whether or not all the EXIF files have been searched. If there is an unsearched file, the process returns to step S22. If all the EXIF files have been searched, the process is ended (step S26). .
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating another example of a processing procedure for requesting a printer to print an unprinted image file from the image capturing apparatus according to the second embodiment.
The flowchart shown in the figure shows an example of a processing procedure in the case where all unprinted EXIF files stored in the external storage device 15 are extracted and then printed together.
First, the control device 10 (FIG. 3) verifies whether an unprinted batch printing operation has been performed from the console 12, waits until an unprinted batch printing operation is performed, and then performs an unprinted batch printing operation. If it is made, the process proceeds to step S32 (step S31).
In step S32, the control device 10 searches for an unprinted EXIF file (image file) stored in the external storage device 15 (FIG. 3) by checking the flag of the header portion (manufacturer note, etc.) of the EXIF file. For an unprinted EXIF file, the file name is registered in the list table.

Next, the control device 10 verifies whether or not all unprinted EXIF files (image files) have been searched. If there is an EXIF file that has not been searched yet, the control device 10 returns to step S32, and all the EXIF files have been searched. If already searched, the process proceeds to step S34 (step S33).
In step 34, the control device 10 creates a print request to the printer with reference to the list table, and transmits it to the printer.
Next, the control device 10 waits for a print result response from the printer (step S35).
Next, the control device 10 verifies the response of the print result from the printer, and proceeds to step S37 if the printing ends normally, and proceeds to step S38 if the printing does not end normally.
In step S37, the control device 10 updates the header flag of the EXIF file to “printed”, and the process proceeds to step S38.
In step S38, the control device 10 verifies whether or not a response indicating the printing result has been received from all of the one or more printers. If there is a printer that has not yet returned the response, the control device 10 returns to step S35. . If the response has been received from all the printers, the process ends.

It should be noted that at least a part of the processing of each component of the image capturing device according to the present invention is executed by computer control, and the above processing is performed by the computer according to the procedure shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. The program to be executed may be distributed after being stored in a computer-readable recording medium such as a semiconductor memory, a CD-ROM, or a magnetic tape. A computer including at least a microcomputer, a personal computer, and a general-purpose computer may read the program from the recording medium and execute the program.
In addition, here, a digital camera has been described as an example of the image capturing device, but the present invention can naturally be applied to a portable information terminal device having an image capturing function.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a main part of a print system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a screen displayed before shifting to the direct print mode in the print system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the principal part of the image imaging device which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the content of the capability information storage table with which the image imaging device which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention is provided. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the printing condition setting screen at the time of the direct print mode of the image photographing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the communication sequence at the time of capability information exchange in the imaging device which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the capability information responded from a printer at the time of capability information exchange in the imaging device which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the printing request | requirement sent to the printer from the imaging device which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a connection switching process with the external device in the image imaging device which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the printing request | requirement of the unprinted EXIF file sent to the printer from the image imaging device which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of related invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the list table for registering the unprinted image file name of the image image | photographed with the image imaging device which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of related invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows another example of the print request | requirement of the unprinted EXIF file sent to the printer from the imaging device concerning 2nd Embodiment of a related invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the image selection screen which has arrange | positioned the reduced image of the EXIF file displayed on the image imaging device which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of a related invention on the matrix. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process sequence which carries out the printing request | requirement of the unprinted image file from the imaging device which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of related invention to a printer. It is a flowchart which shows another example of the process sequence which carries out the printing request | requirement of the unprinted image file from the imaging device which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of related invention to a printer. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the image selection screen which arranged the reduced image of the EXIF file displayed with the conventional digital camera on the matrix. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of an operation screen displayed with the conventional digital camera.

Explanation of symbols

1 Digital Camera 2 PC (Personal Computer)
3 Printing device (printer)
10 Controller 11 Communication I / F (Interface)
12 console 13 display device 14 imaging device 15 external storage device 210 connection screen 211 print screen selection screen 212 PC connection screen 401 print condition setting screen 402 print condition detail setting screen (1/2)
403 Print condition details setting screen (2/2)
404 Print type capability information screen

Claims (12)

In an image photographing apparatus comprising: means for converting an image obtained by photographing a subject into image data represented by an electrical signal; and means for storing the image data in an information recording medium.
Communication means for performing communication between at least one first external device and one or more second external devices having a printing function;
A direct print mode for defining a control operation when the image data is directly sent to the second external device;
From a state in which an external device other than the second external device is connected, the direct print mode is set without connecting to the second external device and performing a mutual authentication process with the second external device. Switching means for transition;
Operating means for causing the second external device to perform direct printing after transition to the direct print mode;
An image photographing apparatus comprising: Storage means for acquiring and storing capability information of the second external device after transition to the direct print mode; and means for updating the storage contents initially set in the storage means by acquiring the capability information; And a means for creating a selection screen for setting execution conditions of the second external device based on the acquired capability information, and a means for displaying the created selection screen. The image photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The storage means for storing the capability information of the external device stores capability information common to each of the one or more second external devices as an initial storage content. 2. The image photographing device according to 2. Means for acquiring device specifying information for specifying the external device from capability information of the second external device being connected, and the acquired device specifying information is included in the capability information stored in the storage device at the time of previous connection. And means for updating the storage content stored in the storage means to capability information common to each of the second external devices when the comparison result by the device specifying information indicates a mismatch. The image photographing device according to claim 2, further comprising: A device for acquiring device specifying information of the external device from the capability information of the second external device being connected, and a device that includes the acquired device specifying information in the capability information stored at the time of the previous connection in the storage device If the means for comparing with the specific information and the comparison result by this means indicate inconsistency, the acquired device specific information is already stored in correspondence with each of the one or more external storage devices. 3. The apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: means for comparing with the device specifying information included in the information; and means for using the capability information indicating that the comparison result by the means is coincident as subsequent capability information. 3. The image photographing device according to 3. A device for acquiring device specifying information of the external device from the capability information of the second external device being connected, and a device that includes the acquired device specifying information in the capability information stored at the time of the previous connection in the storage device If the means for comparing with the specific information and the comparison result by this means indicate inconsistency, the acquired device specific information is already stored in correspondence with each of the one or more external storage devices. Means for comparing with the device specifying information included in the device, means for using the capability information indicating the match of the device specifying information as the subsequent capability information when the comparison result by the means indicates a match, and the comparison result by the means In the case of indicating inconsistency, the stored contents stored in the storage means corresponding to the connected second external device are updated to capability information common to each of the second external devices. When the image capturing apparatus according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein further comprising a. A method for controlling an image photographing apparatus, comprising: converting an image obtained by photographing a subject into image data represented by an electrical signal; and storing the image data in an information recording medium.
A communication step of performing communication between at least one first external device and one or more second external devices having a printing function;
A direct print mode control step for defining a control operation when the image data is directly sent to the second external device;
From a state in which an external device other than the second external device is connected, the direct print mode is set without connecting to the second external device and performing a mutual authentication process with the second external device. A transition step to transition,
An operation step for causing the second external device to perform direct printing after transition to the direct print mode;
A control method for an image capturing apparatus, comprising: After the transition to the direct print mode, a storage step of acquiring capability information of the connected second external device and storing it in the storage device, and storage of the storage device that has been initially set by acquiring the capability information Updating a content; creating a selection screen for setting an execution condition of the second external device based on the acquired capability information; displaying the created selection screen; The method of controlling an image capturing apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising: The storage device that stores the capability information of the external device stores capability information common to each of the one or more second external devices as initial storage content. 8. A method for controlling an image photographing apparatus according to 8. A step of acquiring device specifying information of the external device from capability information of the second external device being connected, and a device included in the capability information stored in the storage device when the acquired device specifying information is last connected A step of comparing with the specific information, and a step of updating the storage content stored in the storage device to capability information common to each of the second external devices when the comparison result of this step indicates a mismatch, 10. The method for controlling an image capturing apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising: A step of acquiring device specifying information of the external device from capability information of the second external device being connected, and a device included in the capability information stored in the storage device when the acquired device specifying information is last connected If the comparison with the specific information and the comparison result of this step indicate a mismatch, the acquired device specific information is already stored in the storage device corresponding to each of the one or more external storage devices. 9. The method according to claim 8, further comprising a step of comparing with the device identification information included in the capability information that has been stored, and a step of using the capability information indicating that the comparison result of the step is coincident as subsequent capability information. Alternatively, a method for controlling an image capturing apparatus according to claim 9. A step of acquiring device specifying information of the external device from capability information of the second external device being connected, and a device included in the capability information stored in the storage device when the acquired device specifying information is last connected If the comparison with the specific information and the comparison result of this step indicate a mismatch, the acquired device specific information is already stored in the storage device corresponding to each of the one or more external storage devices. A step of comparing with the device specifying information included in the capability information that has been stored, a step of using the capability information indicating the match of the device specifying information as the subsequent capability information when the comparison result of this step indicates a match, and the step When the comparison result by indicates a mismatch, the storage content stored in the storage device corresponding to the connected second external device connected, the Method for controlling an image capturing apparatus according to claim 8 or claim 9 wherein further comprising the step of updating the common capability information to each of the second external device.