JP2007004715A - Image supply device, control method of this device and printing system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the problem of becoming impossible to print an image file of a file format unpermitted by capability of a printer. <P>SOLUTION: The capability of the printer is acquired by the communication connection between DSC and the printer (S3), and UI is constructed on the basis of its capability (S4), and the image file printable by its printer is extracted from a plurality of image files stored in a memory card (S5), and the image file of a printing object is selected from its extracted image file (S6). Image data of its image file is converted (S11), and is transmitted to the printer in response to printing specifications, the selected image file and the capability set on the basis of the UI. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention includes a printing system that includes an image supply device and a printing apparatus, and that prints an image using the printing apparatus based on image data supplied from the image supply device, and an image supply device and a method for controlling the device It is about.

  A camera direct print system in which a printer and a digital still camera (hereinafter referred to as DSC) are directly connected via an interface such as a USB, and a photographic image stored in a DSC storage medium (memory card) is transmitted to the printer for printing. It has become common. In such a print system, generally, a JPEG image file to be printed is transmitted from a DSC to a printer, and the JPEG image file is decompressed, color-converted, resized, etc. on the printer side, and can be printed. It is converted to a format and printed.

  In addition, there has been proposed a system in which a photographed image is processed exclusively for printing by DSC and then transmitted to a printer for printing (Patent Documents 1 to 4). Patent Document 1 enables printing of an image from a DSC and an image according to a printing mode such as a paper size on the printer side using an uncommon protocol. Specifically, there has been proposed a digital camera direct print system that can appropriately correspond to the image from the DSC and the printing capability of the printer, for example, the resolution, size, and paper direction.

  In Patent Document 2, for the purpose of reducing the processing load on the printer, the JPEG file is decompressed, color-converted, resized, etc. by the DSC, converted into a printable data format, and sent to the printer. A technique for reducing the load is described.

  Further, in Patent Document 3, variations in color reproduction characteristics for each printer are corrected by DSC, converted into a general image file such as JPEG, and transmitted to the printer. Thus, it is described that a stable image that does not depend on printing characteristics for each printer is obtained.

Further, in Patent Document 4, when a document having no concept of page such as HTML is printed, drawing determination is performed at the time of drawing each document drawing object without performing drawing determination by various parsers. Thus, a printing apparatus is described in which an original arrangement image is not destroyed and fragmentation of a document drawing object can be suppressed.
JP-A-8-32911 JP-A-10-290470 JP 2003-134457 A JP-A-10-74265

With this background, the inventor of the present application has found the following new problem in the direct print system described above.
(1) In the above-mentioned known example, there is a description that the DSC acquires the printing mode and printing characteristics of the printer from the printer. However, a method for communicating information regarding the printing characteristics of the printer between the printer and the DSC. There is no specific description. For example, an image file that can be specified for printing can be arbitrarily set and selected by the DSC within the range of the file format allowed by the Capability of the printer. On the other hand, in such a system, an image file having a file format that is not permitted by the Capability of the printer cannot be printed.
(2) HTML, XHTML, and the like are listed as file format candidates allowed by the Capability of the printer. However, since HTML and XHTML are formats in which links to other image files and the like can exist inside, the image data at the link destination cannot be printed unless it is within the allowable range of the printer. For this reason, if an HTML file or the like is simply transmitted to a printer capable of receiving and printing an HTML or XHTML image file, an unsatisfactory print result may be obtained.
(3) In direct printing, image data of various sizes is allocated to and printed on paper of various sizes. At this time, it is impossible to specify in what direction and in what size the image data transmitted from the DSC is allocated to the paper, and the direction and magnification ratio at which each printer develops the image according to some rule. Has been decided. At this time, in order to obtain a good print result, the image orientation and the scaling ratio are usually determined based on the image size transmitted from the DSC. For this reason, when an HTML document or the like is divided into a plurality of pages and printed, if the size or aspect ratio of the image transmitted to the printer differs from page to page, the orientation and direction in which the image data is expanded for each page. It becomes disjointed and satisfactory print results cannot be obtained.

  In Patent Document 1, a print mode that can be printed by the printer is notified to the DSC, and the DSC changes the print mode accordingly. For this reason, it cannot respond to the above-mentioned subject. Patent Documents 2 and 3 describe that the DSC acquires the printing characteristics of the printer from the printer. However, conversion of image data to be transmitted to the printer is executed based only on the acquired printing characteristics. Nonetheless, these cases cannot cope with the aforementioned problems. Patent Document 4 is an invention for satisfactorily performing page division of a document having no page concept, and this alone cannot cope with the above-described problems.

  The present invention is to solve the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art.

  Further, the present invention is characterized by extracting printable image files including image files corresponding to function information from the printing apparatus and image files that can be printed by format conversion by the image supply device. Another object of the present invention is to provide an image supply device, a control method therefor, and a printing system that process image data according to set printing conditions and transmit the image data to a printing apparatus.

A printing system according to an aspect of the present invention has the following configuration. That is,
A printing system having a data supply device and a printing apparatus, and printing an image by the printing apparatus based on print data supplied from the data supply device,
The data supply device is:
Storage means for storing data files;
Means for acquiring function information of the printing apparatus;
Means for displaying a UI for setting print specifications;
Data extraction means for extracting a data file printable by the printing apparatus from a plurality of data files stored in the storage means;
A selection means for selecting a data file to be printed from the data files extracted by the data extraction means;
Conversion means for converting the data file into print data that can be processed by the printing apparatus according to the data file selected by the selection means and the function information;
In response to a data request from the printing apparatus, the printing apparatus has transmission means for transmitting the print data converted by the conversion means to the printing apparatus,
The printing apparatus prints an image based on the processing data transmitted by the transmission unit in response to the data request.

An image supply device according to an aspect of the present invention has the following configuration. That is,
An image supply device that directly communicates with a printing apparatus and supplies image data to the printing apparatus,
A data supply device that directly communicates with a printing apparatus and supplies print data to the printing apparatus,
Storage means for storing data files;
Means for acquiring function information of the printing apparatus;
Means for displaying a UI for setting print specifications;
Extraction means for extracting data files printable by the printing apparatus from a plurality of data files stored in the storage means;
Selecting means for selecting a data file to be printed from the data files extracted by the extracting means;
Conversion means for converting the data file to print data that can be processed by the printing apparatus according to the data file selected by the selection means and the function information;
In response to a data request from the printing apparatus, the printing apparatus has transmission means for transmitting the print data converted by the conversion means to the printing apparatus,
The printing apparatus performs printing based on the print data transmitted by the transmission unit in response to the data request.

The image supply device control method according to an aspect of the present invention includes the following steps. That is,
A method for controlling an image supply device that directly communicates with a printing apparatus and supplies image data to the printing apparatus,
Obtaining functional information of the printing device;
Displaying a UI for setting print specifications;
A data extraction step of extracting a data file printable by the printing apparatus from a plurality of data files stored in a memory storing the data file;
A selection step of selecting a data file to be printed from the data files extracted in the data extraction step;
A conversion step of converting the data file into print data that can be processed by the printing apparatus in accordance with the data file selected in the selection step and the function information;
And a transmission step of transmitting the print data converted in the conversion step to the printing device in response to a data request from the printing device.

  According to the present invention, even image data in a format not included in the printing specification of the printing apparatus can be printed by the printing apparatus.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims, and all the combinations of features described in the embodiments are not necessarily essential to the solution means of the invention. . In this embodiment, a case where direct printing is realized between a digital camera (DSC) and a printer will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a photo direct printer apparatus (hereinafter referred to as PD printer) 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The PD printer 1000 has a function as a normal PC printer that receives and prints data from a host computer (PC). Furthermore, it has a function of directly reading and printing data such as image data stored in a storage medium such as a memory card, or receiving and printing image data from a digital camera or PDA.

  In FIG. 1, the main body that forms the outer shell of the PD printer 1000 according to the present embodiment includes an outer member of a lower case 1001, an upper case 1002, an access cover 1003, and a discharge tray 1004. The lower case 1001 forms a substantially lower half portion of the PD printer 1000, and the upper case 1002 forms a substantially upper half portion of the main body. A storage space for storing each mechanism to be described later by combining both cases. Has a hollow body structure. And the opening part is made in the upper surface part and the front-surface part, respectively. Further, one end of the discharge tray 1004 is rotatably held by the lower case 1001, and an opening formed on the front surface of the lower case 1001 can be opened and closed by the rotation. For this reason, when executing the recording operation, the discharge tray 1004 is rotated to the front side to open the opening, thereby including sheets (plain paper, special paper, resin sheet, etc.) recorded from here. (Hereinafter simply referred to as a sheet) can be discharged. Further, the discharged sheets can be stacked sequentially. The paper discharge tray 1004 accommodates two auxiliary trays 1004a and 1004b. By pulling out each tray as necessary, the sheet support area can be expanded or reduced in three stages. It has become.

  One end of the access cover 1003 is rotatably held by the upper case 1002 so that an opening formed on the upper surface can be opened and closed. When the access cover 1003 is opened, a recording head cartridge (not shown) or an ink tank (not shown) housed in the main body can be replaced. Although not particularly shown here, when the access cover 1003 is opened and closed, a protrusion formed on the back surface rotates the cover opening and closing lever. The open / closed state of the access cover 1003 can be detected by detecting the rotation position of the lever with a micro switch or the like.

  A power key 1005 is provided on the upper surface of the upper case 1002. An operation panel 1010 including a liquid crystal display unit 1006 and various key switches is provided on the right side of the upper case 1002. The structure of the operation panel 1010 will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. Reference numeral 1007 denotes an automatic feeding unit that automatically feeds sheets into the apparatus main body. Reference numeral 1008 denotes a paper interval selection lever which is used to adjust the interval between the print head and the sheet. Reference numeral 1009 denotes a card slot into which an adapter capable of mounting a memory card is inserted, and image data and data such as an HTML file stored in the memory card can be directly captured and printed via this adapter. Examples of the memory card (PC) include a compact flash (registered trademark) memory, smart media, and a memory stick. A viewer (liquid crystal display unit) 1011 is detachable from the main body of the PD printer 1000. When searching for an image to be printed from images stored in the PC card, an image or index for each frame is displayed. Used to display images. Reference numeral 1012 denotes a USB terminal for connecting a digital camera to be described later. In addition, a USB connector for connecting a personal computer (PC) is provided on the rear surface of the PD device 1000.

  FIG. 2 is an overview of the operation panel 1010 of the PD printer 1000 according to the present embodiment.

  In the figure, the liquid crystal display unit 1006 displays menu items for setting various data relating to items printed on the left and right. The items displayed here include, for example, the top number of a photo image to be printed, a designated frame number (start frame designation / print frame designation), and the last photo number to be printed (end) among a plurality of photo image files. ), The number of copies (number of copies), the type of sheet used for printing (paper type), the number of photos to be printed on one sheet (layout), the specification of print quality (quality), and the date of shooting For example (date printing), whether to correct a photo for printing (image correction), and the number of sheets required for printing (number of sheets). These items are selected or designated using the cursor keys 2001. 2002 is a mode key, and each time this key is pressed, the type of printing (index printing, full-frame printing, single-frame printing, designated-frame printing, etc.) can be switched, and the LED corresponding to the LED 2003 changes accordingly. Illuminated. A maintenance key 2004 is a key for performing maintenance of the printer such as cleaning of the print head. Reference numeral 2005 denotes a print start key which is pressed when instructing the start of printing or when establishing maintenance settings. Reference numeral 2006 denotes a print cancel key which is pressed when printing is stopped or when maintenance is instructed.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 3, the configuration of the main part relating to the control of the PD printer 1000 according to the present embodiment will be described. In FIG. 3, the same reference numerals are given to portions common to the above-described drawings, and the description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part related to the control of the PD printer according to the present embodiment.

  In FIG. 3, reference numeral 3000 denotes a control unit (control board). Reference numeral 3001 denotes an ASIC (dedicated custom LSI). Reference numeral 3002 denotes a DSP (digital signal processor) having an internal CPU, and various control processes to be described later and images such as conversion from a luminance signal (RGB) to a density signal (CMYK), scaling, gamma conversion, and error diffusion. I am in charge of processing. A memory 3003 has a program memory 3003a that stores a control program for the CPU of the DSP 3002, a RAM area that stores a program at the time of execution, and a memory area that functions as a work memory that stores image data and the like. Reference numeral 3004 denotes a printer engine. Here, a printer engine of an ink jet printer that prints a color image using a plurality of color inks is installed. Reference numeral 3005 denotes a USB connector as a port for connecting a digital camera (DSC) 3012. Reference numeral 3006 denotes a connector for connecting the viewer 1011. Reference numeral 3008 denotes a USB hub (USBHUB). When the PD printer 1000 performs printing based on image data from the PC 3010, the data from the PC 3010 is directly passed through and output to the printer engine 3004 via the USB 3021. As a result, the connected PC 3010 can directly perform printing by exchanging data and signals with the printer engine 3004 (functions as a general PC printer). Reference numeral 3009 denotes a power connector which inputs a DC voltage converted from commercial AC by a power source 3019. A PC 3010 is a general personal computer, 3011 is the memory card (PC card) described above, and 3012 is a digital camera (DSC: Digital Still Camera). Note that the exchange of signals between the control unit 3000 and the printer engine 3004 is performed via the USB 3021 or the IEEE 1284 bus 3022 described above.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a DSC (digital camera) 3012 according to this embodiment.

  In the figure, reference numeral 3100 denotes a CPU that controls the entire DSC 3012, and reference numeral 3101 denotes a ROM that stores a processing procedure performed by the CPU 3100. Reference numeral 3102 denotes a RAM used as a work area for the CPU 3100. Reference numeral 3103 denotes a group of switches for performing various operations, including a shutter, a mode switch, a selection switch, a cursor key, and the like. Reference numeral 2700 denotes a liquid crystal display unit, which is used to display a video currently captured, an image captured and stored in a memory card, and a menu for performing various settings. Reference numeral 3105 denotes an optical unit mainly composed of a lens and its drive system. Reference numeral 3106 denotes a CCD element, and reference numeral 3107 denotes a driver that drives and controls the optical unit 3105 under the control of the CPU 3100. Reference numeral 3108 denotes a connector for connecting a storage medium 3109 (compact flash (registered trademark) memory card, smart media, etc.). Reference numeral 3110 denotes a USB interface (USB slave for connecting to a PC or the PD printer 1000 in the embodiment). Side).

  FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a rough signal flow when printing is performed by issuing a print request from the DSC 3012 to the PD printer 1000 in the printing system according to the present embodiment.

  This processing procedure is executed after the PD printer 1000 and the DSC 3012 are connected via a USB cable, or after confirming that they comply with the DPS specification by performing wireless communication. First, the DSC 3012 transmits “ConfigurePrintService” to the PD printer 1000 to check the state of the PD printer 1000 (600). In response to this, the PD printer 1000 is notified of the state of the PD printer 1000 at this point (here, “idle” state) (601). Here, since it is in the “idle” state, the DSC 3012 inquires about the Capability of the PD printer 1000 (602), and issues a print start request (StartJob) corresponding to the Capability (603). This print start request is issued in 601 from the DSC 3012 to the PD printer 1000 on condition that “newJobOK” in status information from the PD printer 1000 described later is “True”. The

  In response to this print start request, the PD printer 1000 requests the DSC 3012 for file information based on the file ID of the image data for which printing is instructed (GetFileInfo) (604). In response to this, the DSC 3012 transmits the file information (FileInfo). This file information includes information such as file format and file capacity. If the PD printer 1000 receives the file information and determines that it can be processed, it requests the file information from the DSC 3012 (GetFile) (605). As a result, the image data (ImageFile) of the requested file is sent from the DSC 3012 to the PD printer 1000. When the PD printer 1000 acquires image data, executes image processing, creates image data for printing, and starts printing, status information indicating “Printing” is displayed from the PD printer 1000 in 606. Sent to the DSC 3012 by “NotifyDeviceStatus”. When the printing process for one page is completed, this is notified by the “NotifyJobStatus” 607 from the PD printer 1000 when the processing for the next page is started. If the printing of only one page is completed, when the printing of one page for which the printing is requested is finished, “NotifyDviceStatus” 608 notifies that the PD printer 1000 is in the “idle” state (NotifyDeviceStatus (Idle )).

  For example, in the case of N-up printing in which a plurality of (N) images are laid out and printed on one page, “NotifyJobStatus” 607 is sent from the PD printer 1000 to the DSC 3012 each time N images are printed. Sent. The issuance timing of “NotifyJobStatus” and “NotifyDeviceStatus” and the order of image data acquisition in this embodiment are examples, and various cases may occur depending on the product implementation.

  FIG. 6 shows processing in the case where communication is performed between the digital camera (DSC) 3012 and the PD printer 1000 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, image data is supplied from the DSC 3012 to the PD printer 1000, and printing is performed. FIG. In the figure, steps S1 to S16 indicate processing in the DSC 3012, and steps S21 to S31 indicate processing in the PD printer 1000.

  In step S1 and step S21, it is confirmed that the DSC 3012 and the PD printer 1000 mutually comply with the DPS (Direct Print System) specification. In this state, the DSC 3012 inquires of the PD printer 1000 about the printer state and device information. In response to this, the PD printer 1000 notifies the PD printer 1000 status and device information at that time. In this device information, for example, the version of the connection protocol, the printer vendor name, the model name, etc. are notified. Thus, in step S 2, the DSC 3012 stores “Information 1” required in the printer status and device information in the RAM 3102. This “information 1” includes information that is necessary when the DSC 3012 converts the image file later. Next, the DSC 3012 requests the Capability of the PD printer 1000 as indicated by 602 in FIG.

  Accordingly, in step S22, the PD printer 1000 creates capability information (Capability) related to the printing function of the PD printer 1000 and transmits it to the DSC 3012. The DSC 3012 receives this capability (step S3). In step S4, a UI is constructed based on this Capability and displayed on the display unit 2700. Here, for example, the sizes of paper loaded in the PD printer 1000 are A4 size and B5 size, plain paper and photographic paper are mounted, and layout printing of 1-up, 2-up, 4-up is performed. Is possible with “No border” or “With border”, and when date printing is possible, these items can be selected arbitrarily, and other UI items can be selected and displayed. Part 2700 is displayed.

  In step S5, the DSC 3012 extracts files that can be printed by the PD printer 1000 from the files stored in the memory card 3109. Details of the printable image file extraction process in step S5 will be described later.

  Next, in step S6, the user of the DSC 3012 refers to the constructed UI screen, selects images to be printed from the images extracted in step S5, and sets the print format of these images. The setting of the print format of the image is based on the Capability of the PD printer 1000 received in step S3, such as the number of prints, the paper size, the layout, the presence / absence of date printing, and the like. In step S 7, “information 2” set by the user in this way is stored in the RAM 3102. This “information 2” includes information such as an image, a paper size, and a layout set by the user through the UI using the display unit 2700 of the DSC 3012.

  When the user instructs to start printing using this UI, the process proceeds to step S8 to create a print job file (JOB file) for instructing the printing. In step S9, the created print job file is created. Is transmitted to the PD printer 1000. This print job file is received by the PD printer 1000 in step S23. In step S24, the PD printer 1000 analyzes the received print job file and prepares for printing. Then, an “image file information acquisition request” (requesting various attribute information such as an image file name and an image size) to be printed described in the print job file is issued to the DSC 3012.

  This “image file information acquisition request” corresponds to “GetObjectInfo” defined by the PTP in a service that operates on, for example, a PTP (Pictutre Transfer Protocol) on USB. However, the role of “image file information acquisition request” in this embodiment is to transmit the creation timing of the image file from the PD printer 1000 to the DSC 3012. In the present embodiment, “image file information acquisition request” is used as one means for transmitting the creation timing. However, such means is not limited to this, and other dedicated commands or existing Communication commands may be used. This embodiment is characterized in that the timing of “creating an image file for printing” is notified from the PD printer 1000 to the DSC 3012.

  In step S 10, when this “image file information acquisition request” is received by the DSC 3012, the process advances to step S 11 to create an image file for printing to be transmitted to the PD printer 1000, which is a feature of the present embodiment. Execute the process. The process of step S11 will be described later in detail. Next, in step S12, various attribute information (including ObjectInfo Dataset: image format, image file name, data size, directory, date, etc.) relating to the created image file for printing is transmitted to the PD printer 1000 in step S12. To do.

  Next, in step S25, when the PD printer 1000 receives the information about the image file for printing, the PD printer 1000 transmits an acquisition request for the designated image file for printing to the DSC 3012 (step S26). Upon receiving this image file acquisition request (step S13), the DSC 3012 transmits the requested image file for printing to the PD printer 1000 in step S14.

  In step S27, the PD printer 1000 receives the image file for printing, decodes the image data of the image file, performs image processing, and converts the image file into a format that can be printed by the PD printer 1000 (step S27). S28). In step S29, printing is performed based on the converted image data. In step S30, it is determined whether printing has been completed up to the end of the image data. If the printing has not been completed, for example, the PD printer 1000 cannot sufficiently secure a buffer area for storing the received image data. In step S27, the image data of the image file is divided and received. The case where it processes by doing is considered. In this case, the process returns to step S24, and the “image file information acquisition request” is transmitted again to the DSC 3012. In step S27, partial data of the image data of the image file is received and printed in the same procedure as described above. When the printing of the image data of the image file is completed in step S30, the process proceeds to step S31, and the DSC 3012 is notified that the printing of the image file is completed.

  The DSC 3012 that has received this print end notification deletes the image file for printing created in step S11 from the RAM 3102 (step S16) and ends the process. However, the original image file stored in the memory card 3109 is saved as it is.

  If the amount of image data acquired by the PD printer 1000 is not sufficient in step S29 described above, for example, if the amount of data is smaller than the amount of data recorded in one scan of the recording head, the image processing in step S28 is possible. Even if it exists, the printing process in step S29 cannot be performed. In this case, without performing the printing operation in step S29, the determination in step S30 is performed, the process returns to step S24, and the above-described processing is repeated.

  Note that after the creation of the image file in step S11, “image file information” is transmitted from the DSC 3012 to the PD printer 1000 in step S12. This is a response to “image file information acquisition request” (GetObjectInfo) (step S24). This “image file information” also has a role of informing the PD printer 1000 that the conversion and creation processing of the image file has been completed in the DSC 3012, as in the “request for acquisition of image file information” described above. Therefore, the transmission of the “image file information” in step S12 of the present embodiment is not limited to this, and other dedicated commands or existing communication commands may be used.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining a printable image file extraction process (step S5) in the DSC 3012 according to the first embodiment.

  First, in step S500, one image file stored in the memory card 3109 of the DSC 3012 is acquired. Next, in step S501, the format of the image file is determined for one image file on the memory card 3109, and the information is passed to the print enable determination process in step S502. Accordingly, in step S502, it is determined whether or not the image file can be printed by the PD printer 1000 using the format of the image file, the Capability acquired in step S3 of FIG. To do.

This convertible determination list may be as follows.
(1) As shown in FIG. 8, information specifying an input image format, an output image format, and a format conversion process flow is provided.

In FIG. 8, “BMP” and “PNG” are set as the input image format, and “JPEG” is set as the corresponding output image format. Each format conversion flow in this case is “BMP decoding → RGB to YCC conversion → JPEG encoding” and “PNG decoding → RGB to YCC conversion → JPEG encoding”.
(2) Also, in the format shown in FIG. 9, conversion to be performed from a table including an input image format, an output image format, an encoder input color space, and a decoder output color space, and a combination of the input color space and the output color space. Information for specifying the processing flow may be provided.

  In FIG. 9, “BMP” and “PNG” are set as the input image format, “RGB” is set as the corresponding decoder output color space, and “JPEG” and “TIFF” are respectively set as the output image formats. Yes. Further, the encoder input color spaces are set to “YCC” and “RGB”, respectively, corresponding to the output image format. Furthermore, “RGB / YCC” is set as the combination of the input / output color spaces, and “Conversion from RGB to YCC” is set as the conversion processing flow.

  Such a conversion possibility determination list is stored in the ROM 3101 of the DSC 3012. When there are many combinations of image file formats that can be converted by the DSC 3012, the format of (2) (FIG. 9) can avoid holding redundant data, so that the memory capacity of the ROM 3101 can be reduced.

  Although some list format examples are shown here, there are input formats that can be decoded by the DSC 3012, output formats that satisfy the capability of the printer 1000 and can be encoded by the DSC 3012, and color processing necessary for conversion. Anything that can be appropriately selected is acceptable.

  In step S503, it is determined whether or not printing is possible based on the determination result in step S502. If it is determined that printing is possible, the process proceeds to step S504, and the image file that is currently determined whether or not printing is possible is printed. Register in the file list. This printable image file list is stored in the RAM 3102 of the DSC 3012. The list format may be any format as long as it can be recognized which image file of the memory card 3109 can be printed. However, it is desirable that the memory size be reduced. If it is determined in step S503 that printing is not possible, or after execution of step S504, the process proceeds to step S505, where it is checked whether or not all image files stored in the memory card 3109 have been executed. If not, the process returns to step S500, and the above-described printable image file extraction process is executed. In this example, in the process of step S5, an example is shown in which it is determined whether printing is possible for all image files on the memory card 3109. However, it goes without saying that the target file may be narrowed down by a file identifier or the like. .

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining image file creation processing (step S11) in the DSC 3012 according to the first embodiment.

  First, in step S41, the image data of the processing target image file stored in the memory card 3109 is read. In step S42, it is determined whether or not processing such as image format conversion, resizing, rotation, and color conversion is necessary for the image data. For example, based on the “information 2” stored in step S6, the format of the image to be actually printed is acquired, and it is determined whether or not processing for the image data to be printed is necessary.

  Hereinafter, as an example, a case will be described in which the image data of the original image file is in PNG format, and the image format that the PD printer 1000 supports printing is EXIF or JPEG.

  In this case, without transferring the original image data as it is, the DSC 3012 converts the format of the image data from the PNG format to the JPEG format, and then proceeds to step S43 in order to transmit it to the PD printer 1000. In addition to this, it is determined whether rotation or resizing of image data is necessary according to the print mode in the PD printer 1000. This determination is made when the DSC 3012 holds a list that can determine how much image data the printer supports by the printer model name or vendor name included in “Information 1”. It becomes feasible. Then, image resizing and rotation so as to fit within the size supported by the PD printer 1000 enables more appropriate image conversion.

  In this way, if it is determined in step S42 that some conversion is necessary for the original image data, the process proceeds to step S43. If not, this process is terminated without doing anything.

  In step S43, since the original image file is encoded by PNG, for example, it is first decoded and converted into raw image data. In step S44, it is determined whether image resizing is necessary. If necessary, the process proceeds to step S45, and the image data is reduced. After executing this step S45 or if it is not necessary to resize the image in step S44, the process proceeds to step S46, and it is determined whether or not the image needs to be rotated. If necessary, in step S47, the image data is rotated and the process proceeds to step S48. If not, the process proceeds to step S48. In step S48, it is determined whether or not color conversion of the image is necessary. If not, the process proceeds to step S50. If necessary, the color conversion of the image data is performed in step S49, and the process proceeds to step S50.

  In step S50, the processed image data is encoded by JPEG. In step S51, it is checked whether the image data is image data with an “EXIF” tag. If so, the content obtained by converting the “EXIF” tag in steps S45, S47, S49, etc. in step S52. Update according to. On the other hand, if the image data is not the image data with the “EXIF” tag in step S51, the process proceeds to step S53, and orientation information indicating, for example, the image direction is added to the image data.

  For example, in step S52, TIFF Rev. used in EXIF. As ancillary information of 6.0, an image direction (tag number “274”: Orientation) is defined, and according to this, “1” (default) is “0th row is the top column of the image and the 0th column. Is on the right side of the image ". When the image whose image direction is defined by “1” is rotated 90 ° to the left, the image direction of the EXIF tag of the image is “8”, that is, “the 0th row is the left side of the image and the 0th column is It will be changed to “Below the image”. For details of this EXIF tag, refer to “Image Format Standard for Digital Camera Still Camera (Exif)” of JEIDA standard.

  In the above description, the DSC 3012 obtains “Information 1” such as device information of the PD printer 1000 and sets “Information” as information set by the user of the DSC 3012 based on the UI corresponding to the function of the PD printer 1000. 2 ”is acquired and stored in the RAM 3102, and based on these pieces of information, image data to be printed can be created and transmitted to the PD printer 1000. As a result, the amount of image data transmitted from the DSC 3012 to the PD printer 1000 and the format of the image data can be matched with the printing conditions in the PD printer 1000.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining image data processing (step S28) in the PD printer 1000 according to the present embodiment.

  First, in step S61, the image data received from the DSC 3012 is decoded. In step S62, the image data is rearranged in order to output the decoded data to the recording head (inkjet head) of the printer engine 3004. In step S63, the rearranged data is developed in the print buffer.

Thus, according to the present embodiment, the following effects are obtained.
(1) Since the image file can be reconverted based on the Capability of the PD printer 1000, all printable image files including the image file that can be originally printed can be extracted from the memory card 3019 of the DSC 3012.
(2) The images can be appropriately converted into a format allowed by the Capability of the PD printer 1000 and printed.
(3) The PD printer 1000 notifies the DSC 3012 of the creation start timing of the image file, and when the creation of the image file is completed, the DSC 3012 notifies the PD printer 1000 to transmit and print the image file, thereby mutually processing. Highly reliable printing that is synchronized with each other becomes possible.
(4) Since the print image file created from the image file stored in the memory card 3109 is deleted when the transfer of the image file to the PD printer 1000 is completed, the printed print image file is stored in the memory of the DSC 3012. It is possible to prevent the remaining memory from being reduced.

[Embodiment 2]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, a case will be described in which a plurality of image data is laid out (n-up) and printed on one sheet. Note that the hardware configurations of the DSC 3012 and the PD printer 1000 according to the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of an image printing result according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  In this example, a total of 16 images in the row direction (N = 4) × column direction (M = 4) are printed on one sheet (16-up printing). (N, M) (N = 1 to 4, M = 1 to 4) of each image indicates the position of each image.

  FIG. 13 shows the layout n-up printing by communicating between the digital camera (DSC) 3012 and the PD printer 1000 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, supplying image data from the DSC 3012 to the PD printer 1000, and It is a figure explaining the process in the case of performing. In the figure, the same symbols are attached to processes common to those in FIG. 6, and the description thereof is omitted. However, the UI created in step S4 includes a 16-up function as a layout, and “information 2” stored in step S7 is designated by the user as 16-up, and created in step S8. The 16-up layout printing is included in the print job file.

  Hereinafter, processing in the PD printer 1000 will be mainly described.

  In step S23, when a print job file including n-up printing from the DSC 3012 is received, in step S71, both the row direction variable N for managing the image position on the paper and the column direction M are initialized to “1”. These variables are stored in the memory 3003. Next, in step S72, the maximum image number Nmax in the row direction and the maximum image number Mmax in the column direction are obtained from the layout designation information described in the print job file received in step S23 and set in the memory 3003. In the example of FIG. 12, Nmax = Mmax = 4.

  In step S73, the DSC 3012 transmits an “image file information acquisition request” in N rows and M columns (initially 1 row and 1 column). Accordingly, when the DSC 3012 receives this “image file information acquisition request” in step S10, the process proceeds to step S11, and creates an image file for printing from the requested image file. In creating the print image file, the above-mentioned “information 1” and “information 2” are referred to as in the case of FIG. In step S12, the information of the created image file for printing is transmitted to the PD printer 1000.

  In step S74, the PD printer 1000 receives the information of the image file for printing (the image file in the Nth row and Mth column), and then in step S75, the image file for printing in the Nth row and Mth column is received. As in the case of the first embodiment, an “image file acquisition request” is issued to the DSC 3012 so as to be acquired. The DSC 3012 (Step S13) that has received this transmits the image file for printing created in Step S11 to the PD printer 1000 (Step S14). Also in the second embodiment, the “image file acquisition request” transmitted in step S75 is an image transfer request from the PD printer 1000 to the DSC 3012, whereby the print image file created by the DSC 3012 and the PD The image file received by the printer 1000 is synchronized. In step S76, when the PD printer 1000 receives the image file for printing, the process proceeds to step S77, and determines whether the image is an image in the Mmax (“4” in the example of FIG. 12) column.

  As is clear from the example of FIG. 12, when printing with the recording head is performed by the printer engine 3004, it is necessary that image data for at least one scanning of the recording head is prepared, so that the image of the fourth column image is displayed. This is because it is necessary to receive data. If it is equal to or less than Mmax, the process proceeds to step S81, the variable M is incremented by 1, and the process proceeds to step S73. This time, a process for acquiring image data of an image of 1 row and 2 columns is started. When the image data for Mmax columns is completed in step S77, the process proceeds to step S78, where the image data of the image located in the Nth row is processed and converted into data to be output to the recording head. In step S79, Nth line image is printed. Thereby, in the example of FIG. 11, the image (1, 1), the image (1, 2), the image (1, 3), and the image (1, 4) are printed. In step S80, it is determined whether N = Nmax. If not, in step S82, variable M = 1 and variable N = N + 1 are set, and the process proceeds to step S73, and the image data acquisition process for the next row is performed.

  If the length of the recording head and the width of the image are not in an integral multiple relationship, the image (1, 1), the image (1, 2), the image (1, 3), the image (1, 4). ) During printing of the image including the bottom line, that is, the image of the next line, that is, the image (2, 1), the image (2, 2), the image (2, 3), and the image (2, 4) are also parallel. The situation of printing occurs. In that case, it is necessary to execute steps S80 and S82 after step S78 to acquire image data of the next image.

  When all the images of N rows and M columns are printed in step S80, the process proceeds to step S83, where a “print end notification” is transmitted to the DSC 3012 and the process ends. Accordingly, the DSC 3012 that has received the “print end notification” from the PD printer 1000 in step S14 deletes all the print image files created so far and ends the process in step S15.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, during n-up printing, the DSC 3012 creates a print image file of image data of each image in response to a request from the PD printer 1000. At this time, since image files for n images are stored in these n-up images, if there are the same images, the stored image files for printing can be used as they are.

  On the other hand, if the memory capacity of the DSC 3012 is limited from the viewpoint of the cost of the DSC 3012, the print image files for these n images may not be held simultaneously. In such a case, when the “request for obtaining image file information of N rows and M columns” from the PD printer 1000 is received (step S9), the previously created image file for printing is deleted, and the step In step S11, a new image file for printing may be newly created.

  In the above description, when the memory capacity of the reception buffer or the print buffer of the PD printer 1000 is small, the printing process in step S79 is executed halfway with only the data for which reception has been completed. The image data of the “image file for use” may be acquired and the printing operation may be performed.

[Embodiment 3]
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the above-described first and second embodiments, the example in which one image data is developed in one page or one rectangle has been described. However, if HTML, XHTML, text, and other documents are specified instead of image data for printing, it is possible to obtain a good print result by expanding the data in one page or one rectangle. May not be obtained. For example, if a document that spans multiple pages is expanded so that it fits on one page like a single image, the characters and images contained in the document are extremely reduced, making it impossible to recognize characters, etc. Bad effects occur.

  Also, when printing image data and document data divided into a plurality of pages, if the size and aspect ratio of the image data divided into units of pages sent to the PD printer 1000 are different for each page, The direction in which the data is developed and the scaling ratio are varied, and an appropriate print result cannot be obtained. Also, in a printing system such as camera direct printing that does not use a PC, there is no memory that can simultaneously generate image data for a plurality of pages. Therefore, when printing, it is necessary to divide the data for each page, generate image data over a plurality of pages, and convert the data into image data such as JPEG for each page to perform printing.

  Therefore, in Embodiments 3 and 4 described below, it is assumed that, when a data file instructed to be printed is printed, the data covers a plurality of pages, and the format of the data file is not supported by the Capability of the PD printer 1000. In this case, it is possible to print by performing format conversion with the DSC 3012 in the same manner as in the first and second embodiments. An example will be described in which a data file is divided in this way, image data over a plurality of pages is generated in units of pages, converted into image data such as JPEG for each page, and printed.

  First, a print job generation method for N page printing and a print job control method used in common with the third and fourth embodiments will be described.

  First, as a premise, a process when printing is performed by assigning a data file to N pages in the direct print system according to the present embodiment will be described.

  14 and 15 are diagrams for explaining a signal flow in processing for issuing a print request from the DSC 3012 to the PD printer 1000 and allocating a plurality of (N) images to N pages and printing in the direct print system. It is. In these drawings, the same parts as those in FIG. 5 described above are denoted by the same symbols, and the description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining rough signal exchange in the printing system when a print request is issued from the DSC 3012 to the PD printer 1000 to print an image. Here, the first page is printed in accordance with the processing of 600 to 607. Next, based on the file ID of the image data for which printing of the second page is designated, file information is requested from the DSC 3012 (GetFileInfo) (609). In response to this, the DSC 3012 transmits the file information (FileInfo). This file information includes information such as the file format and file capacity. When the PD printer 1000 determines that the file information can be received and processed, it requests the file information from the DSC 3012 (GetFile) (610). As a result, the image data (ImageFile) of the requested file is sent from the DSC 3012 to the PD printer 1000. As a result, when the PD printer 1000 starts the print process and the print process for the corresponding page is finished, the PD printer 1000 notifies the end of the print process through (NotifyJobStatus) 611. Then, the processes of 609 to 611 are repeated, and when printing of all the pages designated for printing is completed, (NotifyDeviceStatus) 612 notifies that the PD printer 1000 has entered the “idle” state (NotifyDeviceStatus (IDLE )).

  Next, FIG. 15 will be described.

  In step S <b> 613, the PD printer 1000 requests the DSC 3012 for information on the data file based on the file ID instructed to be printed (GetFileInfo). This file information includes information such as file format and file capacity. When the PD printer 1000 receives the file information and determines that printing is possible, it requests the file information from the DSC 3012 (GetFile) (614). The requested file, in this case, the “AUTPRINT.MRK” file, which is the DPOF setting file, is sent from the DSC 3012 to the PD printer 1000.

  The PD printer 1000 receives and analyzes the file, and uses the file path name described in the DPOF file “AUTPRINT.MRK” to obtain the file ID of the image file designated for printing (GetFileID) ( 615). Then, using the acquired file ID, the PD printer 1000 requests the DSC 3012 for file information of the image file (GetFileInfo) (616). In response to this, the PD printer 1000 determines whether the file can be printed based on the file information (FileInfo) transmitted from the DSC 3012. If printing is possible, the file information is requested to the DSC 3012 (GetFile) (617).

  When the PD printer 1000 acquires the image file and starts printing in this way, status information indicating “Printing” is notified to the DSC 3012 by “NotifyDeviceStatus” in 618. When printing of one page is completed, “NotifyJobStatus” (619) is notified from the PD printer 1000 to the DSC 3012 at the start of printing processing of the next page.

  Thereafter, 620 to 623 are repeated for the second and subsequent pages, and when printing of all the pages designated for printing is completed, it is finally confirmed that the PD printer 1000 has entered the “idle” state by “NotifyDeviceStatus” (624). Notify the DSC 3012 (NotifyDeviceStatus (IDLE)).

  The above is the flow for explaining the flow of processing for allocating and printing a plurality (N) of image data on N pages.

  The rough processing flow in the third embodiment is also realized along this flow. This is realized by dividing image data over a plurality of pages into pages and handling the image data of each page as a plurality of image data in the above-described flow.

  Characteristic matters in the third and fourth embodiments are StartJob (603) in FIGS. 14 and 15, and a method for generating job setting information passed from the DSC 3012 to the PD printer 1000, and a plurality of pages of data instructed to be printed. The image data of each page is converted into a file, and the file is discarded.

  These contents will be described below.

  First, a method for generating job setting information will be described.

  The following processing is performed by creating a JOB file (step S8) in FIGS. The processing flow is as follows. Here, to simplify the description, it is assumed that in step S6 in FIGS. 6 and 13, the image file is image data covering three pages, and the format is not supported by the Capability of the PD printer 1000. In this case, however, the format of the image file is converted into a format corresponding to the Capability of the PD printer 1000 by the DSC 3012 as in the first and second embodiments. Here, a case where only one image file is instructed to be printed will be described as an example.

First, a configuration along the flow of FIG. 14 will be described.
(1) The DSC 3012 determines how many pages the image file instructed to be printed in step S6 of FIGS. 6 and 13 is divided. For this page division, any division method may be used. Further, since it is not a characteristic matter in the present embodiment, the description is omitted here.
(2) File IDs (file handles) are generated for the number of pages determined in (1) (here, 3 pages).
(3) A print job file as shown in FIG. 16 is generated using the file ID (file handle) generated in (2).

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print job file according to the third embodiment.

  As is clear from FIG. 16, the file ID (file handle) (“0000001” to “00000003”) for three pages generated in (2) is set as the contents of the <fileID> tag. Since the present example shows an example in which the image data is divided into three pages of image data, three <fileID> tags are set.

Next, a configuration along the flow of FIG. 15 will be described.
(1) The DSC 3012 determines how many pages the image file instructed to be printed in step S6 in FIGS. 6 and 13 is divided. For page division, any division method may be used. Since this division method is not a characteristic matter in the present embodiment, the description is omitted here.
(2) A file ID (file handle) for the “AUTPRINT.MRK” file, and file IDs (file handles) and file paths for the number of pages determined in (1) are generated.
(3) Using the file path generated in (2), a print job file as shown in FIG. 17 and an “AUTPRINT.MRK” file as shown in FIG. 18 are generated.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print job file according to the third embodiment.

  As the contents of the <fileID> tag in FIG. 17, the file ID (file handle) (“0000001”) of the “AUTPRINT.MRK” file generated in (2) is set. Also, “53180000” is set in the <fileType> tag, which is a value set when DPOF is printed.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the “AUTPRINT.MRK” file according to the third embodiment.

  In the <IMG SRC> tag of FIG. 18, the file path for the page divided image for three pages generated in step (2) is set. As described above, using this file bus, the PD printer 1000 requests a file ID from the DSC 3012 (GetFileID) (615 and 620 in FIG. 15). In response to this request, the DSC 3012 notifies the PD printer 1000 of the file ID (file handle) for the page split image generated in step (2).

  The method for generating job setting information has been described above, but the file ID (file handle) and file path generated by these processes are held in the DSC 3012 until the printing process is completed. The “AUTPRINT.MRK” file and the print job file are transmitted from the DSC 3012 to the PD printer 1000, and are discarded at the timing when the DSC 3012 no longer needs to hold them.

  Next, how the image data instructed to be printed is divided into a plurality of pages, each page image is converted into a file, and how the file is discarded will be described.

The following processing is performed by image file creation (step S11) and image file information transmission (step S12) in FIGS. This corresponds to GetFileInfo (604, 609, 616, 621) for the page divided image in FIGS. The flow is as follows.
(1) In the creation of an image file for printing (step S11), the DSC 3012 cuts out only the page divided image necessary for the page to be printed from the print instruction data, and files it according to the format supported by the Capability of the PD printer 1000. To do.
(2) The DSC 3012 stores the format information and file size information of the file generated in (1) in the RAM 3102.
(3) In image file information transmission (step S12), the DSC 3012 transmits the file format information and file size information generated in (2) to the PD printer 1000.

  The above processing is not particularly different between the flowcharts of FIGS. 14 and 15, and is performed at the timing when the PD printer 1000 requests the page division image data from the DSC 3012.

  The image data of each page generated as described above is discarded at the timing of NotifyJobStatus (607, 611, 616, 621) in FIGS.

  The above is the job generation method for N-page printing and the job control method used in common with the third and fourth embodiments.

  The rough control method for generating image data for N pages from one image file and discarding the image data has been described above. In the following, more detailed processing contents when generating image data for N pages will be described. In the following description, each of Embodiments 3 and 4 will be described individually.

  First, in Embodiment 3, an embodiment in which image data for N pages is generated from one image file will be described. Here, a case where an HTML file is designated for printing will be described as an example.

  When printing of image data over a plurality of pages is instructed, several processes are added as shown in FIG. 19 to the print image file creation (step S11) in the flow of FIG. 6 and FIG. The In FIG. 19, the same steps as those in FIG. 10 described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart for explaining the print image file creation process according to the third and fourth embodiments. The processes common to those in FIG. 10 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  Here, if the HTML file is allowed by the Capability of the PD printer 1000, that is, if the PD printer 1000 can receive and print the HTML file, the PD printer 1000 is controlled for HTML file parser and page division printing control. Therefore, the processing in the DSC 3012 is unnecessary. Therefore, in step S42, it is determined that conversion is not necessary, and this process is terminated. On the other hand, if the HTML file is not permitted by Capability in step S42, the process proceeds to step S43 and subsequent steps.

  After decoding the image file in step S43, it is determined in step S701 whether the image data to be created this time is the first page. When creating the image data of the first page, the process proceeds to step S702, and the number of pixels in the horizontal direction of the image is acquired based on the original image size of the image data. In step S703, the size of the image to be transmitted to the PD printer 1000 is determined from the number of pixels in the horizontal direction acquired in step S702 and the paper size designated for printing included in “information 2”. Decide how many pixels you want. Further, it is determined how many rasters of the original image data are cut out as one page of data and are transferred to the processing after step S44. In this determination method, for example, the number of pixels in the horizontal direction is the number of pixels in the horizontal direction of the original image data, and the number of pixels in the vertical direction is calculated based on the number of pixels in the horizontal direction and the aspect ratio of the paper size designated for printing. The aspect ratio of the image may be determined so as to be almost the same as the aspect ratio of the paper size.

  Next, in step S44, it is determined whether resizing is necessary based on whether the number of pixels in the horizontal direction of the image on the first page determined in step S703 is different from the number of horizontal pixels in the original image. If they are different from each other, it is determined that resizing is necessary, and resizing is performed in step S45 according to a scaling factor obtained from the ratio.

  If the image data is simply converted into that allowed by the PD printer 1000 in this step S44, the image size varies for each page. Therefore, in step S44 to step S47, the size of the image after resizing or rotating the image data cut out for the page to be printed is compared with the size of the image on the page determined in step S703. To do. If they do not match, the margin data is added so that the size of the image after being resized or rotated by the excess or shortage matches the size of the image determined in step S703. The important thing here is to add a margin so that the image sizes match. If this is satisfied, the extracted image data can be centered, or simply the right and bottom sides of the image. A margin may be added to the image, and the margin may be added in any manner.

  As described above, image data for one page is cut out from the data file designated for printing in the process of creating an image file for printing (step S11), and one page worth is created according to the file format allowed by the PD printer 1000. The image data is converted into image data, compressed by a predetermined compression method such as JPEG compression, and transmitted to the PD printer 1000. Thus, good printing results can be obtained.

  Here, as an example of how to cut out image data for one page, in step S703, an example of setting how many rasters of image data to cut out per page has been shown. There exists one. This cutout method depends on the format of the image data designated to be printed, but for example, if a page break code is embedded in the image data, the cutout may be performed according to the code. If such a code does not exist, the paper size may be determined from the print setting information designated for printing this time, and cut out in length units that match the aspect ratio of the paper size. Or you may cut out according to a system as described in the above-mentioned patent document 4.

Here, the method of clipping an image is very diverse depending on the format of the data file and the details are omitted. However, the important points according to the present embodiment are not the clipping method but the following three points.
(1) At the timing of print image file creation (step S11) of FIGS. 6 and 13, image data of a page to be printed is cut out and converted to image data to be transmitted to the PD printer 1000.
(2) The image data created in creating the image file for printing (step S11) is discarded at the same timing as in the first and second embodiments.
(3) The image data of all pages transmitted to the PD printer 1000 is set to have the same or almost the same image size transmitted on all pages.

As a result, the following effects can be obtained.
(A) When the image data is divided into an image covering a plurality of pages and printed, the size of the divided image transmitted to the PD printer 1000 can be set to an appropriate size and aspect ratio. As a result, extreme scaling of the image data can be avoided, and an appropriate printing result can be obtained.
(B) When the image data is divided into an image covering a plurality of pages and printed, the size of the divided image transmitted to the PD printer 1000 can be made uniform between the pages. As a result, the direction in which image data is developed and the scaling ratio can be unified to be almost the same, and an appropriate printing result can be obtained.
(C) As described above, in a direct printing system that does not use a personal computer, memory and other restrictions are severe, so it is difficult to simultaneously hold several pages of image data to be transmitted to a printer. According to (2), the number of images held simultaneously can be controlled, and the memory capacity to be used can be reduced.

[Embodiment 4]
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The fourth embodiment is also based on the first, second, and third embodiments. The same applies to the job generation method and job control method for N-page printing described in the third embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, the process of generating image data for N pages from image data is realized as follows.

An example will be described in which the HTML file is allowed in the Capability of the PD printer 1000 and the PNG file is not allowed. In such a case, if an HTML file including a link to the PNG file is designated for printing, the PNG file cannot be normally printed. To avoid this, there are the following two forms.
(A) A method in which all the HTML files designated for printing and the image data linked in the HTML file are converted into one image data that can be printed by the PD printer 1000 and transmitted to the PD printer 1000. is there. In this case, the image data is converted by creating a print image file (step S11), and the converted image data after printing is discarded in the same manner as in the first to third embodiments.
(B) A form in which data such as a linked image is converted into printable image data at a timing requested by the PD printer 1000 without converting the HTML file. Also in this case, the conversion of the image data is performed by creating a print image file (step S11), and the converted image data after printing is discarded as in the first to third embodiments. .

The salient features of the fourth embodiment are the following three points.
(1) At the timing of print image file creation (step S11) in FIGS. 6 and 13, only the minimum necessary image data to be printed is converted and prepared.
(2) The contents of the HTML file are referred to by the DSC at the time of printing, and each time a link is found, it is determined whether the linked data is allowed by the Capability of the printer. If it is not permitted here, it is checked whether it is registered in the printable file list generated in the extraction of the printable data file (step S5), and if it is registered, the image data is converted and printed. To do. On the other hand, if it is not registered, printing is not performed.
(3) Similar to the above-described third embodiment, all the image data that is divided into pages for transmission to the PD printer 1000 has the same or almost the same size of the image transmitted on all pages. . Here, all the image data to be divided into pages is described as follows. If image size conversion is performed in the same way for image data linked internally such as HTML, an inappropriate print result is obtained. It is because it invites.

  In the fourth embodiment, the conversion of the image file format is not particularly important, and the description thereof is omitted.

As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(A) Data linked to the data designated for printing can be converted into image data permitted by the Capability of the printer and printed.
(B) When the data is divided into a plurality of pages of image data and printed, the size of the divided image transmitted to the printer can be set to an appropriate size and aspect ratio. Thereby, extreme scaling of the image data can be avoided, and an appropriate printing result can be obtained.
(C) When the data is divided into a plurality of pages and printed, the size of the divided image transmitted to the printer can be made uniform between the pages. As a result, the image data development direction and magnification are unified, and an appropriate print result can be obtained.
(D) In a direct printing system that does not use a personal computer, memory and other restrictions are severe, so it is difficult to simultaneously hold several pages of image data to be transmitted to a printer. However, in this embodiment, the number of images to be simultaneously held can be controlled, and the amount of used memory can be reduced.

[Other Embodiments]
In the first to fourth embodiments described above, when the image data of the same image file is repeatedly printed with the same print specifications, the DSC 3012 receives the same image file in the “image file information acquisition request” received in step S10. Is required. If the same image file is specified here, the image already developed in the RAM 3102 of the DSC 3012 may be read out and transmitted to the PD printer 1000 in step S14. As a result, the number of image file creation processes for printing can be reduced, and higher-speed printing is possible.

  Alternatively, by sending a command or data indicating that the same image is printed from the previous time from the DSC 3012 to the PD printer 1000, the PD printer 1000 prints the same image using the same print data as the previous time. You may make it do. As a result, the number of communications between the DSC 3012 and the PD printer 1000 can be reduced to print an image.

[Other embodiments]
As described above, the object of the present invention is to provide a system or apparatus with a storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the embodiment, and the computer of the system or apparatus (or CPU or MPU) is provided. It is also achieved by reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. As a storage medium for supplying such a program code, for example, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM Etc. can be used.

  Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) or the like running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. Includes a case where part or all of the actual processing is performed and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  Furthermore, after the program code read from the storage medium is written in the memory provided in the function expansion board inserted into the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function is determined based on the instruction of the program code. This includes the case where the CPU of the expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, by using the Capability information of the printer, it is possible to grasp the file format to be transmitted to the printer and perform appropriate image conversion. Further, when a file such as HTML that includes a link to other image data is designated for printing, the same appropriate image conversion can be performed on the linked image data.

  Furthermore, even for image data that spans multiple pages, such as HTML, by unifying the size of all page images, the orientation and scaling ratio of image data can be unified between pages, and good printing can be achieved. Results are obtained.

  In addition, when image data covering multiple pages is printed by dividing the page, the memory is saved by appropriately generating only the image data to be allocated to the currently printed page while synchronizing the printer and the digital camera. It is possible to achieve good print control with saving.

1 is a schematic perspective view of a photo direct printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a general-view figure of the operation panel of PD printer concerning this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the principal part which concerns on control of PD printer which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of DSC which concerns on this Embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a rough signal flow when printing is performed by issuing a print request from a DSC to a PD printer in the printing system according to the present embodiment. 4 is a flowchart for explaining processing when communication is performed between the DSC and the PD printer according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and image data is supplied from the DSC to the PD printer to perform printing. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a printable image file extraction process (step S5) in the DSC according to the first embodiment. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the conversion possibility judgment list | wrist referred by the printability judgment (step S502) of the printable image file extraction process which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the conversion possibility judgment list | wrist referred by the printability judgment (step S502) of the printable image file extraction process which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a flowchart explaining the creation process (step S11) of the image file in DSC which concerns on this Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the process (step S28) of the image data in the PD printer which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the printing result of the image which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. 7 is a flowchart for explaining processing when communication is performed between a DSC and a PD printer according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, image data is supplied from the DSC to the PD printer, and n-up layout printing is performed. is there. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a rough signal exchange when a print request is issued from a DSC to a PD printer to print an image in a printing system. In the printing system according to the third to fourth embodiments of the present invention, a print request is issued from the digital camera (DSC) to the PD printer, and a plurality of images specified in the DPOF setting file are allocated to N pages. It is a figure explaining the rough signal flow in the case of performing printing. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print job file according to Embodiments 3 and 4. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print job file according to Embodiments 3 and 4. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the "AUTPRINT.MRK" file which concerns on this Embodiment 3, 4. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining print image file creation processing according to the third and fourth embodiments.

Claims (30)

A printing system having a data supply device and a printing apparatus, and printing an image by the printing apparatus based on print data supplied from the data supply device,
The data supply device is:
Storage means for storing data files;
Means for acquiring function information of the printing apparatus;
Means for displaying a UI for setting print specifications;
Data extraction means for extracting a data file printable by the printing apparatus from a plurality of data files stored in the storage means;
A selection means for selecting a data file to be printed from the data files extracted by the data extraction means;
Conversion means for converting the data file into print data that can be processed by the printing apparatus according to the data file selected by the selection means and the function information;
In response to a data request from the printing apparatus, the printing apparatus has transmission means for transmitting the print data converted by the conversion means to the printing apparatus,
The printing system, wherein the printing apparatus prints an image based on the processing data transmitted by the transmission unit in response to the data request. The function information includes format information of data printable by the printing apparatus,
The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the extraction unit extracts a data file having a format printable by the printing apparatus included in the function information. The function information includes a format of a data file that can be printed by the printing apparatus,
The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the data extraction unit extracts a data file convertible into a format printable by the printing apparatus included in the function information.   The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the conversion by the conversion unit includes at least one of format conversion, scaling, color conversion, and rotation of a data file.   5. The conversion unit according to claim 1, wherein the conversion unit starts data conversion processing of the data file to be printed in response to an acquisition request for information on the data file to be printed from the printing apparatus. The printing system according to item.   The conversion unit divides the data file into pages when printing of the data file to be printed covers a plurality of pages, and converts the data file into image data for each page in response to a file information acquisition request from the printing apparatus. 6. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein conversion is performed.   The conversion unit has a link search unit that searches whether a link to another data file is pasted in the data file to be printed, and when there is data to which the link is pasted, the data of the link destination 7. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the file is converted in the same manner as the data file to be printed. The converting means includes
A size determining unit that determines a print size of each page based on a size of a sheet to be printed when the printing of the data file to be printed covers a plurality of pages;
Scaling means for scaling each page according to the aspect ratio of the sheet;
Margin adding means for adding a margin portion to the image scaled by the scaling means;
The printing system according to claim 6 or 7, further comprising: A unit for generating handles corresponding to the number of page divisions when printing of the data to be printed covers a plurality of pages;
The printing system according to claim 8, wherein the data request from the printing apparatus is issued according to the handle.   The printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the print data converted by the conversion means is compressed image data. A data supply device that directly communicates with a printing apparatus and supplies print data to the printing apparatus,
Storage means for storing data files;
Means for acquiring function information of the printing apparatus;
Means for displaying a UI for setting print specifications;
Extraction means for extracting data files printable by the printing apparatus from a plurality of data files stored in the storage means;
Selecting means for selecting a data file to be printed from the data files extracted by the extracting means;
Conversion means for converting the data file to print data that can be processed by the printing apparatus according to the data file selected by the selection means and the function information;
In response to a data request from the printing apparatus, the printing apparatus has transmission means for transmitting the print data converted by the conversion means to the printing apparatus,
The data supply device according to claim 1, wherein the printing apparatus performs printing based on the print data transmitted by the transmission unit in response to the data request. The function information includes a format of a data file that can be printed by the printing apparatus,
The data supply device according to claim 11, wherein the extraction unit extracts a data file in a format that can be printed by the printing apparatus included in the function information. The function information includes a format of a data file that can be printed by the printing apparatus,
12. The data supply device according to claim 11, wherein the extraction unit extracts a data file in a format that can be converted into a printable format by the printing apparatus included in the function information.   The data supply device according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the conversion by the conversion means includes at least one of format conversion, scaling, color conversion, and rotation of a data file.   15. The conversion unit according to claim 11, wherein the conversion unit starts conversion from the data file to be printed into print data in response to an acquisition request for information on the data file to be printed from the printing apparatus. The data supply device according to any one of the above.   The conversion unit divides the data file in units of pages when printing of the data file to be printed covers a plurality of pages, and in response to an acquisition request for information on the data file to be printed from the printing apparatus, The data supply device according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the file is converted into print data for each page.   The conversion unit has a link search unit that searches whether a link to another data file is pasted in the data file to be printed, and when there is data to which the link is pasted, the data of the link destination The data supply device according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein the file is converted in the same manner as the data file to be printed. The converting means includes
A size determining unit that determines the image size of each page based on the size of the sheet to be printed when the printing of the data file to be printed covers a plurality of pages;
A scaling means for scaling the data of each page according to the aspect ratio of the sheet;
Margin adding means for adding a margin portion to the image scaled by the scaling means;
The data supply device according to claim 16 or 17, further comprising: Means for generating handles corresponding to the number of page divisions of the data file when the printing of the data file to be printed covers a plurality of pages;
The data supply device according to claim 18, wherein the print data request from the printing apparatus is issued according to the handle. A method for controlling an image supply device that directly communicates with a printing apparatus and supplies image data to the printing apparatus,
Obtaining functional information of the printing device;
Displaying a UI for setting print specifications;
A data extraction step of extracting a data file printable by the printing apparatus from a plurality of data files stored in a memory storing the data file;
A selection step of selecting a data file to be printed from the data files extracted in the data extraction step;
A conversion step of converting the data file into print data that can be processed by the printing apparatus in accordance with the data file selected in the selection step and the function information;
In response to a data request from the printing device, a transmission step of transmitting the print data converted in the conversion step to the printing device;
An image supply device control method comprising: The function information includes format information of data printable by the printing apparatus,
21. The method according to claim 20, wherein the extracting step extracts a data file having a format that can be printed by the printing apparatus included in the function information. The function information includes a format of a data file that can be printed by the printing apparatus,
21. The method of controlling an image supply device according to claim 20, wherein in the data extraction step, a data file convertible into a format printable by the printing apparatus included in the function information is extracted.   23. The image supply device control according to claim 20, wherein the conversion in the conversion step includes at least one of format conversion, scaling, color conversion, and rotation of an image file. Method.   The data conversion process for the data file to be printed is started in the conversion step in response to an acquisition request for information on the data file to be printed from the printing apparatus. The image supply device control method according to the item.   In the conversion step, when the printing of the data file to be printed covers a plurality of pages, the data file is divided into pages, and the image data for each page is divided according to a file information acquisition request from the printing apparatus. The method of controlling an image supply device according to any one of claims 20 to 24, wherein conversion is performed.   The conversion step includes a link search unit for searching whether a link to another data file is pasted on the data file to be printed, and when there is data to which the link is past, the data of the link destination 26. The method of controlling an image supply device according to claim 20, wherein the file is converted in the same manner as the data file to be printed. The conversion step includes
A size determination step of determining the print size of each page based on the size of the sheet to be printed when the printing of the data file to be printed covers a plurality of pages;
A scaling process for scaling each page according to the aspect ratio of the sheet;
A margin adding step of adding a margin portion to the image scaled in the scaling step;
27. The method of controlling an image supply device according to claim 25 or 26, further comprising: A step of generating handles corresponding to the number of page divisions when printing of the data to be printed covers a plurality of pages;
28. The method according to claim 27, wherein the data request from the printing apparatus is issued according to the handle.   A program for executing the control method according to any one of claims 20 to 28.   A computer-readable storage medium storing the program according to claim 29.

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