JP2007021789A - Image output device and method for outputting image - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To adequately output an image according to an image output request even when image output requests from two systems are in conflict with each other. <P>SOLUTION: A one-on-one communication means 41 of an image output device 1 receives an image output request by a peer-to-peer type first communication protocol from a first image output requesting device 3 for requesting output of an image according to image data. A control information production means 43 produces control information for outputting the image according to the image output request. A network communication means 6 receives an image output request from a second image output requesting device 2 through a communication network 4 in a second communication protocol. A conversion means 6 converts the image output request in the second communication protocol to the image output request in the first communication protocol. An exclusive control means 40a exclusively selects one of the image output requests when the image output requests from the first and second image output requesting devices 3, 2 are in conflict with each other, and then permits the control information production means 43 to process the selected image output request. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image output apparatus and an image output method.

  Non-Patent Document 1 discloses a direct printing system based on PictBridge. In the direct printing system, a digital still camera and a printer are directly connected without using a personal computer. The digital still camera transmits an image print request to the printer. The printer interprets the print request and executes image printing.

“White Paper of CIPA DC-001-2003 Digital Photo Solutions for Imaging Devices (Japan)” Camera & Imaging Products Association, February 3, 2003.

  Currently, in a direct printing system, a digital still camera (DSC) and a printer are directly connected in a one-to-one correspondence with a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable. Recently, PTP (Photo Transfer Protocol) has been proposed as PTP / IP (PTP over IP) corresponding to TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol). Therefore, it is conceivable that the DSC and the printer correspond to the IP network connection and perform direct printing via the IP network.

  However, when a printer compatible with the direct printing system is simply made compatible with a network connection, the following problems can be considered. When a printer compatible with the direct printing system is compatible with direct printing via a network, the printer includes a network connector for connecting a network cable in addition to a USB connector to which a USB cable is connected. Become.

  Therefore, a USB cable and a network cable may be connected to a printer that supports direct printing via a network at the same time. If a DSC connected via a USB cable and a DSC connected via a network cable are connected at the same time, image output requests from the plurality of DSCs compete in the printer, resulting in an image output request. Based on this, the image may not be printed properly.

  The present invention provides an image output apparatus and an image output method capable of appropriately outputting an image based on an image output request even when an image output request from a USB or the like competes with an image output request from a network. With the goal.

  According to an image output apparatus of the present invention, a control information generating unit that generates control information for outputting an image based on image data specified in the image output request according to the image output request, and a predetermined wired or wireless peer-to-peer first And a one-to-one communication unit that receives an image output request from a first image output requesting device that requests output of an image based on image data using one communication method. Network communication means connected to a wireless second communication system communication network and receiving an image output request from the second image output requesting device via the communication network, and the image output request is received by the network communication means. A conversion means for converting an image output request in the second communication method into an image output request in the first communication method, and a first image output request An exclusive control unit that selects one of them exclusively when the image output request from the device conflicts with the image output request from the second image output requesting device, and causes the control information generating unit to process the selected image output request; Is provided.

  As a result, even if there are two image output requesting devices that supply an image output request to an image output device that outputs an image according to the image output request, and one image output request conflicts, one image output request is the other image output request An image can be appropriately output based on any image output request without adversely affecting the request.

  In addition to the image output device, the image output device according to the present invention may be configured as follows. That is, in this case, the control information generation means uses the communication path between the conversion means or the first image output requesting device and the one-to-one communication means, and uses the second image output requesting device or the first image output requesting device. Detect device. The exclusive control means includes an image from a previously established communication path among the communication path between the conversion means and the one-to-one communication means and the communication path between the first image output requesting device and the one-to-one communication means. Select an output request.

  Thereby, in order to perform exclusive control in the communication layer close to the physical layer, the upper communication layer is parallelized for two systems of communication with the first image requesting device and communication with the second image requesting device. There is no need, the processing is simplified, and control information generating means corresponding to the upper layer can be easily implemented.

  The image output apparatus according to the present invention may be as follows in addition to any of the image output apparatuses described above. That is, in that case, the one-to-one communication means establishes one or both of the communication path with the conversion means and the communication path with the first image output requesting device in a peer-to-peer manner, and the control information generation means A second image output requesting device or a first image output requesting device using a communication channel between the one-to-one communication unit and / or a communication channel between the first image output requesting device and the one-to-one communication unit. Is detected. Then, the exclusive control unit selects an image output request from the first image output requesting device or the second image output requesting device that has been previously detected by the control information generating unit.

  Thereby, it is not necessary to parallelize the control information generating means corresponding to the upper layer, and it can be easily implemented. In addition, the communication layer of the one-to-one communication means and the conversion means corresponding to the lower layer and the communication layer of the one-to-one communication means and the first image output requesting device are parallelized, and the two layers are connected at the same time in the lower layer Therefore, when continuously outputting images from different systems, it is not necessary to establish a communication path in the lower layer again, and an image output request can be immediately supplied to the control information generating means. .

  The image output apparatus according to the present invention may be as follows in addition to any of the image output apparatuses described above. That is, in this case, the one-to-one communication means establishes one or both of the communication path with the conversion means and the communication path with the first image output requesting device, and the control information generation means The second image output request device and / or the first image output request device using the communication path with the one-to-one communication means and / or the communication path between the first image output request device and the one-to-one communication means. Is detected. Then, the exclusive control means selects the image output request from the first image output requesting apparatus or the second image output requesting apparatus that has started transmission processing of the image output request to the control information generating means first. To do.

  As a result, the control information generating means is parallelized, and the two systems can be connected simultaneously in the control information generating means corresponding to the upper layer. Therefore, in the case of continuously outputting images from different systems, the upper layer and the lower layer It is not necessary to establish the communication path in the layer again, and an image output request can be immediately supplied to the control information generating means. In addition, since the connection state between the image output requesting device that is not outputting an image based on the image output request and the control information generating unit is maintained, processing such as setting of the image output between them is performed separately. This can be performed while image output based on an image output request by the image output requesting device is being executed.

  The image output apparatus according to the present invention may be as follows in addition to any of the image output apparatuses described above. That is, in this case, the one-to-one communication means establishes one or both of the communication path with the conversion means and the communication path with the first image output requesting device, and the control information generation means The second image output request device and / or the first image output request device using the communication path with the one-to-one communication means and / or the communication path between the first image output request device and the one-to-one communication means. Is detected. The exclusive control means queues the image output request from the first image output requesting device and the second image output requesting device, and from the queue in order every time the image output based on the image output request ends. Queueing means for outputting an image output request to the control information generating means is provided.

  As a result, two image output requesting devices that supply an image output request to an image output device that outputs an image in accordance with the image output request are used, and even if the image output request competes, the queuing is performed based on each image output request. Images can be output properly in order.

  The image output apparatus according to the present invention may be as follows in addition to any of the image output apparatuses described above. In other words, in that case, the exclusive control means switches from the other to the control information generating means until the image output based on the image output request from one of the first image output requesting device and the second image output requesting device is completed. Block image output requests.

  As a result, even if an image output request is transmitted from the other image output requesting device while image output is being performed based on the image output request from one image output requesting device, the image output at that time is affected. Never give.

  The image output apparatus according to the present invention may be as follows in addition to any of the image output apparatuses described above. That is, in this case, the exclusive control means preferentially based on the preset order when the image output request received by the one-to-one communication means and the image output request generated by conversion by the conversion means compete. One is selected, and the selected image output request is supplied to the control information generating means.

  Thus, for example, when two image output requests are received by a one-to-one communication means or the like, if the image output request based on the previously received image output request is not started, the image output request received later Can be prioritized according to the image output requesting device that is the transmission source.

  The image output method according to the present invention receives and receives an image output request from a first image output requesting device that requests output of an image based on image data in a predetermined wired or wireless peer-to-peer first communication method. The image output method outputs an image based on the image data specified in the image output request in accordance with the image output request, and is connected to a predetermined wired or wireless communication network of the second communication method. When an image output request is received from the image output requesting apparatus via the communication network and the image output request is received, the image output request in the second communication method is converted into an image output request in the first communication method. A step of exclusively selecting one when the image output request from the first image output requesting device and the image output request from the second image output requesting device conflict. Comprising a flop, according to the selected image output request, and generating control information for outputting the image based on the image data specified by the image output request.

  As a result, even if there are two image output requesting devices that supply an image output request to an image output device that outputs an image according to the image output request, and one image output request conflicts, one image output request is the other image output request An image can be appropriately output based on any image output request without adversely affecting the request.

  Hereinafter, an image output apparatus and an image output method according to embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The image output apparatus will be described as a printer of a direct printing system. The image output method will be described as the operation of the printer.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
FIG. 1 is a hardware configuration diagram of a printer 1 as an image output apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The printer 1 has a first microcomputer 11 and a second microcomputer 12. The first microcomputer 11 includes a network I / F (interface) unit 13, a USB device I / F unit 14, a central processing unit (CPU) 15, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 16, and a ROM (Read Only). Memory) 17 and a system bus 18 for connecting them. The ROM 17 stores a network program 19.

  The network I / F unit 13 is connected to the network connector 20. The network I / F unit 13 sends data to be transmitted from the network connector 20. The network I / F unit 13 receives a signal from the network connector 20 and receives data superimposed on the signal.

  The USB device I / F unit 14 is connected to the USB hub unit 21. In addition, the USB hub unit 21 is connected to the USB connector 22 and the USB host I / F unit 23 of the second microcomputer 12.

  When a plurality of device devices are connected and the signal is input from one of the devices, the USB hub unit 21 outputs the signal to the host device. Further, the USB hub unit 21 outputs a signal from the host device to one of the device devices. In FIG. 1, a USB host I / F unit 23 is a host device, and a device connected to the USB device I / F unit 14 and the USB connector 22 is a device device.

  In addition to the USB host I / F unit 23, the second microcomputer 12 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 24, a RAM 25, a ROM 26, and a system bus 27 for connecting them. The ROM 26 stores a main program 28. In addition to this, the print engine 29 is connected to the system bus 27 via an input / output port (not shown).

  The USB host I / F unit 23 manages USB communication of devices connected thereto. The USB host I / F unit 23 manages communication with the USB device I / F unit 14 and communication with a device connected to the USB connector 22. In addition, when there is a connection request from the USB device I / F unit 14 or the like, the USB host I / F unit 23 executes connection processing by USB.

  The print engine 29 is an apparatus that prints an image or the like on a sheet. The print engine 29 includes an inkjet type. The ink jet printing engine 29 has a mechanism for transporting paper to a printing position, a mechanism for discharging ink onto paper at the printing position, and the like.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a direct printing system in which a DSC (Digital Still Camera) 2 as a second image output requesting device and a DSC 3 as a first image output requesting device are connected to the printer 1 in FIG. is there.

  The DSC 2 is connected to the network connector 20 of the printer 1 via the communication network 4. The communication network 4 includes a LAN (Local Area Network) such as Ethernet (registered trademark). In this case, the plurality of communication networks 4 may include a large-scale network such as the Internet, a telecommunication line, an ATM switching network, and a wireless communication network as a part thereof.

  The DSC 3 is connected to the USB connector 22 of the printer 1 by the USB cable 5.

  The central processing unit 15 of the first microcomputer 11 of the printer 1 reads the network program 19 stored in the ROM 17 into the RAM 16 and executes it, so that the printer 1 has a network unit 6 as network communication means and conversion means. Is realized. The network unit 6 includes a PTP conversion unit 35 having a TCP / IP unit 31, a PTP / IP unit 32, a PTP initiator 33 and a PTP responder 34, and an SICD (Still Image Capture Device) unit 36.

  The central processing unit 24 of the second microcomputer 12 of the printer 1 reads the main program 28 stored in the ROM 26 into the RAM 25 and executes it, so that the main unit 7 is realized in the printer 1. The main unit 7 includes an exclusive control unit 40a as an exclusive control unit, a SICD unit 41 as a one-to-one communication unit, a PTP initiator 42, a DPDP layer unit 43 as a print instruction generation unit, and a stand-alone print control unit 44. And having.

  The TCP / IP unit 31 generates a TCP / IP packet and transmits / receives the packet to / from another TCP / IP unit (for example, the TCP / IP unit 56 of the DSC 2 described later).

  The PTP / IP unit 32 sends and receives PTP commands, PTP responses, image data, and the like based on PTP with other PTP / IP units (for example, the PTP / IP unit 57 of the DSC 2 described later). The PTP / IP unit 32 converts a PTP command or the like into an IP packet and transmits / receives it.

  The PTP initiators 33 and 42 transmit a PTP command to the PTP responders 34 and 58. The PTP responders 34 and 58 transmit a PTP response to the PTP initiators 33 and 42. The PTP command includes a get object and a get partial object for acquiring an image file. In the get object and the get partial object, a file ID issued one-to-one with the image file is designated. When the PTP responders 34 and 58 receive the get object and the get partial object, the PTP responders 34 and 58 transmit to the PTP initiators 33 and 42 a file such as an image file specified by the file ID and an XML script file in the DPDP layer described later.

  The PTP conversion unit 35 includes a PTP initiator 33 and a PTP responder 34 and causes the PTP initiator 33 to send data such as a PTP command received by the PTP responder 34. The PTP converter 35 causes the PTP responder 34 to send data such as a PTP response and image data received by the PTP initiator 33.

  The SICD units 36 and 41 have a configuration based on the USB SICD class and have end points. Endpoints include those for input, output, and control. The SICD units 36 and 41 transmit and receive data between endpoints associated in advance.

  The DPDP layer unit 43 generates an operation script and a response script described in XML (extensible Markup Language) which is a kind of markup language, and communicates with other DPDP layer units (for example, DPDP layer units 59 and 78 described later). Send and receive between. The DPDP operation script includes, for example, a print job requesting image printing.

  When the image print request from the DSC 2 and the image output request from the DSC 3 compete with each other, the exclusive control unit 40a selects one exclusively and supplies the selected image output request to the control information generating unit. Function. Further, in the first embodiment, the exclusive control unit 40a outputs an image from a communication path established earlier among the communication paths between the network section 6 and the SICD section 41 and the communication paths between the DSC 3 and the SICD section 41. Select a request.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an XML script of a print job received by the DPDP layer unit 43.

  In a print job as an image output request, XML version information is described at the top. After the XML version information, print condition information for specifying the print condition of the image is described. In the example of FIG. 3, high quality (Best) is designated as the print quality (PrintQuality), the L size (L) is designated as the paper size (PaperSize), and the standard (Default) is designated as the paper type (PaperType). “JPEG” is designated as the image file type, “0001” is designated as the number of times of printing (Copy), and “00000001” is designated as the identification number (ImageFileID) of the image file.

  The plurality of print request values are sandwiched between tags (for example, <PrintQuality>, </ PrintQuality>) corresponding to each print setting item. A plurality of sets of print request values and tags are further sandwiched between tag groups (<Request> <PrintJob> and </ PrintJob> </ Request>) indicating that the entirety is a print request for an image.

  The stand-alone print control unit 44 controls the print engine 29 based on the print instruction. The stand-alone print control unit 44 controls the print engine 29 so that an image having the image quality specified by the print instruction value is printed on the paper specified by the print instruction value with the layout specified by the print instruction value. .

  2, the DSC 2 connected to the network connector 20 of the printer 1 includes a network I / F unit 52 having a network connector 51, a storage device 54 for storing an image file 53, a UI (user interface) unit 55, An external central processing unit. Further, the central processing unit (not shown) of the DSC 2 executes a direct printing program (not shown), thereby printing the TCP / IP unit 56, the PTP / IP unit 57, the PTP responder 58, the DPDP layer unit 59, and printing. The request unit 60 and the file system unit 61 are realized.

  The storage device 54 stores image data such as a semiconductor memory or a hard disk drive. The file system unit 61 manages the storage device 54. The file system unit 61 recognizes the image data stored in the storage device 54 as an image file for each image.

  The UI unit 55 includes a liquid crystal device and an operation key device not shown. The liquid crystal device displays an image based on the display data. The operation key device generates input data corresponding to the key operation.

  The print request unit 60 specifies information about an image print request. For example, the print request unit 60 displays the image of the image file 53 stored in the storage device 54 on the liquid crystal device. When the input data indicating selection is input from the operation key device in the display state, the print request unit 60 selects the displayed image as an image to be printed. The print request unit 60 specifies the content of the image print request according to the selected content, and supplies the information to the DPDP layer unit 59.

  The network I / F unit 52, the TCP / IP unit 56, the PTP / IP unit 57, the PTP responder 58, and the DPDP layer unit 59 of the DSC 2 have the same functions as the components of the same name of the printer 1. The description is omitted.

  In FIG. 2, the DSC 3 connected to the USB connector 22 of the printer 1 includes a USB device I / F unit 72 having a USB connector 71, a storage device 74 for storing an image file 73, a UI unit 75, and a center (not shown). And a processing device. Further, the central processing unit (not shown) of the DSC 3 executes a direct printing program (not shown), whereby an SICD unit 76, a PTP responder 77, a DPDP layer unit 78, a print request unit 79, and a file system unit 80. And realize. Each component of the DSC 3 has the same function as the component of the same name of the printer 1 and DSC 2, and the description thereof is omitted.

  Next, the operation of each device in the direct printing system having the above configuration will be described. First, a case where DSC 2 is connected to the printer 1 before DSC 3 will be described, and then a case where DSC 3 is connected to the printer 1 before DSC 2 will be described.

  A TCP / IP unit 31, a PTP / IP unit 32, and a PTP initiator 33 of a PTP conversion unit 35 are stacked in this order on the network I / F unit 13 of the printer 1. In addition, a TCP / IP unit 56, a PTP / IP unit 57, a PTP responder 58, and a DPDP layer unit 59 are stacked in this order on the network I / F unit 52 of the DSC2.

  As a result, the TCP / IP unit 56 of the DSC 2 and the TCP / IP unit 31 of the printer 1 can send and receive TCP / IP packets to each other. The PTP / IP unit 57 of the DSC 2 and the PTP / IP unit 32 of the printer 1 can send and receive PTP commands, PTP responses, image data, and the like. The PTP initiator 33 of the printer 1 can transmit a PTP command to the PTP responder 58 of the DSC 2. The PTP responder 58 of the DSC 2 can transmit a PTP response and image data to the PTP initiator 33 of the printer 1.

  When the DSC 2 and the printer 1 can communicate with each other via the communication network 4, the SICD unit 36 of the network unit 6 transmits a set interface command to the SICD unit 41 of the main unit 7. Note that the SICD unit 36 of the network unit 6 determines that the communication network 4 has become communicable when, for example, the connection of the relay device in the communication network 4 to the network connector 20 of the network unit 6 is detected. Good.

  Specifically, the SICD unit 36 of the network unit 6 supplies the set interface command to the USB device I / F unit 14 of the network unit 6. The USB device I / F unit 14 outputs a set interface command to the USB hub unit 21. The USB hub unit 21 outputs the set interface command to the USB host I / F unit 23 of the main unit 7. The USB host I / F unit 23 of the main unit 7 supplies the set interface command input from the USB hub unit 21 to the SICD unit 41 of the main unit 7. As a result, the set interface command is transmitted from the SICD unit 36 of the network unit 6 to the SICD unit 41 of the main unit 7.

  After the set interface command is transmitted and received, the SICD unit 36 of the network unit 6 and the SICD unit 41 of the main unit 7 generate endpoints. As a result, the SICD unit 36 of the network unit 6 and the SICD unit 41 of the main unit 7 are connected, and data can be transmitted and received between the end points.

  At this time, since the set interface command from the DSC 3 has not been received, the exclusive control unit 40 a supplies the set interface command from the network unit 6 to the SICD unit 41 as it is. After that, when a set interface command is received from the DSC 3, the exclusive control unit 40a blocks the set interface command and does not supply it to the SICD unit 41. That is, while the endpoint is generated in the SICD unit 36 of the network unit 6 and the SICD unit 41 of the main unit 7 and the data communication path is established between them, the set interface command from the DSC 3 is blocked. Is done.

  Further, a PTP responder 34 of the PTP conversion unit 35 is stacked above the SICD unit 36 of the network unit 6. A PTP initiator 42 and a DPDP layer unit 43 are stacked above the SICD unit 41 of the main unit 7.

  As a result, the PTP initiator 42 of the main unit 7 can transmit a PTP command to the PTP responder 34 of the network unit 6. The PTP responder 34 of the network unit 6 can transmit a PTP response and image data to the PTP initiator 42 of the main unit 7.

  Through the series of connection processes described above, data communication between the DSC 2 and the network unit 6 of the printer 1 and data communication between the network unit 6 and the main unit 7 of the printer 1 are possible exclusively. It becomes a state.

  The DPDP layer unit 59 of the DSC 2 and the DPDP layer unit 43 of the main unit 7 start connection processing in the DPDP layer when the lower PTP responder 58 or the PTP initiator 42 becomes communicable. In the connection process, the DPDP layer units 43 and 59 first cause the lower PTP responder 58 or the PTP initiator 42 to transmit detection data for detecting the DPDP layer unit serving as a communication partner.

  For example, in DSC 2, when the PTP responder 58 becomes communicable, the DPDP layer unit 59 supplies detection data for detecting the DPDP layer unit 43 to the PTP responder 58. The detection data supplied to the PTP responder 58 is supplied to the network I / F unit 52 via the PTP / IP unit 57 and the TCP / IP unit 56. The network I / F unit 52 of the DSC 2 sends the supplied detection data TCP / IP packet from the network connector 51 to the communication network 4. The network I / F unit 13 of the printer 1 receives a TCP / IP packet addressed to itself from the communication network 4.

  The TCP / IP packet received by the network I / F unit 13 of the printer 1 is supplied to the TCP / IP unit 31 of the network unit 6. The TCP / IP unit 31 extracts data from the TCP / IP packet, that is, detection data, and supplies the extracted data to the PTP initiator 33 via the PTP / IP unit 32.

  When the detection data is supplied to the PTP initiator 33, the PTP conversion unit 35 of the network unit 6 supplies this to the PTP responder 34. The PTP responder 34 further supplies detection data to the SICD unit 36. The SICD unit 36 transmits the detection data supplied from the PTP responder 34 to the SICD unit 41 of the main unit 7. Specifically, the detection data is transferred from the SICD unit 36 of the network unit 6 to the SICD unit 41 of the main unit 7 via the USB device I / F unit 14, the USB hub unit 21, and the USB host I / F unit 23. Sent. The SICD unit 41 of the main unit 7 supplies the received detection data to the DPDP layer unit 43 via the PTP initiator 42.

  Through the series of operations described above, the detection data generated and transmitted by the DPDP layer unit 59 of the DSC 2 is received by the DPDP layer unit 43 of the printer 1.

  When the DPDP layer unit 43 of the printer 1 receives the detection data, it starts connection processing. The DPDP layer unit 43 transmits the response data to the DPDP layer unit 59 of the DSC 2. Accordingly, the DPDP layer unit 43 of the printer 1 recognizes that the DPDP layer unit 59 of the DSC 2 is connected, and the DPDP layer unit 59 of the DSC 2 recognizes that the DPDP layer unit 43 of the printer 1 is connected. . Control information for image printing in the DPDP layer can be transmitted and received between the DPDP layer unit 43 of the printer 1 and the DPDP layer unit 59 of the DSC 2, and direct printing through the communication network 4 is possible. When transmitting and receiving detection data and response data, the PTP layer transmits and receives DPDP layer detection data and response data as a single file, or transmits and receives PTP commands corresponding to the detection data and response data, respectively.

  Thereafter, when the image file 53 to be printed and the printing conditions are determined by a user operation on the UI unit 55, the print request unit 60 supplies the information to the DPDP layer unit 59. Based on the information, the DPDP layer unit 59 generates a print job that is an image output request as shown in FIG. 3, for example. This image output request is a text file of one XML script.

  The DPDP layer unit 59 of the DSC 2 transmits the generated print job to the DPDP layer unit 43 of the printer 1. Specifically, a print job generated by the DPDP layer unit 59 of the DSC 2 is transmitted from the network I / F unit 52 to the TCP / IP packet via the PTP responder 58, the PTP / IP unit 57, and the TCP / IP unit 56. To the communication network 4.

  The TCP / IP packet is received by the network I / F unit 13 of the printer 1. The TCP / IP unit 31 of the network unit 6 extracts a print job from the TCP / IP packet and supplies it to the PTP initiator 33 via the PTP / IP unit 32. The PTP conversion unit 35 supplies the print job supplied to the PTP initiator 33 to the PTP responder 34. The PTP responder 34 further supplies the SICD unit 36.

  The SICD unit 36 of the network unit 6 transmits the print job supplied from the PTP responder 34 to the SICD unit 41 of the main unit 7 by communication between end points. The print job is transmitted to the SICD unit 41 of the main unit 7 via the USB device I / F unit 14, the USB hub unit 21, and the USB host I / F unit 23 of the network unit 6. The SICD unit 41 of the main unit 7 supplies the received print job to the DPDP layer unit 43 via the PTP initiator 42.

  Through the above series of operations, the print job generated by the DPDP layer unit 59 of the DSC 2 is supplied to the DPDP layer unit 43 of the printer 1.

  When a print job is supplied from the DSC 2, the DPDP layer unit 43 of the printer 1 generates a print instruction corresponding to the print job. In the case of the print job shown in FIG. 3, the DPDP layer unit 43 generates a print instruction for printing one copy of the image file with the identification number “00001” on the entire surface of the L-size sheet with high quality. The DPDP layer unit 43 supplies the generated print instruction to the stand-alone print control unit 44. In addition, the DPDP layer unit 43 acquires the image file 53 having the file ID specified in the print job from the DSC 2. At this time, the PTP initiator 42 of the main unit 7 transmits a transmission request for the image file 53. The transmission request is received by the PTP responder 58 of the DSC 2 via the network unit 6 and the communication network 4. The PTP responder 58 transmits the image file 53 relating to the transmission request to the PTP initiator 42.

  The stand-alone print control unit 44 first generates control data of the print engine 29 corresponding to the supplied print instruction. Specifically, the stand-alone print control unit 44 generates, for example, a print image for each print ink color of the size of the paper to be printed from the image data to be printed, and binarization, interlace, etc. Control data is generated by processing. The stand-alone print control unit 44 controls the print engine 29 using the generated control data. The print engine 29 executes print processing according to the control of the stand-alone print control unit 44. As a result, the printer 1 prints the image requested by the DSC 2.

  Next, a case where the DSC 3 is connected to the printer 1 before the DSC 2 will be described.

  The USB connectors 22 and 71 are connected to the printer 1 and the DSC 3 by the USB cable 5. On top of the USB device I / F unit 72 of the DSC 3, a SICD unit 76, a PTP responder 77, and a DPDP layer unit 78 are stacked in order.

  When the USB cable 5 is connected to the USB device I / F unit 72, the SICD unit 76 of the DSC 3 transmits a set interface command to the SICD unit 41 of the main unit 7. The set interface command is transmitted to the SICD unit 41 of the main unit 7 via the USB device I / F unit 72, the USB hub unit 21, and the USB host I / F unit 23 of the main unit 7. The SICD unit 76 of the DSC 3 and the SICD unit 41 of the main unit 7 each generate an endpoint.

  As a result, a communication path between the endpoints is established between the SICD unit 76 of the DSC 3 and the SICD unit 41 of the main unit 7, and data can be transmitted and received. Therefore, the PTP initiator 42 of the main unit 7 in the upper layer of the USB and the PTP responder 77 of the DSC 3 can transmit and receive data such as a PTP command.

  At this time, since the set interface command from the DSC 2 has not been received, the exclusive control unit 40a supplies the SICD unit 41 with the set interface command from the DSC 3 as it is. After that, when a set interface command is received from the DSC 2, the exclusive control unit 40a cuts off the set interface command and does not supply it to the SICD unit 41. That is, while the endpoints are generated in the SICD unit 76 of the DSC 3 and the SICD unit 41 of the main unit 7, the set interface command from the DSC 2 is blocked while the USB data communication path is established between them. .

  The DPDP layer unit 78 of the DSC 3 and the DPDP layer unit 43 of the main unit 7 start the DPDP layer connection process when the lower PTP responder 77 or the PTP initiator 42 becomes communicable. Detection data and response data used in the connection processing are the PTP responder 77 of the DSC 3, the SICD unit 76, the USB device I / F unit 72, the USB cable 5, the USB hub unit 21 of the printer 1, and the USB host I / O of the main unit 7. The data is transmitted / received via the F unit 23, the SICD unit 41, and the PTP initiator 42. As a result, control information for image printing in the DPDP layer can be transmitted and received between the DPDP layer 43 of the printer 1 and the DPDP layer 78 of the DSC 3, and direct printing via the USB cable 5 is possible. Become.

  The print request unit 79 of the DSC 3 performs a selection process for printing the image of the image file 73 stored in the storage device 74 and supplies the selection information to the DPDP layer unit 78. The DPDP layer unit 78 of the DSC 3 generates a print job corresponding to the selection information and transmits it to the DPDP layer unit 43 of the main unit 7.

  The print job is transmitted from the DPDP layer unit 78 of the DSC 3 to the PTP responder 77, the SICD unit 76, the USB device I / F unit 72, the USB cable 5, the USB hub unit 21 of the printer 1, and the USB host I / F unit of the main unit 7. 23, via the SICD unit 41 and the PTP initiator 42, by the DPDP layer unit 43 of the main unit 7.

  When a print job is supplied from the DSC 3, the DPDP layer unit 43 of the printer 1 generates a print instruction corresponding to the print job, acquires an image file 73 specified by the print job from the DSC 3, and performs stand-alone print control. To the unit 44.

  The stand-alone print control unit 44 first generates control data for the print engine 29 corresponding to the supplied print instruction, and controls the print engine 29 using the generated control data. The print engine 29 executes print processing according to the control of the stand-alone print control unit 44. As a result, the printer 1 prints the image requested by the DSC 3.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, the printer 1 functions as a control information generating unit that generates control information for outputting an image based on the image data specified in the image output request in accordance with the image output request. The DPDP layer unit 43 and the SICD unit 41 functioning as a one-to-one communication unit that receives an image output request from the DSC 3 that requests output of an image based on image data by the USB. Further, the printer 1 is connected to a communication network 4 that is an IP network, receives an image output request from the DSC 2 via the communication network 4, and converts the image output request on the IP network into an image output request on the USB. When the image output request from the unit 6 and the DSC 3 conflicts with the image output request from the DSC 2, an exclusive control unit that selects one exclusively and causes the DPDP layer unit 43 to process the selected image output request And a control unit 40a.

  As a result, even if two DSCs supply image output requests to the printer 1 and the image output requests compete with each other, one of the image output requests does not adversely affect the other image output request. An image can be appropriately output based on the image output request.

  Further, according to the first embodiment, the DPDP layer unit 43a detects DSC2 or DSC3 using the USB communication path between the network unit 6 or DSC3 and the SICD unit 41. Then, the exclusive control unit 40a selects the image output request from the previously established communication path out of the USB communication path between the network unit 6 and the SICD unit 41 and the USB communication path between the DSC 3 and the SICD unit 41. To do.

  As a result, exclusive control is performed in the USB communication layer close to the physical layer, so the DPDP layer, which is the communication layer of the upper layer, is parallelized such as multithreading for two systems of communication with DSC2 and communication with DSC3. Therefore, the processing becomes simple and the DPDP layer unit 43 corresponding to the upper layer can be easily mounted. That is, since the main unit 7 can be a conventional main unit for USB direct printing plus the exclusive control unit 40a, it can be easily implemented.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
In the image output apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the SICD unit and the PTP initiator are parallelized in the main unit 7 of the printer 1 in the first embodiment, and the exclusive control unit 40b is replaced with the PTP initiator instead of the exclusive control unit 40a. And the DPDP layer unit.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a direct printing system including the printer 1 as an image output apparatus according to the second embodiment. Note that the hardware configuration of the printer 1 as the image output apparatus according to the second embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment. However, the main program 28 is changed to one that realizes the following functions.

  The main unit 7 of the printer 1 includes a USB host I / F unit 23, two multi-threaded SICD units 41 and 91, two multi-threaded PTP initiators 42 and 92, and an exclusive control unit 40b. A DPDP layer unit 43 and a stand-alone print control unit 44. The two SICD units 41 and 91 and the two PTP initiators 42 and 92 are read by the central processing unit 24 of the second microcomputer 12 of the printer 1 by reading the main program 28 stored in the ROM 26 into the RAM 25 and executing it. Thus, it is realized together with the DPDP layer unit 43, the stand-alone print control unit 44, and the like.

  The constituent elements other than those described above of the printer 1, DSC2, and DSC3 have the same functions as those of the first embodiment, and the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment are given and the description thereof is omitted.

  Next, the operation of each device of the direct printing system according to Embodiment 2 having the above configuration will be described.

  First, connection processing of DSC 2 and DSC 3 to the printer 1 will be described.

  When the printer 1 and the DSC 2 are connected via the communication network 4 and the DSC 2 and the network unit 6 of the printer 1 can communicate with each other, the SICD unit 36 of the network unit 6 sends a set interface command to the main unit 7. The data is transmitted to the SICD unit 41. The set interface command is transmitted to the SICD unit 41 of the main unit 7 via the USB device I / F unit 14 of the network unit 6, the USB hub unit 21, and the USB host I / F unit 23 of the main unit 7. As a result, data can be transmitted and received between the endpoints of the SICD unit 36 of the network unit 6 and the SICD unit 41 of the main unit 7.

  When the printer 1 and the DSC 3 are connected by the USB cable 5 and the DSC 3 and the printer 1 are communicable, the SICD unit 76 of the DSC 3 transmits a set interface command to the SICD unit 91 of the main unit 7. . The set interface command is transmitted to the SICD unit 91 of the main unit 7 via the USB device I / F unit 72 of the DSC 3, the USB connector 22, the USB hub unit 21, and the USB host I / F unit 23 of the main unit 7. The As a result, data can be transmitted and received between the endpoints of the SICD unit 76 of the DSC 3 and the SICD unit 91 of the main unit 7. As described above, in the second embodiment, the network unit 6 and the DSC 3 can be connected to the main unit 7 at the USB level.

  The DPDP layer 59 of the DSC 2 starts connection processing when the PTP responder 58 becomes communicable. The DPDP layer unit 59 transmits detection data for detecting the DPDP layer unit 43 of the communication partner. The detection data is transmitted from the DSC 2 to the printer 1 and transmitted to the main unit 7 via the network unit 6 of the printer 1.

  When receiving the detection data, the DPDP layer unit 43 of the main unit 7 transmits response data to the DPDP layer unit 59 of the DSC 2. Accordingly, the DPDP layer unit 43 of the printer 1 recognizes that the DPDP layer unit 59 of the DSC 2 is connected, and the DPDP layer unit 59 of the DSC 2 recognizes that the DPDP layer unit 43 of the printer 1 is connected. . Control information for image printing in the DPDP layer can be transmitted and received between the DPDP layer unit 43 of the printer 1 and the DPDP layer unit 59 of the DSC 2, and direct printing through the communication network 4 is possible.

  At this time, the exclusive control unit 40b monitors the DPDP layer unit 43, and when neither of the DPDP layer units 59 and 78 of DSC2 and DSC3 performs connection processing with the DPDP layer unit 43 of the main unit 7. The detection data and response relating to the connection processing between one of the DPDP layer units 59 and 78 of DSC 2 and DSC 3 and the DPDP layer unit 43 are sent and received as they are. On the other hand, when one of the DPDP layer units 59 and 78 of DSC 2 and DSC 3 is or has been connected to the DPDP layer unit 43 of the main unit 7, the exclusive control unit 40 b The detection data and response related to the connection process are blocked.

  On the other hand, the DPDP layer 78 of the DSC 3 starts connection processing when the PTP responder 77 becomes communicable. The DPDP layer unit 78 transmits detection data for detecting the DPDP layer unit 43. The detection data is transmitted from the DSC 3 to the main unit 7 of the printer 1.

  At this time, if the connection process between the DPDP layer unit 43 of the main unit 7 and the DPDP layer unit 59 of the DSC 2 is performed or not performed, the DPDP layer unit 43 receives this detection data. The response data is transmitted to the DPDP layer unit 78 of the DSC 3. Thereby, the DPDP layer unit 43 of the printer 1 recognizes that the DPDP layer unit 78 of the DSC 3 is connected, and the DPDP layer unit 78 of the DSC 3 recognizes that the DPDP layer unit 43 of the printer 1 is connected. . Direct printing on the DPDP layer is possible between the DPDP layer 43 of the printer 1 and the DPDP layer 78 of the DSC 3.

  On the other hand, when the connection process between the DPDP layer unit 43 of the main unit 7 and the DPDP layer unit 59 of the DSC 2 is performed or has been performed, the detection data is blocked by the exclusive control unit 40b. As a result, the connection process of the DPDP layer 78 of DSC 3 fails.

  Through the above-described series of processing, the DPDP layer 43 of the main unit 7 of the printer 1 allows the DPDP layer from only the DPDP layer 59 of the DSC 2 and the DPDP layer 78 of the DSC 3 that has completed connection processing first. Accepts an image print request.

  The DPDP layer unit 43 of the main unit 7 generates a print instruction based on the print job from the DPDP layer unit 59 of the DSC 2 or the DPDP layer unit 78 of the DSC 3 and also displays the image files 53 and 73 specified by the print job. Acquired and supplied to the stand-alone print control unit 44.

  The stand-alone print control unit 44 first generates control data of the print engine 29 corresponding to the supplied print instruction, and controls the print engine 29 using the generated control data. The print engine 29 executes print processing according to the control of the stand-alone print control unit 44. As a result, the printer 1 prints the image requested by the DSC 2 or DSC 3.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, the printer 1 is connected to the communication network 4 that is an IP network, receives an image output request from the DSC 2 via the communication network 4, and receives an image output request on the IP network. When the network unit 6 for converting the image output request to the USB image output request, and the image output request from the DSC 3 and the image output request from the DSC 2 conflict, one is selected exclusively, and the selected image output request is transferred to the DPDP layer. The exclusive control part 40b as an exclusive control means processed by the part 43 is provided.

  As a result, even if two DSCs supply image output requests to the printer 1 and the image output requests compete with each other, one of the image output requests does not adversely affect the other image output request. An image can be appropriately output based on the image output request.

  Further, according to the second embodiment, the SICD units 41 and 91 as the one-to-one communication means can simultaneously establish both the USB communication path with the network unit 6 and the USB communication path with the DSC 3, and the DPDP layer The unit 43 uses these USB communication paths to detect DSC2 or DSC3 by connection processing. Then, the exclusive control unit 40b selects an image output request from the DSC 2 and DSC 3 that has been detected earlier by the DPDP layer unit 43, and blocks image output requests from the remaining DSCs.

  As a result, the DPDP layer unit 43 corresponding to the upper layer does not need to be parallelized such as multithreading, and can be easily implemented. That is, as the main unit 7, it is possible to use a conventional main unit for USB direct printing in which only the PTP initiator corresponding to the lower layer and the SICD unit are parallelized and the exclusive control unit 40 b is added. Can be implemented.

  In addition, since the USB communication layer between the SICD unit 41 and the network unit 6 corresponding to the lower layer and the USB communication layer between the SICD unit 41 and the DSC 3 are parallelized, two systems can be connected simultaneously in the lower layer. When continuously outputting images from different systems, it is not necessary to establish a communication path in the lower layer again, and an image output request can be immediately supplied to the DPDP layer unit 43.

Embodiment 3 FIG.
The image output apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention includes an SICD unit, a PTP initiator, and a DPDP layer unit in parallel in the main unit 7 of the printer 1 in the first embodiment, and an exclusive control unit instead of the exclusive control unit 40a. 40c is arranged between the DPDP layer unit and the stand-alone print control unit 44.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a direct printing system including the printer 1 as an image output apparatus according to the third embodiment. Note that the hardware configuration of the printer 1 as the image output apparatus according to the third embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment. However, the main program 28 is changed to one that realizes the following functions.

  The main unit 7 of the printer 1 includes a USB host I / F unit 23, two multi-threaded SICD units 41 and 91, two multi-threaded PTP initiators 42 and 92, and multi-threaded. It has two DPDP layer units 43 and 93, an exclusive control unit 40c, and a stand-alone print control unit 44. The two SICD units 41 and 91, the two PTP initiators 42 and 92, and the two DPDP layer units 43 and 93 are stored in the ROM 26 by the central processing unit 24 of the second microcomputer 12 of the printer 1. By reading the program 28 into the RAM 25 and executing it, the program 28 is realized together with the stand-alone print control unit 44 and the like.

  The constituent elements of the printer 1, DSC2, and DSC3 other than those described above have the same functions as those of the second embodiment, and are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the second embodiment and description thereof is omitted.

  Next, the operation of each device in the direct printing system according to Embodiment 3 having the above configuration will be described.

  First, connection processing of DSC 2 and DSC 3 to the printer 1 will be described.

  In the third embodiment, as in the second embodiment, the communication path between the main unit 7 and the network unit 6 and the communication path between the main unit 7 and the DSC 3 are simultaneously established for lower communication layers such as PTP and USB. Is possible.

  The DPDP layer 59 of the DSC 2 starts connection processing when the PTP responder 58 becomes communicable. The DPDP layer unit 59 transmits detection data for detecting the DPDP layer unit 43 of the communication partner. The detection data is transmitted from the DSC 2 to the printer 1 and transmitted to the main unit 7 via the network unit 6 of the printer 1. When receiving the detection data, the DPDP layer unit 43 of the main unit 7 transmits response data to the DPDP layer unit 59 of the DSC 2.

  Accordingly, the DPDP layer unit 43 of the printer 1 recognizes that the DPDP layer unit 59 of the DSC 2 is connected, and the DPDP layer unit 59 of the DSC 2 recognizes that the DPDP layer unit 43 of the printer 1 is connected. . Control information for image printing can be transmitted and received between the DPDP layer 43 of the printer 1 and the DPDP layer 59 of the DSC 2.

  The DPDP layer 78 of the DSC 3 starts connection processing when the PTP responder 77 becomes communicable. The DPDP layer unit 78 transmits detection data for detecting the DPDP layer unit 93 of the communication partner. The detection data is transmitted from the DSC 3 to the main unit 7 of the printer 1. When the DPDP layer unit 93 of the main unit 7 receives this detection data, it transmits response data to the DPDP layer unit 78 of the DSC 3.

  Accordingly, the DPDP layer unit 93 of the printer 1 recognizes that the DPDP layer unit 78 of the DSC 3 is connected, and the DPDP layer unit 78 of the DSC 3 recognizes that the DPDP layer unit 93 of the printer 1 is connected. . Control information for image printing can be transmitted and received between the DPDP layer unit 93 of the printer 1 and the DPDP layer unit 78 of the DSC 3.

  Through the series of processes described above, the printer 1 and the DSC 2 and the printer 1 and the DSC 2 can be simultaneously connected in the DPDP layer.

  Next, an image direct printing process will be described.

  When the print request unit 60 of the DSC 2 selects an image or the like, it supplies selection information to the DPDP layer unit 59. The DPDP layer unit 59 generates a print job corresponding to the selection information.

  After generating the print job, the DPDP layer unit 59 first generates a parameter request script in order to obtain a parameter indicating whether or not a new print job can be accepted, and uses this as a main unit 7 of the printer 1. To the DPDP layer unit 43. The parameter request script is transmitted from the DSC 2 to the network unit 6 of the printer 1 and further transmitted from the network unit 6 to the main unit 7. The parameter request script received by the USB host I / F unit 23 of the main unit 7 is supplied to the DPDP layer unit 43 via the SICD unit 41 and the PTP initiator 42.

  The exclusive control unit 40c notifies the DPDP layer unit 43 of the parameter value based on whether or not the stand-alone print control unit 44 is processing a print job.

  The DPDP layer unit 43 of the main unit 7 transmits the parameter value to the DPDP layer unit 59 of DSC2. The response data including the parameter value is transmitted from the main unit 7 to the network unit 6 and further transmitted from the network unit 6 of the printer 1 to the DSC 2 via the communication network 4.

  The DPDP layer unit 59 of the DSC 2 determines whether the printer 1 can accept a print job based on the received parameter value. When the printer 1 cannot accept the print job, the DPDP layer unit 59 repeats the process of acquiring the parameter value again after a predetermined time, for example.

  If the printer 1 can accept the print job, the DPDP layer unit 59 of the DSC 2 transmits the generated print job to the DPDP layer unit 43 of the main unit. The DPDP layer unit 43 of the main unit 7 generates a print instruction based on the print job from the DPDP layer unit 59 of the DSC 2 and supplies it to the stand-alone print control unit 44. The stand-alone print control unit 44 first generates control data for the print engine 29 corresponding to the supplied print instruction (print job), and controls the print engine 29 using the generated control data. The print engine 29 executes print processing according to the control of the stand-alone print control unit 44. As a result, the printer 1 prints the image requested by the DSC 2.

  On the other hand, the print request unit 79 of the DSC 2 supplies selection information to the DPDP layer unit 78 when an image or the like is selected. The DPDP layer unit 78 generates a print job corresponding to the selection information.

  After generating the print job, the DPDP layer unit 59 generates a parameter request script and transmits it to the DPDP layer unit 93 of the main unit 7 of the printer 1. The DPDP layer unit 93 of the main unit 7 receives a value corresponding to whether or not the stand-alone print control unit 44 can accept the print job from the exclusive control unit 40c, generates response data including the value as a parameter value, and generates a DPDP layer of the DSC 3 To the unit 78.

  That is, if the stand-alone print control unit 44 is not processing a print job, the exclusive control unit 40c displays a value indicating permission for accepting the print job. If the stand-alone print control unit 44 is processing a print job, the exclusive control unit 40c accepts the print job. A value indicating rejection is supplied to the DPDP layer units 43 and 93. As a result, when a print job related to an image output request from either one of DSC 2 and DSC 3 is being executed, a print job related to an image output request from the other is rejected. However, at the DPDP layer level, the main unit 7 and the DSCs 2 and 3 can be connected at the same time. Therefore, the print job is pre-processed between the rejected DSC and the main unit 7 (from the printer 1 to the DSC). Notification of printing conditions, etc.). As preprocessing, notification of option data such as selectable paper sizes and paper types from the DPDP layer unit of the printer 1 to the DPDP layer unit of the DSC, selection of an image file to be printed, and the like are possible.

  The DPDP layer unit 78 of the DSC 3 determines whether or not the printer 1 can accept a print job based on the received parameter value. If the printer 1 is not capable of accepting a print job, the DPDP layer unit 78 repeats the process of acquiring parameters again after a predetermined time, for example.

  If the printer 1 can accept the print job, the DPDP layer unit 78 of the DSC 3 transmits the generated print job to the DPDP layer unit 93 of the main unit 7. The DPDP layer unit 93 of the main unit 7 generates a print instruction and supplies it to the stand-alone print control unit 44. The stand-alone print control unit 44 generates control data for the print engine 29 corresponding to the supplied print instruction, and controls the print engine 29 using the generated control data. The print engine 29 executes print processing according to the control of the stand-alone print control unit 44. As a result, the printer 1 prints the image requested by the DSC 3.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, the printer 1 is connected to the communication network 4 that is an IP network, receives an image output request from the DSC 2 via the communication network 4, and receives an image output request on the IP network. When the network unit 6 for converting the image output request to the USB image output request, and the image output request from the DSC 3 and the image output request from the DSC 2 conflict, one is selected exclusively, and the selected image output request is transferred to the DPDP layer. The exclusive control part 40c as an exclusive control means to be made to process by the part 43 is provided.

  As a result, even if two DSCs supply image output requests to the printer 1 and the image output requests compete with each other, one of the image output requests does not adversely affect the other image output request. An image can be appropriately output based on the image output request.

  In addition, according to the third embodiment, the SICD units 41 and 91 can simultaneously establish both the USB communication path with the network unit 6 and the USB communication path with the DSC 3, and further DPDP as a control information generating unit The layer units 43 and 93 are connectable simultaneously with both DSC2 and DSC3 at a DPDP layer level higher than USB. Then, the exclusive control unit 40c selects an image output request from the DSC2 and DSC3 from the one that first started the transmission process of the image output request to the DPDP layer units 43 and 93. In the third embodiment, acquisition of a parameter value indicating whether or not a print job can be accepted is performed at the beginning of the image output request transmission process.

  As a result, the DPDP layer units 43 and 93 are parallelized, and two systems can be connected at the same time in the DPDP layer units 43 and 93 corresponding to the upper layer. Therefore, when continuously outputting images from different systems, It is not necessary to reestablish communication paths in the upper layer and the lower layer, and an image output request can be immediately supplied to the DPDP layer units 43 and 93. In addition, since the connection state between the DSC (DSC 2 or DSC 3) that is not outputting an image based on the image output request and the DPDP layer unit (DPDP layer units 43 and 94) is maintained, image output between them is performed. The processing such as setting of the image can be performed while the image output based on the image output request by another DSC is being executed.

Embodiment 4 FIG.
The image output apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is obtained by adding a job queuing unit 94 to the DPDP layer units 43 and 93 in the main unit 7 of the printer 1 according to the third embodiment.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a direct printing system including the printer 1 as an image output apparatus according to the third embodiment. Note that the hardware configuration of the printer 1 as the image output apparatus according to the fourth embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment. However, the main program 28 is changed to one that realizes the following functions.

  The main unit 7 of the printer 1 includes a USB host I / F unit 23, two SICD units 41 and 91, two PTP initiators 42 and 92, two DPDP layer units 43 and 93, and a job queuing unit 94. And a stand-alone print control unit 44. The two SICD units 41 and 91, the two PTP initiators 42 and 92, the two DPDP layer units 43 and 93, and the job queuing unit 94 are included in the central processing unit 24 of the second microcomputer 12 of the printer 1. The main program 28 stored in the ROM 26 is read into the RAM 25 and executed, thereby being realized together with the stand-alone print control unit 44 and the like.

  The job queuing unit 94 stores print jobs received by the DPDP layer units 43 and 93. The job queuing unit 94 saves the print job in a storage area secured in the RAM 25, for example.

  The constituent elements of the printer 1, DSC2, and DSC3 other than those described above have the same functions as those of the third embodiment, and the same reference numerals as those of the third embodiment are given and description thereof is omitted.

  Next, the operation of each device in the direct printing system according to Embodiment 4 having the above configuration will be described.

  When the printer 1 and the DSC 2 are connected via the communication network 4 and the DSC 2 and the network unit 6 of the printer 1 can communicate with each other, the SICD unit 36 of the network unit 6 and the SICD unit 41 of the main unit 7 are Data can be sent and received by the set interface command. Further, the DPDP layer unit 59 of the DSC 2 and the DPDP layer unit 43 of the main unit 7 are ready to accept a direct printing job through the communication network 4 by connection processing.

  When the printer 1 and the DSC 3 are connected by the USB cable 5 and the DSC 3 and the printer 1 can communicate with each other, the SICD unit 76 of the DSC 3 and the SICD unit 91 of the main unit 7 perform data Can be sent and received. In addition, the DPDP layer unit 78 of the DSC 3 and the DPDP layer unit 93 of the main unit 7 are in a state where they can accept a direct printing job via the USB cable 5 by connection processing.

  Next, an image direct printing process will be described.

  When the print request unit 60 of the DSC 2 selects an image or the like, it supplies selection information to the DPDP layer unit 59. The DPDP layer unit 59 generates a print job corresponding to the selection information.

  After generating the print job, the DPDP layer unit 59 first generates a parameter request script to obtain a parameter value indicating whether or not a new print job can be accepted. Transmit to the DPDP layer 43 of the unit 7.

  The DPDP layer unit 43 of the main unit 7 confirms with the job queuing unit 94 whether or not queuing of a new job is possible.

  Immediately after the printer 1 is activated, the job queuing unit 94 does not store a print job. The job queuing unit 94 notifies the DPDP layer unit 43 that queuing is possible.

  The DPDP layer unit 43 of the main unit 7 generates response data including a parameter having a value corresponding to the notification from the job queuing unit 94 and transmits the response data to the DPDP layer unit 59 of the DSC 2. The DPDP layer unit 59 of the DSC 2 determines whether the printer 1 can accept a print job based on the received parameter value. When the printer 1 cannot accept the print job, the DPDP layer unit 59 repeats the process of acquiring the parameter value again after a predetermined time, for example.

  If the printer 1 can accept the print job, the DPDP layer unit 59 of the DSC 2 transmits the generated print job to the DPDP layer unit 43 of the main unit 7. The DPDP layer unit 43 of the main unit 7 stores the print job from the DPDP layer unit 59 of the DSC 2 in the job queuing unit 94.

  Thereafter, the DPDP layer unit 43 reads the print job from the job queuing unit 94, generates a print instruction based on the print job, and supplies the print instruction to the stand-alone print control unit 44. The stand-alone print control unit 44 generates control data and controls the print engine 29. The print engine 29 executes print processing according to the control of the stand-alone print control unit 44. As a result, the printer 1 prints the image requested by the DSC 2.

  When the queued print job is read by the DPDP layer units 43 and 93, the job queuing unit 94 releases the storage area in which the print job is stored. As a result, the empty area of the job queuing unit 94 increases. When the free area exceeds a predetermined size, the parameter issued by the job queuing unit 94 becomes a value when the print job can be accepted.

  When the print request unit 79 of the DSC 2 selects an image or the like, it supplies selection information to the DPDP layer unit 78. The DPDP layer unit 78 generates a print job corresponding to the selection information.

  After generating the print job, the DPDP layer unit 78 generates a parameter request script and transmits it to the DPDP layer unit 93 of the main unit 7 of the printer 1. The DPDP layer unit 93 of the main unit 7 confirms with the job queuing unit 94 whether or not queuing of a new job is possible.

  The job queuing unit 94 notifies the DPDP layer unit 93 that queuing is possible when no print job is stored or when there is a sufficient free area. Conversely, when there is not enough free space for storing the print job, the job queuing unit 94 notifies the DPDP layer unit 93 that queuing is impossible.

  The DPDP layer unit 93 of the main unit 7 generates response data including a parameter having a value corresponding to the notification from the job queuing unit 94 and transmits the response data to the DPDP layer unit 78 of the DSC 3. The DPDP layer unit 78 of the DSC 3 determines whether or not the printer 1 can accept a print job based on the received parameter value.

  When the printer 1 cannot accept the print job, the DPDP layer unit 78 repeats the process of acquiring the parameter value again after a predetermined time, for example. During this time, if the print job queued in the job queuing unit 94 is read by the DPDP layer units 43 and 93 and the empty area of the job queuing unit 94 increases, the parameter value can be queued. It is changed to a value indicating that it exists.

  If the printer is capable of printing, the DPDP layer unit 78 of the DSC 3 transmits the generated print job to the DPDP layer unit 93 of the main unit 7. The DPDP layer unit 93 of the main unit 7 stores the received print job in the job queuing unit 94.

  Thereafter, the DPDP layer unit 93 reads the print job from the job queuing unit 94, generates a print instruction based on the print job, and supplies the print instruction to the stand-alone print control unit 44. The stand-alone print control unit 44 generates control data and controls the print engine 29. The print engine 29 executes print processing according to the control of the stand-alone print control unit 44. As a result, the printer 1 prints the image requested by the DSC 3.

  In the above description, the job queuing unit 94 stores the DSC2 print job first, and then stores the DSC3 print job. This queuing order may be reversed.

  As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the printer 1 is connected to the communication network 4 that is an IP network, receives an image output request from the DSC 2 via the communication network 4, and receives an image output request on the IP network. When the network unit 6 that converts the image output request to the USB image output request and the image output request from the DSC 3 conflict with the image output request from the DSC 2, the image output request from the DSC 3 and the image output request from the DSC 2 are exclusive. And a job queuing unit 94 serving as an exclusive control unit that causes the DPDP layer unit 43 to process the selected image output request.

  As a result, even if two DSCs supply image output requests to the printer 1 and the image output requests compete with each other, one of the image output requests does not adversely affect the other image output request. An image can be appropriately output based on the image output request.

  Further, according to the fourth embodiment, the job queuing unit 94 as queuing means queues image output requests from the DSC 2 and DSC 3 and sequentially queues each time image output based on the image output request is completed. The next image output request is output to the DPDP layer units 43 and 93.

  As a result, even if there are two DSCs that supply image output requests to the printer 1 and the image output requests compete, images can be appropriately output in order based on each image output request by queuing.

  Also, the job queuing unit 94 notifies that a new job cannot be queued when there is not enough storage area to store the print job. Therefore, when the image output request from the DSC 3 and the image output request from the DSC 2 conflict with each other, the printer 1 performs queuing as much as possible. When the previous print processing is completed, the queued print job can be queued and printed.

  The DSC 2 and DSC 3 can independently execute processing from image selection to print job transmission regardless of whether the printer 1 is in a printing state. DSC2 and DSC3 can end the printing process even when the printer 1 is printing.

  Each of the above embodiments is an example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. It is.

  For example, in each of the above embodiments, a DSC that has been connected first or that has transmitted an image output request first can be preferentially printed. In addition to this, for example, the DPDP layer units 43 and 93 of the main unit 7 may be preferentially connected in the order set in advance by the user or in a fixed manner so as to generate a print instruction based on an image output request. Good. In the case of this modification, one image output request can be processed with priority.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the DSCs 2 and 3 end the processing when requesting image output. In addition, for example, the DSCs 2 and 3 may display the print status of the image after making an image output request. In this case, the DPDP layer units 59 and 78 of the DSCs 2 and 3 may periodically inquire the DPSB layer units 43 and 93 of the printer 1 about the progress of printing after transmitting the print job.

  In particular, in the third and fourth embodiments, the printer 1 has two DPDP layer units 43 and 93. The two DPDP layer units 43 and 93 need to determine the DSCs 2 and 3 (job owners) that transmitted the print jobs to each other and respond to the inquiry.

  In the above embodiments, the network unit 6 and the main unit 7 of the printer 1 are realized by separate microcomputers 11 and 12. In addition, for example, the network unit 6 and the main unit 7 of the printer 1 may be realized by a single microcomputer.

  In the above embodiments, both the network unit 6 and the main unit 7 are provided in the printer 1. In addition, for example, only the main unit 7 may be provided in the printer 1 and the network unit 6 may be separated from the printer 1. When the network unit 6 is separated from the printer 1, the USB device I / F unit 14 of the network unit 6 is connected to a USB connector. This USB connector may be A type or B type. Further, the USB hub unit 21 may be integrated not with the printer 1 side but with the network unit 6 side separate from the printer 1 side.

  In each of the above embodiments, DSC 2 and DSC 3 are connected to the printer 1, and these DSCs 2 and 3 transmit a print job as an image output request to the printer 1. In addition, for example, a storage device that can be connected to a network or USB, a mobile phone terminal, a PDA, a scanner, a personal computer, or the like may be connected to the printer 1 as an image output requesting device that transmits a print job to the printer 1. Good.

  In each of the above embodiments, the printer 1 executes image output by printing an image. However, the form of the image output device may be a display device, a projection device, or the like instead of the printer. In that case, a display or projector and its driving device may be provided instead of the print engine 29 in FIG.

  The present invention can be used, for example, in a direct printing system in which a digital still camera and a printer are connected to print an image.

1 is a hardware configuration diagram of a printer according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. It is a figure which shows the direct printing system which has a printer of FIG. 4 is an example of a print job received by a DPDP layer unit of a printer. It is a figure which shows the direct printing system which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the direct printing system which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the direct printing system which concerns on Embodiment 4 of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  1 Printer (image output device), 2 DSC (second image output request device), 3 DSC (first image output request device), 6 Network unit (network communication means, conversion means), 40a, 40b, 40c Exclusive Control unit (exclusive control unit), 41, 91 SICD unit (one-to-one communication unit), 43, 93 DPDP layer unit (control information generation unit), 94 Job queuing unit (exclusive control unit, queuing unit)

Claims (8)

In accordance with the image output request, the control information generating means for generating control information for outputting an image based on the image data specified in the image output request, and the first wired communication or wireless peer-to-peer communication method, the image data is converted into the image data. An image output apparatus comprising: a one-to-one communication unit that receives an image output request from a first image output request apparatus that requests output of an image based on
Network communication means connected to a predetermined wired or wireless second communication communication network and receiving an image output request from the second image output requesting device via the communication network;
A conversion means for converting an image output request in the second communication method into an image output request in the first communication method when an image output request is received by the network communication means;
When the image output request from the first image output requesting device and the image output request from the second image output requesting device conflict, one is selected exclusively, and the selected image output request is designated as the control information. Exclusive control means for processing by the generating means;
An image output apparatus comprising: The control information generation means uses the communication path between the conversion means or the first image output requesting device and the one-to-one communication means, and uses the second image output requesting device or the first image output. Detect the requesting device,
The exclusive control means is a communication path established earlier among a communication path between the conversion means and the one-to-one communication means, and a communication path between the first image output requesting device and the one-to-one communication means. The image output apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an image output request from is selected. The one-to-one communication means establishes one or both of a communication path with the conversion means and a communication path with the first image output requesting device in a peer-to-peer manner,
The control information generating means uses the communication path between the conversion means and the one-to-one communication means and / or the communication path between the first image output requesting device and the one-to-one communication means. 2 image output requesting devices or the first image output requesting device,
The exclusive control means selects an image output request from the first image output requesting apparatus and the second image output requesting apparatus detected first by the control information generating means;
The image output apparatus according to claim 1. The one-to-one communication means establishes one or both of a communication path with the conversion means and a communication path with the first image output requesting device,
The control information generating means uses the communication path between the conversion means and the one-to-one communication means and / or the communication path between the first image output requesting device and the one-to-one communication means. Detecting two image output requesting devices and / or the first image output requesting device;
The exclusive control means is an image output request from the first image output requesting apparatus or the second image output requesting apparatus that has started transmission processing of the image output request to the control information generating means first. To choose,
The image output apparatus according to claim 1. The one-to-one communication means establishes one or both of a communication path with the conversion means and a communication path with the first image output requesting device,
The control information generating means uses the communication path between the conversion means and the one-to-one communication means and / or the communication path between the first image output requesting device and the one-to-one communication means. Detecting two image output requesting devices and / or the first image output requesting device;
The exclusive control means queues image output requests from the first image output requesting device and the second image output requesting device, and sequentially outputs from the queue each time image output based on the image output request is completed. A queuing means for outputting the image output request to the control information generating means,
The image output apparatus according to claim 1.   The exclusive control means outputs the control information generation means from the other until the image output based on the image output request from one of the first image output request apparatus and the second image output request apparatus is completed. 5. The image output apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an image output request is blocked.   The exclusive control unit preferentially selects one based on a preset order when an image output request received by the one-to-one communication unit conflicts with an image output request generated by the conversion unit. The image output apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image output request is supplied to the control information generation unit. An image output request is received from a first image output requesting device that requests output of an image based on image data in a predetermined wired or wireless peer-to-peer first communication method, and the image output is performed according to the received image output request In an image output method for outputting an image based on image data specified by a request,
When connected to a predetermined wired or wireless communication network of the second communication method, receives an image output request from the second image output requesting device via the communication network, and receives the image output request, the second Converting the image output request in the communication method into the image output request in the first communication method;
A step of exclusively selecting one when the image output request from the first image output requesting device and the image output request from the second image output requesting device compete with each other;
Generating control information for outputting an image based on the image data specified in the image output request according to the selected image output request;
An image output method comprising:

Images