JP2007034778A - Image output device, photograph device, image output system, radio communication setting information notification method, and image output request transmission method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily set a parameter for radio communication even in an apparatus having a simple user interface. <P>SOLUTION: An encode means 19 encodes communication setting information necessary for radio communication between this photograph device 2 and a radio communication circuit 16 into code pattern image data. A control means 20 makes an image output means 11 output a code pattern image based on the code pattern image data encoded by the encode means 19. A decode means 39 decodes the code pattern image data inside the image data by a photograph means 31. When the information decoded by the decode means 31 is the setting information for the radio communication, a control means 40 sets a parameter value of radio communication by a radio communication circuit 37 based on the setting information for the radio communication and establishes radio communication with the image output device 1. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image output apparatus, a photographing apparatus, an image output system, a wireless communication setting information notification method, and an image output request transmission method.

  There is a so-called direct printing system in which a digital still camera and a printer are connected without using a personal computer or the like, and an image photographed by the digital still camera is printed by the printer (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  In a direct printing system, a protocol for print control is used between a digital still camera and a printer on a higher level of a physical communication path such as USB (Universal Serial Bus), and an image data file, a print job start command, etc. Sending and receiving is done. As a standard of such a direct printing system, for example, there is PictBridge.

  Conventionally, in the direct printing system as described above, a wired communication path such as USB is often used as a lower-level communication path.

JP 2004-303194 A (prior art column etc.)

  In recent years, many wireless communication paths based on wireless communication standards such as IEEE802.11a / b / g and BlueTooth (trademark) have been put into practical use. For this reason, it is assumed that such a wireless communication path is used as a lower communication path in the direct printing system.

  In the case of such a wireless communication path, it is necessary to set parameters related to wireless communication for each device (for example, a printer and a digital still camera). In the case of a normal wireless LAN rather than a direct printing system, parameters relating to wireless communication can be set using a user interface (display device, input device, etc.) of a personal computer. Since there is no personal computer, parameters relating to wireless communication must be set by a user interface mounted on a digital still camera and a printer.

  However, display devices and input devices for digital still cameras and printers are simple from the viewpoints of necessity, housing size, and the like, and wireless communication is performed using such display devices and input devices. It is difficult to set parameters easily.

  Buffalo has proposed a system called “AOSS” for easily performing wireless LAN setting. In this system, since setting information is transmitted and received by an original wireless communication protocol at the time of setting, The scale of the circuit added to the device becomes large. “AOSS” is premised on the setting in the infrastructure mode, and is not set in the peer-to-peer communication.

  The present invention relates to an image output system capable of easily setting parameters relating to wireless communication even with a device having a simple user interface, as well as an image output apparatus, a photographing apparatus, and a wireless communication setting information notification method that can be used therefor. And an image output request transmission method.

  In order to solve the above problems, the present invention is configured as follows.

  One of the image output apparatuses according to the present invention is a wireless communication circuit that receives an image output request by wireless communication, an image output unit that outputs an image based on the image output request, and transmits the image output request by wireless communication. Encoding means for encoding the communication setting information necessary for the imaging device to establish wireless communication with the wireless communication circuit and transmitting an image output request into the image data of the code pattern, and the image data of the code pattern encoded by the encoding means And control means for outputting an image of the code pattern to the image output means.

  As a result, since the user can establish a wireless communication between the photographing device and the image output device by photographing the code pattern using the photographing device, the user is connected to the image output device by wireless communication. Even if the user interface of the imaging apparatus is simple, the imaging apparatus can easily set parameters related to wireless communication, and an image output request can be transmitted from the imaging apparatus to the image output apparatus by wireless communication. As a result, the image capturing apparatus and the image output apparatus can be connected by wireless communication to output an image without using a personal computer or the like.

  One of the image output devices according to the present invention includes a wireless communication circuit that receives an image output request through wireless communication, a first image output unit that outputs an image based on the image output request, and a first image output unit. A second image output means for performing at least one of display of setting information of image output by the first image output means, display of an image output status, and image preview, and an image output request. An encoding unit that encodes communication setting information necessary for establishing a wireless communication with a wireless communication circuit and transmitting an image output request to an image output unit into code pattern image data, and an encoding unit Control means for causing the second image output means to output an image of the code pattern based on the image data of the code pattern encoded by.

  As a result, since the user can establish a wireless communication between the photographing device and the image output device by photographing the code pattern using the photographing device, the user is connected to the image output device by wireless communication. Even if the user interface of the imaging apparatus is simple, the imaging apparatus can easily set parameters related to wireless communication, and an image output request can be transmitted from the imaging apparatus to the image output apparatus by wireless communication. As a result, the image capturing apparatus and the image output apparatus can be connected by wireless communication to output an image without using a personal computer or the like.

  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 request receiving means receives and interprets the image output request in accordance with a predetermined protocol above the wireless communication of the wireless communication circuit, and the encoding means uses one or more protocol types that can be used in the request receiving means. Is encoded into the image data of the code pattern together with the communication setting information.

  As a result, there is a high possibility that an image capturing apparatus that captures an image of a code pattern and connects to the image output apparatus by wireless communication transmits an image output request using a protocol that can be interpreted by the image output apparatus.

  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 upper layer communication means establishes a communication path in accordance with the network protocol above the wireless communication by the wireless communication circuit, and the request reception means has a predetermined protocol above the communication by the wireless communication circuit and the upper layer communication means. To receive and interpret the image output request. The encoding unit encodes the upper communication setting information necessary for the imaging apparatus to establish a communication path with the upper layer communication unit, together with the communication setting information, into the image data of the code pattern.

  Thereby, even when a communication layer exists above the communication layer of the wireless communication circuit, it is possible to make it possible to send and receive an image output request between the imaging device and the image output device in one operation.

  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 wireless communication circuit operates in either the relay mode or the peer-to-peer mode. Then, the control unit stores the parameter value in the relay unit mode in the storage unit before starting the image output, and then changes the communication mode from the relay unit mode to the peer-to-peer mode. The stored parameter value in the relay mode is set in the wireless communication circuit, and the communication mode is changed from the peer-to-peer mode to the relay mode.

  Thereby, even if the communication mode of the wireless communication is switched during the image output process, the user does not need to reset the parameter value, and the wireless communication function can be used as before the image output process.

  An imaging device according to the present invention generates an image output request, an imaging unit that outputs a captured image as image data, a wireless communication circuit that transmits an image output request for causing the image output device to output an image by wireless communication, and an image output request. When the request transmission means for transmitting via the wireless communication circuit, the decoding means for decoding the image data of the code pattern in the image data by the imaging means, and the information decoded by the decoding means are the setting information for wireless communication, Control means for setting a parameter value for wireless communication by the wireless communication circuit based on setting information for wireless communication and establishing wireless communication with the image output apparatus.

  Thereby, since the user establishes wireless communication between the imaging device and the image output device by imaging the code pattern using the imaging device, even if the user interface of the imaging device is simple, Parameters relating to wireless communication can be easily set, and an image output request can be transmitted from the imaging device to the image output device by wireless communication. As a result, the image capturing apparatus and the image output apparatus can be connected by wireless communication to output an image without using a personal computer or the like.

  In addition to the above-described photographing apparatus, the photographing apparatus according to the present invention may be configured as follows. In other words, in this case, when the information indicating the type of one or a plurality of protocols that can be used for transmission / reception of the image output request is decoded together with the setting information of the wireless communication by the decoding unit, the request transmitting unit An image output request is generated and transmitted according to any one of the protocols.

  Thereby, even if there are many such protocols, an appropriate protocol is selected, and an image output request can be transmitted using a protocol interpretable by the image output apparatus.

  In addition to the above photographing apparatus, the photographing apparatus according to the present invention may be configured as follows. That is, in this case, the upper layer communication means establishes a communication path in accordance with the network protocol above the wireless communication by the wireless communication circuit, and the request transmission means has a predetermined protocol above the communication by the wireless communication circuit and the upper layer communication means. To send an image output request. When the information decoded by the decoding means includes the upper communication setting information of the upper layer communication means, the control means communicates with the image output device by the upper layer communication means based on the upper communication setting information. Establish.

  Thereby, even when a communication layer exists above the communication layer of the wireless communication circuit, it is possible to make it possible to send and receive an image output request between the imaging device and the image output device in one operation.

  An image output system according to the present invention includes any one of the above-described image output apparatuses and any of the above-described imaging apparatuses that captures an image of a code pattern output by the image output apparatus.

  As a result, wireless communication between the image capturing device and the image output device is established by the user capturing an image of the code pattern using the image capturing device. Therefore, even if the device has a simple user interface, Parameters can be easily set, and an image output request can be transmitted from the imaging device to the image output device by wireless communication. As a result, the image capturing apparatus and the image output apparatus can be connected by wireless communication to output an image without using a personal computer or the like.

  The wireless communication setting information notifying method according to the present invention establishes wireless communication with an image output apparatus that outputs an image based on an image output request received by wireless communication by a photographing apparatus that transmits the image output request through wireless communication. The wireless communication setting information necessary for transmitting the image output request is encoded into the code pattern image data, and the code pattern image is output based on the encoded code pattern image data.

  Thereby, since the user can establish wireless communication between the imaging device and the image output device by imaging the code pattern using the imaging device, even if the user interface of the imaging device is simple Thus, it is possible to easily set parameters relating to wireless communication to the imaging apparatus, and to transmit an image output request from the imaging apparatus to the image output apparatus. As a result, the image capturing apparatus and the image output apparatus can be connected by wireless communication to output an image without using a personal computer or the like.

  The image output request transmission method according to the present invention decodes the image data of the code pattern in the image data of the photographed image, and when the information obtained by decoding is the wireless communication setting information, the wireless communication setting information The wireless communication parameter value is set based on the above to establish wireless communication with the image output apparatus, and an image output request for outputting an image is transmitted to the image output apparatus through the established wireless communication.

  Accordingly, since the user uses the photographing device to photograph the code pattern, wireless communication between the photographing device and the image output device is established. Therefore, even if the user interface of the photographing device is simple, wireless communication is established. Parameters relating to communication can be easily set, and an image output request can be transmitted from the imaging device to the image output device. As a result, the image capturing apparatus and the image output apparatus can be connected by wireless communication to output an image without using a personal computer or the like.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image output system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. This image output system is a kind of so-called direct printing system. In FIG. 1, a printer 1 is an image output device that acquires an image file and prints an image based on the image data of the image file. The digital still camera (DSC) 2 is a photographing device that stores captured images as image data in a predetermined recording medium.

  In the printer 1 shown in FIG. 1, the printing unit 11 includes a printing control circuit 12 and a printing mechanism 13. The printing control circuit 12 is a circuit that controls and monitors the printing mechanism 13 and controls printing processing. The printing mechanism 13 is an electrical component such as a mechanical component that prints an image, such as a paper supply / discharge mechanism or a printer head, and a motor that drives the mechanical component.

  The operation unit 14 is an operation unit that is provided on the housing of the printer 1 and is operated when setting printing conditions, performing maintenance of the printer 1, and the like. The operation unit 14 includes a circuit that outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the operation. As the operation unit 14, various switches, a touch panel, and the like are appropriately used. The display device 15 is a display that is provided on the housing of the printer 1 and displays printing, the status of the printer 1, printing condition information, maintenance information of the printer 1, a print preview, and the like. As the display device 15, for example, various indicators such as light emitting diodes, a liquid crystal display of about 3 inches is used. The operation unit 14 and the display device 15 constitute a user interface of the printer 1.

  The wireless communication circuit 16 is a circuit that executes wireless data communication using a predetermined protocol. In the first embodiment, the wireless communication circuit 16 performs communication using a predetermined protocol of the wireless LAN standard (any one of IEEE802.11a / b / g).

  The image output communication unit 17 is a part that sends and receives various requests and responses when printing an image, above the communication layer of the wireless communication circuit 16. That is, the image output communication unit 17 controls direct printing according to a direct printing protocol that defines various requests and response formats related to direct printing, a communication order, and the like.

  The image processing unit 18 is a part that converts image data in an image file in a format such as JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) format into data that can be used by the print control circuit 12. The image processing unit 18 performs processes such as JPEG decoding, color conversion, and halftoning, for example.

  The encoder 19 is a part for generating image data of a two-dimensional code pattern such as a QR (Quick Response) code from wireless communication setting information including wireless communication parameter values set in the wireless communication circuit 16. .

  The control unit 20 is a unit that controls each unit in the printer 1 based on a user operation on the operation unit 14, an operation command in direct printing received by the image output communication unit 17, and the like.

  The image output communication unit 17, the image processing unit 18, the encoder 19, and the control unit 20 are realized by a computer 21. The computer 21 includes a microprocessing unit (MPU), a nonvolatile memory that stores a program that can be executed by the MPU, and a RAM that stores data and a program when the program is executed.

  The memory 22 is a memory that stores settings of the wireless communication circuit 16 and the like.

  On the other hand, in the DSC 2 shown in FIG. 1, the imaging unit 31 includes an optical system (not shown), a CMOS sensor, an imaging element 32 such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), and an imaging control circuit 33. The imaging control circuit 33 is a circuit that controls the imaging element 32, acquires an imaging signal from the imaging element 32, and generates image data from the signal.

  The operation unit 34 is a mechanical configuration and circuit that is operated by a user at the time of shooting, image printing, various settings, and the like, and outputs a signal corresponding to the operation. As the operation unit 34, various switches, a touch panel, and the like are appropriately used. The display device 35 is a device that displays a finder image, a captured image, various settings, and the like. As the display device 35, various indicators, a liquid crystal display, and the like are used as appropriate. The operation unit 34 and the display device 35 constitute a user interface of the DSC 2.

  The recording medium 36 is a device that stores an image file 36a including image data. The image file 36 a is a data file including image data generated by the imaging unit 31. The format of the image data is, for example, JPEG format, EXIF (EXchangeable Image File) format, or the like. As the recording medium 36, a semiconductor memory, a memory card using a semiconductor memory, a magnetic recording medium, an optical recording medium, a magneto-optical recording medium, or the like may be used. The recording medium 36 may be fixed inside the DSC 2, or It may be removable.

  The wireless communication circuit 37 is a circuit that executes wireless data communication using the same protocol as the wireless communication circuit 16 of the printer 1. In the first embodiment, the wireless communication circuit 37 performs communication using a predetermined protocol (such as IEEE802.11a / b / g) of the wireless LAN standard.

  The image output communication unit 38 is a part that transmits and receives various requests and responses when printing an image, above the communication layer of the wireless communication circuit 37. That is, the image output communication unit 38 controls direct printing according to a direct printing protocol that defines various requests and responses related to direct printing.

  The decoder 39 is a part that decodes original information from image data of a two-dimensional code pattern such as a QR code.

  The control unit 40 is a part that controls each unit in the DSC 2 based on a user operation on the operation unit 34, an operation command in direct printing received by the image output communication unit 38, and the like.

  The image output communication unit 38, the decoder 39, and the control unit 40 are realized by a computer 41. The computer 41 includes a microprocessing unit (MPU), a nonvolatile memory that stores a program that can be executed by the MPU, and a RAM that stores data and a program when the program is executed.

  The memory 42 is a memory that stores information such as setting information of the wireless communication circuit 37. The memory 42 is operated by power from the battery 43. Therefore, when the power from the battery 43 is exhausted, the contents of the memory 42 are lost.

  The battery 43 is a battery that supplies power to the internal circuit of the DSC 2. In addition, as the battery 43, a storage battery, a disposable battery, etc. are used.

  The image output communication units 17 and 38 are appropriately mounted with communication units of higher communication layers in accordance with the functions of the wireless communication circuits 16 and 37. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication layer implemented in the wireless communication circuits 16 and 37 and the image output communication units 17 and 38 in the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 2, for example, when the wireless communication circuits 16 and 37 have only functions up to the second layer of the OSI reference model, that is, physical / MAC layers 16a and 37a, TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet) Protocol) TCP / IP unit for realizing communication in layers 17a and 38a, UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) processing unit for executing device connection processing in TCP / IP layer, and various requests / responses at the time of image output processing PTP processing unit that communicates with PTP (Photo Transfer Protocol) 17c and 38c that can send and receive files and image files in units of files, converts commands / responses on PTP into IP packets, and converts IP packets on PTP PTP / IP processing unit that performs processing in the PTP / IP layers 17b and 38b that convert to command / response Etc. may be provided.

  As a result, various requests / responses / notifications in the direct printing communication protocols 17d and 38d for transmitting / receiving various requests / responses / notifications during image output processing including image output requests are transmitted to the image output communication unit 17 and the image output communication. Transmission / reception to / from the unit 38 is possible.

  Next, processing during direct printing and operation of each device in the above system will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining processing during direct printing in the first embodiment.

  In the image output system according to the first embodiment, first, setting of wireless communication between the printer 1 and the DSC 2 is executed (steps S1 to S3), and then a wireless communication path between the two is established (step S4). ), A direct printing process is executed (steps S5 and S6).

  When a predetermined operation is performed on the operation unit 14 of the printer 1, setting of wireless communication between the two is started. When setting the wireless communication between the two, first, the printer 1 prints a two-dimensional code pattern image including communication setting information to be notified to the DSC 2 based on the value of the wireless communication parameter of the wireless communication circuit 16 (Step S1). S1).

  The communication setting information to be notified to the DSC 2 includes a wireless communication protocol used by the printer 1, a wireless communication mode, wireless network information, security information, and the like.

  Examples of the wireless communication protocol include IEEE 802.11a / b / g. In addition, as a wireless communication mode, there are an infrastructure mode (mode via a repeater) and an ad hoc mode (peer-to-peer mode). The wireless network information includes a channel number, SSID (Service Set IDentifier), and the like. The security information includes the presence / absence of encryption, the type of WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) and WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) when encryption is used, and the key value.

  Further, the communication setting information to be notified to the DSC 2 includes the IP address, subnet mask, unique ID in UPnP, friendly name in UPnP, etc. as upper communication setting information in the upper communication layer. Also good.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating details of the operation of the printer 1 in step S1 of FIG. At this time, in the printer 1, the control unit 20 monitors the operation on the operation unit 14 (step S <b> 11), and an operation for starting wireless communication setting such as selection of a corresponding item on the menu displayed on the display device 15 is detected. Then, the wireless communication parameter value of the wireless communication circuit 16 is acquired from the memory 22, and based on this, wireless communication setting information to be notified to the DSC 2 is generated (step S12).

  Next, the encoder 19 encodes the communication setting information to be notified to the DSC 2 into image data of a two-dimensional code pattern (step S13). When the image data of the two-dimensional code pattern is generated, the control unit 20 generates image data of a print page image in which a character such as a predetermined comment is added to the image of the two-dimensional code pattern based on the image data. The data is processed by the image processing unit 18, and one page image including the image of the two-dimensional code pattern is printed by the printing unit 11 based on the data processed by the image processing unit 18 (step S 14).

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a two-dimensional code pattern image printed by the printer 1 in the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, a standard explanatory note 111 that prompts photographing with the DSC 2 is printed on the upper part of the printing paper 101, and an image 112 of a QR code pattern that is a two-dimensional code pattern is printed on the middle part. The printing environment information 113 such as the name and date of the printer 1 is printed. The name of the printer 1 is a model name and / or serial number stored in a ROM (not shown) of the printer 1 or a friendly name assigned by UPnP or the like.

  Returning to FIG. 3, when a two-dimensional code pattern image including communication setting information to be notified to the DSC 2 is printed as shown in FIG. 5, for example, the user operates the DSC 2 to print the printed two-dimensional code pattern. Take a picture.

  At this time, in the DSC 2, when a predetermined operation is performed on the operation unit 34, the control unit 40 causes the imaging unit 31 to capture an image including a two-dimensional code pattern image (step S2). Thereby, image data including a two-dimensional code pattern image is generated by the imaging unit 31.

  Then, the DSC 2 decodes the two-dimensional code pattern in the image data, extracts the communication setting information from the printer 1, and sets the value of the wireless communication parameter of the wireless communication circuit 37 based on the information (step S3). .

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining details of the operation of the DSC 2 in step S3 of FIG. At this time, in the DSC 2, first, the control unit 40 specifies the position of the two-dimensional code pattern image in the captured image, and extracts the image data of the two-dimensional code pattern image from the captured image data (step S21). Next, the decoder 39 decodes the image data of the two-dimensional code pattern image (step S22). The control unit 40 determines whether or not the information decoded by the decoder 39 is communication setting information from the printer 1 (step S23). If the information is communication setting information, the decoded information (that is, from the printer 1) is determined. Based on the communication setting information), the wireless communication parameter value of the wireless communication circuit 37 is set (step S24). On the other hand, when the decoded information is not the communication setting information from the printer 1, the control unit 40 ends the process. In addition, by including a predetermined character string or the like in the communication setting information from the printer 1, the control unit 40 can make the above determination based on the presence or absence of the predetermined character string in the decoded information.

  When the wireless communication parameter value of the wireless communication circuit 37 is set in this way, the DSC 2 then establishes wireless communication with the printer 1 (step S4). At this time, a wireless communication path is established between the wireless communication circuit 37 of the DSC 2 and the wireless communication circuit 16 of the printer 1 based on the set wireless communication parameter value. Further, when a communication path between the wireless communication circuit 37 and the wireless communication circuit 16 is established, a communication path is established in a higher communication layer, and the image output communication unit 17 of the printer 1 and the image of the DSC 2 are established. The direct communication processing request and response can be transmitted to and received from the output communication unit 36. At this time, for example, UPnP enables communication between the DSC 2 and the printer 1 using TCP / IP, and connection processing using the direct printing protocol is executed. The DSC 2 and the printer 1 communicate with each other on the direct printing protocol. And the image output request can be sent and received.

  Next, the DSC 2 generates an image output request for printing an image based on the image file 36a to be printed, and transmits the image output request to the printer 1 by wireless communication. The image output request includes, for example, designation of an image file to be printed and printing conditions (paper type, paper size, number of copies, etc.). Upon receiving the image output request, the printer 1 transmits a transmission request for the image file 36a designated by the request to the DSC 2. When the DSC 2 receives the transmission request, the DSC 2 transmits the image file 36a related to the transmission request to the printer 1 (step S5). Note that the image file 36a to be printed is selected by the user through the user interface of the operation unit 34 and the display unit 35 of the DSC 2 at or before the generation of the image output request.

  At this time, in the DSC 2, the image output communication unit 38 generates an image output request, transmits it to the printer 1 via the wireless communication circuit 37, and receives the transmission request for the image file 36a. Is transmitted to the printer 1 via the wireless communication circuit 37. On the other hand, in the printer 1, when the image output request unit 17 receives the image output request, the image output request unit 17 transmits a transmission request for the image file 36a specified in the request to the DSC 2 via the wireless communication circuit 16, and the image is output. The file 36a is received via the wireless communication circuit 16.

  Upon receiving the image file 36a, the printer 1 prints an image based on the image data in the image file 36a (step S6).

  At this time, in the printer 1, the control unit 20 designates the print condition information and the image file 36a in the image output request, and causes the image processing unit 18 to generate print data from the image data in the image file 36a. . When the image processing unit 18 generates printing data, the printing unit 11 prints an image based on the image file 36a on the printing paper based on the printing data under the printing conditions specified by the image output request.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, in the printer 1, the wireless communication circuit 16 receives the image output request by wireless communication, and the printing unit 11 as the image output unit receives the image output request by the wireless communication circuit 16. The encoder 19 as an encoding means outputs an image based on the received image output request, and the communication setting information necessary for the DSC 2 to establish wireless communication with the wireless communication circuit and transmit the image output request is an image of a code pattern. Based on the code pattern image data encoded by the encoder 19, the control unit 20 that encodes the data causes the printing unit 11 to print the code pattern image.

  In DSC 2, the imaging unit 31 as the imaging unit outputs the captured image as image data, and the decoder 39 as the decoding unit decodes the image data of the code pattern in the image data by the imaging unit 31, and the control unit When the information decoded by the decoder 39 is wireless communication setting information, the control unit 40 sets a wireless communication parameter value by the wireless communication circuit 37 based on the wireless communication setting information, and the printer 1 Establish wireless communication with. Then, the image output communication unit 38 as a request transmission unit generates an image output request and transmits it through the wireless communication circuit 37.

  Thereby, since the user can establish the wireless communication between the DSC 2 and the printer 1 by photographing the code pattern using the DSC 2, even if the user interface of the DSC 2 is simple, Parameters relating to wireless communication can be easily set, and an image output request can be transmitted from the DSC 2 to the printer 1. As a result, it is possible to connect the DSC 2 and the printer 1 by wireless communication and output an image without using a personal computer or the like. Furthermore, by using the existing two-dimensional code pattern technology, the above-described image output system can be realized at a relatively low cost even when the printer 1 and DSC 2 manufacturers are different.

  Further, according to the first embodiment, the image output communication units 17 and 38 as the upper layer communication means are higher in communication path than the wireless communication by the wireless communication circuits 16 and 37 according to the network protocol (here, TCP / IP). Establish. The encoder 19 encodes higher-level communication setting information necessary for the DSC 2 to establish a communication path with the network protocol, together with the communication setting information, into image data of a code pattern. When the information decoded by the decoder 39 includes the upper communication setting information of the image output communication unit 38, the control unit 40 of the DSC 2 uses the network protocol based on the upper communication setting information to print the printer 1. Establish wireless communication with.

  Thereby, even when a communication layer exists above the communication layer of the wireless communication circuits 16 and 37, it is possible to make it possible to send and receive an image output request between the DSC 2 and the printer 1 in one operation. . For example, it is not necessary to separately notify the DSC 2 of the IP address of the printer 1.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
The image output system according to the second embodiment of the present invention displays a two-dimensional code pattern image on the display device 15 instead of printing with the printing unit 11 in the printer 1 in the image output system according to the first embodiment. It is a thing.

  Since the configuration of the printer 1 and the configuration and operation of the DSC 2 in the second embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

  The operation of the printer 1 is the same as that of the first embodiment except for the operation in step S1 in FIG. In the second embodiment, since the printer 1 displays a two-dimensional code pattern image on the display device 15, the operation at that time will be described below.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the printer 1 when displaying a two-dimensional code pattern in the second embodiment.

  In the printer 1, the control unit 20 monitors the operation on the operation unit 14 (step S <b> 31), and acquires a wireless communication parameter value of the wireless communication circuit 16 from the memory 22 when an operation for starting wireless communication setting is detected. Based on this, the wireless communication setting information to be notified to the DSC 2 is generated (step S32). Next, the encoder 19 encodes wireless communication setting information to be notified to the DSC 2 into image data of a two-dimensional code pattern (step S33).

  When the image data of the two-dimensional code pattern is generated, the control unit 20 causes the display device 15 to display the image of the two-dimensional code pattern based on the generated image data (step S34).

  Thereafter, the control unit 20 determines whether an operation for ending the display is performed on the operation unit 14 (step S35), whether a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes) has elapsed (step S36), or whether the wireless communication circuit 16 is The display state is maintained until a wireless communication line with the DSC 2 is established (step S37), and when any of those events occurs, the image display of the two-dimensional code pattern on the display device 15 is terminated (step S38). .

  In the second embodiment, the two-dimensional code pattern displayed on the display device 15 is photographed by the DSC 2 in this manner, so that data communication between the printer 1 and the DSC 2 is possible as in the first embodiment. .

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, the printing unit 11 outputs an image based on the image output request received by the wireless communication circuit 16, and the display device 15 separate from the printing unit 11 performs printing. The unit 11 displays print setting information, print status display, image preview, and the like. Then, based on the code pattern image data encoded by the encoder 19, the control unit 20 displays the code pattern image on a display device 15 different from the printing unit 11 that prints an image based on the image file 36a. . Thereby, the same effect as Embodiment 1 is acquired.

Embodiment 3 FIG.
The image output system according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention is the image output system according to Embodiment 1 or 2 that can be used between the image output communication units 17 and 38 for information encoded into a two-dimensional code pattern. Alternatively, information on a plurality of direct printing protocols is included.

  The configuration of the image output system according to the third embodiment is the same as that of the first or second embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted. However, the control unit 20 of the printer 1 and the control unit 40 of the DSC 2 operate as follows.

  Since the image output communication units 17 and 38 need to interpret a print processing request (for example, an image output request), a response, and a notification from the communication partner, the request, response, and notification are transmitted according to the same protocol. Send and receive. As such a protocol, there are various protocols such as a standardized protocol such as Pict Bridge and a protocol specific to each vendor. For example, the applicant also provides a direct printing protocol called “USB DIRECT”.

  The control unit 20 of the printer 1 includes information indicating the type of protocol that can be used by the image output communication unit 17 in the communication setting information to be notified to the DSC 2. Then, the encoder 19 encodes the communication setting information including the information into image data of a two-dimensional code pattern.

  On the other hand, when the information obtained by decoding the two-dimensional code pattern includes information indicating the types of protocols that can be used by the image output communication unit 17, the control unit 40 of the DSC 2 The type of protocol that can be used by the output communication unit 38 is specified, and the image output communication unit 38 is caused to communicate with the image output communication unit 17 by using one of them. Accordingly, the image output communication unit 38 of the DSC 2 generates and transmits an image output request according to any protocol that the image output communication unit 17 can use.

  When two or more protocols can be used between the image output communication units 17 and 38, the control unit 40 may select one protocol according to a predetermined priority order. When there is no protocol that can be used between the image output communication units 17 and 38, the control unit 40 may cause the display device 35 to display an error and terminate the process.

  Since the other operations of the printer 1 and DSC 2 are the same as those in the first or second embodiment, description thereof will be omitted.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, the image output communication unit 17 of the printer 1 receives and interprets an image output request higher than the wireless communication by the wireless communication circuit 16. Then, the encoder 19 encodes information indicating one or more types of protocols (for example, Pict Bridge) that can be used in the image output communication unit 17 together with the communication setting information into the image data of the code pattern.

  In addition, when the information indicating the type of one or a plurality of protocols that can be used for sending and receiving the image output request is decoded by the decoder 39 together with the setting information of the wireless communication, the image output communication unit 38 of the DSC 2 An image output request is generated and transmitted according to one of a plurality of protocols.

  This increases the possibility that the DSC 2 that captures the code pattern image and connects to the printer 1 by wireless communication transmits an image output request using a protocol that the printer 1 can interpret. In addition, an appropriate protocol is selected in the DSC 2 and an image output request is transmitted using a protocol interpretable by the printer 1.

Embodiment 4 FIG.
In the image output system according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention, in the image output system according to any of Embodiments 1 to 3, the communication mode is switched from the infrastructure mode to the ad hoc mode at the time of direct printing. The communication mode is returned to the infrastructure mode.

  The configuration of the image output system according to the fourth embodiment is the same as that of any of the first to third embodiments, and thus the description thereof is omitted. However, the control unit 20 of the printer 1 and the control unit 40 of the DSC 2 operate as follows.

  In the fourth embodiment, when a predetermined operation occurs (steps S11 and S31), the control unit 20 of the printer 1 sets the communication mode of the wireless communication circuit 16 before acquiring the wireless communication setting (steps S12 and S32). Set to ad hoc mode. At this time, when the original communication mode is the infrastructure mode, the control unit 20 separately stores the parameter value of the wireless communication setting in the infrastructure mode in the memory 22. Thereafter, when the printing of the image by the printer 1 is completed, the control unit 20 returns the communication mode of the wireless communication circuit 16 to the original communication mode. At this time, when the original communication mode is the infrastructure mode, the control unit 20 sets the wireless communication setting parameter value separately stored in the memory 22 in the wireless communication circuit 16.

  On the other hand, when the communication mode of the wireless communication circuit 37 is not fixed to the ad hoc mode in the DSC 2, the control unit 40 performs the wireless communication circuit 37 according to the communication mode specified in the communication setting information obtained by decoding the two-dimensional code pattern. Set the communication mode to ad hoc mode. At this time, when the original communication mode is the infrastructure mode, the control unit 40 separately stores the parameter value of the wireless communication setting in the infrastructure mode in the memory 42. Thereafter, when a notification that printing of an image on the printer 1 has been completed is transferred from the image output communication unit 17 of the printer 1 to the image output communication unit 38 of the DSC 2, the control unit 40 communicates with the communication mode of the wireless communication circuit 37. Return to the original communication mode. At this time, when the original communication mode is the infrastructure mode, the control unit 40 sets the wireless communication setting parameter value separately stored in the memory 42 in the wireless communication circuit 37.

  Since the other operations of the printer 1 and DSC 2 are the same as those in any one of the first to third embodiments, the description thereof is omitted.

  As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the wireless communication circuits 16 and 37 operate in either the infrastructure mode or the ad hoc mode. The control units 20 and 40 store the parameter values in the infrastructure mode mode in the memories 22 and 42 before starting the image printing, and then change the communication mode from the infrastructure mode to the ad hoc mode. The parameter values in the infrastructure mode stored in the memories 22 and 42 are set in the wireless communication circuits 16 and 37, and the communication mode is changed from ad hoc to the infrastructure mode mode.

  Thereby, even if the communication mode of the wireless communication is switched during the image output process, the user does not need to reset the parameter value, and the wireless communication function of the printer 1 and the DSC 2 is used as before the direct printing process. be able to.

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

  For example, in each of the above-described embodiments, the printer 1 is used as an image output device. Instead, a viewer that displays an image based on an image output request may be used. In that case, a display device capable of displaying an image is provided instead of the printing unit 11. In this case, the display device 15 may be omitted. In this case, the image processing unit 18 converts the image data of the image file 36 a into display data, and supplies the display data to a display device provided instead of the printing unit 11. Further, the control of the display start of the code pattern and the display end by the display device provided instead of the printing unit 11 is performed by the control unit 20 in the same manner as in the case of the display device 15 of the second embodiment.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the printer 1 is used as an image output device. Instead, a projection device such as a projector may be used. In that case, instead of the printing unit 11, a projection mechanism having an optical system and a projection unit having a projection control circuit for controlling the projection mechanism are provided. In that case, the image processing unit 18 converts the image data of the image file 36 a into projection data, and supplies the projection data to a projection unit provided instead of the printing unit 11.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the DSC 2 is used as the imaging device. Instead, a camera-equipped mobile terminal device such as a camera-equipped mobile phone may be used. In that case, the same configuration as the DSC 2 described above is built in the apparatus.

  Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the communication setting information is encoded into the two-dimensional code pattern. However, in addition to this, information on printing conditions that can be selected by the printer 1 may be encoded together.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, when a predetermined operation is performed in the DSC 2, the display device 35 operates as an electronic finder, and the decoder 39 displays a code pattern in the electronic finder, that is, in the field of view of the imaging unit 31. An automatic search may be performed, and when it is found, it may be automatically decoded.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the encoder 19 encodes a QR code into a two-dimensional code pattern as an example, but instead, another two-dimensional code pattern, a one-dimensional code pattern (bar code), etc. You may make it encode into a code pattern. In that case, the decoder 39 is changed to one that can decode the code pattern.

  Further, the memories 22 and 42 in the above-described embodiments may be nonvolatile memories. Further, the control unit 40 of the DSC 2 may display a message prompting the user to capture a code pattern for communication setting on the display device 35 after the battery 43 is replaced. The encoder 19 and the decoder 39 may be dedicated hardware.

  In the above-described embodiments, the wireless communication system of the wireless communication circuits 16 and 37 may be a wireless communication system other than the IEEE 802.11 series such as Bluetooth (trademark).

  The present invention can be applied to, for example, a direct printing system using wireless communication.

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image output system according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication layer in each device according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 6 is a diagram for describing direct printing according to Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure explaining the detail of step S1 of FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a code pattern printed in the first embodiment. FIG. It is a figure explaining the detail of step S3 of FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining display of a code pattern in the second embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Printer (image output device), 2 Digital still camera (imaging device), 11 Printing part (Image output means, 1st image output means), 15 Display apparatus (2nd image output means), 16 Wireless communication circuit, 17 Image output communication unit (request receiving unit, upper layer communication unit), 19 Encoder (encoding unit), 20 Control unit (control unit), 22 Memory (storage unit), 31 Imaging unit (imaging unit), 37 Wireless communication circuit 38 Image output communication unit (request transmission unit, higher layer communication unit) 39 Decoder (decoding unit) 40 Control unit (control unit)

Claims (11)

A wireless communication circuit for receiving an image output request by wireless communication;
Image output means for outputting an image based on the image output request;
An encoding unit that encodes communication setting information necessary for establishing a wireless communication with the wireless communication circuit and transmitting the image output request to image data of a code pattern by a photographing apparatus that transmits the image output request by wireless communication When,
Control means for causing the image output means to output an image of the code pattern based on the image data of the code pattern encoded by the encoding means;
An image output apparatus comprising: A wireless communication circuit for receiving an image output request by wireless communication;
First image output means for outputting an image based on the image output request;
A second image provided separately from the first image output means and performing at least one of display of image output setting information, display of an image output state, and image preview by the first image output means; Output means;
Communication setting information necessary for the imaging device that transmits the image output request by wireless communication to establish wireless communication with the wireless communication circuit and to transmit the image output request to the image output unit includes code pattern image data. Encoding means for encoding to,
Control means for causing the second image output means to output a code pattern image based on the code pattern image data encoded by the encoding means;
An image output apparatus comprising: Request receiving means for receiving and interpreting an image output request according to a predetermined protocol above the wireless communication of the wireless communication circuit,
The encoding means encodes information indicating one or more types of protocols usable in the request receiving means together with the communication setting information into code pattern image data;
The image output apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: Upper layer communication means for establishing a communication path in accordance with a network protocol above the wireless communication by the wireless communication circuit;
Request receiving means for receiving and interpreting an image output request in accordance with a predetermined protocol above communication by the wireless communication circuit and the upper layer communication means,
The encoding means encodes upper communication setting information necessary for the imaging apparatus to establish a communication path with the upper layer communication means, together with the communication setting information, into code pattern image data;
The image output apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: A storage means,
The wireless communication circuit operates in either a relay mode or a peer-to-peer mode,
The control means stores the parameter value in the relay device mode in the storage means before the start of image output, then changes the communication mode from the relay device mode to the peer-to-peer mode, and after the image output ends, the storage means Setting the parameter value in the relay communication mode stored in the wireless communication circuit to change the communication mode from the peer-to-peer mode to the relay connection mode,
The image output apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: Imaging means for outputting a captured image as image data;
A wireless communication circuit for transmitting an image output request for causing the image output device to output an image by wireless communication;
Request transmitting means for generating the image output request and transmitting the request via the wireless communication circuit;
Decoding means for decoding image data of a code pattern in the image data by the imaging means;
When the information decoded by the decoding means is wireless communication setting information, a wireless communication parameter value is set by the wireless communication circuit based on the wireless communication setting information, and wireless communication with the image output device is performed. Control means for establishing
An imaging apparatus comprising:   When the information indicating the type of one or more protocols that can be used for sending and receiving the image output request is decoded together with the setting information of the wireless communication by the decoding means, the request transmitting means is configured to use one or more protocols based on the information. The imaging apparatus according to claim 6, wherein an image output request is generated and transmitted according to any of the above. An upper layer communication means for establishing a communication path according to a network protocol above the wireless communication by the wireless communication circuit;
The request transmission means transmits an image output request according to a predetermined protocol at a higher level of communication by the wireless communication circuit and the upper layer communication means,
When the information decoded by the decoding means includes upper communication setting information of the upper layer communication means, the control means performs the image output device by the upper layer communication means based on the upper communication setting information. Establishing communication with
The imaging device according to claim 6. The image output apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The imaging device according to any one of claims 6 to 8, which captures an image of a code pattern output by the image output device;
An image output system comprising: A radio necessary for an imaging apparatus that transmits an image output request by wireless communication to establish an image communication apparatus that outputs an image based on an image output request received by wireless communication and transmits the image output request. Encode the communication setting information into code pattern image data,
Outputting a code pattern image based on the encoded code pattern image data;
A wireless communication setting information notification method. Decode the image data of the code pattern in the image data of the shot image,
If the information obtained by decoding is wireless communication setting information, the wireless communication parameter value is set based on the wireless communication setting information to establish wireless communication with the image output device,
Sending an image output request for outputting an image to the image output device by established wireless communication;
An image output request transmission method characterized by the above.

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