JP2007142493A - Image output system, imaging apparatus and image output apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image output system for connecting a digital camera to a printer by radio communication. <P>SOLUTION: Communication software having a Pict bridge used as a general purpose driver program of a printer, a UPnP protocol, a PTP/IP protocol and a TCP/IP protocol is installed in the digital still camera 1 and the printer 20 in order to perform data communication with the printer 20 connected to a network 34 via a radio communication unit and an access point 35. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image output system, an image pickup apparatus, and an image output apparatus that connect an image pickup apparatus and an image output apparatus wirelessly and output an image of the image pickup apparatus from the image output apparatus.

  Conventionally, Patent Documents 1 to 3 are disclosed as images output from an image pickup apparatus from an image output apparatus.

  The wireless communication system of Patent Document 1 is intended to establish wireless communication and provide a desired service without performing complicated setting operations, and an imaging device and an image output device communicate wirelessly. If it is determined that there is an instruction for wireless communication from the operation unit of the imaging device, the imaging device detects a beacon from the wireless communication unit of the network, and if this beacon is detected, Search request information for confirming the presence of the wireless communication unit on the network of the identification information is transmitted in accordance with the network identification information included in. When there is response information for this transmission, the identification information of the counterpart wireless communication unit included in the response information is stored and displayed so that the connection target device can be selected.

  Further, the image transfer device of the image pickup apparatus of Patent Document 2 is intended to connect the image pickup apparatus and a personal computer via a network and perform one-touch transfer of a captured image and data related to the image. The IP address of the communication information, the user name, and the password are input and registered in the RAM of the imaging device from the LCD or touch panel unit of the imaging device. The imaging device detects that the connection with the cradle connected to the personal computer has been made at the port connection unit of the imaging device. After that, when the operation key is pressed after connection with the cradle, the LAN controller unit is controlled to connect to the personal computer with the connection destination IP address registered in advance in the imaging apparatus. After the connection, the directory information of the storage device of the personal computer of the transfer destination is acquired, and a storage directory for files transferred from the imaging device to the personal computer is newly created, and then stored in the storage device such as the ATA, CF, or RAM of the imaging device Files such as stored still image data, moving image data, and audio data are transferred to a storage directory of a personal computer via a network.

In the image data transmission method and transmission / reception system of the imaging apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 3, when transmitting image data to a device connected to a LAN, a transmission destination is specified without using a third device. It is intended to save work, and includes an external storage device that stores image data, a communication device that is connected to a LAN and performs data communication, and a control unit that controls these devices. The broadcast data is transmitted to the LAN, and when the response data to the inquiry data from the device connected to the LAN is received, the IP address of the device that transmitted the response data is extracted, and the extracted IP address is The image data stored in the external storage device is transmitted to a device having the same.
JP 2004-328269 A JP 2003-274274 A JP 2004-159281 A

  However, in Patent Document 1, the means and procedure for selecting an image to be transmitted to a printer and executing a print are unknown on the digital still camera side, and a desired image is selected from images stored in the digital still camera. There is a problem that it is practically difficult to print.

  In Patent Document 2, a cradle for attaching a digital still camera is connected to a LAN to which a personal computer or the like is connected by wire, and the digital still camera is attached to the cradle so that an image of the digital still camera is transferred to the LAN personal computer. Although it is transmitted, the image of the digital still camera cannot be directly printed by the printer.

  In Patent Document 3, a control unit of a digital still camera is connected to a LAN via a communication device and sends an image to a desired device on the LAN, but a photographed image of the digital still camera is directly printed by a printer. It is not mentioned until.

  By the way, when printing an image taken with a digital still camera with a printer, the digital still camera is connected to the printer with a USB cable, and the image in the digital still camera is directly printed with the printer by an operation from the digital still camera side. There is a standard called Pctbridge. However, even if a digital still camera and a printer are connected by this Pctbridge, in order to connect by a wireless LAN, a DHCP server is provided on the LAN side and an IP address is dynamically assigned, or an IP address in the LAN is manually assigned. There is a problem that setting is necessary, cost and expertise are required, and labor is required.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and even a general user who does not have detailed knowledge of a wireless LAN can easily connect the imaging device and the image output device via the wireless LAN. In addition, the output content of the image output by the image output device can be controlled on the imaging device side so that an image captured by the image output device can be output by a predetermined image output device via a wireless LAN. An object is to provide an image output system of an imaging apparatus.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, an image output system according to claim 1 of the present application includes a first wireless communication unit provided in an imaging apparatus, and an image output apparatus capable of processing an image or a LAN to which the image output apparatus is connected. An IP address for providing a second wireless communication unit capable of wireless communication with the first wireless communication unit and enabling data communication in a wireless LAN including both of the photographing device and the image output device. Communication software that enables connection by setting each of the image capturing apparatus and the image output apparatus, and the image output apparatus outputs an image upon receiving a request from the image capturing apparatus after completion of the interconnection process in the image capturing apparatus and the image output apparatus. An execution program for implementing the above is implemented.

  The second image output system of the present application is the image output system according to claim 1, wherein the communication software of the imaging device is configured such that the first wireless communication is performed when the imaging device is connected to a first wireless LAN. A function for enabling connection with the second wireless LAN image output device via the second wireless communication unit when the unit detects a beacon radio wave of the second wireless communication unit of the second wireless LAN. It is characterized by having.

  The image output system according to claim 3 of the present application is the image output system according to claim 2, wherein the communication software of the imaging device can be connected to a plurality of image output devices of a plurality of wireless LANs, and the plurality of images The priority order when connecting to the output device can be set, and when the access of the image output device having a high priority is detected during the connection with the image output device having a low priority, the priority is given. It has a function of switching the connection to an image output apparatus having a high image quality.

  An image output system according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the image output system according to the second aspect, wherein the communication software is accessible to a plurality of image output devices of a plurality of wireless LANs. On the other hand, priorities for connection can be set, and a connection request for an image output device with a lower priority is detected during connection to an image output device with a higher priority among a plurality of image output devices. And a function of blocking a connection request of an image output apparatus having a low priority.

  An image output system according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the image output system according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the communication software maintains a photographing state while photographing with the imaging device. The beacon radio wave transmitted from the second wireless communication unit of the LAN is received, and the image of the imaging device can be processed by the image output device of the LAN where the beacon radio wave is detected. .

  An imaging apparatus according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is an imaging apparatus including a wireless communication unit for performing data communication with a wireless LAN, wherein an IP address in the wireless LAN is determined via the wireless communication unit. The image output device performs image output based on a request from the imaging device after the connection with the image output device in the wireless LAN and data communication with the image output device in the wireless LAN is completed. An execution program for implementing the above is implemented.

  The image pickup apparatus according to claim 7 of the present application is the image pickup apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the communication software of the image pickup apparatus is such that the wireless communication unit is the second when the image pickup apparatus is connected to the first wireless LAN. The wireless LAN has a function of enabling connection with the second wireless LAN image output device when a beacon radio wave of the wireless LAN is detected.

  An imaging apparatus according to an eighth aspect is the imaging apparatus according to the sixth aspect, wherein communication software of the imaging apparatus is connectable to a plurality of image output apparatuses and is connected to the plurality of image output apparatuses. When the access of an image output device with a high priority is detected during connection with an image output device with a low priority, the connection is switched to an image output device with a high priority. It has a function.

  The image pickup apparatus according to claim 9 of the present application is the image pickup apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the communication software is accessible to a plurality of image output apparatuses and is connected to the plurality of image output apparatuses. A priority order can be set, and when a connection request for an image output apparatus with a low priority is detected during connection to an image output apparatus with a high priority among a plurality of image output apparatuses, the priority order It has a function of cutting off a connection request for an image output apparatus having a low image quality.

  An imaging apparatus according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is the imaging apparatus according to any one of the sixth to ninth aspects, wherein the communication software maintains a shooting state during shooting by the imaging apparatus and wirelessly surrounds the imaging apparatus. An image output from the imaging device can be processed by a wireless LAN image output device that receives a beacon radio wave transmitted from a LAN and detects the beacon radio wave.

  An image output apparatus according to claim 11 of the present application is an image output apparatus that includes a wireless communication unit that constitutes a wireless LAN, and that can output an image in response to a request from a device of the wireless LAN, and is connected via the wireless LAN. It is possible to incorporate communication software that enables connection by setting an IP address for enabling data communication to the requested imaging device, and requests from the imaging device after completion of the interconnection process with the imaging device An execution program for receiving an image and outputting an image is mounted.

  The image output device according to claim 12 of the present application is the image output device according to claim 11, wherein the communication software of the image output device can be connected to a plurality of imaging devices, and for the plurality of imaging devices, It is possible to set the priority when connecting, and when an image output request of an imaging device with a low priority overlaps an image output request of an imaging device with a high priority, an image of an imaging device with a high priority is displayed. It has a function of preferentially outputting.

  The image output device according to claim 13 of the present application is the image output device according to claim 11, wherein the communication software of the image output device can be connected to a plurality of imaging devices, and for the plurality of imaging devices, The priority order for connection can be set, and when an image output request of an imaging device with a higher priority overlaps an image output request of an imaging device with a lower priority, the image output of an imaging device with a lower priority is output. It has a function of blocking a request.

  An image output device according to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention is the image output device according to any one of the eleventh to thirteenth aspects, wherein communication software of the image output device indicates the shooting state when the imaging device is shooting. Either the image being captured by the imaging apparatus or the captured image can be output while being maintained.

  According to the image output system of claim 1 of the present application, the imaging apparatus and the image output apparatus can be wirelessly communicated by the first and second wireless communication units, and are for communication incorporated in each of the imaging apparatus and the image output apparatus. A wireless LAN capable of data communication is configured by software and an IP address. In addition, after the imaging device and the image output device are connected to each other, a request from the imaging device is received by the execution program incorporated in each of the imaging device and the image output device, and the image output device outputs an image. Is possible. Therefore, the user does not need to perform a fine and specialized work for connecting the image output apparatus and the image pickup apparatus or driving the image output apparatus, and easily print or form an image of the image pickup apparatus by the image output apparatus. Therefore, the user can obtain the same usage environment and convenience of use as direct printing performed by wired connection such as USB.

  According to the second image output system of the present application, when the imaging device is connected to the first wireless LAN, the image output of the second wireless LAN is performed via the first and second wireless communication units. If the second wireless LAN has an image output device having a desired function or paper that is preferable for the user such as low cost, high speed, high definition, and multi-function by being connectable to the device, the preferable image output Can be converted into a device.

  According to the image output system of claim 3 of the present application, it is possible to set priority when connecting to a plurality of image output devices, and priority is given during connection with an image output device having a low priority. It has a function of switching connection to an image output apparatus with a higher priority when an access of an image output apparatus with a higher order is detected. If multiple image output devices are accessible, the priority order should be determined based on reasons such as having low-cost, high-speed, high-definition, multi-function, etc. The user can easily change to a preferential image output device with a single button operation without changing the setting.

  According to the image output system of claim 4 of the present application, in addition to the effect of claim 3, when an image output device is connected to an image output device having a high priority and performs image output, Since access is blocked, an undesirable wireless LAN can be eliminated. Further, it is possible to prevent troublesome operations without displaying on the imaging device side a display indicating that a new connection has been made, or a question such as whether to change the connection destination.

  According to the image output system of claim 5 of the present application, the image of the imaging device can be processed by the LAN image output device around the imaging device while maintaining the shooting state during the shooting of the imaging device. Without changing the current state of the imaging device, a series of processing from shooting to playback or image output such as image printing can be obtained in the same usage environment and convenience of use as USB cable connection. In addition, the imaging apparatus can be operated like a wireless scanner or a wireless copier.

  According to the image pickup apparatus of claim 6 of the present application, communication software that allows the image pickup apparatus to connect to an image output apparatus in the wireless LAN by setting an IP address in the wireless LAN via the wireless communication unit and data communication are possible. When the imaging device detects a wireless LAN by implementing an execution program for outputting an image by the image output device based on a request from the imaging device after the connection to the device is completed, the device on the wireless LAN If there is an image output device that includes an execution program that operates in accordance with the execution program of the imaging device on the wireless LAN, the image output device can be controlled from the imaging device to output an image. It becomes.

  According to the imaging device of claim 7 of the present application, the communication software of the imaging device detects a beacon radio wave of the second wireless LAN when the imaging device is connected to the first wireless LAN. Sometimes, by having a function that enables connection to the second wireless LAN image output device, it is possible to connect to a plurality of wireless LANs, and a desired image can be obtained depending on the operation status of the image output device or the output contents such as resolution and paper. The output device can be selected from the imaging device side.

  According to the image pickup apparatus of claim 8 of the present application, the communication software of the image pickup apparatus can be connected to a plurality of image output apparatuses, and the priority order for connection is set for the plurality of image output apparatuses. By having a function of switching the connection to an image output device with a higher priority when an access of an image output device with a higher priority is detected while connected to an image output device with a lower priority. The priority order can be determined according to circumstances such as the time required for output being short or high-definition output being possible, and a desired image output device can be selected according to the situation at the time of image output. You can select and output an image.

  According to the imaging device of claim 9 of the present application, when the imaging device is connected to an image output device with a high priority, when a connection request for an image output device with a low priority is detected, the priority By blocking the connection request of the low image output device, it is possible to eliminate an image output device that is not preferable depending on the circumstances at that time, such as slow printing or low resolution. Further, it is possible to prevent troublesome operations without displaying on the imaging device side a display indicating that a new connection has been made, or a question such as whether to change the connection destination.

  According to the imaging device of claim 10 of the present application, the communication software of the imaging device receives a beacon radio wave transmitted from a wireless LAN around the imaging device while maintaining a shooting state during shooting of the imaging device, and the beacon Since the image of the imaging device can be processed by the image output device of the wireless LAN where the radio wave is detected, the image output device prepares the communication software corresponding to the imaging value and the execution program so that the imaging device Automatic connection with the image output device is possible, and it is not necessary to perform detailed and specialized work for driving the image output device, and the image of the image pickup device can be easily printed or formed by the image output device. It is possible for users to obtain the same usage environment and convenience of use as direct printing using a wired connection such as USB. That.

  According to the image output apparatus of claim 11 of the present application, communication software that enables connection by setting an IP address for enabling data communication is incorporated into an imaging apparatus that has requested connection via a wireless LAN, and shooting is performed. Since the execution program for receiving the request from the imaging device and outputting the image after the completion of the interconnection processing with the device is mounted, the execution program corresponding to the execution program for the image output device is incorporated on the imaging device side. Thus, an image can be output by operating the image processing apparatus from the imaging apparatus side.

  According to the image output device of claim 12 of the present application, priority order can be set for a plurality of imaging devices, and an image output request of an imaging device with a low priority and an image output request of an imaging device with a high priority. When there is overlap, priority is to output the image from the imaging device with the highest priority, so that if you are in a hurry or need to output a high-definition image, output the image from the imaging device with priority. In an imaging apparatus that can perform the above-described image processing and is not so urgent, image output can be performed later.

  According to the image output device of claim 13 of the present application, when an image output request of an imaging device having a higher priority overlaps an image output request of an imaging device having a lower priority, an image output request of an imaging device having a lower priority. If it is cut off, the image output of the preferential imaging device can be performed quickly.

  According to the image output device of claim 14 of the present application, it is possible to output either an image being captured by the image capturing device or a captured image while maintaining the capturing state when the image capturing device is capturing an image. As a result, a series of processing from shooting to playback or image output such as image printing can be performed without changing the current state of the imaging device, and the same usage environment and convenience of use as USB cable connection can be obtained. Can do. In addition, the imaging apparatus can be operated like a wireless scanner or a wireless copier.

  Hereinafter, an image output system, an imaging apparatus, and an image output apparatus according to the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of an imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Reference numeral 1 denotes a digital still camera as an imaging device, 2 denotes a CPU (central processing unit), and 3 denotes a CCD image sensor that captures an image image. Reference numeral 4 denotes a CDS that removes amplifier noise and reset noise from the CCD image sensor 3, and reference numeral 5 denotes an AD converter that converts image analog data into digital data. The image output signal captured by the CCD 3 is output to the AD converter 5 through the correlated double sampling circuit of the CDS 4, and is converted into a digital signal by the AD converter 5 at an optimum sampling frequency. Reference numeral 6 denotes a digital signal processing circuit composed of a DSP or the like. The CDS output signal converted by the AD converter 5 is subjected to normal camera signal processing such as gamma correction and color separation in the digital signal processing circuit 6, and Y ( Luminance), Cb, Cr (color difference) signals are created. This signal is encoded by the digital signal processing circuit 6, and the encoded image data is stored in the memory card 8. Reference numeral 7 denotes a driving device such as a timing generator for driving the CCD 3, CDS 4, and AD converter 5, and 8 denotes a memory card such as a compact flash (registered trademark) serving as an external storage device of the digital still camera 1. The memory card 8 may be built in the digital still camera 1 or may be removable.

  Reference numeral 9 denotes a RAM that provides a work area for photographing. The photographing of image data and the reproduction operation of the photographed image data can be performed using the operation unit 11. Reference numeral 10 denotes a ROM that stores a shooting program, shooting parameters, initialization data, a communication program, a communication protocol, and the like. The CPU 2 controls all operations of the digital still camera 1 by the shooting program in the ROM 9. 11 is an operation unit including various buttons and switches for operating the digital still camera 1, sensors and the like, 12 is a display unit including an LCD, 13 is a DC-DC converter, 14 is a battery including a storage battery, and 15 is An external interface 16 is a wireless communication unit.

  The CPU 2, RAM 9, ROM 10, memory 8, driving device 7, DSP 6, external interface 15, and display unit 12 are connected by a bus, and direct current power from the battery 14 is transformed by the DC-DC converter 13, so that the digital still camera 1 Power is supplied to each part.

  The ROM 10 stores a shooting program for shooting an image, a program and data for controlling various elements incorporated in the digital still camera 1, a communication program for data communication, a communication protocol, and the like. The photographing program is a program for photographing a photographing object or the like in a desired image state using a photographing optical system, and various units, sensors, and elements inside the digital still camera 1 based on instructions of the photographing program. The control program such as the above is driven to perform photographing in a predetermined mode and storage / reproduction / transmission of images.

  The ROM 10 of the digital still camera 1 has a PTP / IP protocol for transmitting and receiving images, a UPnP (universal plug and play) communication program for operably connecting devices on the network, and Pctbridge or DPS (direct). A program called a “print system” is stored. The communication unit 15 includes an antenna and a wireless communication circuit, and can communicate with a LAN access point by wireless communication using a DSSS scheme such as IEEE802.11a, b, g.

  The digital still camera 1 can be connected to a desired LAN via an access point by the UPnP program in the ROM 10, and can be connected to a LAN printer by the PTP / IP protocol and the Pictbridge program after printing. It is said.

  In this embodiment, the image pickup apparatus is composed of the digital still camera 1, but may be a digital video camera capable of shooting a moving image.

  FIG. 2 shows a schematic configuration in the control unit of the printer of the image output system of the imaging apparatus of the present invention. In FIG. 2, 20 is a printer, and 21 is a control unit. The control unit 21 includes a scanner, a printing optical system, a fixing unit, elements mounted on a control board for controlling these drive mechanisms, and the like.

  The control unit 21 is a general term for a control mechanism that converts print data into video data according to a control mode at the time of connection and a control code from an external device, and outputs the video data to the printer engine 22. The control unit 21 analyzes a printer language called emulation. And a system program for controlling hardware control and printing on paper.

  The control unit 21 has an external interface 23 such as a wireless communication unit. The external interface 23 is an interface for transmitting control signals and data from the external device to the printer 20 and transmitting a status signal of the printer 20 itself to the external device. In this embodiment, the external interface 23 is a wireless communication unit for performing a wireless LAN. The external device is the digital still camera 1. The printer 20 receives a control command signal from the digital still camera 1 via the external interface 23, performs a predetermined operation, and outputs a signal indicating an operation state such as stopped, driving, printing completed, or the like. Send to.

  The program ROM 24 stores data processing / management in the control unit 21 and programs for controlling peripheral modules. The font ROM 25 stores various fonts used for printing. The program ROM 24 recognizes a printing program for printing, a program for performing various operations of the printer 20 and software such as data, and a personal computer connected to the network in response to a print request from the personal computer. A communication program and data for supporting UPnP and Pictbridge for this purpose are stored.

  The HDD 26 stores a large amount of data. The CPU 27 processes data (print data, control data) from an external device. The RAM 28 is a work memory when the CPU 27 performs processing. The RAM 28 temporarily stores data from an external device (in this embodiment, the digital still camera 1) in units of pages, and actually prints the data stored in the buffer. It is also used as a bitmap memory for storing video data converted into a pattern.

  The nonvolatile RAM 29 is a RAM that retains data even when the power is turned off, and stores image data, control data, and the like that are desired to be retained even when the power is turned off. The panel interface 30 is an interface between the control unit 21 and the operation panel 31. The operation panel 31 includes a display unit that indicates the state of the printer 20 and a switch unit that switches the printer mode, font, and the like. The engine interface 32 is an interface for control signals and video signals from the control unit 21 to the printer engine 22 and status signals from the printer engine 22 to the control unit 21. The printer engine 22 creates and develops an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive member based on the video signal and the control signal from the control unit 21, feeds the transfer paper from the paper feed unit, performs transfer and fixing, and thereby prints the image. Form.

  FIG. 5 shows a protocol architecture for direct printing. That is, in order for the printer 20 to perform printing in accordance with a control command from the digital still camera 1, in the communication protocol between the digital still camera 1 and the printer 20, an IP layer is provided on the physical layer, and on the IP layer. A network layer protocol capable of selecting either TCP or UDP is provided in parallel.

  A PTP / IP layer for image communication is provided on the network layer, and a PTP layer is further provided on the PTP / IP layer. PTP / IP (ISO 15740) is an abbreviation for Picture Transfer Protocol Over Internet Protocol, and is a protocol for transmitting an image file from a digital still camera to a printer. Direct printing uses a standard protocol for image transfer called PTP / IP. An application layer is provided on the PTP layer. In the application layer, UPnP (Universal Plag & Play) and Pictbridge are provided.

  UPnP is a protocol that automatically recognizes devices connected to the network. When an information device or the like is connected to the network, the IP address of the network is automatically assigned to the connected device. It is a program that enables mutual recognition.

  The Pictbridge is a program for executing the Pictbridge function and operation control data. In this embodiment, the Pictbridge is a program and data for operating the printing of the printer 20 by an operation from the digital still camera 1.

  That is, the Pictbridge compatible printer 20 and the digital still camera 1 can control the selection of a print image, the paper size, the number of prints, and the like through the USB cable. This Pictbridge can print with the printer's standard settings unless specified in printing conditions. In addition to printing a specified image, various functions such as an index function for printing a list of reduced images, a plurality of prints of the same image, and a dated print can be used. These print setting application functions are performed in the application layer of the protocol stack.

  Next, wireless LAN connection will be described. FIG. 3 shows a LAN configuration of the image output system of the above embodiment. In this network 34, the digital still camera 1 is in an infrastructure mode and is connected to the printer 20 via an access point 35. The sub-grief point 35 and the digital still camera 1 constitute a first wireless LAN.

  In addition to the access point 35, a DHCP server 36 is connected to the network 34, and an IP address in the network is dynamically assigned to the DHCP server 36 digital still camera 1. The digital still camera 1 and the printer 20 in the network 40 can communicate based on the TCP / IP protocol.

  In this embodiment, the access point 35 relays the wired LAN of the DHCP server 36 and the printer 20 and the first wireless LAN 37 with the digital still camera 1 and has a routing function. The access point 34 outputs a beacon radio wave for detecting a wireless terminal and searches for a connection request radio wave from the wireless terminal. SSIDs are set for both the beacon radio wave and the radio terminal connection request radio wave. If the two SSIDs match, they can be connected to each other. An encryption standard for ensuring security such as WEP can be set in the SSID. SSID and WEP are stored in the ROM 10 of the digital still camera 1.

  The access point 34 transmits beacon radio waves at regular time intervals. The wireless communication unit 16 of the digital still camera 1 detects the beacon radio wave, checks the frequency, outputs a response radio wave to the access point 34 based on the beacon radio frequency using a preset SSID, When the SSIDs possessed match, the connection between the digital still camera 1 and the access point 34 is completed at the physical layer level.

  In a wireless LAN, a physical layer header is added to a data packet during data communication. The physical layer header includes the SSID and the communication speed, and the SSID and the communication speed are adjusted so that optimum communication can be performed because the communication speed changes according to the distance and the radio wave condition between the two.

  In the image data processing system of the imaging apparatus of this embodiment, the wireless communication unit 16 is installed in the digital still camera 1 in order to communicate with the access point 35 that is the second wireless communication unit connected to the network 34. In order to perform data communication with the printer 20, which is an image output device connected to the network 34, via the wireless communication unit 16 and the access point 35, the digital still camera 1 and the printer 20 become general-purpose driver programs for the printer 20. Communication software having Pictbridge, UPnP protocol, PTP / IP protocol, TCP / IP protocol is incorporated. As shown in FIG. 4, data communication may be performed in an ad hoc mode in which the digital still camera 1 and the printer 20 'are directly connected. In the case of the ad hoc mode, when the wireless communication unit having the function of the access point 34 is provided in the printer 20 ', the connection process similar to that in FIGS. 6 and 7 is performed between the digital still camera 1 and the printer 20'.

  The operation of UPnP will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 shows operations of the digital still camera 1, the DHCP server 36, and the printer 20 when in the infrastructure mode. FIG. 7 shows a flow in which the digital still camera 1 establishes a connection with the printer 20 via the access point 35.

  As shown in step 1 of FIG. 7, the digital still camera 1 detects the beacon of the access point 35 and checks the beacon channel. In step 2, it is checked whether the SSID included in the beacon matches the SSID that the digital still camera 1 has. If the SSIDs do not match, the connection process ends. If the SSIDs match, the network is connected to the network 34 via the access point 35 in step 3.

  When the connection request of the digital still camera 1 is recognized by the access point 35, the digital still camera 1 broadcasts an IP address assignment request to the network 34 by the UPnP protocol. It is checked whether there is a reply from the DHCP server 36 within a predetermined time (step 4). If there is no DHCP server 36, the digital still camera 1 automatically assigns an IP address such as [169.254. *. *] To itself. (Step 5). If communication is performed in the ad hoc mode as shown in FIG. 4 and there is no DHCP server 36, the process of step 5 is performed.

  In this embodiment, since the DHCP server 36 exists, the DHCP server 36 assigns an IP address to the digital still camera 1, and the digital still camera 1 acquires the IP address (step 6). Next, the digital still camera 1 to which the IP address is set multicasts the IP address of all the terminals of the network 34 by UDP packet (step 7). At this time, the digital still camera 1 sets the destination port number to 1900 to 1900.

  Since the printer 20 connected to the network 34 is waiting for a multicast packet having a destination port number 1900, the digital still camera 1 newly connected to the network 34 is detected and returned to the digital still camera 1 (step 8).

  The terminal of the network 34 that has received the multicast packet of the digital still camera 1 requests the digital still camera 1 to disclose device information (device type, manufacturer name, available command list, etc.) in a unicast manner. Information about the still camera 1 is acquired. In the UPnP standard, the above-described terminal is referred to as a “control point”, and the LAN terminal of the network 34 is referred to as a “device”. Through the above UPnP procedure, the connection between the digital still camera 1 as the device and the printer 20 as the control point is established (step 9), and the connection process is terminated.

  Since the digital still camera 1 and the printer 20 are Pictbridge compatible devices after the interconnection is completed, the printer 20 can confirm that the digital still camera 1 is a Pictbridge compatible device in the information disclosure request. Print requests can be executed.

  Therefore, the user does not need to perform setting work and connection work of the printer 20 and the digital still camera 1 or fine and specialized work for driving the printer 20, and a desired number of images taken by the digital still camera 1 can be obtained. In addition, it is possible to easily print on a desired sheet by the printer 20 and to perform reproduction / stopping.

  In the above image output system, the communication software stored in the digital still camera 1 detects the beacon of the access point of the second network when the digital still camera 1 is already connected to the first network 34. Then, when the wireless communication unit 16 detects that access to the second network is possible, it is possible to connect to the second network.

  FIG. 8 shows the flow when another network is detected while connected to the network 34. That is, the wireless communication unit 16 of the digital still camera 1 can also detect a beacon of an access point of a second network other than the network 34, and when the SSID is set for the access point, the second network is transmitted by UPnP. Can also be connected.

  The digital still camera 1 detects a beacon of an access point on another network and checks a beacon channel (step 1). In step 2, it is checked whether the SSID included in the beacon matches the SSID that the digital still camera 1 has. If the SSIDs do not match, the connection process ends. If the SSIDs match, connection to another network is made at step 3 via another access point. Since the process after step 2 is the same as the flow of FIG. 7, the description is used.

  As shown in FIG. 8, when the second access point is detected, the IP address of the second wireless LAN is acquired by UPnP, and the fact is displayed on the LCD of the digital still camera 1 to select whether to switch. You may ask for. In this selection, if the switching is not performed, the image printing of the printer 20 is continued as it is. If the switching is performed, the image printing of the printer 20 is canceled and connected to a new printer of the second wireless LAN. After connecting to the second wireless LAN, the Pictbridge of the digital still camera 1 performs setting so that a new printer starts printing an image from the beginning. Of course, the Pictbridge setting may be set so that an image after the image printing of the printer 20 is stopped is printed.

  FIG. 9 shows the flow of processing when connecting to a printer with a predetermined priority order, assuming the presence of a plurality of printers. In the case of the flowchart of FIG. 9, in the above image output system, the digital still camera 1 stores SSIDs of access points of a plurality of wireless LANs other than the access point 35. In this case, by setting priorities to a plurality of SSIDs, the wireless communication unit 16 can connect to a network printer having a higher priority.

  When a beacon of an access point of another network is detected while being connected to an existing network, the digital still camera 1 reads the SSID of the preferential connection stored by itself (step 1). When an access point beacon is detected, the channel is examined (step 2). Next, it is checked whether or not the priority connection SSID read by the digital still camera 1 matches the SSID of the detected access point (step 3). If the SSID of the detected access point does not match the SSID of the priority connection in the check in step 3, the connection with the currently connected network is maintained (step 4), and the process ends.

  When the detected SSID of the access point matches the SSID of the priority connection, the connection is switched to the network of the access point having the SSID of the priority connection (step 5). When the digital still camera 1 is switched to the network with priority connection, it is checked whether there is a response from the DHCP server within a predetermined time (step 6). If there is no DHCP server, the digital still camera 1 [169.254. * . *] Is automatically assigned (step 7).

  If there is a DHCP server, the DHCP server assigns an IP address to the digital still camera 1, and the digital still camera 1 acquires the IP address (step 8). The digital still camera 1 to which the IP address is set multicasts the IP address to all the terminals of the preferentially connected network by UDP packets (step 9). At this time, the digital still camera 1 sets the destination port number to 1900 to 1900.

  Since the printer connected to the network is waiting for the multicast packet having the destination port number 1900, the digital still camera 1 newly connected to the network is detected and returned to the digital still camera 1 (step 10).

  The terminal of the network 34 that has received the multicast packet of the digital still camera 1 requests the digital still camera 1 to disclose device information (device type, manufacturer name, available command list, etc.) in a unicast manner. The information of the still camera 1 is acquired, the connection of the printer that is preferentially connected to the digital still camera 1 is established (step 11), and the connection process ends.

  In the image output system described above, when the communication software of the digital still camera 1 is connected to a printer having a higher priority among a plurality of printers, the priority order is detected when a connection request for a printer having a lower priority is detected. If the setting is made so as to block the connection request of a low-priced printer, a display indicating that a new connection has been made or a question such as whether to change the connection destination is not displayed on the LCD display portion of the digital still camera 1, The troublesome operation can be prevented.

  In addition, when the digital still camera 1 is connected to a LAN so that the printer can be used, if it can be selected on the LCD and the operation unit of the digital still camera 1, it is possible to reduce the cost and speed when printing an image. The priority order can be determined on the basis of reasons preferable to the user such as high definition, multifunction, etc. or paper, and the desired printer can be easily selected by operating one button of the operation unit.

  Furthermore, since the communication software of the digital still camera 1 can receive beacon radio waves transmitted from the access point of the surrounding wireless LAN by the wireless communication unit 16, the shooting state can be changed during the shooting of the digital still camera 1. It is also possible to print an image currently being shot by the digital still camera 1 or to print an already shot image by a printer connected to the wired LAN via the access point while maintaining the background. Thus, it is possible to print an image during shooting.

  As described above, the digital still camera 1 has the UPnP protocol as communication software to determine the IP address in the wireless LAN via the wireless communication unit 16 so that it can be connected to the printer 20 in the wireless LAN. In addition, Pictbridge is implemented as an execution program for outputting an image by the printer 20 based on a request from the digital still camera 1 after the connection with the printer 20 so as to enable data communication is completed. When the digital still camera 1 detects the access point 35, the digital still camera 1 can be connected to the printer 20 through the access point 35, and the digital still camera 1 can control the printer 20 and output an image.

  Also, when the communication software of the digital still camera 1 detects the beacon radio wave of the access point belonging to the second wireless LAN when the digital still camera 1 is connected to the first wireless LAN. In addition, by having the function of enabling connection with the printer of the second wireless LAN, it becomes possible to connect to a plurality of wireless LANs.

  As a result, when a new LAN printer is equipped with UPnP and Pictbridge, a desired printer can be selected from the digital still camera 1 side according to the operation status or output contents such as resolution and paper, and an image is output to the new printer. be able to.

  In addition, the digital still camera 1 can be connected to a plurality of printers 20, and the priority order for connection to the plurality of printers 20 can be set. It is also possible to make a setting that has a function of switching the connection to the printer 20 with the higher priority when the access of the printer 20 with the higher priority is detected during the connection.

  As a result, the priority order can be determined according to circumstances such as the time required for output being short or high-definition output being possible, and the desired printer 20 according to the situation at the time of image output. You can select to output an image.

  Further, when the digital still camera 1 is connected to the printer 20 with a high priority, when a connection request for a printer with a low priority is detected, the connection request for the printer with a low priority is blocked. Depending on the circumstances at that time such as slow printing or low resolution, it is possible to eliminate a printer that is not preferable. In addition, it is possible to prevent troublesome operations without displaying on the digital still camera 1 a display indicating that a new connection has been made or a question such as whether to change the connection destination.

  Furthermore, the digital still camera 1 receives a beacon radio wave transmitted from a wireless LAN access point around the digital still camera 1 while detecting the beacon radio wave while the digital still camera 1 is shooting. However, since the image of the digital still camera 1 can be processed by the printer of the wireless LAN, the digital still camera 1 and the printer 20 are prepared by preparing communication software and an execution program corresponding to the digital still camera 1. Can be automatically connected to each other, and it is not necessary to carry out connection work or fine and specialized work for driving the printer 20, and the image of the digital still camera 1 can be easily printed or formed by the printer 20. For users, this is done by a wired connection such as USB. It is possible to obtain the convenience of direct printing and similar use environment and use.

  The printer 20 incorporates communication software that enables connection by setting an IP address for enabling data communication in the digital still camera 1 that has requested connection via a wireless LAN. Since an execution program that receives a request from the digital still camera 1 and outputs an image after completion of the interconnection process is mounted, an execution program corresponding to the execution program of the printer 20 is incorporated in the digital still camera 1 side. As a result, various digital still camera 1 images can be output.

  The above-described printer 20 can set priorities for a plurality of digital still cameras 1, and an image output request from a digital still camera 1 with a low priority and an image output from a digital still camera 1 with a high priority. It is possible to set on the printer 20 side so that when the request is duplicated, the image of the digital still camera 1 having a higher priority is preferentially output.

  As a result, when the user is in a hurry or when high-definition image output is required, the preferential image output of the digital still camera 1 can be performed. Image output can also be performed.

  Further, when the image output request of the digital still camera 1 having a high priority and the image output request of the digital still camera 1 having a low priority overlap, the printer 20 described above outputs the image of the digital still camera 1 having a low priority. If the request is cut off, the preferential image output of the digital still camera 1 can be performed quickly.

  Further, the above-described printer 20 can output either an image being captured by the digital still camera 1 or a captured image while maintaining the capturing state when the digital still camera 1 is capturing. As a result, a series of processing from shooting to playback or image output such as image printing can be performed without changing the current state of the digital still camera 1, and the same usage environment and convenience of use as the USB cable connection can be obtained. be able to. Further, the digital still camera 1 can be operated like a wireless scanner or a wireless copier.

  The image output system according to the embodiment of the present invention has been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and the apparatus including the problem solving apparatus of the present invention is included in the present invention. is there.

The block diagram of the control system of the digital still camera which is the digital still camera 1 concerning the best embodiment of this invention. The block diagram of the control unit of the printer which is the printer 20 concerning the best embodiment of this invention. FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram of an image output system in the infrastructure mode. FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram of an image output system in the ad hoc mode. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a protocol stack when a digital still camera and a printer perform wireless communication in a wireless LAN. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a communication sequence when a digital still camera, a printer, and a DHCP server assign IP addresses over a wireless LAN. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when a digital still camera, a printer, and a DHCP server assign an IP address over a wireless LAN. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when a digital still camera is connected to another network by a wireless LAN. FIG. 9 is a flowchart in the case of connecting to a network in which another preferential printer exists when a digital still camera is already connected to the network via a wireless LAN.

Explanation of symbols

1 Digital still camera 10 ROM
15 External Interface 16 Wireless Communication Unit 20 Printer 21 Control Unit 23 External Interface 24 Program ROM
34 Network 35 Access point 36 DHCP server

Claims (14)

  A first wireless communication unit is provided in the imaging apparatus, and a second wireless communication unit that can wirelessly communicate with the first wireless communication unit is connected to either an image output apparatus capable of processing an image or a LAN to which the image output apparatus is connected. Provided with a wireless communication unit, each of the photographing device and the image output device incorporates communication software that enables connection by setting an IP address for enabling data communication in a wireless LAN including both, and the photographing device And an execution program for receiving a request from the imaging device after the completion of the interconnection processing and outputting the image by the image output device. The image output system according to claim 1,
The communication software of the imaging device is configured so that when the imaging device is connected to the first wireless LAN, the first wireless communication unit transmits the beacon radio wave of the second wireless communication unit of the second wireless LAN. An image output system having a function of enabling connection to the second wireless LAN image output device via the second wireless communication unit when detected. The image output system according to claim 2.
The communication software of the imaging device can be connected to a plurality of image output devices of a plurality of wireless LANs, and the priority order when connecting to the plurality of image output devices can be set. An image output system having a function of switching connection to an image output apparatus having a higher priority when an access to the image output apparatus having a higher priority is detected during connection to an image output apparatus having a lower priority . The image output system according to claim 2.
The communication software can be accessed with a plurality of image output devices of a plurality of wireless LANs, and priorities for connection can be set for the plurality of image output devices. A function of cutting off a connection request for an image output device with a lower priority when a connection request for an image output device with a lower priority is detected during connection to an image output device with a higher priority among the output devices. An image output system comprising: The image output system according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The communication software receives a beacon radio wave transmitted from a wireless LAN around the imaging device while maintaining a shooting state during imaging of the imaging device, and detects an image output device of the wireless LAN when the beacon radio wave is detected. An image output system characterized in that an image of the image pickup apparatus can be processed by.   An imaging apparatus including a wireless communication unit for performing data communication with a wireless LAN, wherein an IP address in the wireless LAN is determined via the wireless communication unit and can be connected to an image output device connected to the wireless LAN Communication software, and an execution program for outputting an image by the image output device based on a request from the imaging device after completion of connection with the image output device connected to the wireless LAN so that data communication is possible An imaging device characterized by mounting. The imaging device according to claim 6.
The communication software of the imaging device is configured to detect the second wireless communication when the wireless communication unit detects a beacon radio wave from the second wireless LAN when the imaging device is connected to the first wireless LAN. An image pickup apparatus having a function capable of being connected to a LAN image output apparatus. The image output system according to claim 6.
The communication software of the imaging device can be connected to a plurality of image output devices, and a priority order when connecting to the plurality of image output devices can be set, and an image having a low priority order. An image pickup apparatus having a function of switching connection to an image output apparatus having a higher priority when an access of the image output apparatus having a higher priority is detected during connection to the output apparatus. The imaging device according to claim 6.
The communication software can be accessed with a plurality of image output devices, and the priority order when connecting to the plurality of image output devices can be set. When a connection request of an image output device with a low priority is detected during connection to an image output device with a high priority, the connection request of the image output device with a low priority is cut off. An imaging device. The imaging device according to any one of claims 6 to 9,
The communication software receives a beacon radio wave transmitted from a wireless LAN around the imaging device while maintaining a shooting state during imaging of the imaging device, and is connected to the wireless LAN where the beacon radio wave is detected. The image output device can process the image of the imaging device. An image output device comprising a wireless communication unit constituting a wireless LAN and capable of outputting an image in response to a request from the wireless LAN device,
Communication software that enables connection by setting an IP address for enabling data communication can be incorporated into the imaging apparatus that has requested connection via the wireless LAN, and the interconnection processing with the imaging apparatus is completed. An image output apparatus comprising an execution program for receiving a request from the imaging apparatus and outputting an image later. The image output device according to claim 11.
The communication software of the image output device can be connected to a plurality of imaging devices, and the priority order when connecting to the plurality of imaging devices can be set, and the imaging device having a low priority order. An image output apparatus having a function of preferentially outputting an image of an image pickup apparatus having a high priority when an image output request of the image pickup apparatus having a high priority overlaps with an image output request. The image output device according to claim 11.
The communication software of the image output device can be connected to a plurality of image pickup devices, and the priority order for connection to the plurality of image pickup devices can be set, and the image pickup device has a high priority order. An image output apparatus having a function of blocking an image output request of an imaging apparatus having a low priority when an image output request of the imaging apparatus having a low priority overlaps an image output request of The image output device according to any one of claims 11 to 13,
The communication software of the image output device can output either an image being captured by the image capturing device or a captured image while maintaining the capturing state when the image capturing device is capturing an image. An image output apparatus characterized by that.

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