JP2008040807A - Image transmission device, image transmitting method and image transmission program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To properly control a printer according to the transmitting/receiving capability of radio communication and the processing capability of a printer for printing. <P>SOLUTION: An image transmission device U0 is configured to accept an input for selecting any of setting including at least first setting for making a printer U10 print data recorded in an attachable/detachable memory 20 and second setting for wirelessly transmitting the data to the printer U10 to make the printer print the data, and to, when the first setting is selected, individually record the data of a plurality of images selectively operated as the object of printing in the attachably and detachably mounted memory 20, and to, when the second setting is selected, compound the plurality of images, and to wirelessly transmit the data of the compounded images to the printer U10. Whether or not the composition of the images should be performed by the image transmission device is judged based on information showing processing capability relating to the printing processing of a printer and the image transmission device, and only when it is judged that the composition of the images should be performed by the image transmission device, the images may be compounded. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image transmission apparatus capable of executing processing for wirelessly transmitting data to a printing apparatus that performs printing based on data received by wireless communication, and an image transmission method and image transmission program for executing the processing. About.

In recent mobile phones, a photographic image and a frame image are stored in a removable memory card, and this memory card is attached to a printer to print a composite image of the photographic image and the frame image. Processing for combining a photographic image and a frame image is performed by a printer.
Also, as described in Patent Document 1, printing is performed by transmitting an image from a mobile phone to a printer by infrared communication. Also in this case, the process of combining the captured image and the frame image is performed by the printer.
JP 2004-348653 A

In printing using a memory card, since a composite image is not generated by a mobile phone, the only way to check the composite result is to print, which consumes ink and printing paper. Further, in printing using infrared communication, it takes a long time to send and receive data.
Furthermore, any of the above-described techniques may be inconvenient because a single method for causing the printer to print is determined in advance. In addition, it may take a long time for the printer to execute printing. Therefore, there has been a desire to appropriately perform print control of the printer in accordance with the transmission / reception capability of infrared communication and the processing capability of the printer.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it performs printing by appropriately controlling a printing apparatus in accordance with transmission / reception capability of wireless communication and processing capability of a printing apparatus.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a process for wirelessly transmitting and printing data to a printing apparatus that performs printing based on data recorded in an attached removable memory and data received by wireless communication. Is an image transmission apparatus capable of executing the above-described processing, and includes a selection unit, a data recording unit, and a data transmission unit.
The selection means has at least one of a setting including at least a first setting for causing the printing apparatus to print data recorded in the memory and a second setting for causing the printing apparatus to wirelessly transmit and print data. Accept input to select. Here, the selection input may be accepted only from the first setting and the second setting, or the selection input may be accepted including other settings, both of which are included in the present invention.
When the first setting is selected, the data recording unit separately records data of a plurality of images selected and operated as print targets in the detachably attached memory. On the other hand, when the second setting is selected, the data transmission unit can combine the plurality of images and wirelessly transmit the combined image data to the printing apparatus. Here, to record the data of a plurality of images, either to record the data, or to leave the recording of the data as it is when the data has already been recorded in the memory. Is also included.

With the above configuration, printing using a detachable memory and printing using wireless communication can be used properly according to usage situations, so that convenience can be improved.
In addition, the present invention is characterized in that when the memory is used, the data of each image is separately recorded in the memory, whereas when wireless communication is used, a plurality of images are conversely combined and transmitted to the printing apparatus. I have. As a result, the data communication amount of wireless communication that takes a long time for data transmission / reception can be reduced as appropriate, so that appropriate control according to the transmission / reception capability of wireless communication and the processing capability of the printing apparatus can be performed on the printing apparatus. And printing can be performed under appropriate control of the printing apparatus.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image transmitting apparatus capable of executing processing for wirelessly transmitting data to a printing apparatus that performs printing based on data received by wireless communication, wherein the printing apparatus receives the received data. The apparatus is capable of printing by combining a plurality of images, and includes a composition availability determination unit, a first transmission unit, and a second transmission unit.
Whether or not to combine the plurality of images selected and operated as print targets on the image transmission device based on the information indicating the processing capability regarding the print processing of the printing device and the image transmission device. Judging.
When it is determined that the image transmission apparatus performs the image combination, the first transmission unit combines the plurality of images and wirelessly transmits the combined image data to the printing apparatus. On the other hand, when it is determined that the image composition is not performed by the image transmission device, the plurality of images are separately wirelessly transmitted to the printing device by the second transmission unit.
With the above configuration, a plurality of images are combined as necessary, and then wirelessly transmitted to the printing apparatus or separately transmitted to the printing apparatus. Therefore, according to the transmission / reception capability of wireless communication and the processing capability of the printing device Appropriate control can be performed on the printing apparatus, and printing can be performed under appropriate control on the printing apparatus.

The image transmission device may be a mobile phone, a device that captures an image, or the like.
Examples of the wireless communication include optical wireless communication (infrared communication, visible light communication, etc.), radio wave wireless communication, acoustic communication (communication using sound waves, ultrasonic waves, etc.), and the like.
Examples of the removable memory include a semiconductor memory and a magnetic recording medium that can rewrite data, and a non-volatile memory and a backed-up memory.
The information indicating the processing capability relating to the printing process may be information indicating the processing capability during wireless printing of printing data from the image transmission device to the printing device, and the image transmission device may include a plurality of images. Information indicating the speed of processing for combining images, information indicating the speed at which data is wirelessly transmitted from the image transmitting apparatus to the printing apparatus, information indicating the speed of processing for combining a plurality of images by the printing apparatus, and printing processing performed by the printing apparatus Information indicating speed, etc. are included.

  The composition availability determination unit may determine whether or not printing is completed earlier when the image transmission apparatus performs composition of the plurality of images based on information representing processing capability relating to the print processing. Then, whether or not to synthesize the image in the image transmission apparatus is switched so that the printing is completed early, so that the printing can be completed early.

  The above-described image transmission device includes various aspects such as being implemented together with other methods in a state where the image transmission device is incorporated in a certain device. The present invention also provides a printing system including the above-described printing apparatus, a control method having steps corresponding to the configuration of the above-described apparatus, a program for causing a computer to realize functions corresponding to the above-described apparatus configuration, and a computer recording the program It can also be applied as a readable recording medium. The inventions of the printing system, the image transmission method, the image transmission program, and the medium on which the program is recorded also have the above-described operations and effects. Of course, the configurations described in claims 2 and 3 are also applicable to the system, the method, the program, and the recording medium.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in the order of (1) configuration of the printing system, (2) operation and action of the printing system, and (3) modification.

(1) Configuration of printing system including image transmission device:
FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing an example of the configuration of a printing system including an image transmission apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration for realizing the printing system. 3 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the data structure of a package file and an image file. The printing system 100 includes a mobile phone 10 serving as the image transmission device U0 and a printer 30 serving as the printing device U10.

The printing device U10 is a device that appropriately synthesizes a color image based on data recorded in an attached removable card memory and data received by infrared communication (wireless communication), and performs printing. The image transmission device U0 includes the following units U1 to U3, and can execute processing for transmitting data to the printing device U10 by infrared transmission.
The selection unit U1 is any one of settings including at least a first setting for causing the printing apparatus U10 to print the data recorded in the card memory 20 and a second setting for causing the printing apparatus U10 to transmit the data by infrared transmission. Accepts input to select.
The data recording unit U2 assumes that the card memory 20 is detachably attached to the image transmitting device U0, and when the first setting is selected, the data 1, 2,... Data is recorded separately in the card memory 20. In this case, the printing apparatus combines and prints the images 1, 2,... Recorded in the card memory, but the images 1, 2,... Selected by the image transmission apparatus remain in the card memory. There is an advantage that these images 1, 2,... Can be re-edited and printed. On the other hand, when the second setting is selected, the data transmission unit U3 generates a composite image by combining the images 1, 2,... And can wirelessly transmit the generated composite image data to the printing apparatus U10. is there.

The data transmission unit U3 includes the following units U4 to U6.
Based on information (hereinafter also referred to as processing capability information) indicating processing capability relating to printing processing of the printing device U10 and the image transmission device U0, the compositability determination unit U4 selects the images 1, 2, It is determined whether or not the combination of... The processing capability information of the present embodiment includes the processing speed Sak at which the image transmission device combines a plurality of images, the speed St at which data is wirelessly transmitted from the image transmission device to the printing device, and the processing at which the printing device combines a plurality of images. Speed Sap, included.
When the first transmission unit U5 determines that the image transmission is to be performed by the image transmission device, the first transmission unit U5 generates a composite image by combining the images 1, 2,..., And wirelessly transmits the generated composite image data to the printing device. To do. On the other hand, when the second transmission unit U6 determines that the image composition is not performed by the image transmission device, the second transmission unit U6 separately wirelessly transmits the images 1, 2,... To the printing device.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the cellular phone 10 converts analog signals from the CPU 11b, the semiconductor memory 11c and d connected to the system bus 11a, the semiconductor memory 11c and d, the timer circuit 11e, and the antenna 12a into digital signals. A radio circuit 12 for processing a signal, a microphone 13 for inputting sound, a speaker 14 for outputting sound, an operation unit 15 for receiving operation inputs from a user by, for example, a plurality of operation keys, and various types of communication states and print instructions Infrared I / F (infrared interface) having a liquid crystal panel (display unit) 16 for displaying a screen for receiving operation input, a camera 17 for taking a still image, a light emitting diode for transmitting infrared light, and a photodiode for receiving light. 18) Read / write data to / from the card memory 20 installed in the memory slot 19a Card memory I / F19 is an interface that includes a card memory 20, or the like for rewritably storing image files D2 such as various kinds of information and package data D1 and photo files for use as a telephone such as a telephone number. In accordance with a program such as an image transmission program stored in the ROM 11c, the CPU 11b controls the operation of the entire mobile phone while using the RAM 11d as a work memory.

The card memory 20 can be detachably attached to the memory slot 19a.
The card memory 20 is also called a removable memory, and is configured using, for example, a nonvolatile semiconductor memory. Of course, a volatile memory backed up by a battery, a magnetic disk, or the like can also constitute a card memory. The card memory 20 stores package data D1, an image file D2, and the like shown in FIG. These may be acquired by downloading or may be acquired from another device such as a personal computer.

As shown in FIG. 3, the package data D1 includes a script file D11 describing layout data, a frame thumbnail file D12 storing thumbnail data of a frame image, and a frame file D13 storing printing data of the frame image I2. It is out. The frame image is a decoration image for decorating a main image such as a photograph by trimming or the like, and is one of images selected and operated as a print target. The image data of the frame image is obtained via a communication network such as the Internet network via the wireless circuit 12 and stored in the card memory.
An image file D2 storing thumbnail data and print data of the main image I1 is associated with the package data D1. This main image is also one of images selected and operated as a printing target. The image data of the main image is obtained from, for example, an image captured by the camera 17 or obtained through a communication network such as the Internet network via the wireless circuit 12 and stored in the card memory.
The script file D11 may be data including a plurality of parameter data for specifying a layout at the time of printing, and various data formats such as a data format for describing layout parameters using tags (XML format, XHTML format, etc.). The data format can be adopted. The script file includes the type of print medium (size (A4, postcard, L plate, etc.), margin and quality (glossy paper, plain paper, etc.), size and coordinates of the main image, size and coordinates of the frame image, etc. For example, the layout data is described by tags, and the main image and the frame image are dot matrix-like pixels arranged in an orderly manner in the x direction (horizontal direction) and the y direction (vertical direction) and have a predetermined number of gradations for each pixel. Therefore, the size of the image is specified by the size in the x direction and the y direction, and the coordinates of the image are specified by the coordinates in the x direction and the y direction (for example, start coordinates and end coordinates). .

The frame thumbnail file D12 stores, for example, thumbnail data of a frame image in JPEG format.
The frame file D13 stores, for example, print data for a frame image I2 in JPEG format. Of course, the frame image may be a bitmap image, an image created by vector data, or the like. This frame image is a higher resolution image than the frame image included in the frame thumbnail file. Note that the files D12 and D13 may be composed of one file.
The image file D2 stores, for example, thumbnail data and print data of the main image I1 in the EXIF format (EXIF is a registered trademark of the Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association). In this embodiment, thumbnail data of a main image such as a photographic image is described in the application marker portion (APP1 in FIG. 3), and print data is described in the compressed data portion (“compressed data” in FIG. 3). Both data are compressed in JPEG format. Of course, the main image may be a bitmap image, an image created by vector data, or the like.

Both images I1 and I2 are color image data in which the color of each pixel is defined by three multi-tone color components. In FIG. 3, an example of a frame image is shown corresponding to the frame file D13, and an example of the main image is shown corresponding to the compressed data of the image file D2. The frame image I2 has a central white portion as a display portion I2a of the main image, and a hatch portion around it as a frame portion. The main image I1 of this embodiment is smaller than the frame image I2.
Here, the layout data includes the start coordinates (x ₁ , y ₁ ) and size (w ₁ ) of the display region I2a, in addition to the sizes in the x and y directions of the printing paper (print medium), the left and right and top and bottom margins. , H ₁ ), start coordinates (x ₂ , y ₂ ) and size (w ₂ , h ₂ ), etc. of the frame image I ₂ are defined.

  The printer 30 of this embodiment is an inkjet printer that forms and prints dots of CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black) inks on a print medium. Of course, printing devices include C, M, and K light colors, Y dark colors, red, violet, uncolored ink, etc., devices that do not use any of CMYK, various ink sublimation printers, toners Laser printers that use ink can also be used.

As shown in FIG. 2, in the printer 30, the illustrated units 31a to 31c, 32 to 37, etc. are connected via a system bus 30a, and the CPU 31a controls each unit according to a program stored in the ROM 31b. A carriage that reciprocates in the main scanning direction by the carriage mechanism 37a is provided with a cartridge holder in which each ink cartridge 38 is mounted, and a print head unit 39 including print heads 39a to 39d. The head drive unit 36a receives the applied voltage data corresponding to the print data from the ASIC 36, generates an applied voltage pattern to the piezo element, and causes the print heads 39a to 39d including the element to eject ink droplets of four colors. . The carriage mechanism 37a and the paper feed mechanism 37b connected to the interface 37 cause the print head unit 39 to perform main scanning, and sequentially feed sheet-like print media while performing page break operations as appropriate, thereby performing sub-scanning.
The card memory I / F 32 reads / writes data from / to the card memory 20 installed in the memory slot 32a. The card memory 20 can be detachably attached to the memory slot 32a.
The infrared I / F (infrared interface) 33 includes a light emitting diode that transmits infrared rays and a photodiode that receives infrared rays, and can transmit and receive data with infrared rays to and from the infrared I / F 18 of the mobile phone. It is. The printer 30 receives print data including an image to be printed from the mobile phone 10 by infrared communication, and appropriately combines a plurality of images to form an image corresponding to the print data on the print medium. For example, an interface for performing infrared communication of the IrDA standard can be used for the infrared I / F 33 of the printer and the infrared I / F 18 of the mobile phone.
The operation unit 34 receives an operation input from the user using, for example, a plurality of operation buttons. In order to display a screen or the like for receiving various operation inputs, the operation unit 34 may be provided with a display unit such as a liquid crystal panel.

  By the way, it takes a lot of time when the printing apparatus executes printing. Further, since infrared communication is slow and unstable, data communication takes a lot of time. Therefore, the present image transmission apparatus determines whether printing is completed earlier when the images 1, 2,... Are combined with the image transmission apparatus, and printing is performed earlier when the images are combined with the image processing apparatus. When it is determined to be completed, the first transmission unit U5 combines the images 1, 2,... And transmits the composite image data to the printing apparatus by infrared. 2,... Are separately transmitted to the printing apparatus by infrared rays. Thereby, printing can be completed quickly.

(2) Operation and action of the printing system including the image transmission device:
Hereinafter, a specific method for completing printing quickly will be described.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing print data generation processing performed by the mobile phone, and FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing print processing performed by the printer. Here, Step S106 corresponds to the selection unit U1, Steps S108 and S110 correspond to the data recording unit U2, Steps S108 and S112 to S122 correspond to the data transmission unit U3, and S112 to S114 correspond to the combination possibility determination unit U4. Steps S116 to S118 and S122 correspond to the first transmission unit U5, and steps S120 to S122 correspond to the second transmission unit. Hereinafter, the description of “step” is omitted.
The user of the mobile phone 10 can start the image transmission program by performing an operation for performing image printing on an operation key (operation unit 15) of the mobile phone. In the cellular phone, when an input of the same operation is received from the user, first, a plurality of package data D1 stored in the card memory 20 installed in the memory slot is read, and the package name included in each data is displayed. An operation input for selecting any of the package data is received by the operation unit 15 by displaying a list on the unit 16 or the like, and information corresponding to the selected package data is stored in the RAM 11d (S102). Since each package data includes the corresponding frame image I2, in S102, the selection operation of the frame image to be printed is received from the user.

Next, in S104, a plurality of image files D2 stored in the card memory 20 are read, and the operation input for selecting one of the image files is displayed by displaying a list of file names of each file on the display unit 16 or the like. Information received by the operation unit 15 and associated with the selected package data is stored in the RAM 11d. Since each image file stores a main image such as a photographic image, in S104, an operation for selecting a main image to be printed is received from the user. If the package data selected in S102 includes a plurality of display portions I2a for the main image, the selection operation for the main image is accepted in S104 by the number of display portions.
In S106, layout data is acquired from the script file D11 of the selected package data, a print preview image is displayed according to the layout data, the frame image, and the thumbnail image of the main image, and an operation input for print settings is accepted, and the received content Is stored in the RAM. The print preview image is an image corresponding to an image that is actually printed by combining thumbnail images. Here, as shown in FIG. 4, “card memory recording”, which means the first setting, “infrared transmission printing”, which means the second setting, and third or more settings as necessary. The selection screen displayed as a list is displayed, and an operation input for selecting one of the settings displayed on the selection screen is received from the user. As the third or higher setting, for example, a setting in which a mobile phone and a printer are connected by a wired cable, print data is transmitted via the cable, and the printer is printed can be considered.
In addition to the above, the print settings include a print image resolution setting and the like.

In S108, the process branches according to the setting selected from the selection screen. When the user operates the operation unit 15 to select “card memory recording” (first setting), the process proceeds to S110, and the frame image selected in S102 and the main image selected in S104 are set as print targets. Information to be associated and information indicating print settings such as resolution settings in response to an operation input are written in the script file D11. The information associating the frame image with the main image can be information for identifying the image file D2 storing the selected main image (for example, the file name of the image file). As a result, information associating the main image with the layout data of the selected frame image and information indicating print settings such as resolution settings are added, and the layout data is updated.
Here, the data of the frame image and the main image that have been selected and operated as print targets are recorded separately in the card memory 20, as shown in FIG. The separately recorded frame image and the main image are combined by a printer and then printed.
After S110 ends, the print data generation process ends. The printer printing process when printing data is recorded in the card memory will be described later.

  If the frame image data or the main image data is recorded in an information recording medium different from the card memory 20, such as stored in the RAM 11d, the frame image or the main image selected as the print target is recorded. Data may be recorded separately in the card memory 20.

On the other hand, when the user operates the operation unit 15 to select “infrared transmission printing” (second setting), the process proceeds to S112, in which the mobile phone 10 combines the plurality of images with the processing speed Sak, the mobile phone 10 and the like. The processing capability information including the speed St at which data is transmitted to the printer 30 by infrared rays and the processing speed Sap at which the printer 30 combines a plurality of images is acquired.
The image composition speed Sak by the mobile phone is represented, for example, by the image composition processing time (seconds / bit) per bit of data. When the information on the synthesis speed is recorded in the ROM 11c or a non-volatile memory (not shown), the information on the synthesis speed is acquired from the ROM or the like. Further, the synthesis speed Sak can be measured. For example, a plurality of dummy images having a predetermined amount of data are prepared, and the dummy circuit composition processing time Takd (seconds) is measured using the timer circuit 11e, and this time Takd is determined by the data amount Dd (bits) of all dummy images. If divided, the composite speed Sak is obtained.

  The communication speed St is represented by, for example, a transmission speed (second / bit) per 1 bit of data. When the communication speed information is recorded in the ROM 11c or a non-illustrated nonvolatile memory, the communication speed information is acquired from the ROM or the like. In addition, when the printer holds the information, such as recording the information in the ROM 31b of the printer or a non-illustrated non-volatile memory, the mobile phone may acquire information on the communication speed from the printer by infrared communication. Further, the communication speed St can be measured. For example, a dummy image having a predetermined amount of data is prepared, the dummy image is transmitted to the printer by infrared, and the time Ttd required for transmission is measured by the timer circuit 11e, and the time Ttd is calculated as the data amount Dd (bit) of the dummy image. Dividing by, the communication speed St is obtained. In particular, since the infrared communication is unstable, the infrared I / F of the mobile phone is separated from the infrared I / F of the printer, or the direction of the infrared I / F of the mobile phone is different from the direction of the infrared I / F of the printer. If it deviates greatly, data communication will take a lot of time. Accordingly, when the time Ttd is actually measured in S112 when the communication speed St is obtained, an appropriate communication speed St corresponding to the installation environment of the mobile phone can be obtained, and printing can be completed more reliably and quickly.

The image composition speed Sap by the printer is expressed, for example, by the image composition processing time (seconds / bit) per bit of data. In the case where the printer holds such information on the composite speed in the ROM 31b of the printer or a non-volatile memory (not shown), the mobile phone acquires information on the composite speed from the printer by infrared communication. Further, the synthesis speed Sap can be measured. For example, a plurality of dummy images with a predetermined amount of data are prepared in the printer, a dummy image synthesis request command is transmitted from the mobile phone to the printer by infrared, and the printer that receives the synthesis request command immediately performs dummy image synthesis processing. Then, the information indicating the end of the composition process is set to be transmitted to the mobile phone by infrared. Then, the time Tapd (seconds) from when the compositing request command is transmitted using the timer circuit 11e to the time when the information indicating the end of the compositing process is received is measured, and this time Tapd is used as the data amount of all dummy images. Dividing by Dd (bit) gives the composite speed Sap.
When a server connected to a communication network such as the Internet network stores the composite speed Sak, communication speed St, and composite speed Sap, the mobile phone transmits these information via the wireless circuit 12 from this server. May be obtained.

  In S114, based on the processing capability information, it is determined whether or not the mobile phone 10 performs the composition of the image selected and operated as the print target. More specifically, based on the processing capability information, it is determined whether printing is completed earlier when the image is synthesized with the mobile phone, and when the condition is satisfied, the image is synthesized in S116 to S118 and S122. The composite image is transmitted to the printer by infrared, and when the condition is not satisfied, each image is separately transmitted to the printer by S120 to S122.

FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of determining whether or not to perform image composition on a mobile phone.
When synthesizing images with a mobile phone, first, it takes time for the mobile phone to synthesize a plurality of images to be printed (image synthesis time Tak), and then the time for the mobile phone to transmit the synthesized image by infrared (data) Communication time Ttk), and further, it takes time Tp for the printer to print the composite image on the printing paper. Here, the image composition time Tak (second) is obtained by D / Sak using the composition speed Sak (bps) when the data amount of all images to be printed is D bits. Further, the data communication time Ttk (seconds) is obtained by D ′ / St using the communication speed St when the data amount of the composite image is D ′ bits. If resolution conversion is not performed at the time of image composition, the amount of data of the first image (for example, a frame image) in the bitmap format is D1 bits, and the bitmap is completely included in the print range of this first image. If the data amount of the second image (for example, a photographic image) in the format is D2 bits (D2 <D1), the total data amount D of both images is D1 + D2 bits, and the data amount of the combined image obtained by combining both images D ′ is the D1 bit. Of course, when performing resolution conversion for increasing the data amount by A times during image composition, the data amount D ′ of the composite image is A × D1 bits, and when changing the data format of the image during image composition, a predetermined amount is required. The amount of data may be calculated by performing conversion.

  On the other hand, when the printer combines images, it takes time for the mobile phone to transmit a plurality of images to be printed by infrared (data communication time Ttp), and then the printer combines the plurality of images to be printed. (Image composition time Tap), and further, it takes time Tp for the printer to print the composite image on the printing paper. Here, the image composition time Tap (second) is obtained by D / Sap using the composition speed Sap (bps) when the data amount of all images to be printed is D bits. The data communication time Ttp (seconds) is obtained by D / St using the communication speed St.

  As described above, if Tak + Ttk + Tp and Tap + Ttp + Tp are compared and the process that requires less time is selected, printing is completed earlier. Here, since the printing time Tp is the same, Tak + Ttk and Tap + Ttp are compared, and if Tak + Ttk is less than or less than Tap + Ttp, the image is synthesized with a mobile phone. What is necessary is just to synthesize an image.

If it is determined that the image composition is to be performed by the mobile phone, in S116, a process of compositing a plurality of images selected and operated as print targets is performed. At this time, based on the information indicating the print setting such as the resolution setting that has received the operation input, a composite image that matches the printing conditions such as the resolution according to the print setting is generated.
When the images I1 and I2 shown in FIG. 3 are synthesized, for example, for the display portion I2a of the frame image, the tone value of each color for each pixel is replaced with the tone value of each color for each pixel of the main image I1. Further, for the display portion I2a of the frame image, each color for each pixel is set such that the weight for the gradation value G1 of the main image is K1 (0 <K1 <1) and the weight for the gradation value G2 of the frame image is (1-K1). May be set to {K1 × G1 + (1−K1) × G2}.
In S118, print data is generated using the image data of the composite image.

FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the data structure of the print data. As shown on the left side of the drawing, the print data D21 using the composite image data can be composed of header information, composite image data, and footer information. The header information is information for controlling the operation of the printer, and includes layout data. This layout data is based on the layout data stored in the script file D11, information indicating print settings such as resolution settings for which an operation input has been received, information indicating an instruction not requiring image composition, the size and coordinates of the composite image , Etc. are added data. The footer information is information indicating the end of print data.
As described above, layout data for header information is generated, header information including this layout data is added before the composite image data, and footer information is added after the composite image data to generate print data. .
Thereafter, in S122, the print request command is transmitted by infrared, and then the print data D21 including the composite image data is transmitted to the printer by infrared, and the print data generation process is terminated.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the image composition is not performed by the mobile phone, in step S120, print data is generated using the image data of each image selected and operated as a print target.
As shown on the right side of FIG. 7, the print data D22 using the data of each image separately can be composed of header information, data of each image arranged separately, and footer information. The layout data included in the header information is based on the layout data stored in the script file D11, information indicating print settings such as resolution settings for which operation input has been accepted, information indicating an instruction for image composition, and each image The information in which the information indicating the printing order, the size and coordinates of each image, and the like are added.
As described above, image data of each image is arranged, layout data for header information is generated, header information including this layout data is added before the image data group, and footer information is added after the image data group. Generate print data.
Thereafter, in step S122, after the print request command is transmitted, the print data D22 including the data of each image (for example, the frame image I2 and the main image I1) is transmitted to the printer by infrared, and the print data generation process is terminated.

  On the other hand, the printer 30 repeatedly performs the printing process shown in FIG. A user of this printing system attaches the card memory 20 to the memory slot 32a of the printer, and performs an operation for printing an image recorded in the card memory on the operation button (operation unit 34) of the printer. Thus, it is possible to cause the printer to print an image recorded in the card memory. Alternatively, printing may be automatically started when the card memory is installed in the printer. When the printing process shown in the figure is started, the printer determines whether or not there is an instruction to print data in the card memory 20 in S202, but accepts an operation input of an instruction to print an image recorded in the card memory 20, When it is detected that the card memory 20 is installed in the slot 32a, it is determined that there is a print instruction, and the image composition process of S204 is performed.

In the image composition process, a plurality of images selected and operated as print targets are synthesized. At this time, based on the information indicating the print setting such as the resolution setting accepted for the operation input by the mobile phone, a composite image that matches the printing conditions such as the resolution according to the print setting is generated. When the images I1 and I2 shown in FIG. 3 are synthesized, for example, for the display portion I2a of the frame image, the tone value of each color for each pixel is replaced with the tone value of each color for each pixel of the main image I1. Further, since the display portion I2a of the frame image is weighted and combined, the gradation value of each color for each pixel may be {K1 × G1 + (1−K1) × G2}.
Thereafter, the process proceeds to S214, the composite image is printed on the printing paper, and the printing process is terminated. When the composite image is printed, the composite image is color-converted into a color image expressed in gradation with CMYK ink color for each pixel, and the image data of the color-converted image is formed with CMYK dots for each pixel. The number of gradations is converted into half-value data (for example, binary data) expressed by gradation values (for example, binary) representing presence / absence (half-tone processing), and predetermined rasterization processing is performed on the converted multi-value data. Then, the pixels are rearranged in the dot formation order, and the head driving unit 36a is driven. Thus, the printer performs main scanning and sub-scanning of the print head to form each dot of CMYK ink corresponding to the combined image, and prints the combined image on the printing paper.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S202 that there is no instruction to print the data in the card memory, it is determined whether or not a print request command by infrared communication has been received from the mobile phone 10 in S206. If it is determined that the print request command has not been received, the print processing is terminated. Thereafter, the printing process is repeatedly performed, so that if the card memory data is instructed to print, the data is printed, and if the print request command is received, the received image is printed.
When the print request command is received, the print data D21 or print data D22 shown in FIG. 7 is received in S208. Next, in S210, it is determined whether or not to combine a plurality of images included in the print data based on the received print data. The header information of the print data D21 and D22 includes layout data having information indicating whether images can be combined. Therefore, information indicating whether or not images can be combined is read from the layout data, and if the information indicates information indicating “combination required”, the image combining process of S212 is performed as the condition is met, If the information indicates “”, the condition is not satisfied and the process proceeds to S214 without performing the image composition process.

If it is determined that the images are to be combined, a process of combining a plurality of images selected and operated as print targets is performed in S212. At this time, based on the information indicating the print setting such as the resolution setting that has received the operation input, a composite image that matches the printing conditions such as the resolution according to the print setting is generated. When the images I1 and I2 shown in FIG. 3 are synthesized, as in S204, for the display portion I2a of the frame image, the tone value of each color for each pixel is replaced with the tone value of each color for each pixel of the main image I1. The gradation value of each color for each pixel may be set to {K1 × G1 + (1−K1) × G2}.
In S214, according to the print data D21 or the print data D22, the image synthesized by the mobile phone or the image synthesized by the printer is printed on the printing paper, and the printing process is terminated. When printing a composite image, the composite image is color-converted into an image expressed in gradation with CMYK ink colors, converted into multi-value data, the number of gradations is converted, and the pixels are rearranged in the dot formation order, and the head driver 36a Drive. Thereby, each dot of CMYK ink corresponding to the composite image is formed, and the composite image is printed on the printing paper. Then, the printing process ends.

As described above, in the present printing system, when a plurality of images are combined and printed, a plurality of settings can be selected. The image data recorded in the card memory is printed by the printer, or the image data is stored in the printer. It is sent by infrared and printed by a printer. In this way, printing using a card memory and printing using infrared communication can be used properly according to the usage scene, so that convenience can be improved.
In addition, when the first setting is selected, data of a plurality of images are separately recorded in the card memory, and the images are combined and printed by a printer. When the second setting is selected, a plurality of images are appropriately stored on the mobile phone. The images are combined and the combined image data is transmitted to the printing apparatus by infrared rays. Thereby, since the data communication amount of infrared communication that takes a long time for data transmission / reception can be reduced as appropriate, appropriate control according to the transmission / reception capability of the infrared communication and the processing capability of the printer can be performed on the printer. Printing can be performed under appropriate control of the printer.

Further, whether or not to synthesize a plurality of images with a mobile phone is determined based on information indicating the processing capability relating to the printing process of the printer and the mobile phone, and after the images are combined with the mobile phone according to the determination result Infrared images are transmitted to the printer for printing, or a plurality of images are separately transmitted to the printer by infrared rays and then combined and printed by the printer. In this way, multiple images are combined as necessary, and then sent to the printer via infrared or separately sent to the printer, so appropriate control according to infrared transmission / reception capabilities and printer processing capabilities can be performed. This can be performed on the printer, and printing can be performed under appropriate control of the printer.
In addition, it is determined whether printing is completed faster when combining multiple images with a mobile phone, and switching is performed so that printing is completed earlier, whether to combine images with a mobile phone or to combine images with a printer. Therefore, printing can be completed quickly.

(3) Modification:
The printing system including the image transmission apparatus of the present invention can have various configurations. For example, the image transmission device may be a child phone, a digital still camera, a digital video camera, or the like that can communicate wirelessly with the parent phone. The printing apparatus may be integrated with a FAX, a computer, or the like. Wireless transmission between the image transmission apparatus and the printing apparatus may be visible light communication, radio wave wireless communication, acoustic communication using sound waves, ultrasonic waves, or the like.

In the flow of FIG. 4 described above, S112 to S114 and S120 are omitted, and when it is determined that the print setting is “infrared transmission printing” in S108, the mobile phone always synthesizes the image and then transmits it to the printer. May be. In this case, S210 can be omitted in the flow of FIG. Also in this aspect, the convenience of printing is improved, and appropriate control according to the transmission / reception capability of wireless communication and the processing capability of the printing device is performed on the printing device.
The present invention can also be applied to a printer that does not include the card memory I / F 19 or the memory slot 19a and cannot be loaded with the card memory 20. In this case, S108 to S110 in the flow of FIG. 4 described above may be omitted so that “card memory recording” is not displayed in S106. Further, the mobile phone may be configured so that the selection screen displaying the list of settings in S106 is not displayed, and printing is always performed by infrared communication so as to switch whether or not to combine the images. Note that S202 to S204 can be omitted in the flow of FIG. Also in this aspect, appropriate control corresponding to the transmission / reception capability of wireless communication and the processing capability of the printing apparatus is performed on the printing apparatus.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications, but the configurations disclosed in the above-described embodiments and modifications are mutually replaced, the combinations are changed, known techniques, and the above-described configurations. Configurations in which the respective configurations disclosed in the embodiments and modifications are mutually replaced or combinations thereof are also included.

1 is a block diagram schematically showing an example of the configuration of a printing system that includes an image transmission device. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a printing system. The figure which shows the example of the data structure of a package file and an image file. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of print data generation processing performed by a mobile phone. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a printing process performed by a printer. The figure which shows typically the example which judges whether the composition of an image is performed. The figure which shows the example of the data structure of print data typically.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Mobile phone (image transmission apparatus), 18 ... Infrared interface, 20 ... Card memory (detachable memory), 30 ... Printer (printing apparatus), 33 ... Infrared interface, 100 ... Printing system, U0 ... Image transmission apparatus, U1... Selection unit (selection unit), U2... Data recording unit (data recording unit), U3... Data transmission unit (data transmission unit), U4. Part (first transmission means), U6 ... second transmission part (second transmission means), U10 ... printing apparatus,

Claims (8)

An image transmission apparatus capable of executing processing for wirelessly transmitting data to a printing apparatus that performs printing based on data recorded in an attached removable memory and data received by wireless communication,
An input for selecting at least one of a setting that includes at least a first setting that causes the printing apparatus to print the data recorded in the memory and a second setting that causes the printing apparatus to wirelessly transmit and print the data is received. A selection means;
When the first setting is selected, data recording means for separately recording data of a plurality of images selected and operated as print targets in the detachably attached memory;
An image transmission apparatus comprising: a data transmission unit capable of combining the plurality of images and wirelessly transmitting the combined image data to the printing apparatus when the second setting is selected. The printing apparatus is an apparatus capable of combining and printing a plurality of received images,
The data transmission means includes
Based on the information indicating the processing capability relating to the printing process of the printing apparatus and the image transmission apparatus, a composition availability determination means for determining whether or not the image transmission apparatus performs composition of a plurality of images selected and operated as print targets. When,
A first transmission unit configured to combine the plurality of images and wirelessly transmit the combined image data to the printing device when it is determined that the image is combined by the image transmission device;
The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a second transmission unit configured to wirelessly transmit the plurality of images separately to the printing apparatus when it is determined that the image transmission apparatus does not combine the images. Image transmission device. The composition availability determination unit determines whether printing is completed earlier when the image transmission apparatus performs composition of the plurality of images based on information indicating processing capability regarding the print processing.
When the first transmission unit determines that printing is completed earlier by combining the images with the image transmission apparatus, the first transmission unit combines the plurality of images and wirelessly transmits the combined image data to the printing apparatus. And
The second transmitting means wirelessly transmits the plurality of images separately to the printing apparatus when it is not determined that the printing is completed earlier when the image is combined by the image transmitting apparatus. The image transmission apparatus according to claim 2. An image transmission apparatus capable of executing processing for wirelessly transmitting data to a printing apparatus that performs printing based on data received by wireless communication,
The printing apparatus is an apparatus capable of combining and printing a plurality of received images,
Based on the information indicating the processing capability relating to the printing process of the printing apparatus and the image transmission apparatus, a composition availability determination means for determining whether or not the image transmission apparatus performs composition of a plurality of images selected and operated as print targets. When,
A first transmission unit configured to combine the plurality of images and wirelessly transmit the combined image data to the printing device when it is determined that the image is combined by the image transmission device;
An image transmission apparatus comprising: a second transmission unit configured to wirelessly transmit the plurality of images separately to the printing apparatus when it is determined that the image combination is not performed by the image transmission apparatus. An image transmission method for executing processing for wirelessly transmitting data to a printing apparatus that performs printing based on data recorded in an attached removable memory and data received by wireless communication,
An input for selecting at least one of a setting that includes at least a first setting that causes the printing apparatus to print the data recorded in the memory and a second setting that causes the printing apparatus to wirelessly transmit and print the data is received. A selection process;
When the first setting is selected, a data recording step of separately recording data of a plurality of images selected and operated as print targets in the detachably attached memory;
A data transmission method comprising: a data transmission step of combining the plurality of images and wirelessly transmitting the combined image data to the printing apparatus when the second setting is selected. An image transmission method for executing processing for wirelessly transmitting data to a printing apparatus that performs printing based on data received by wireless communication,
The printing apparatus is an apparatus capable of combining and printing a plurality of received images,
A compositability determination step for determining whether or not to combine a plurality of images that have been selected and operated as print targets on the basis of information representing processing capabilities relating to print processing of the printing apparatus and the image transmission apparatus. When,
A first transmission step of combining the plurality of images and wirelessly transmitting the combined image data to the printing device when it is determined that the image is combined by the image transmission device;
An image transmission method comprising: a second transmission step of wirelessly transmitting the plurality of images separately to the printing apparatus when it is determined that the image composition is not performed by the image transmission apparatus. Image transmission that causes a computer to realize a function of executing processing for wirelessly transmitting data to a printing apparatus that performs printing based on data recorded in an attached removable memory and data received by wireless communication A program,
An input for selecting at least one of a setting that includes at least a first setting that causes the printing apparatus to print the data recorded in the memory and a second setting that causes the printing apparatus to wirelessly transmit and print the data is received. Select function,
When the first setting is selected, a data recording function for separately recording data of a plurality of images selected and operated as print targets in the detachably attached memory;
When the second setting is selected, an image transmission program that combines the plurality of images and realizes a data transmission function capable of wirelessly transmitting the combined image data to the printing apparatus. An image transmission program for causing a computer to realize a function of executing processing for wirelessly transmitting and printing data to a printing apparatus that performs printing based on data received by wireless communication,
The printing apparatus is an apparatus capable of combining and printing a plurality of received images,
A compositability determination function for determining whether or not to combine a plurality of images that have been selected and operated as print targets on the basis of information representing processing capabilities relating to print processing of the printing apparatus and the image transmission apparatus. When,
A first transmission function for synthesizing the plurality of images when it is determined that the image synthesis is to be performed by the image transmission device, and wirelessly transmitting the synthesized image data to the printing device;
An image transmission program that realizes a second transmission function that wirelessly transmits the plurality of images separately to the printing device when it is determined that the image is not synthesized by the image transmission device.

Images