JP2008090490A - Communication system, network type memory device, and printer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a communication system for reducing a load to be imposed on a TCP/IP server, and for shortening a transfer time even when a plurality of small-scaled data files are transferred from a storage device having a TCP/IP server function via a TCP/IP network to a host device. <P>SOLUTION: A host device side is made to recognize a plurality of data files on a memory card as a virtual single file, and to transmit the transfer request to a storage device by using visual single file specification information. Then, the storage device side which has received this opens a TCP port decided for file transfer, and integrates a plurality of data files into an actual single file in this state, and transfers it via a TCP/IP network to the host device, and closes the TCP port after completion of the transfer. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication system in which a network type storage device is connected to a personal computer (hereinafter abbreviated as “PC”), a workstation or the like as a host device, and a network type storage device and printer used therefor.

JP 2005-18645 A JP 2005-107875 A

  In recent years, a so-called memory card (an example of a recording medium) in which a nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory is packaged in a card type is widely known. This memory card is rapidly spreading as a data storage medium used in digital devices such as digital cameras and portable music players. The specifications of the memory card are not unified. For example, compact flash (registered trademark, hereinafter abbreviated as “CF”), smart media (registered trademark, hereinafter abbreviated as “SM”), memory stick (registered trademark, hereinafter referred to as “SM”). Various products such as “MS” and SD memory card (registered trademark, hereinafter abbreviated as “SD”) are on the market.

  The memory card is connected to a PC or the like and uses a memory card reader / writer (an example of a network type storage device, hereinafter abbreviated as “reader / writer”) that reads and writes the memory card. Access is possible. As a result, data communication can be performed between the PC and the memory card (Patent Documents 1 and 2). In recent years, printing apparatuses (printers) equipped with such a reader / writer have also become widespread. By attaching a memory card in which an image data file saved in JPEG format or the like is mounted to the reader / writer, images can be transmitted without going through a PC. Can be printed directly.

  The above printer can be configured as a network printer capable of network connection with a plurality of PCs so that the printers can be shared. In this case, the network printer and the PC are often connected via a TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) network (for example, a local area network). In this case, if a TCP / IP server function (for example, an FTP server function) is installed on the printer side, a memory card used as a storage destination of a captured image data file of a digital camera or a camera-equipped mobile phone can be connected A data file stored in the memory card can be transferred to a PC by attaching it to a reader / writer (in this case, a TCP / IP client function is required on the PC side, but in recent PC systems, It is natural that it is installed as a standard due to the spread of the Internet). In other words, the reader / writer of the printer can be used as an external storage device of the PC.

  In TCP / IP, TCP is located between application protocols such as HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol) and FTP (File Transfer Protocol) and IP, and exchanges with upper-layer application protocols as needed. Control communication with the other party. For this reason, it has a communication mechanism called a port for exchanging with a plurality of higher level protocols (therefore, the port is a software concept built on the communication protocol, Does not mean a physical concept like this). TCP has ports from 0 to 65535, and the exchange between the TCP and the upper protocol is advanced by passing data through these ports and receiving data through these ports.

  Of these ports, ports 0 to 1023 are generally called well-known ports, and are used fixedly by the application protocol on the server software side (daemon program) (for example, FTP is 21 and SMTP is No. 25, HTTP No. 80, POP No. 110). Each server software waits at a port assigned to itself, receives data only when it reaches the port, and processes it.

  Here, TCP has a mechanism for adding as internal information which port is connected to which port, and can connect to a specified connection destination based on that information. For example, if the connection is to an FTP server (FTP on the server side: printer in this case), the connection side (PC) on the connection side (PC) is “connection destination: partner's 21st port, connection source: port used by itself”. Information is added to TCP transmission data. In the TCP of the other party (printer) that received this, the data is transferred to the FTP connected to the 21st port, and the return data is received from there. Thereafter, the printer adds information of “connection destination: port used by the other party, connection source: own port 21” to the port of the PC that is the connection source, and returns data by TCP. In this way, TCP has a port mechanism so that a plurality of different communications can be realized on one TCP.

  In communication control by TCP, first, the connecting side and the connected side open a TCP connection by opening each other's TCP port (connected state). As a result, the communication line is in a connected state, and the data generated by the exchange with the application protocol can be exchanged with the other party's TCP. After data transmission / reception is exchanged between TCPs, the communication line is disconnected, that is, the TCP ports that are connected to each other are closed (disconnected state: TCP connection is terminated).

  For example, when the printer functions as a TCP / IP server and performs the process of transferring the data file to the PC as described above, the TCP connection is opened once for each data file transfer as shown in FIG. It is necessary to transfer a plurality of data files continuously with the TCP port kept open.

  For example, when a large number of small data files are stored on a memory card and transferred to a PC at a time, the individual data files are small, so the total amount of data to be transferred is relatively small. Only the number of data files increases. However, as described above, in TCP / IP, when the number of data files increases, the number of port connection / disconnection increases in direct proportion to this, so the load on the server increases and the total data amount is small. Therefore, there arises a problem that the transfer time becomes very long. Such a problem occurs, for example, when an image data file with a high compression rate is stored in a built-in memory card for a long period of time using a camera-equipped mobile phone or the like, and the image data file is to be collectively stored in a PC.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a TCP / IP server with a TCP / IP server even when a large number of small data files are transferred from a network storage device having a TCP / IP server function to a host device via a TCP / IP network. An object of the present invention is to provide a communication system capable of reducing such a load and shortening a transfer time, and a network type storage device used in the communication system or a printer incorporating the network type storage device.

Means for solving the problems and effects of the invention

In order to solve the above problems, the communication system of the present invention includes:
A network type comprising a slot for mounting a medium and a removable storage medium comprising a non-volatile memory capable of reading, writing and erasing stored data in units of files and detachably mounted in the slot for mounting the medium A storage device and a host device connected to the network storage device via a TCP / IP network;
TCP / IP server function giving means for causing the network storage device itself to function as a TCP / IP server for the host device;
Virtual single file specifying information transmitting means for publishing specific information of a virtual single file obtained by virtually integrating a plurality of data files stored in a removable storage medium on a host device via a TCP / IP network;
Single file transfer request receiving means for receiving a single file transfer request issued by a host device using the published virtual single file specifying information via a TCP / IP network;
Upon receiving a single file transfer request, a TCP port defined for file transfer is opened, and in that state, a plurality of data files are integrated into a real single file and transferred to a host device via a TCP / IP network And an integrated file transfer means for closing the TCP port after the transfer is completed.

The network type storage device of the present invention is used in the communication system of the present invention,
TCP / IP server function giving means for causing the network storage device itself to function as a TCP / IP server for the host device;
Virtual single file specifying information transmitting means for publishing specific information of a virtual single file obtained by virtually integrating a plurality of data files stored in a removable storage medium on a host device via a TCP / IP network;
Single file transfer request receiving means for receiving a single file transfer request issued by a host device using the published virtual single file specifying information via a TCP / IP network;
In response to a single file transfer request, a TCP port defined for file transfer is opened, and in that state, a plurality of data files are integrated into a real single file and transferred to a host device via a TCP / IP network. And an integrated file transfer means for closing the TCP port after the transfer is completed.

  According to the present invention, a TCP / IP server function is added to a network type storage device, and a plurality of data files in a removable storage medium attached to the network type storage device are virtually integrated and handled. The specific information is disclosed to the host device via the TCP / IP network. As a result, the plurality of data files are recognized as virtual single files on the host device side, and a transfer request is issued using the virtual single file specifying information (single file transfer request). In response to this, the network type storage device side opens a TCP port defined for file transfer, and in that state, integrates a plurality of data files into a real single file, via the TCP / IP network. The data is transferred to the host device, and the TCP port is closed after the transfer is completed. In other words, despite the fact that it is a transfer request for a plurality of data files, the host device side that is a TCP / IP client uses a single virtual file specifying information to match a single file that matches TCP / IP. This data file transfer request can be instructed to the network type storage device side. Then, the network type storage device that has received this is executed as a transfer process of a single data file consistent with TCP / IP by transferring these data files to the host device while actually consolidating them into one file. can do. As a result, despite the transfer process of a plurality of data files, the process related to the opening and closing of the TCP connection, that is, the TCP port opening / closing process can be performed only once, and the data with a small size can be obtained. Even when a large number of files are transferred, the load on the TCP / IP server can be reduced and the transfer time can be shortened.

  The printer of the present invention is configured as a network printer that is configured as a host device via a TCP / IP network and can execute printing based on print data transmitted from the host device via the TCP / IP network, A direct printing slot unit for performing direct printing based on print data stored in a removable storage medium attached to the network type storage device is configured as the network type storage device of the present invention. To do. According to this configuration, the printer functions as a TCP / IP server with a direct print slot, and the detachable storage medium used as a storage location for the captured image data file of a digital camera or a mobile phone with a camera is directly printed. By attaching to the slot portion, the data file stored in the removable storage medium can be transferred to the host device (PC). The data file can be transferred to the host device, that is, the reader / writer of the printer can be used as an external storage device of the PC.

  The TCP / IP server function providing means may cause the network storage device to function as an FTP server. Since the file transfer protocol is simplified by adopting FTP, it is possible to facilitate the programming for realizing the function of the file integrated transfer means.

  Next, the host device (which becomes a TCP / IP client) can be provided with a file separation / save means for separating and storing the received real single file into a plurality of original data files. Thus, the transferred real single file can be restored to the original plurality of data files on the host device side, and these data files can be easily used individually on the host device side.

  Next, the file integration means creates a real single file by alternately arranging a data portion constituting each data file and a header portion including at least specific information of the data file to which the data portion belongs. can do. Thereby, file integration can be achieved in a packing format in which the original data file can be identified by the header part, and a plurality of data files can be easily restored from the actual single file.

  More specifically, the file integration means can be realized by a function of file compression and packing software equipped with a data file compression engine. In this case, the header includes compression specification specifying information for specifying the specification of the compression processing applied to the data portion. As a result, it is possible to easily construct a file integration function realization program by diverting specifications of existing file compression and packing software such as LHA and ZIP.

  Here, even if the file compression packing software is used, the data portion of the actual single file does not necessarily need to be compressed. That is, the file integration means can incorporate the data part into an actual single file without compression. By not performing data compression, it is possible to reduce the addition of data processing on the network type storage device side serving as a TCP / IP server. In this case, the compression specification specifying information may be specified as indicating “non-compressed”.

  File integration is intended for multiple data files in a removable storage medium, but an actual single file embodied by integration is converted to the actual single file in a transfer sequence on a TCP / IP network. It is only necessary that a matching data array is realized. For example, the file integrated transfer means, after opening the TCP port, the file integrated transfer means creates a header portion corresponding to the data file, reads out the data file corresponding to the header portion, and uses this as the data portion as the header portion. , And sequentially transferring the data portion combined with the header portion to the host device, and after the transfer processing is completed, the TCP port is closed. As a result, the actual single file is no longer created in the form of actualization on the memory on the network storage device side, and unnecessary data writing to the memory on the network storage device side (including removable storage media) is reduced. Therefore, the transfer processing load can be further reduced.

  Next, a plurality of data files to be integrated may be stored in a data folder managed on the root directory in the removable storage medium. The network type storage device may be provided with virtual single file specifying information converting means for converting data folder specifying information for specifying a data folder into virtual single file specifying information. Further, the virtual single file specifying information disclosing means may disclose the virtual single file specifying information obtained by the conversion to the host device. Most memory cards that are removable storage media use a format in which the size of the root directory, which is a fixed area, is set to be small in order to secure a large data area. For this reason, with memory cards used in digital cameras and camera-equipped mobile phones, there is no practical situation where a large number of data files (image files) are placed directly on the root directory. A method of storing data files in a managed data folder is inevitably adopted. Thus, if the data files to be integrated and transferred are collected in the folder on the root directory by using this reversely, the data files to be transferred collectively can be easily specified by the storage destination folder.

  When normal folder transfer is executed with TCP / IP, a process of transferring a folder and a data file stored in the folder separately is executed, and opening and closing of a TCP connection is executed each time. There is no change in the situation. Therefore, in order to reduce the processing load due to frequent TCP connections, it is necessary in any case to integrate a plurality of data files in a folder into a single file.

  In this case, since the data file to be transferred on the removable storage medium is stored in the data folder, this folder name is reflected in the virtual single file specifying information disclosed to the host device from the network type storage device side. If the data is transferred from the host device by the virtual single file specifying information, the network type storage device that becomes the TCP / IP server stores the data file in which data folder. It can be easily analyzed from the virtual single file specifying information.

Specifically, when performing data file transfer via a folder, the virtual single file specifying information converting means
Configure the folder name to be converted into a virtual single file name that constitutes virtual single file identification information by adding an identifier indicating that it is a virtual single file to the folder name that constitutes data folder identification information Can do. The file integrated transfer means receives a file transfer request issued from the host device using the file name of the data file to be transferred, and determines whether or not the file name is a virtual single file name including an identifier. A file name determination means;
Folder name extracting means for extracting a folder name from the virtual single file name when it is determined that the file name is a virtual single file name, and a plurality of data folders in the data folder identified by the extracted folder name Real single file transfer means for integrating the data files as real single files and transferring the real single files to the host device;
The data file that has not been determined to be a virtual single file name by the virtual single file name determination unit can be constructed as having a normal file transfer unit that transfers the data file to the host device as a normal file without integrating the files.

  That is, when a data file transfer request is made from the host device side to the network type storage device, the transfer request is made by designating the file name in TCP / IP. In this case, as long as the specified conditions are satisfied, whether the entity is an individual data file that actually exists on the network type storage device side or a virtual single file that does not originally exist on the network type storage device side. Regardless, TCP / IP allows the transfer of the file name. Once the network type storage device side is reached, the network type storage device side determines whether or not the file name is a virtual single file name including the identifier by an analysis process independent of TCP / IP. Can be determined. If this is determined to be a virtual single file name, the data folder storing the data file to be transferred is accessed using the folder name included in the virtual single file name as a clue, and the virtual single file name is determined. An integrated file that does not exist at the reception stage is created on the spot, and is transferred as a real single file corresponding to the requested virtual single file name to the host device according to TCP / IP. That is, since TCP / IP is a communication protocol to the last, if the file name and file format are permitted by the protocol, the storage folder of the transfer data file is “file name” (which does not actually exist). (Virtual single file) file name), and transferring it in the form of an integrated file, this is essentially a transfer process for multiple data files. It can be recognized on TCP / IP as a file transfer process (in other words, TCP / IP is deceived). As a result, a process of transferring a plurality of data files by opening / disconnecting a TCP connection once, which was originally impossible on TCP / IP, can be realized without changing any protocol specifications.

  It should be noted that the actual single file created by the file integration needs to be restored to the original plurality of data files after being transferred to the host device (for example, decompression processing for releasing packing or compression). In this case, when the number of files in the data folder is not large, the load increase due to the TCP connection is not so remarkable, and the normal folder transfer by TCP / IP is more convenient because the data file restoration process is unnecessary. Sometimes it becomes. Therefore, the virtual single file specifying information disclosing means can publish the folder name of the data folder storing a plurality of data files together with the virtual single file name corresponding to the data folder on the host device. In this case, when the file integrated transfer means receives a transfer request for the data file in the data folder by the folder name from the host device, the file integrated transfer means individually stores the data files in the data folder by the normal file transfer means. When a request for transferring a data file in a data folder is received with a virtual single file name while transferring (that is, normal folder transfer), transfer is performed in a form integrated into a real single file by a real single file transfer means. Can be. As a result, it is possible to select and execute the normal folder transfer and the integrated transfer to the actual single file as required by the user on the host device side.

  An FTP communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings as appropriate. Note that the configuration of the FTP communication system described below is merely an example for embodying the present invention, and it is natural that the configuration can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the FTP communication system 1. The FTP communication system 1 includes a printer 80, a host device (personal computer: hereinafter referred to as “PC”) 3 that uses the printer 80 as a network printer, and a local area network, and includes the printer 80 and the host device 3. And a TCP / IP network 410 to be connected.

  FIG. 2 shows an external configuration of the printer 80. The printer 80 is a so-called multi-function device (MFD), and is configured as a printer multi-function machine in which the multi-reader / writer 2 forming a network type storage device is incorporated in a printer. Specifically, the printing unit 82 disposed in the lower part of the casing, the scanner unit 83 disposed in the upper part, the document cover 86 provided with the document feeder 84, and the front side of the upper surface of the apparatus. An operation panel 85 and a multi-reader / writer 2 disposed so that media mounting slots (hereinafter also simply referred to as “slots”) 16 to 19 are exposed on the front surface of the apparatus. It has a scanner function, a copy function, and a facsimile function.

  The printer 80 prints an image or document on a predetermined sheet in the printing unit 82 based on print data including image data and document data transmitted from the PC 3 (FIG. 1). Further, the printing unit 82 prints an image or a document on a predetermined sheet (direct printing) based on the print data read from the memory card (detachable storage medium) by the multi-reader / writer 2. Further, it functions as a reader / writer device that is connected to the PC 3 and performs data communication between the PC 3 and the memory card inserted into the multi-reader / writer 2. Further, the image data read by the scanner unit 83 can be transmitted to the PC 3, and the image read by the scanner unit 83 can be copied using the printing unit 82.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the multi-reader / writer 2 of the printer 80 inserts the first slot 16 for inserting the first memory card 11 and the second memory card 12 into the media mounting slots 16 to 19. The second slot 17, the third slot 18 for inserting the third memory card 13, and the fourth slot 19 for inserting the fourth memory card 14. In addition, a liquid crystal panel (LCD) 21 as a display unit, a keyboard 91 including a numeric keypad, and a cursor movement key 92 used for moving the cursor on the LCD 21 are provided on the front surface of the housing. Various menu keys 93 and 95 are also arranged at positions adjacent to the liquid crystal panel (LCD) 21. The multi-reader / writer 2 is configured as a USB / SCSI type peripheral device.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the printer 80. The multi-reader / writer 2 includes a CPU 34 for controlling each component and a ROM 35 (in this embodiment, a non-volatile memory (flash memory memory, etc.) for storing control programs and various data. And a RAM 37 serving as a work area for computations by the CPU 34 are connected to each other via the bus 33 so that data can be transferred to each other. The slots 16 to 19 are connected to the bus 33 via the flash memory control LSI 231. The first to fourth memory cards 11 to 14 which are detachably attached to the lots 16 to 19 are, for example, compact flash (CF: first memory card 11), smart media (SM: second memory card 12). Equipped with flash memory that allows data access such as writing, rewriting, erasing, reading, and media loading confirmation by PC3, such as memory stick (MS: memory card 13), SD memory card (SD: fourth memory card 14), etc. Card-type storage media. Note that a miniSD card can be mounted in the SD memory card slot 19 using a conversion adapter (not shown).

  A printing unit 82 is connected to the bus 33 via a printing unit driver LSI 113. The scanner unit 132 is connected via the scanner driver LSI 112. Further, a modem driver LSI 114 is connected, and a telephone line terminal 133 for connecting an external telephone communication network or the like is connected thereto. On the other hand, the above-described LCD 21, keyboard 91, cursor movement key 92, and the like are connected via the input / display LSI 111. Further, the PC 33 as the host device is connected to the bus 33 via the Ethernet (registered trademark) LSI 232, the local area network terminal 24, and the first network. The plurality of PCs 3 and the printer 80 are interconnected by the hub 7 in the TCP / IP network 410 (see FIG. 1).

  The ROM 35 has a program for controlling the operation of the printing unit 82, a program for controlling the operation of the scanner unit 132, a program for controlling fax communication via the modem 114, and the keyboard 91 or the cursor movement key 92 (and FIG. 3). In FIG. 4, a program for controlling input from the menu keys 93 and 95 and the execution key 94, display output to the LCD 21, and an operation control program for the multi-reader / writer 2 are stored. The CPU 34 performs comprehensive operation control as a multifunction printer by executing these programs using the RAM 37 as an execution area (these programs are well-known parts and are not shown).

  The ROM 35 stores an FTP server program. The FTP server program is for transferring a specific file from the printer 80 (multi-reader / writer 2: or network storage device) to the PC 3 (host device) in which the FTP client program is incorporated via the TCP / IP network. It is a program and forms the main body of the TCP / IP server function providing means. Further, the ROM 35 also stores an IP address and subnet mask for specifying the printer 80 on the TCP / IP network 410.

  A memory card (detachable storage medium) 11-14 storing a print file is mounted in the media mounting slots 16-19, and the print file is read from the mounted memory card 11-14, and the printing is performed. It is used as a direct printing slot for directly executing image printing based on the file for use in a printing unit provided in itself. For example, in the case of a digital camera or camera-equipped mobile phone, photograph images taken with the camera are stored and stored in a unique type of memory card attached to the card reader of the digital camera in the form of a JPEG image file. . Therefore, the memory card is removed and attached to the corresponding one of the slots 16 to 19 of the printer 80, and the keyboard 91, the cursor movement key 92 or the menu keys 93 and 95 are operated on the liquid crystal panel (LCD) 21. If the “direct printing” menu is selected and executed, a desired photo image file can be selected and directly printed.

  Further, the multi-reader / writer 2 can be accessed from the PC 3 side via the TCP / IP network 410 by the FTP server program on the printer 80 side and the FTP client program on the PC 3 side. Specifically, when a file transfer request is transmitted from the PC 3 side to the printer 80 in the form of designating the file name of the data file, the printer 80 reads out the data file designated by the file name from the mounted memory card. Can be transferred to the PC 3. That is, the multi-reader / writer 2 can be used as an external storage device of the PC 3.

  In file transfer via FTP, TCP, for example, port 21 is used in a fixed manner. The aforementioned FTP server program waits at the port assigned to itself and receives, for example, when a file name transferred from the PC 3 side arrives there, and sends the corresponding file to the multi-reader / writer 2. A process of reading from the mounted memory card and transferring it to the PC 3 is performed. Specifically, since the connection is from the PC 3 to the printer 80 (FTP server), the PC 3 adds information on “connection destination: partner port 21 and connection source: port used by itself” to the TCP transmission data. . Upon receiving this, the printer 80 passes the data to the FTP connected to the 21st port, and receives the return data therefrom. Thereafter, the printer 80 adds information of “connection destination: port used by the other party, connection source: own port 21” to the port of the PC 3 that is the connection source, and returns data by TCP.

  In communication control by TCP, first, the connecting side and the connected side open a TCP connection by opening each other's TCP port (connected state). As a result, the communication line is in a connected state, and the data generated by the exchange with the application protocol can be exchanged with the other party's TCP. After the exchange of data transmission / reception between TCPs, the communication line is disconnected, that is, the TCP ports that are connected to each other are closed. As described above, the TCP connection needs to be established once for each data file transfer (FIG. 11), and it is not possible to continuously transfer a plurality of data files with the TCP port open. Not allowed by protocol.

  Here, as an example, a large number (for example, 2000) of image data files with a high compression rate (for example, one size of about 20 kB) are stored in a memory card (for example, a miniSD card) of a camera-equipped mobile phone. A situation is considered in which this is mounted on the multi-reader / writer 2 of the printer 80 and a large number of the image data files are transferred to the PC 3 at once. Since each data file is small, the total amount of data to be transferred is at most 20 MB even if there are 2000 files. However, when these files are transferred individually, connection / disconnection of ports occurs by the number of files, so that it takes tens of minutes to transfer 2000 image data files as described above.

In order to solve this problem, a file integrated transfer program is stored in the ROM 35 in FIG. 2, and the following means are realized by executing the program.
Virtual single file specification information transmission means: Host information for specifying information of a virtual single file obtained by virtually integrating a plurality of data files stored in the removable storage media 11 to 14 via the TCP / IP network 410 Publish on 3.
Single file transfer request receiving means: receives a single file transfer request issued by the host apparatus 3 using the published virtual single file specifying information via the TCP / IP network 410.
File integrated transfer means: receives a single file transfer request, opens a TCP port defined for file transfer, and in that state, integrates a plurality of data files into an actual single file, and sets the TCP / IP network 410 And the TCP port is closed after the transfer is completed.

  The plurality of data files are recognized as virtual single files on the host device 3 side, and a transfer request is issued using the virtual single file specifying information (single file transfer request). In response to this, the printer 80 (multi-reader / writer 2: network type storage device) side opens a TCP port (here, No. 21 port) determined for file transfer, and in that state, in the memory card. The plurality of data files are integrated into an actual single file, transferred to the host apparatus 3 via the TCP / IP network 410, and the TCP port is closed after the transfer is completed. In other words, in spite of a request for transferring a plurality of data files, the PC 3 side issues a transfer instruction as one file, and the printer 80 side also integrates the plurality of data files into one. Since the transfer process is performed, the TCP port open / close process can be performed only once despite the transfer process of a plurality of data files. For example, when the above-mentioned 2000 file transfer is performed, the transfer process is substantially equal to the transfer process for one 20 MB file corresponding to the total data amount, and the transfer time can be shortened to several minutes at most. it can.

This will be described in more detail below.
The format of the memory card is also determined by emulating a hard disk format compliant with ANSI (American National Standard Institute). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, a data storage area 308 in which storage data can be read, written, and erased in units of files, an occupation area of each data file in the data storage area 308, and data Free area not occupied by files, file management information storage area 307 for storing file management information described so that the position in the data storage area 308 can be specified, and the head side of the file management information storage area 307 The boot sector 304 adjacent to each other is formed so as to constitute only one partition area in the medium. The boot sector 304 is secured as a storage sector of an initial program loader (IPL) for using the partition area as a boot disk. In addition, the file management information storage area 307 stores a storage sector 305 of a file allocation table (FAT) that stores an occupied sector number of a data file in association with a file name and a root directory of the data file from the head side. A sector 306 is secured. Also, in the area including the first sector of the card (media), the partition area is searched for the presence or absence of the initial program loader, a master boot program for starting it, a partition table storing partition information in the medium, A master boot record (MBR) sector 302 is stored for storing.

  A plurality of data files in the data storage area 308 are not arranged directly on the root directory 306 but are managed in a form stored in a data folder managed on the root directory 306 as shown in FIG. Has been. In order to secure a wide data storage area 308, the root directory 306 serving as a fixed area has a small size. In digital cameras and camera-equipped mobile phones, a folder (subdirectory) is always created on the root directory 306, and a large number of data files (image files) are stored in the folder. .

  In the present embodiment, processing is performed in which the data files to be transferred are integrated on a folder basis and transferred to the PC 3 side as a virtual single file. In this case, the virtual file name (virtual single file specifying information) reflecting the folder name is disclosed to the PC 3 from the printer 80 (network type storage device) side as information for specifying the virtual single file. Is done. By selecting this virtual file name, the PC 3 can request transfer of the data files in the corresponding folder at once.

  FIG. 10 shows a processing sequence according to FTP. When the PC 3 side accesses the memory card in the printer 80 using WEB browser software (for example, Internet Explorer (registered trademark)) (T1), the PC 3 Log on to the FTP server (printer 80). Next, the PC 3 transmits a command for instructing the file list display of the root directory 306 to the FTP server.

  For example, in FIG. 5, a plurality of image data files (JPEG format) (file names, File1.jpg, File2.jpg,...) Are stored in a folder having the folder name “Picture”. In this case, the printer 80 side adds the identifier “.folder.lzh” indicating that it is a virtual single file following the folder name “Picture”, thereby changing the folder name to the virtual file name (virtual file name (virtual file name). Single file specifying information) “Picture.folder.lzh” (“.lzh” is an extension indicating a packing file (in the case of LHA format: “.zip” in the case of ZIP format)). (U2), and this is included in the file list information and published on the PC 3.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 10, a file list including the virtual file name of the memory card is displayed on the browsing window 101 (T1). In this state, a file to be transferred is selected and a known transfer command is executed (for example, drag-and-drop on the desktop) (T3) to transfer the file to the FTP server side via the TCP / IP network 410. The instruction is transmitted, and the transfer process is started (U3).

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the data folder is disclosed on the PC 3 in the form of the original folder 104 in addition to the virtual file 103. When receiving a data file transfer request by the folder name from the host device 3, the data files in the folder are individually transferred in a state stored in the data folder by a normal file transfer sequence by FTP. On the other hand, when a transfer request is received with a virtual single file name, the transfer is integrated into a real single file as described below. Hereinafter, the transfer process with integration into a real single file will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, when a transfer target file is selected on the PC 3 side, the file name is transferred to the printer 80 (network type storage device) according to FTP via the TCP / IP network 410 (S1). In response to this, the printer 80 determines whether or not the file name is a virtual single file name including the above-described identifier “.folder.lzh” (S2). If the identifier “.folder.lzh” does not exist and the file name is not a virtual single file name, the process proceeds to S10, and normal file transfer by FTP is performed. On the other hand, if it is determined that the file name is a virtual single file name, the folder name is extracted by removing the identifier from the virtual single file name (S3). If the extracted folder name does not exist, the process proceeds to S11 to display an error.

  On the other hand, if the folder name exists, the process proceeds to S4, the TCP port is opened, the folder specified by the extracted folder name (“Picture”) is accessed, and the data file corresponding to the header portion is read. Then, this is combined as a data portion with the header portion, and the processing of transferring the combined data portion to the host device is sequentially executed (S6 to S8). When the transfer of all data files is completed, the TCP port is closed (S9). Prior to the transfer of the header part + data part, CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check) is sequentially executed as an error check process for the data part (S5).

  As a result, on the transfer sequence via the TCP / IP network 410, as shown in FIG. 6, a data part constituting each data file and a header part including at least specific information of the data file to which the data part belongs are included. The data array of the real single file to be replaced is realized. The file integration algorithm is realized by well-known file compression and packaging software (in this embodiment, the LHA utility is used, but the ZIP utility may be used) equipped with a data file compression engine. FIG. 7 shows an example of a header used for an LHA format packing file (level 0). This header includes compression specification specifying information (type of compression method) for specifying the specification of compression processing applied to the data portion. Note that the data portion of the actual single file is not necessarily compressed, and in this embodiment, the data portion is not compressed. In this case, the information related to the “type of compression method” in the header indicates “non-compression”, and the decoding process of the compressed data is not executed during the packing decompression process.

  On the PC 3 side that receives the packing file, the packing file is restored to the data file before integration by installing file compression / decompression software (Fig .: file separation and storage means) corresponding to the compressed packing format (see FIG. The process of defrosting can be executed easily. However, in the case of a self-extracting type packing file in which the decompression software part is incorporated, it is not necessary to separately install the file compression / decompression software on the PC 3 side (in this case, the PC 3 is acquired with the acquisition of the self-extracting type packing file). Is naturally given the function of the file separation and storage means.

The block diagram which shows the outline of the whole structure of the communication system of this invention. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a printer applied to a communication system of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an electrical configuration of a printer. The conceptual diagram of the sector structure of a memory card. The conceptual diagram which shows the directory structure in a memory card. Structure diagram of a real single file. The figure which shows an example of a header part. The sequence diagram which shows the flow of the file transfer process according to FTP. The flowchart which shows the flow of a file integrated transfer process. The figure which shows the example of a display of the file list on a host apparatus. The figure explaining the subject of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 Communication System 2 Multi-Reader / Writer (Network Type Storage Device)
3 PC (host device)
16-19 Slot for media loading 11-14 Memory card (detachable storage media)
410 TCP / IP network

Claims (12)

A network type comprising a slot for mounting a medium and a removable storage medium comprising a non-volatile memory capable of reading, writing and erasing stored data in units of files and detachably mounted in the slot for mounting the medium A storage device and a host device connected to the network storage device via a TCP / IP network, and the network storage device
TCP / IP server function giving means for causing the network storage device itself to function as a TCP / IP server for the host device;
Virtual single file identification information transmission for publishing on the host device via the TCP / IP network the identification information of the virtual single file virtually integrating a plurality of data files stored in the removable storage medium Means,
Single file transfer request receiving means for receiving, via the TCP / IP network, a single file transfer request issued by the host device using the published virtual single file specifying information;
Upon receiving the single file transfer request, a TCP port defined for file transfer is opened, and in this state, the plurality of data files are integrated into a real single file, and the host is connected via the TCP / IP network. A file integrated transfer means for transferring to the device and closing the TCP port after completion of the transfer;
A communication system characterized by comprising:   The communication system according to claim 1, wherein the TCP / IP server function providing unit causes the network storage device to function as an FTP server.   The communication system according to claim 1, wherein the host device includes a file separation and storage unit that separates and stores the received real single file into the plurality of original data files.   The file integration means creates the real single file by alternately arranging a data portion constituting each data file and a header portion including at least specific information of the data file to which the data portion belongs. The communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.   The file integration means is realized by a function of file compression packing software equipped with a compression engine for the data file, and the header includes a compression specification for specifying a specification of compression processing applied to the data portion. The communication system according to claim 4, wherein the specific information is included.   6. The communication system according to claim 5, wherein the file integration means incorporates the data part into the actual single file without compression.   The file integrated transfer means creates the header portion corresponding to the data file after opening the TCP port, reads the data file corresponding to the header portion, and combines this as the data portion with the header portion. The communication system according to claim 5 or 6, wherein a process of transferring the data part combined with the header part to the host device is sequentially executed, and the TCP port is closed after the transfer process is completed. The plurality of data files to be integrated are stored in a data folder managed on a root directory in the removable storage medium,
The network type storage device is provided with virtual single file specifying information converting means for converting data folder specifying information for specifying the data folder into the virtual single file specifying information,
The communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the virtual single file specifying information disclosing unit releases the virtual single file specifying information obtained by the conversion to the host device. The virtual single file specifying information converting means adds the identifier indicating the virtual single file to the folder name forming the data folder specifying information, thereby changing the folder name to the virtual single file specifying information. Is converted to a virtual single file name
The file integrated transfer means includes:
Virtual single file name determination that receives a file transfer request issued from the host device using the file name of the data file to be transferred and determines whether the file name is a virtual single file name including the identifier Means,
A folder name extracting unit that extracts the folder name from the virtual single file name when the file name is determined to be the virtual single file name, and is specified by the extracted folder name; A real single file transfer means for integrating a plurality of the data files in a data folder as the real single file and transferring the real single file to the host device;
Normal file transfer means for transferring a data file that has not been determined to be the virtual single file name by the virtual single file name determination means to the host device without file integration as a normal file;
The communication system according to claim 8. The virtual single file specifying information disclosing means is for publishing the folder name of the data folder storing a plurality of the data files together with the virtual single file name corresponding to the data folder on the host device,
When the file integrated transfer means receives a transfer request for the data file in the data folder with the folder name from the host device, the normal file transfer means stores the data file in the data folder. In the case where a request for transferring the data file in the data folder is received with the virtual single file name, the form is integrated into the real single file by the real single file transfer means. The communication system according to claim 9, wherein the communication is performed using A network type storage device used in the communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
TCP / IP server function giving means for causing the network storage device itself to function as a TCP / IP server for the host device;
Virtual single file identification information transmission for publishing on the host device via the TCP / IP network the identification information of the virtual single file virtually integrating a plurality of data files stored in the removable storage medium Means,
Single file transfer request receiving means for receiving, via the TCP / IP network, a single file transfer request issued by the host device using the published virtual single file specifying information;
Upon receiving the single file transfer request, a TCP port defined for file transfer is opened, and in this state, the plurality of data files are integrated into a real single file, and the host is connected via the TCP / IP network. And a file integrated transfer means for transferring to the device and closing the TCP port after the transfer is completed.   The network type is configured as a network printer capable of executing printing based on print data transmitted to the host device via the TCP / IP network and transmitted from the host device via the TCP / IP network. 12. A direct printing slot unit for performing direct printing based on print data stored in the removable storage medium mounted on a storage device is configured as a network type storage device according to claim 11. Printer.

Images