JP2008299739A - Information processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To confirm a layout and edition via a preview, using simple operations, without having to use a PC or impair deteriorating low power consumption of a portable apparatus, in an environment where the portable apparatus and a printer are connected directly together. <P>SOLUTION: The information processing system includes a cellular phone 2, which has a communication part 20, a display part 22 and an image processing part 25, and the printer 1 having a communication part 14 and a preview image generating part 17. Data generated by the image processing part 25 are transmitted to the printer 1 by the communication part 20. Based on the data, preview image data are generated by the preview image generating part 17 and are transmitted to the cellular phone 2 by the communication part 14. As a result of this, the cellular phone 2 can automatically receive the preview image, and a print image can be verified on the cellular phone 2. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing system including a portable terminal that can acquire image data by imaging, communication, and the like, and a printer that prints the image data.

  In recent years, the development of mobile terminals has been remarkable, and in particular, many mobile phones are on the market. In recent years, mobile phones have not only ordinary voice calls, but also an e-mail transmission / reception function, a still image by a camera, a moving image imaging function, and the like.

  FIG. 16 is an image diagram showing how the mobile phone is used. In FIG. 16, the mobile phone 2 has a voice call function, an e-mail transmission / reception function, and an imaging function using a camera. A captured image can be transmitted and received.

  In addition, the mobile phone 2 can connect to the server 93 via the Internet 92 connected to the mobile phone network 90 to obtain news information and the like, and can also obtain information such as the PC 94 and electronic mail via the Internet 92. You can send and receive.

  In addition, the cellular phone 2 can communicate with the printer 1 and the PC 94 with e-mail data and photographing by a communication method based on a wireless communication standard such as a wireless LAN or a Bluetooth standard, or a communication method based on a wired communication standard such as LAN or USB. Image data can be sent and received.

  As a prior art when printing directly from the mobile phone 2 to the printer 1, in Patent Document 1, an image stored in a recording medium such as a mobile phone is selected, and the selected image has a predetermined output specification, paper size, etc. A technique for designating and outputting to a printer is disclosed. Also, in Patent Document 2, an image transmission device such as a mobile phone classifies a plurality of images for each parameter indicating the nature of the image, generates a directory based on the parameters, and allows the image reception device to easily select an image. The technology is disclosed.

JP-A-11-46331 JP 2001-230999 A

  However, the above prior art is a prior art for facilitating designation of output specifications before printing, and selection of an image on the receiving side when transmitting a plurality of images. In this technology, in order to obtain a preview image for confirming what kind of output the print result will be after a predetermined layout or image editing, the image data stored in the portable device is temporarily stored. It is transmitted to a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as PC). Then, after performing layout / editing operations on the PC, a preview image is created by driver software in the PC, displayed on the display screen of the PC, and after confirmation, the printer is instructed to print.

  However, when using a PC to layout / edit an image in a mobile device or confirm it with a preview image, etc., in a general home, a normally powered off PC is started up and image data is acquired from the mobile device. . After that, the software for editing is started up, the layout and editing are performed while checking the preview image, and then the print is instructed to print the image. This work is very troublesome.

  A possible second method is a method in which a portable device has a layout / editing function and a preview image creation function. However, low power consumption is an important product element for mobile phones and the like, and if the above functions are provided in a mobile phone or the like, it becomes necessary to perform high-speed processing and low power consumption cannot be realized. .

  If all the programs for printing are stored in the mobile phone, the capacity of an element such as an EEPROM for storing the program must be increased, which increases the cost of the mobile phone.

  In view of the actual situation, the present invention makes it easy to check the above layout, editing, preview, etc. without using a PC without damaging the low power consumption of the portable device in an environment where the portable device and the printer are directly connected. The first purpose is what can be done by work. A second object of the present invention is to provide a system that does not hinder the printing process even if the printing program is not always stored in the mobile phone.

An information processing system according to the present invention includes a portable information device including a display unit and an input unit, and a printer including at least one of a preview image generation unit and an image selection processing program.
The information processing system according to the present invention includes a first information processing apparatus including a first communication unit, a display unit, and a data generation unit, a second communication unit and a preview image generation unit. An information processing system comprising: an information processing apparatus configured to transmit the data generated by the data generation unit to the second information processing apparatus by a first communication unit, and based on the data, the preview Preview image data is generated by the image generation means, and is transmitted to the first information processing apparatus by the second communication means.
An information processing system according to the present invention includes a first information processing apparatus including a first communication unit, a display unit, a data generation unit, a first storage unit, and a first control unit, and a second communication. And a second information processing apparatus comprising a second storage means, wherein the data generated by the data generation means is transmitted to the second communication means by the first communication means. A program that is transmitted to an information processing device, wherein the second information processing device receives the data by the second communication means, and that is stored in the second storage means in response to the reception of the data Is transmitted to the first information processing apparatus by the second communication means, and the first information processing apparatus stores the program in the first storage means.
An information processing system according to the present invention includes a first information processing apparatus including a first communication unit and a storage unit, a removable storage medium, and a second information processing unit including a second communication unit. A storage control means for storing the address information stored in the storage means in the storage medium, and the storage medium storing the address information includes: The second information processing apparatus can be mounted, and the first information processing apparatus is specified by the second communication means based on the address information.
In addition, the information processing system of the present invention includes a first information processing apparatus and a second communication unit including an electronic mail receiving unit, a storage unit that stores data attached to the electronic mail, and a first communication unit. An information processing system comprising: a second information processing apparatus, further comprising a detecting means for detecting that the data is attached to the e-mail; according to a detection result of the detecting means, Processing related to the second information processing apparatus is executed.

In the present invention, a preview image can be automatically received by transmitting photographed image data and the like from a portable device having a keyboard such as a cellular phone to a printer. For this reason, there exists an effect which can confirm a printing image with a portable apparatus.
In addition, a program relating to image printing can be automatically received by transmitting photographed image data or the like from a portable device to a printer. For this reason, since the program related to printing can be stored in the portable device only during the printing process and the memory area of the portable device can be shared with other processing programs, there is an effect that the memory can be saved.
In addition, by transmitting photographed image data or the like to a printer, it is possible to automatically receive a preview image in an album printing layout or a postcard printing layout. For this reason, it is possible to perform editing processing such as text input and layout change with a simple key operation, and there is an effect that a print image can be confirmed on a portable device by a preview image each time editing is performed.
Further, when the preview image is transmitted to the mobile device, the fixed sentence and the address book can be transmitted to the mobile device together. For this reason, there exists an effect which can simplify the edit process performed with a portable apparatus.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, information is exchanged between the mobile phone 2 and the printer 1 by wireless communication based on the BlueTooth standard, and a preview image as shown in FIGS. 3B to 3E is generated. To do.

  FIG. 2 is an external view of the mobile phone 2. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 50 denotes a display using color LCD technology, which performs color display of photographed images, display of text when creating an e-mail, display of thumbnail images and preview images received from a printer, and the like. .

  Reference numeral 51 denotes a numeric keyboard (keyboard) for inputting a telephone number and characters for creating an e-mail. Reference numeral 52 denotes a cursor key, which is used for cursor movement at the time of mail creation, character string selection, display message selection, and the like.

  An image selection key 53 is used when a specific image is selected from a plurality of thumbnail images. Reference numeral 54 denotes a determination key, which is used for determining a character string when creating a mail, determining when selecting a display message, and the like. A shutter 55 is used as a shutter when taking a picture. Reference numeral 56 denotes a transmission key, which is used when image data is transmitted to a printer.

  Reference numeral 57 denotes a speaker during a call, and 58 denotes a microphone during the call. 26 is an antenna, and 24 is a camera unit.

  FIG. 1 shows a system comprising a mobile phone 2 (including a first information processing apparatus referred to in the present invention) and an printer 1 (including a second information processing apparatus referred to in the present invention) whose external appearance has been described with reference to FIG. It is a block diagram which shows (information processing system). The system shown in this figure is a system in which the mobile phone 2 and the printer 1 can perform wireless communication in accordance with the BlueTooth standard.

  In FIG. 1, a print engine 10 included in the printer 1 is a print engine unit using a color inkjet printing technique. An inkjet head, a carriage moving mechanism, a paper feed mechanism, a recovery mechanism, and the like are included.

  In this embodiment, a printer capable of printing based on image data from the mobile phone 2 is used. However, an e-mail may be printed by a command from the mobile phone, and a personal computer (PC) or server may be used. By connecting, it may be possible to print a text or a table document.

  The print control unit 11 supplies a print signal to the print engine 10 and supplies an energization signal to the motor included in the carriage movement mechanism and the paper feed mechanism.

  Reference numeral 14 denotes a communication unit that receives image data sent from the mobile phone 2 according to the Bluetooth communication standard of Bluetooth and transmits a preview image (preview image data) and the like generated to the mobile phone 2. The communication unit 14 corresponds to the second communication means referred to in the present invention.

  A communication management unit 15 controls communication with the mobile phone 2. The communication procedure will be described later together with the flowchart of FIG.

  An image storage unit 12 stores received image data, print image data, and the like under the control of the communication management unit 15. Reference numeral 16 denotes a print image processing unit, which generates a print image suitable for the print engine 10 when image data is sent from the mobile phone 2. The created print image data is stored in the above-described image storage unit 12 together with attributes such as an image number.

  Reference numeral 17 denotes a preview image generation unit that generates a preview image in accordance with the number of display dots of the mobile phone 2 and the color gradation from the print image data stored in the image storage unit 12. Reference numeral 18 denotes a contour emphasis processing unit, which generates a print image data in which a contour portion is extracted and emphasized from print image data stored in the image storage unit 12 by a change in color tone or generation of a contour line. A thumbnail image generation unit 19 generates a plurality of thumbnail images from the print image data stored in the image storage unit 12 so that a plurality of thumbnail images can be displayed on the display unit 22 of the mobile phone 2 as shown in FIG. To do. Note that at least one of the preview image generation unit 17, the contour enhancement processing unit 18, and the thumbnail image generation unit 19 corresponds to the preview image generation means referred to in the present invention.

  Reference numeral 13 denotes an image selection processing program, which is a control program transmitted to the mobile phone 2 when image printing processing is performed. The image selection processing program 13 corresponds to the image selection processing program referred to in the present invention. The image selection processing program 13 is stored in a storage means (not shown), and the storage means corresponds to the second storage means in the present invention.

  A telephone line / communication unit 27 included in the mobile phone 2 is a communication unit as a telephone call function, and makes a call by emitting radio waves from the antenna 26 during a voice call. When sending / receiving mails to / from other mobile phones, the text data is transmitted / received wirelessly based on the text data together with the mail address.

  Reference numeral 28 denotes a voice processing unit, which processes voice calls. Reference numeral 29 denotes a CPU that performs processing of the entire mobile phone 2, provides a mail function, and generates a display image from a captured image by the display image generation program 30. Further, the CPU 29 performs processing for selecting an image to be printed, learning processing by the learning program 32, and the like under the control of the image selection processing program 31 received from the printer 1.

  The image selection processing program 31 described above is a characteristic program of the present embodiment, and is a program for selecting an image to be printed while viewing a preview image. The image selection processing procedure processed by the CPU 29 will be described later with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  Reference numeral 22 denotes a display unit, which includes the display 50 shown in FIG. 2 and a drive circuit for driving the display 50. Reference numeral 23 denotes an input unit, which includes the numeric keyboard 51, the cursor key 52, the image selection key 53, the decision key 54, the shutter 55, and the transmission key 56 shown in FIG. The display unit 22 corresponds to the display unit referred to in the present invention, and the input unit 23 corresponds to the input unit referred to in the present invention.

  Reference numeral 24 denotes a camera unit, which is provided at the position shown in FIG. 2 and includes a lens mechanism, a CCD which is a photoelectric conversion element, and the like. An image processing unit 25 causes the camera unit 24 to perform imaging processing when the shutter 55 is pressed, and performs image processing, data compression processing, and the like based on photoelectrically converted image data. The configuration for generating the image data including the image processing unit 25 and the like corresponds to the data generation means referred to in the present invention.

  The memory 33 is a semiconductor memory such as a flash memory or a RAM that can be randomly accessed for writing and reading. As information to be stored, a mail address and a telephone number are stored in the address book storage unit 34 together with a name. The received and transmitted e-mail is stored in the mail storage unit 35. The image storage unit 36 stores an image captured using the camera unit 24, image data processed by the image processing unit 25, a thumbnail image or a preview image sent from the printer. The mail prediction dictionary storage unit 37 stores a prediction dictionary that assists in text creation when creating an email. The kana-kanji conversion dictionary 39 stores a dictionary for kana-kanji conversion when the cursor key 52 is pressed during text input.

  A communication unit 20 transmits image data to be sent to the printer 1 and receives a preview image from the printer 1 in accordance with the Bluetooth communication standard of Bluetooth. The communication unit 20 corresponds to the first communication means in the present invention.

  A communication management unit 21 controls communication with the printer. The communication procedure will be described later together with the flowchart of FIG. In the block diagram of FIG. 1, the power supply circuit and the clock generation circuit are not shown, but are naturally necessary components.

  An example of selecting a print image in the cellular phone 2 and the printer 1 described above with reference to FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the image data captured by the mobile phone 2 is transmitted to the printer 1, the printer 1 generates a preview image and a thumbnail image by the preview image generation unit 17 and the thumbnail image generation unit 19 in response to the reception of the image data. The data is transmitted to the mobile phone 2 by the communication unit 14.

  The cellular phone 2 displays the received thumbnail image as shown in FIG. 3A, and the user selects the cursor key 52 after pressing the image selection key 53 shown in FIG. To select one of the displayed thumbnail images. For example, the image 61 in FIG. 3 is selected. When the enter key 54 is pressed, a preview image 62 shown in FIG. Further, when the cursor key 52 is pressed, a preview image 63 with an outline enhanced is displayed on the display 50 as shown in FIG.

  When the thumbnail image is displayed, when the image 64 is selected and the enter key 54 is pressed, the preview image 65 shown in FIG. Further, when the cursor key 52 is pressed, a preview image 66 with an enhanced outline is displayed on the display 50 as shown in FIG.

  As described above, when the user selects an image while viewing the thumbnail image and wants to print it, the user confirms the image with the preview image and presses the enter key 54 to set the image number / attribute of the image being previewed to the printer 1. Send and print.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing flow when printing is performed while viewing a preview image in the system configured by the mobile phone 2 and the printer 1 described with reference to the block diagram of FIG.

  In the figure, the processes in steps S101 to S115 on the left side are performed by the mobile phone 2, and the processes in steps S121 to S143 on the right side are performed by the printer.

  In step S101, by pressing the shutter 55 shown in FIG. 2, the camera unit 24 takes a picture, and the photoelectrically converted imaging data is processed in the image processing unit 25. In step S102, the image storage unit 36 performs image processing. Stored image data.

  Step S103 is a determination as to whether or not the transmission key 56 has been pressed. If the user has pressed the transmission key 56, the process proceeds to step S104. If the user does not press it, steps S101 to S103 are repeated, and a plurality of photographs are taken.

  In step S104, the image data is transmitted to the printer 1 according to the Bluetooth standard, which is one of the wireless communication standards, by the processing of the communication management unit 15.

  FIG. 5 shows an example of a communication format when a captured image is transmitted. In FIG. 5, 45 is information for transmitting the capability of the mobile phone 2 to the printer 1 as device information, and transmits the LCD performance, the number of pixels, the transfer speed, and the storage capacity. Reference numeral 46 denotes an image data portion of a photographed image.

  The printer 1 receives the image data captured in step S131, and transmits the image selection processing program 13 to the mobile phone 2 in response to the reception of the image data under the control of the communication management unit 15 in step S132.

  In the mobile phone 2, in step S <b> 105, the image selection processing program is received and stored (stored) in the storage area 31-1 of the image selection processing program as a program executed by the CPU 29. Thereby, the mobile phone 2 executes the image selection process described in steps S107 to S115. The storage area 31-1 corresponds to the first storage means referred to in the present invention. Further, the CPU 29 loads the image selection processing program into a built-in RAM (not shown), for example, so that the program can be executed. The CPU 29 in this state corresponds to the first control means referred to in the present invention.

  In the present embodiment, the storage area 31-1 for the image selection program is secured independently, but other modes may be used. For example, in order to save the storage area in the CPU, other programs and data are usually stored, and the image selection program is obtained from the printer 1 and stored only when selecting an image. good.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the image selection program is transmitted from the printer 1 in response to the transmission of the captured image from the mobile phone 2, but other modes may be used. For example, when the communication between the printer 1 and the mobile phone 2 is established, the version of the program stored in the mobile phone 2 may be checked and the image selection program may be transmitted.

  Returning to FIG. 4, in step S <b> 133 of the process of the printer 1, a print image 1 as shown in FIGS. 3B and 3D is generated and stored in the image storage unit 12.

  In step S134, the preview image 1 based on the print image 1 is generated and transmitted to the mobile phone 2.

  In step S135, contour enhancement is performed under the control of the contour enhancement processing unit 18, and in step S136, a print image 2 as shown in FIGS. 3C and 3E is generated and stored in the image storage unit 12.

  In step S137, a preview image 2 based on the print image 2 is generated and transmitted to the mobile phone 2.

  In step S 138, a thumbnail image is generated based on the print image 1 and transmitted to the mobile phone 2. One of the features of this embodiment is that the above-described steps S132 to S138 are processed in response to the reception of the captured image data in step S131.

  Next, the mobile phone 2 receives the thumbnail image, the preview image 1 and the preview image 2 transmitted in step S106, stores them in the image storage unit 36, and then stores the thumbnail images in FIG. 3A in step S107. Is displayed.

  The preview image and thumbnail image are generated based on the device information 45 (FIG. 5) received in step S131. From the thumbnail images displayed in step S108, an image to be printed is selected using the cursor key 52 and the decision key 54.

  In step S109, preview images 1 and 2 are selected and displayed, and zoom processing is performed in step S110. For example, when zooming the image of FIG. 4 (in other words, generating zoom image data), the center of the zoom is selected using the cursor key 52 and then the face portion is enlarged.

  In step S111, it is determined whether or not printing is instructed by the cursor key 52 and the decision key 54. If printing is instructed, the process proceeds to step S112, and a print command is transmitted to the printer 1 together with the image number and attributes. The attributes here (corresponding to the attribute information including the zoom ratio in the present invention) are selection information of the image with the edge enhanced, the center position and the enlargement ratio when the zoom process is performed, and the like.

  The printer 1 that has received the print command receives the print command in step S139. In step S140, the printer 1 performs processing for calling a print image that matches the image number from the image storage unit 12, and image processing based on the attribute. This is executed by the unit 16.

  In step S141, the generated print image is printed by driving the print engine 10 under the control of the print control unit 11.

  By repeating steps S107 to S113, which are processes of the cellular phone 2, until the end operation is performed, images to be printed are selected one after another while viewing thumbnail images and preview images, and a print command is transmitted to the printer 1 for easy operation. In addition, a plurality of images can be printed.

  When the end operation is performed in step S113, the process proceeds to step S114, and the image selection processing program 31 is subjected to learning processing. For example, if the user's preference is that there are many print commands for contour-enhanced images, the preview-enhanced preview image is changed to be displayed first when the preview image is selected and displayed in step S109.

  In addition, when the zoom processing step is preferred to a rough step, processing changes such as making the zoom processing at the rough step default are performed according to learning.

  In step S115, the image selection processing program changed by the learning process is transmitted to the printer 1. The printer 1 detects the determination in step S142, and then updates the image selection processing program 13 in step S143.

  The first embodiment has been described above. In this embodiment, an environment in which a preview image is created by the printer 1 and a print command is issued while viewing the preview image by the mobile phone 2 is realized. In this embodiment, an example using a mobile phone is shown, but a digital camera or a personal digital assistant (PDA) may be used.

  In addition, although communication between the mobile phone and the printer is performed by wireless communication based on the BlueTooth standard, other methods such as wireless LAN, wireless communication based on the UWB standard, or wired communication based on the USB standard may be used.

(Second embodiment)
Hereinafter, the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7 is an image diagram showing the mobile phone 150 and the printer 151 in this embodiment. Reference numeral 152 denotes a rewritable memory card incorporating a large-capacity semiconductor memory such as a CF card (registered trademark) or an SD card (registered trademark). Note that the memory card 152 corresponds to a removable storage medium referred to in the present invention.

  In the present embodiment, image data captured by the mobile phone 150 is stored in the memory card 152, and the image data is transferred by pulling out the memory card 152 from the mobile phone 150 and attaching it to the printer 151.

  The printer 151 reads image data stored in the memory card 152, generates a preview image, and transmits the preview image to a mobile phone according to a communication standard based on BlueTooth 153. Then, a preview image is displayed by the display of the mobile phone 150, and a print image is confirmed.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the printer 151 in the present embodiment. In the figure, the printer 151 includes a card connector 155 for mounting a memory card 152 so that the memory card 152 can be mounted. Note that the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  The printer 151 detects that the memory card 152 is inserted, and generates a preview image by the preview image generation unit 17 based on the image data stored in the memory card 152. The mail address extraction processing unit 156 is a processing unit that extracts a mail address stored in the memory card 152 together with the image data. The mail address extraction processing unit 156 transmits a preview image to the mobile phone 150 based on the BlueTooth standard using the extracted email address (in other words, specifying the mobile phone 150 from the email address).

  The process of storing the mail address information (address information) in the memory card 152 is executed in the mobile phone 150, and this process corresponds to the process by the storage control means in the present invention. Note that the storage control unit can be realized by a configuration in which the CPU stores the program stored in the ROM in the RAM.

  The second embodiment has been described above. In the present embodiment, a preview image is transmitted from the memory card 152 based on the BlueTooth standard using the extracted mail address. In addition to this mode, the printer 151 may be connected to the Internet, and a preview image may be transmitted to the mobile phone. Further, in combination with the first embodiment, the printer 151 may include a thumbnail generation unit, an outline enhancement processing unit, and the like.

  Further, as in the first embodiment, the image selection processing program 13 may be stored in the printer, the memory card 152 may be detected and the image selection processing program may be transmitted to the mobile phone. .

(Third embodiment)
Hereinafter, a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the printer 157 in this embodiment. In this figure, the printer 157 includes a history image storage unit 158 (corresponding to a history information storage unit in the present invention) that stores a printed history image. In the present embodiment, when printing is performed by the printer 157, preview data is stored in the history image storage unit 158 together with image data. Then, when the image data stored in the history image storage unit 158 is reprinted at a later request from the mobile phone, the stored preview image is transmitted to the mobile phone and selected by the mobile phone.

  After selecting the image data to be printed, the mobile phone controls to send the selected image number together with the attribute information to the printer for printing, as in the first embodiment. This embodiment is useful when reprinting a history image stored in the history image storage unit 158. Note that the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

(Fourth embodiment)
Hereinafter, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the image printing system (information processing system) in this embodiment. In the present embodiment, an image attached to an e-mail is printed. Note that the system configuration according to this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  When the mobile phone receives an email in step S160, it is determined in step S161 whether image data is attached. If no image data is attached as a result of the discrimination, the process proceeds to step S168, and other processing is executed. If the determination result (detection result) and image data are attached, a message as to whether or not to transmit the image data to the printer is issued in step S162, and the determination key 54 is pressed to instruct the image transmission. If no image transmission instruction is given, the process proceeds to step S168, and other processing is executed. Note that the processing in step S160 corresponds to the processing of the e-mail receiving means in the present invention, and the processing in step S161 corresponds to the processing of the detecting means in the present invention. The process of step S162 corresponds to the process executed by the input means in the present invention, and the input means corresponds to the decision key 54 and the like. Each of these functional means can be constituted by a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and the like.

  When an image transmission instruction is given, the image data attached to the mail received in step S163 is transmitted to the printer. The printer receives the image data sent in step S180.

  Next, a print image is generated and stored based on the image data received in step S181. In step S182, a preview image is generated and transmitted to the mobile phone. In step S164, the mobile phone receives the sent preview image and displays it on the display.

  If the user wants to print by looking at the displayed preview image, and presses the enter key 54, the process proceeds to step S166 in step S165, and the image number and print command are transmitted to the printer. The printer receives a print command in step S183, and performs print processing in step S184.

  The fourth embodiment has been described above. In the present embodiment, the processing is shown when one piece of image data is attached to an e-mail, but it is possible to cope with the case where a plurality of pieces of image data are attached. In this case, the preview images are sequentially displayed on the mobile phone to determine whether to print. Also, thumbnail images may be displayed as in the first embodiment.

  In this embodiment, when image data is attached to an e-mail, the attached image data is transmitted to the printer by giving a print instruction. However, other modes may be used. . For example, when image data is attached to an e-mail, it may be automatically transmitted to a printer. In other words, related processing (generation and transmission of preview image data) may be automatically executed based on the detection result of whether or not data is attached.

  In the present embodiment, the case where image data is attached to an e-mail has been described. However, similar processing may be performed when text data or table data is attached. In combination with the first to third embodiments, the printer may be provided with an outline emphasis processing unit, a card connector, a history image storage unit, and the like.

(Fifth embodiment)
Hereinafter, a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In the present embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for portions common to the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 10 is an image diagram showing a preview image display displayed on the display device 50 of the mobile phone 2 at the time of print output of album printing in the present embodiment. FIG. 10A shows a preview image received first after there are three captured images taken with the mobile phone 2 and transmitted to the printer 350.

  The captured image 371 is a horizontal image and needs to be corrected vertically as indicated by 374 in FIG. When the user wants to enlarge the image 372, the user enlarges the image 372 as indicated by 375 in FIG. Such layout processing is possible in this embodiment. In the present embodiment, text input in the case of album printing can be input to the margins 376, 377, and 378. Text input is performed using the keyboard 51 of the mobile phone 2.

  FIG. 12 shows a block diagram of the printer 350 of the present embodiment. In the figure, reference numeral 352 denotes an enlargement processing unit. When it is desired to enlarge the image 372 shown in FIG. 10A like the image 375 in FIG. 10C, this enlargement processing unit executes it.

  Reference numeral 351 denotes a layout conversion processing unit. When it is desired to change the orientation of the image 371 shown in FIG. 10A like the image 374 in FIG. 10B, this layout conversion processing unit executes it.

  The layout conversion processing unit 351 also executes processing for enlarging the image 372 to 375 in the enlargement processing unit 352, moving the image 373 to another page, and resetting a margin for text input. . A text composition processing unit 353 selects a character font based on the character code transmitted from the mobile phone 2 and performs composition processing on any of the blank areas 376, 377, and 378.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining processing in the mobile phone 2 and the printer 350.

  In the figure, a photograph is taken in step S301 and stored in the image storage unit 36 of the memory 33 of the mobile phone 2 in step S302.

  In step S303, it is determined whether or not the transmission key 56 has been pressed. If the user has pressed the transmission key 56, the process proceeds to step S304. If not pressed, steps S301 to S303 are repeated, and a plurality of photographs are taken.

  In step S304, the image data is transmitted to the printer 350 according to the Bluetooth standard, which is one of the wireless communication standards, by the processing of the communication management unit 15. The printer 350 receives the image data captured in step S321, generates a print image as shown in FIG. 10A in step S322, and stores the print image in the image storage unit 12.

  In step S323, a preview image based on the print image is generated and transmitted to the mobile phone 2. The mobile phone 2 receives the transmitted preview image and displays it on the display 50 in step S305. In step S306, the editing process is determined.

  When it is desired to convert the image 371 in FIG. 10A vertically and horizontally like the image 374 in FIG. 10B, the image 371 is selected by the cursor key 52 in step S307. Then, after selecting the vertical / horizontal conversion from the pull-down display, the vertical / horizontal conversion command is transmitted to the printer 350 by pressing the enter key 54.

  When it is desired to enlarge the image 372 in FIG. 10A like the image 375 in FIG. 10C, after selecting the image 372 with the cursor key 52 and selecting enlargement from the pull-down display in step S308. By pressing the enter key 54, an enlargement command is transmitted to the printer 350.

  If it is desired to input text on the mobile phone 2, one of the margins 376, 377, and 378 in FIG. 10C is selected in step S309. Then, after selecting text input from the pull-down display, the text is input, and the enter key 54 is pressed to transmit a text input command to the printer 350.

  When the editing command in steps S307 to S309 is transmitted from the mobile phone 2 to the printer 350, the editing command is received in step S324, the editing process based on each command is performed in step S325, and an album print image is generated. Store in the image storage unit 12.

  In step S 326, a preview image is generated based on the generated album print image and transmitted to the mobile phone 2. Note that the processing in step S326 corresponds to the processing of the preview image creating means for generating a preview image in which a text input area is allocated in addition to the data-based expression area in the present invention.

  The above-described steps S305 to S309 and steps S324 to S326 are repeated, and the album print image desired by the user can be obtained by performing the editing process based on the preview image generated by the preview image generation unit 17 of the printer 350. Become.

  After the editing based on the preview image, if a print instruction is given by the mobile phone 2, the process proceeds to step S311 in step S310, and a print command is transmitted together with the image number and attributes.

  In step S327, the printer 350 receives a print command. In step S328, the printer 350 calls a print image that matches the image number from the image storage unit 12, and performs print processing in step S329.

  In step S330, it is determined whether or not there is a next image. If there is, the processes in steps S322 to S330 are repeated. If not, the process proceeds to step S331, an end command is transmitted, and the process ends.

  In the processing of the mobile phone 2, it is determined whether or not an end command is received in step S312, and if no end command is received, the processing in steps S305 to S312 is repeated. If not, exit.

  The fifth embodiment has been described above. This embodiment is an embodiment in the case where album printing is performed on A4 size printing paper or the like, and a sentence is printed on a single printing paper together with a plurality of photos. Specifically, by issuing a layout change command from the mobile phone 2, the layout conversion processing unit 351 of the printer 350 performs layout changes such as vertical / horizontal conversion and enlargement according to the command. Further, the text composition processing unit 353 synthesizes the text input by the mobile phone on the print layout. Thus, a printer capable of printing an album desired by the user is provided.

  In this embodiment, a contour enhancement process may be added in combination with the first embodiment. In combination with the second embodiment, the printer 350 may be provided with a card connector. In combination with the third embodiment, the printer may include a large-capacity history image storage unit. Further, in combination with the fourth embodiment, an image attached to an email may be printed as an album. In addition, when inputting text in step S309, the font type, size, character color, and the like may be designated.

(Sixth embodiment)
Hereinafter, the sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In the present embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for portions common to the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 13 is an image diagram showing a preview image display displayed on the display device 50 of the mobile phone 2 at the time of printout of picture postcard printing in the present embodiment. FIG. 13A shows an image of a preview image received first after the photographed image taken by the mobile phone 2 is transmitted to the printer 450. The text input unit 474 is designated for horizontal writing, and can be corrected to vertical writing as indicated by 475 in FIG. Further, when it is desired to change the image 471, it is changed as shown in an image 473 in FIG. Such layout processing is possible in this embodiment.

  FIG. 15 is a block diagram of the printer 450 of this embodiment. In the figure, reference numeral 451 denotes a layout conversion processing unit. As shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, when the orientation of the text input unit 474 is to be converted, this layout conversion processing unit 451 executes the conversion. Also, the layout conversion process is a process of changing the attached image based on the image stored in the image storage unit 12 and setting the corresponding margin area as the text input unit as shown in FIG. This is executed by the unit 451.

  Reference numeral 452 denotes a standard sentence storage unit (corresponding to the storage means storing the standard part in the present invention), which stores the standard part described in the text input unit. Reference numeral 453 denotes an address book storage unit (corresponding to the storage means storing the address book in the present invention), which stores the address book inputted before.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining processing of the mobile phone 2 and the printer 450 in the present embodiment.

  In FIG. 14, a photograph is taken in step S401 and stored in the image storage unit 36 of the memory 33 of the mobile phone 2 in step S402.

  Step S403 is a determination of whether or not the transmission key 56 has been pressed. If the user has pressed it, the process proceeds to step S404. If not, steps S401 to S403 are repeated, and a plurality of photographs are taken.

  In step S404, the image data is transmitted to the printer 450 according to the Bluetooth standard, which is one of the wireless communication standards, by the processing of the communication management unit 15.

  The printer 450 receives the image data captured in step S421, generates a print image as shown in FIG. 13A in step S422, and stores it in the image storage unit 12.

  In step S423, a preview image based on the print image is generated and transmitted to the mobile phone 2.

  In step S 424, the standard part used for picture postcard printing stored in the standard sentence storage unit 452 is transmitted to the mobile phone 2. For example, when inputting a standard part in the text input area 474 of FIG. 13A, the user can select a standard part using the mobile phone 2.

  In step S425, the address book stored in the address book storage unit 453 is transmitted to the mobile phone 2. For example, when inputting an address in the address input area 477 of FIG. 13A, the user can select an address using the mobile phone 2.

  In step S <b> 405, the mobile phone 2 receives the transmitted preview image and the fixed text and address book, which are information transmitted from the printer 450, and displays them on the display device 50. In step S406, the editing process is determined.

  In step S407, when inputting a sentence into the sentence input area as indicated by 474 in FIG. 13A, the document is input using the keyboard 51, and the input sentence is transmitted to the printer 450.

  In step S408, when the text input is converted into vertical writing as shown in FIG. 13B, the vertical text / selection command is transmitted to the printer 450.

  If the standard sentence is selected in step S409, the standard sentence received in step S405 is selected, and the selected code is transmitted to the printer 450.

  When an address is input in the address input area as shown in FIG. 10A, a specific address is selected from the received address book and the selected code is transmitted to the printer 450 in step S410.

  When the editing command in steps S407 to S410 is transmitted from the mobile phone 2 to the printer 350, the editing command is received in step S426, the editing process based on each command is performed in step S427, and a postcard printed image is generated. Store in the image storage unit 12.

  In step S 428, a preview image is generated based on the generated postcard printed image and transmitted to the mobile phone 2.

  By repeating the above-described steps S405 to S410 and steps S426 to S428 and performing an editing process based on the preview image generated by the preview image generation unit 17 of the printer 450, a postcard printed image desired by the user can be obtained. It becomes possible.

  After editing based on the preview image, if a print instruction is given by the mobile phone 2, the process proceeds to step S412 in step S411, and a print command is transmitted together with the image number and attributes.

  In step S429, the printer 450 receives a print command. In step S430, the printer 450 calls a print image that matches the image number from the image storage unit 12, and performs print processing in step S431.

  After transmitting the print command, the mobile phone 2 determines whether or not the same image is selected in step S413, and when selecting the same image and printing a postcard, transmits the same image selection command in step S414, and based on the preview image. Steps S405 to S410, which are editing processes, are repeated. If the same image is not selected, the process proceeds to step S415 to determine the end command. If the end command has not been received, the processes in steps S405 to S415 are repeated. If not, exit.

  The printer 450 determines whether or not the same image selection command is received in step S432, and if received, repeats steps S426 to S428 to perform editing processing based on the preview image. If not received, it is determined in step S433 whether or not there is a next image. If there is, the processing in steps S422 to S433 is performed for the next image. If not, an end command is transmitted to the mobile phone 2 in step S434 and the process ends.

  The sixth embodiment has been described above. The present embodiment is characterized in that, in response to the transmission of photographed image data from a mobile phone, the printer creates a picture postcard preview image and transmits a fixed sentence or address book to the mobile phone.

  In the present embodiment, only one side of the postcard printing is printed. However, a double-sided printing function is added, and the address to which the postcard is sent is specified by the mobile phone using the address book received in step S405, and the printer The address surface may also be printed.

  Further, in this embodiment, a contour enhancement process may be added in combination with the first embodiment. In combination with the second embodiment, the printer 450 may be provided with a card connector. In combination with the third embodiment, the printer may be provided with a large-capacity history image storage unit. Further, in combination with the fourth embodiment, an image attached to an email may be printed as an album. In combination with the fifth embodiment, album printing may be possible.

1 is a block diagram of an information processing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is an external view of a mobile phone according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the preview image which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the process in the mobile telephone and printer which concern on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is an image figure which shows the format at the time of the image data transmission which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram of the printer which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is an image figure of the information processing system which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram of the printer which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the process in the mobile telephone and printer which concern on the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is an image figure which shows the preview image content based on the 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the process in the mobile telephone and printer which concern on the 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram of the printer which concerns on the 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is an image figure which shows the preview image content which concerns on the 6th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the process with the mobile telephone and printer which concern on the 6th Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram of the printer which concerns on the 6th Embodiment of this invention. It is an image figure for demonstrating how a mobile telephone is used.

Explanation of symbols

1, 151, 157, 350, 450 Printer 2, 91, 150 Mobile phone 10 Printer engine 11 Print control unit 12 Image storage unit 13, 31 Image selection processing program 14, 20 Communication unit 15, 21 Communication management unit 16 Print image processing Unit 17 Preview image generation unit 18 Outline enhancement processing unit 19 Thumbnail image generation unit 22 Display unit 23 Input unit 24 Camera unit 25 Image processing unit 29 CPU
30 display image generation program 31 image selection processing program 31-1 storage area 32 learning program 33 memory 34 address book storage unit 35 mail storage unit 36 image storage unit 37 mail prediction dictionary storage unit 38 kana-kanji conversion dictionary 155 card connector 156 mail Address extraction processing unit 158 History image storage unit 351, 451 Layout conversion processing unit 352 Enlargement processing unit 353 Text composition processing unit 452 Preliminary part storage unit 453 Address book storage unit

Claims (16)

  An information processing system comprising: a portable information device including a display unit and an input unit; and a printer including at least one of a preview image generation unit and an image selection processing program. Information processing including a first information processing apparatus including a first communication unit, a display unit, and a data generation unit, and a second information processing apparatus including a second communication unit and a preview image generation unit. A system,
The data generated by the data generation means is transmitted to the second information processing apparatus by the first communication means, and based on the data, preview image data is generated by the preview image generation means, and the second An information processing system for transmitting to the first information processing apparatus by means of communication means. A first information processing apparatus including a first communication unit, a display unit, a data generation unit, a first storage unit, and a first control unit; a second communication unit; and a second storage unit. An information processing system including the second information processing apparatus,
The data generated by the data generation means is transmitted to the second information processing apparatus by the first communication means, and the second information processing apparatus receives the data by the second communication means. In response to reception of the data, the second storage means transmits the program stored in the second storage means to the first information processing apparatus, and the first information processing apparatus An information processing system, wherein the program is stored in the first storage means.   The information processing system according to claim 3, wherein the first storage unit is a built-in RAM provided in the first control unit. The information processing system includes a first information processing apparatus including a first communication unit, a display unit, a data generation unit, and a first control unit, a second communication unit, and a preview image generation unit. A second information processing device,
The data generated by the data generation means is transmitted to the second information processing apparatus by the first communication means, and based on the data, preview image data is generated by the preview image generation means, and the second The communication means transmits to the first information processing apparatus, generates zoom image data under the control of the first control means based on the preview image data, and displays the zoom image data on the display means. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein:   The first control unit generates the zoom image data, generates attribute information including a zoom ratio, and transmits the attribute information to the second information processing apparatus by the first communication unit. The information processing system according to claim 5. The information processing system includes a first information processing apparatus including a first communication unit, a display unit, and a data generation unit, a removable storage medium, a second communication unit, and a preview image generation unit. A second information processing apparatus,
Data generated by the data generation means is stored in the storage medium, the storage medium storing the data can be attached to the second information processing apparatus, and based on the data, the preview image generation means 3. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein preview image data is generated by the second communication unit and transmitted to the first information processing apparatus by the second communication unit. An information processing system including a first information processing apparatus including a first communication unit and a storage unit, a removable storage medium, and a second information processing apparatus including a second communication unit. And
Further comprising storage control means for storing address information stored in the storage means in the storage medium;
The storage medium storing the address information can be attached to the second information processing apparatus, and the first information processing apparatus is specified by the second communication unit based on the address information. Information processing system.   The information according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the second information processing apparatus includes a history information storage unit, and stores the preview image together with the data as history information in the history information storage unit. Processing system. A first information processing apparatus comprising: an electronic mail receiving means; a storage means for storing data attached to the electronic mail; and a first communication means; a second information processing apparatus comprising a second communication means; , An information processing system including
Further comprising detecting means for detecting that the data is attached to the e-mail;
An information processing system that performs processing related to the second information processing apparatus based on a detection result of the detection means.   The first information processing apparatus includes an input unit, and the data is transmitted to the second information processing apparatus by the processing of the first communication unit by operating the input unit. 10. The information processing system according to 10.   The information processing system according to claim 10, wherein the second information processing apparatus transmits a preview image in response to reception of the data. The information processing system includes: a first information processing apparatus including a first communication unit that transmits and receives data; and a second information processing apparatus including a preview image creation unit and a second communication unit. ,
The data is transmitted to the second information processing apparatus using the first communication means, the second information processing apparatus receives the data using a second communication means, and the data 4. The preview image creation unit generates a preview image in which a text input area is allocated in addition to the expression area based on the data in response to reception. Information processing system.   The information processing system according to claim 13, wherein the data is image data, and the preview image is a preview image based on a plurality of pieces of image data. Second information including a first information processing apparatus including a first communication unit, a display unit, and a data generation unit, a second communication unit, a preview image generation unit, and a storage unit storing a fixed sentence. An information processing system including a processing device,
The data generated by the data generation means is transmitted to the second information processing apparatus by the first communication means, and the second information processing apparatus generates the preview image in response to the data reception. 3. The information according to claim 1, wherein preview image data is generated by the means, and the fixed sentence together with the preview image is transmitted to the first information processing apparatus by the second communication means. Processing system. Second information including a first information processing apparatus including a first communication unit, a display unit, and a data generation unit, a second communication unit, a preview image generation unit, and a storage unit storing an address book. An information processing system including a processing device,
The data generated by the data generation means is transmitted to the second information processing apparatus by the first communication means, and the second information processing apparatus generates the preview image in response to the data reception. The information according to claim 1 or 2, wherein preview image data is generated by the means, and the address book is transmitted together with the preview image to the first information processing apparatus by the second communication means. Processing system.

Images