JP2009200625A - Direct printing system, image recorder and image printer, included in the same, control method of direct printing system, control method of image recorder, and control method of image printer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To recognize a printed result before the printing in direct printing. <P>SOLUTION: A recorder side control means requests preview operation start for preview display to a printer side controller on the basis of the instruction of the preview display by a user, also obtains image data for preview transmitted from a printer side control means and makes a user interface execute the display of a preview image indicated by the obtained image data for the preview. The printer side control means requests the transmission of the image data of a printing object image to the recorder side control means on the basis of the request of the preview operation start notified from the recorder side control means, obtains the image data of the printing object image transmitted from the recorder side control means, makes a preview image data generation means generate the image data for the preview using the obtained image data of the printing object image, and transmits them to the recorder side control means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  In the present invention, an image recording apparatus such as a digital still camera (DSC) or a digital video camera (DVC) is directly connected to a printer as an image printing apparatus, and is attached to the DSC or DVC. The present invention relates to a direct printing technique for executing printing of an image recorded on a recorded recording medium without using a computer such as a personal computer.

  The image data of the image taken by the DSC or DVC is once transferred to a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as “PC”), and the image represented by the image data transferred to the PC is not printed by the printer, but the DSC or DVC. As a direct printing method in which image data is directly transferred from a printer to a printer and an image represented by the transferred image data is printed by the printer, for example, CIPA (Camera & Imaging Products Association) standard DC-001-2003 (hereinafter, “ (Referred to as non-patent document 1).

White Paper of CIPA DC-001-2003 Rev.2.0 Digital Photo Solutions for Imaging Devices. [online]. Camera & Imaging Products Association, April 25, 2007. [retrieved on 2007-11-29]. Retrieved from the Internet: <URL: http: // www.cipa.jp / pictbridge / documents_j / WhitePaperJ \ Rev .2.0.pdf />. Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-20107

  Conventionally, in the PictBridge standard, for example, in DSC as an image recording apparatus, it is possible to specify a print layout (1up, 2up, 4up..., Nup, Index, etc.) supported by a printer that is an image printing apparatus. Is possible.

  However, the specific state of the result of printing with the specified print layout differs depending on the printer, and it is necessary to grasp the state of the print result with the print layout specified by the user before printing. I couldn't.

  However, when the printing medium is a rectangular standard paper such as A4, L plate, or postcard, it is easy to predict the printing result according to the designated printing layout before printing, and there is relatively no need to check before printing. small.

  On the other hand, when the print medium is a non-standard medium, it is difficult to grasp the print result corresponding to the designated print layout before printing. For example, in the case of label printing using a recording medium such as a CD or DVD as a printing medium, the shape of the printing medium is a round donut shape with a hole in the center, whereas the image to be printed is usually a rectangle. Therefore, it is difficult to imagine the print result.

  In addition, when a Nup print layout is specified in label printing, even if the number of images is the same N, for example, as shown in FIG. 15, a print layout having a greatly different layout pattern is possible. The result is hard to imagine.

  Furthermore, since a recording medium such as a CD or a DVD is an expensive medium as compared with paper, if the printing is performed with a layout pattern different from the desired printing result, the amount of money is increased.

  The object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and in direct printing in which an image recording apparatus and an image printing apparatus are directly connected to execute printing of an image to be printed, the print result is printed before the printing. It is to provide a technology that makes it possible to grasp.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to solve at least a part of the problems described above, and the invention can be implemented as the following forms or application examples.

[Application Example 1]
A direct printing system for directly printing an image to be printed by directly connecting an image recording device and an image printing device,
The image recording apparatus includes:
A display unit;
A user interface that displays a setting screen related to printing on the display unit, allows a user to select the print target image and set the print target image, and allows a print execution instruction of the print target image; ,
A recording apparatus that requests the image printing apparatus to execute printing of the print target image based on the print execution instruction, and transmits image data of the print target image in response to a request from the image printing apparatus Side control means;
With
The image printing apparatus includes:
Printing execution means;
Based on the print execution request notified from the recording apparatus side control means, the recording apparatus side control means is requested to transmit image data of the print target image, and from the recording apparatus side control means. A printing apparatus-side control unit that acquires image data of the print target image that is transmitted, and causes the print execution unit to execute printing using the acquired image data of the print target image;
With
The user interface further includes:
The image printing apparatus further allows the user to give a preview display instruction for displaying on the display unit a preview image indicating a print outline based on a print layout setting included in the setting related to the print target image. ,
Preview image data generating means for generating image data for preview representing the preview image;
The recording apparatus side control means further includes:
Based on the preview display instruction from the user, the printing apparatus side control apparatus is requested to start a preview operation for the preview display, and the preview image transmitted from the printing apparatus side control means is transmitted. Image data for preview representing the image, and causing the user interface to display the preview image represented by the acquired image data for preview on the display unit,
The printing apparatus-side control means requests the recording apparatus-side control means to transmit image data of the print target image based on the preview operation start request notified from the recording apparatus-side control means. The image data of the print target image transmitted from the print recording apparatus side control means is acquired, and the preview image data is generated by using the acquired image data of the print target image to the preview image data generation means. Causing generation to be performed, and transmitting the generated preview image data to the recording apparatus-side control unit,
A direct printing system characterized by this.

  According to the direct printing system of Application Example 1, preview image data corresponding to the print layout set in the image recording apparatus is generated by the image printing apparatus and transmitted from the image printing apparatus to the image recording apparatus. Since it can be displayed on the display unit, it is possible to grasp the printing result before printing.

  In addition, “directly connecting the image recording apparatus and the image printing apparatus” means that, without relaying a device such as a computer, according to a wired or wireless communication standard between the image recording apparatus and the image printing apparatus, This means a state where direct communication is executed.

[Application Example 2]
A direct printing system according to application example 1,
The request to start the preview operation is defined by a dedicated preview command representing the request to start the preview operation, and is notified from the recording apparatus side control means to the printing apparatus side control means by using the defined preview command. A direct printing system characterized by that.

[Application Example 3]
A direct printing system according to application example 1,
The request for starting the preview operation defines a preview parameter indicating the request for starting the preview operation as a parameter to be included in a print start command representing the request to execute the print, and includes the print parameter including the defined preview parameter. A direct printing system in which the recording apparatus side control means notifies the printing apparatus side control means by using a start command.

  According to the direct printing system described in the application example 2 or the application example 3, the image recording apparatus can request the image printing apparatus to generate preview image data corresponding to the print layout set in the image recording apparatus. .

[Application Example 4]
The direct printing system according to any one of Application Example 1 to Application Example 3,
The printing apparatus-side control means is configured to provide a plurality of layouts prepared on the image printing apparatus side with respect to the print layout set by the user via the user interface based on the request to start the preview operation. Causing the preview image data generation means to generate a plurality of preview image data corresponding to each of the patterns, and transmitting the generated preview image data to the recording apparatus side control means,
The recording apparatus-side control unit acquires the plurality of preview image data transmitted from the printing apparatus-side control unit, and the display unit of the plurality of preview images represented by the acquired plurality of preview image data Display on the user interface,
A direct printing system characterized by this.

  According to the direct printing system of the application example 4, it is possible to display a plurality of preview images corresponding to a plurality of layout patterns prepared in the print layout set by the user on the display unit of the image recording apparatus.

[Application Example 5]
The direct printing system according to any one of Application Example 1 to Application Example 3,
The user interface further includes:
The preview image displayed on the display unit among the plurality of layout patterns prepared on the image printing apparatus side with respect to the print layout set by the user via the interface to the user. Means for allowing a preview display change instruction for displaying the preview image by the layout pattern different from the layout pattern;
The recording apparatus side control means requests the preview operation start based on the preview display change instruction,
The printing apparatus side control unit generates the preview image data corresponding to the layout pattern different from the layout pattern executed immediately before, in the preview image generation unit, based on the request to start the preview operation. To execute,
A direct printing system characterized by this.

  According to the direct printing system of application example 5, in the image printing apparatus, for a plurality of layout patterns prepared in the print layout set by the user, for each preview display change instruction, a preview layout corresponding to a different layout pattern is provided. Since image data can be generated and transmitted to the image recording apparatus, the image recording apparatus can display a preview image corresponding to a different layout pattern on the display unit for each instruction to change the preview display.

[Application Example 6]
The direct printing system according to application example 1 to application example 5,
When the preview image data is generated by using the image data of the print target image by the preview image generation unit, the printing apparatus side control unit causes the print execution unit to generate the preview image A direct printing system that performs printing using image data.

  According to the direct printing system of the application example 6, printing can be executed using the preview image data that has already been generated, so that the time required for the printing process can be shortened.

  The present invention can be realized in various forms, for example, a direct printing system, an image recording apparatus, an image printing apparatus, a direct printing system control method, an image recording apparatus control method, and an image printing apparatus. Control methods, computer programs for realizing the functions of the methods and apparatuses, data signals including the computer programs and embodied in a carrier wave, and the like.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following order based on examples.
A. Direct printing system:
B. Preview display operation of the first embodiment:
C. Preview display operation of the second embodiment:
D. Preview display operation of the third embodiment:
E. Variations:

A. Direct printing system:
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a direct printing system as an embodiment of the present invention. This direct printing system has a configuration in which a DSC (digital still camera) 100 as an image recording apparatus and a printer 200 as an image printing apparatus are connected by a USB cable 300.

  The DSC 100 includes a display panel 102 that displays various screens and an operation unit 104 that includes various operation buttons as user input means. In addition, the DSC 100 is configured to execute direct printing in accordance with the PictBridge standard. The DSC-PTB unit 110, the USB device control unit 120, the user interface 130, the memory card driving unit 140, and the PTB data memory 150 and a buffer memory 160.

  Similar to the DSC 100, the printer 200 also includes a display panel 202 that displays various screens and an operation unit 204 having various operation buttons as input means. Similarly to the DSC 100, the printer 200 is configured to execute direct printing in accordance with the PictBridge standard, and includes a PRT-PTB unit 210, a USB host control unit 220, a user interface 230, and a print device 240. PTB data memory 250 and buffer memory 260. The printer 200 further includes a preview image data generation unit 270.

  The USB device control unit 120 of the DSC 100 and the USB host control unit 220 of the printer 200 are connected to each other via the USB connector 122, the USB cable 300, and the USB connector 222 of the printer 200. Communication according to the USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard is executed between the USB device control unit 120 and the USB host control unit 220.

  The DSC-PTB unit 110 of the DSC 100 and the PRT-PTB unit 210 of the printer 200 are connected to each other via the USB device control unit 120, the connector 122, the connector 222 of the printer 200, and the USB host control unit 220. . Then, between the DSC-PTB unit 110 and the PRT-PTB unit 210, communication according to the PictBridge standard is executed, whereby the print target image data is transferred from the DSC 100 to the printer 200, and direct printing is executed. Is done. That is, in direct printing executed according to the PictBridge standard, the DSC-PTB unit 110 controls the DSC 100 side to operate according to the PictBridge standard, and the PRT-PTB 210 controls the printer 200 side to operate according to the PictBridge standard. The DSC-PTB unit 110 corresponds to a recording device side control unit, and the PRT-PTB unit 210 corresponds to a printing device side control unit.

  Further, as will be described later, the image data for preview is transferred from the printer 200 to the DSC 100 by performing communication in accordance with the PictBridge standard between the DSC-PTB unit 110 and the PRT-PTB unit 210. Preview display is executed.

  The user interface 130 of the DSC 100 controls the display for displaying a screen corresponding to the operation of the DSC 100 on the display panel 102 and the input operation from the operation unit 104 by the user.

  The memory card driving unit 140 of the DSC 100 is a recording / reproducing device that executes recording of image data on a memory card 106 as a recording medium mounted in the card slot 142 and reading of image data recorded on the memory card 106. . In this example, the recording medium is a memory card, and a memory card driving unit that executes recording and reading on image data recorded on the memory card is described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Alternatively, various recording media and recording / reproducing apparatuses that perform recording and reading on the recording media may be used.

  The PTB data memory 150 of the DSC 100 is a memory that stores commands, parameters, operating conditions, and setting data related to printing that are supported by the DSC-PTB unit 110 according to the PictBridge standard. The buffer memory 160 is a memory that temporarily stores various data such as image data read from the memory card 106.

  The user interface 230 of the printer 200 controls the display for displaying a screen corresponding to the operation of the printer 200 on the display panel 202 and the input operation by the user from the touch panel 204 and the operation unit 206.

  The print device 240 of the printer 200 is a printing apparatus (print execution unit) that actually executes printing.

  The PTB data memory 250 of the printer 200 is a memory that stores commands, parameters, operating conditions, and setting data related to printing that are supported by the PRT-PTB unit 210 according to the PictBridge standard. The buffer memory 260 is a memory that temporarily stores various data such as print target image data transmitted from the DSC 100.

  In the DSC 100 and the printer 200 described above, the printing recorded on the memory card 106 of the DSC 100 is performed by executing communication according to the PictBridge standard between the DSC-PTB unit 110 and the PRT-PTB unit 210. The target image data is transferred from the DSC 100 to the printer 200, and direct printing of the print target image is executed. Further, as will be described later, preview image data is generated in the printer 200 using the print target image data transferred from the DSC 100 to the printer 200, transferred to the DSC 100 from the printer 200, and preview display is executed in the DSC 100. The The feature of the present invention is that the functional blocks of the DSC-PTB 110 and the PRT-PTB unit 210 operate in cooperation to display a preview image corresponding to the print result in the print layout designated in the DSC 100, and before printing. It is possible to grasp the print result. Therefore, hereinafter, a preview display operation which is a feature of the present invention will be described.

B. Preview display operation of the first embodiment:
2 and 3 are explanatory diagrams showing the procedure of the preview display operation of the first embodiment. As a premise for starting the operation described below, the USB cable 300 is connected to the connector 122 of the DSC 100 and the connector 222 of the printer 200 in advance, so that the USB device control unit 120 of the DSC 100 and the USB host control of the printer 200 are controlled. The unit 220 detects various connections and executes various preparation processes for executing communication according to the USB standard. Also, with this detection as a trigger, the DSC-PTB unit 110 of the DSC 100 and the PRT-PTB unit of the printer 200 negotiate whether or not each device is a device that complies with the PictBridge standard, and each other device supports It is assumed that normal preparation processing such as service negotiation is performed.

  When the DSC 100 and the printer 200 are connected by the USB cable 300, first, in step [1], the DSC-PTB unit 110 of the DSC 100 uses an action (command) [DPS_GetCapability] defined in the PictBridge standard. By transmitting a request message to the PRT-PTB unit 210 of the printer 200, information on functions that can be set in the printer 200 (hereinafter referred to as “support information”) is inquired.

  In step [2], the PRT-PTB unit 210 that has received the inquiry refers to the data stored in the PTB data memory 250 and responds to the DSC-PTB unit 110 with a response message including support information. At this time, the DSC-PTB unit 110 stores the received support information in the PTB data memory 160.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a response message for a request message using the action [DPS_GetCapability]. Each message described below is described in XML (Extensible Markup Language).

  The support information is described between <GetCapability> and </ GetCapability> using a predefined parameter. Therefore, descriptions of parameters corresponding to functions that are not supported and cannot be set are not included. In the example of FIG. 4, a description of a parameter [Preview] indicating whether or not the function for realizing the preview display which is a feature of the present invention is supported and whether or not the function is valid, Specifically, the description “<Preview> ON </ Peview>” is included. This description supports the function for realizing the preview display on the printer side, but the function is disabled (OFF) in the current setting. When this function is enabled, “ON” is described. The parameter [Preview] is a parameter newly defined in order to realize the preview display which is a feature of the present invention. In the example of FIG. 4, a description of a parameter “paperSize” indicating the type of print medium (paper) that can be printed by the printer, specifically, “<paperSize> A4: UP1, UP2 (L2)... “Index CD / DVD: UP1 (L2), UP2 (L4) </ paperSize>” is included. “A4: UP1, UP2 (L2)... UPn (Lk), Index” supports A4 size paper as a print medium, and 1up, 2up..., Nup (n is 2 as a print layout) A larger integer) and index support. Here, of “UPn (Lk)”, “(Lk)” means that k types (k is an integer of 1 or more) are supported as nup print layouts. However, when k is 1, “(L1)” may be omitted as in “UP1”. Similarly, “CD / DVD: UP1 (L2), UP2 (L4)” supports CD or DVD as a print medium, and supports two types of 1up and four types of 2up as print layouts. It means that.

  In the above steps [1] and [2], it has been described that the functions supported by the printer are acquired together. However, for each function setting and each detailed function setting, an action [DPS_GetCapability] is used. By repeating the inquiry, all information supported by the printer may be acquired.

  When the DSC-PTB unit 110 receives the support information, in step [3], the user interface 130 reflects the setting corresponding to the support information stored in the PTB memory 150 as a user interface screen so that it can be selected. A setting screen for direct printing is displayed on the display panel 102.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a setting screen for direct printing. The print setting screen 400 shown in the figure is based on the support information notified from the PRT-PTB unit 210, the print target image preview display field 410, the print target image selection button 412, the paper (print medium) setting field 420, the print. In the example, a number setting field 430, a print layout setting field 440, a print button 450, a preview button 460, and an end button 470 are displayed. Each button, tab, or the like displayed on the print setting screen 400 can be selected and pressed by operating the operation button of the operation unit 104.

  In step [4], the user selects the desired paper, the number of prints, and the print layout by appropriately pressing the selection tabs 422, 432, and 442 of the setting fields 420, 430, and 440 of the print setting screen 400. be able to. Further, by pressing a print target image selection button 412, it is possible to select a print target image while referring to an image displayed in the preview display field 410. Then, the direct printing process can be started by pressing the print button 450, and the process for preview display can be started by pressing the preview button 460. Also, by pressing the end button 470, the display of the setting screen for direct printing can be ended.

  In the example of FIG. 5, “CD / DVD” is selected as the paper, “1” is selected as the number of prints, and “1up” is selected as the print layout.

  Then, when the print button 450 is pressed in the setting state shown in FIG. 5, the printing process is started. Since this printing process is the same as the conventional one, the description is omitted here.

  On the other hand, when the preview button 460 is pressed in the setting state shown in FIG. 5, in step [5], the DSC-PTB unit 110 starts processing for preview display.

  When the DSC-PTB unit 110 starts the preview process, first, in step [6], the DSC-PTB unit 110 transmits a request message using the action [DPS_StartPreview] to the PRT-PTB unit 210 to display a preview. Requests start of preview operation. This action [DPS_StartPreview] is a newly defined command for requesting the start of the preview operation.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a request message using the action [DPS_StartPreview]. This request message includes the information for specifying the print target image, the print medium, and the print layout as well as the information included in the normal print start request message using the action [DPS_StartJob] defined in the PictBridge standard. Contains information. FIG. 6 shows a description portion relating to the print medium and the print layout among these pieces of information. In “<paperSize> CD / DVD: UP1 </ paper>”, CD / DVD is designated as a print medium by the description “CD / DVD” before “:”, and the description “UP1” after “:” Indicates that 1 up is designated as the print layout. “<LayoutID> </ LayoutID>” means that there is no designation of a layout pattern supported as a 1-up print layout, that is, all layout patterns are designated. When a plurality of layout patterns are supported as a 1-up print layout, for example, a number is used as an identification ID for specifying the print layout, and a layout pattern with the number “1” is designated. May be described as “<LayoutID> 1 </ LayoutID>”. This parameter [LayoutID] is a newly defined parameter for designating one layout pattern among a plurality of layout patterns.

  In step [7], the PRT-PTB unit 210 that has received the preview operation start request controls the preview image data generation unit 270 to start processing for generating preview image data, and in step [8]. Then, a response message including information indicating the start of processing (indicated by “OK” in the drawing) is returned to the DSC-PTB unit 110.

  When the DSC-PTB unit 110 receives the response message in step [8], in step [9], the user interface 130 notifies the display panel 102 that the preview is being prepared as shown in FIG. A screen (preview preparation screen) 500 to be displayed is displayed.

  On the other hand, the PRT-PTB unit 210 that has transmitted the response message executes acquisition of image data of the print target image in step [10]. Specifically, in step [10-1], a request message using the action “DPS_GetPartialFile” defined in the PictBridge standard is transmitted to the DSC-PTB unit 110, so that the print target image data is obtained. , Requesting acquisition in units of parts divided into a plurality of parts. At this time, the DSC-PTB unit 110 reads the print target image data from the memory card 106 via the memory card 140 drive unit, and temporarily stores it in the buffer memory 160. Then, in step [10-2], the DSC-PB unit 110 includes the print target image data of the requested portion of the print target image data stored in the buffer memory 160 in the response message, so that the PRT- Transmit to the PTB unit 210. The print target image data transmitted from the DSC-PTB unit 110 to the PRT-PTB unit 210 is stored in the buffer memory 260. In step [10], the processes in steps [10-1] and [10-2] are performed between the PRT-PTB unit 210 and the DSC-PTB unit 110 until all the print target image data is acquired. Repeated.

  When the acquisition of all the print target image data is completed, the PRT-PTB unit 210 causes the preview image data generation unit 270 to execute a preview image data generation process in step [11]. The generated preview image data is stored in the buffer memory 260.

  When the generation of the preview image data ends, the PRT-PTB unit 210 transfers the generated preview image data to the DSC-PTB unit 110 in step [12]. Specifically, in step [12-1], a request message using the newly defined action [DPS_SendFile] is transmitted to the DSC-PTB unit 110, whereby the layout pattern identification ID (LID = i ) Is notified to the DSC-PTB unit 210 that the preview image data corresponding to (2) is transmitted. I of LID = i is a number indicating an identification ID for specifying the corresponding layout pattern. In this example, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, the number of layout patterns of the 1up print layout is “L2”, that is, 2. As a result, i is 1 or 2. The identification ID of the layout pattern of the print layout can be notified using the parameter [LayoutID] described in the action [DPS_StartPreview] shown in FIG. In step [12-2], the PRT-PTB unit 210 reads the preview image data corresponding to the identification ID of LID = i from the memory buffer 260 and transmits the preview image data. The preview image data transmitted from the PRT-PTB unit 210 to the DSC-PTB unit 110 is stored in the buffer memory 160. In Step [12], Steps [12-1] are performed between the PRT-PTB unit 210 and the DSC-PTB unit 110 until all the preview image data corresponding to all print layouts are transferred. And the process of step [12-2] is repeated. In step [13], the PRT-PB unit 210 ends the preview image data generation process.

  On the other hand, the DSC-PTB unit 110 stands by until all the preview image data corresponding to all the print layouts are acquired in step [14].

  When all of the preview image data is acquired in the DSC-PTB unit 110 (step [14]: Y), the user interface 130 displays the display panel 102 in FIG. 8 in step [15]. As shown, a screen (preview screen) 600 in which preview images represented by preview image data corresponding to all print layouts are displayed on the preview image display unit 610 is displayed. FIG. 8 shows an example in which preview image 1 corresponding to the layout pattern with LID = 1 and preview image 2 corresponding to the layout pattern with LID = 2 are displayed.

  In step [16], when the user operates the preview selection button 612 to select a desired print layout and presses the print button 620, in step [17], the DSC-PTB 110 ends the preview process. In step [18], the printing process is started.

  When the printing process is started, the DSC-PTB unit 110 transmits a request message using the action [DPS_StartJob] to the PRT-PTB unit 210 in step [19], thereby selecting the selected layout pattern (LID = x: x requests the start of a print job (identification number indicating the identification ID of the selected layout pattern). When the PRT-PTB unit 210 that has received the print job start request can execute printing by the print device 240, in step [20], information indicating that printing is possible (in the drawing, A response message including “OK” is returned to the DSC-PTB unit 110. Thereafter, normal printing processing is executed.

  When the end button of the preview screen 600 shown in FIG. 8 is pressed, the process returns to the state of step [3] for displaying the print setting screen.

  As described above, in the DSC 100 and the printer 200, the functional blocks of the DSC-PTB 110 and the PRT-PTB unit 210 operate in cooperation, so that the printer 200 performs the print layout selected on the DSC 100 side. A plurality of preview image data corresponding to a plurality of supported layout patterns can be generated on the printer 200 side and transferred to the DSC 100 side. On the DSC 100 side, a plurality of preview images represented by a plurality of preview image data transferred from the printer 200 can be collectively displayed as a preview. As a result, the user can grasp the print results of a plurality of layout patterns of the print layout selected on the DSC 100 side before printing, and can select and print the layout pattern of the desired print layout from among them. Can be executed.

C. Preview display operation of the second embodiment:
9 and 10 are explanatory diagrams showing the procedure of the preview display operation of the second embodiment. In the preview display operation of the second embodiment, the operation after step [11] is different from the operation after step [11] of the first embodiment, and the operations from step [1] to step [10] are the same. It is. 9 and 10 omit the illustration of the operations from step [1] to step [10]. Hereinafter, only the operation after step [11] will be described.

  When the acquisition of all the print target image data is completed in step [10] (FIG. 2), the PRT-PTB unit 210 causes the preview image data generation unit 270 to perform the initial layout pattern (LID = 1) in step [11]. ) For generating preview image data. The generated preview image data is stored in the buffer memory 260.

  When the generation of the preview image data is completed, the PRT-PTB unit 210 transfers the preview image data of the generated initial layout pattern (LID = 1) to the DSC-PTB unit 110 in step [12]. Execute. Specifically, in step [12-1], a request message using the action [DPS_SendFile] is transmitted to the DSC-PTB unit 110, whereby the initial layout pattern identification ID (LID = 1). Is notified to the DSC-PTB unit 210 that the preview image data corresponding to is transmitted. The layout pattern identification ID can be notified using the parameter [LayoutID] as described in the first embodiment. In step [12-2], the PRT-PTB unit 210 reads the preview image data corresponding to the identification ID of LID = 1 from the memory buffer 260 and transmits the preview image data. The preview image data transmitted from the PRT-PTB unit 210 to the DSC-PTB unit 110 is stored in the buffer memory 160. In step [13], the PRT-PB unit 210 ends the preview image data generation process.

  When the preview image data corresponding to the identification ID (LID = 1) notified in step [12-1] is acquired in step [12-2] in the DSC-PTB unit 110, the user In step [14], the interface 130 displays the preview image represented by the preview image data corresponding to the layout pattern of the print layout whose identification ID is LID = 1 as shown in FIG. A screen (preview screen) 700 displayed on the preview image display unit 710 is displayed.

  In the user interface 130, in step [15], the user instructs another layout pattern by pressing the Next button 712 or the Back button 714 on the preview screen 700, or presses the print button 720 to perform printing. It is determined whether an instruction has been given or the end of preview display has been instructed by pressing an end button 730.

  When another layout pattern is instructed, the DSC-PTB unit 110 executes the operations after step [16] described below. When printing is instructed, the DSC-PTB unit 110 executes operations after step [24] described later. If an instruction to end the preview display is given, the process returns to the state of step [3] for displaying the print setting screen shown in FIG.

  When another layout pattern is instructed, the DSC-PTB unit 110 transmits a request message using the action [DPS_StartPreview] to the PRT-PTB unit 210 in step [16], thereby displaying a preview display. To start the preview operation. At this time, it is notified using the parameter [LayoutID] whether the button pressed by the user is the Next button 712 for instructing the next layout or the Back button 714 for instructing the previous layout. For example, for the next layout pattern, include a description such as [<Layout> Next </ Layout>] in the request message, and for the previous layout pattern, [<Layout> Back </ Layout>] This is possible by including a description such as

  In step [17], the PRT-PTB unit 210 that has received the preview operation start request controls the preview image data generation unit 270 to start processing for generating preview image data, and in step [18]. Then, a response message including information indicating the start of processing (indicated by “OK” in the drawing) is returned to the DSC-PTB unit 110.

  In step [19], the PRT-PTB unit 210 that has transmitted the response message causes the preview image data generation unit 270 to execute generation processing of preview image data for the next layout pattern or the previous layout pattern. Here, processing for generating preview image data of the next layout pattern (LID = 2) is executed. The generated preview image data is stored in the buffer memory 260.

  When the generation of preview image data for the next layout pattern (LID = 2) is completed, the PRT-PTB unit 210 performs the next layout generated in step [21] in the same procedure as in step [12]. Transfer of the preview image data of the pattern (LID = 2) to the DSC-PTB unit 110 is executed. In step [21], the PRT-PB unit 210 ends the preview image data generation process.

  In the DSC-PTB unit 110, when the preview image data corresponding to the identification ID (LID = 2) notified in step [20-1] is acquired in step [20-2], the user interface 130 is displayed. In step [22], the preview image represented by the preview image data corresponding to the layout pattern represented by the identification ID (LID = 2) is displayed on the display panel 102 on the preview image display unit 710 (FIG. 11). reference).

  In the user interface 130, in step [23], as in step [15], the user has instructed another layout pattern by pressing the Next button 712 or the Back button 714 on the preview screen 700, or the print button It is determined whether printing has been instructed by pressing 720, or the end of preview display has been instructed by pressing the end button 730.

  When another layout pattern is instructed, the DSC-PTB unit 110 executes the operations from step [16] to step [22] described above. When printing is instructed, the DSC-PTB unit 110 executes the operations after step [24] described below. If an instruction to end the preview display is given, the process returns to the state of step [3] for displaying the print setting screen shown in FIG.

  When the print button 730 is pressed, the DSC-PTB 110 ends the preview process in step [24], and starts the print process in step [25].

  When the printing process is started, the DSC-PTB unit 110 transmits a request message using the action [DPS_StartJob] to the PRT-PTB unit 210 in step [26], thereby displaying a preview image on the preview screen 700. It requests the start of a print job of a layout pattern (LID = x: x is an identification number of the selected layout pattern) corresponding to the preview image displayed in the section 710. When the PRT-PTB unit 210 that has received the print job start request can execute printing by the print device 240, in step [27], information indicating that printing is possible (in the drawing, A response message including “OK” is returned to the DSC-PTB unit 110. Thereafter, normal printing processing is executed.

  As described above, in the preview display operation of this embodiment, the printer 200 displays a plurality of layout patterns supported for the print layout specified on the DSC 100 side for each preview display instruction from the DSC 100 side. One by one, preview image data corresponding to the selected layout pattern can be generated and transferred to the DSC 100 side. On the DSC 100 side, the preview image represented by the preview image data transferred from the printer 200 side is displayed as a preview. can do. Thereby, the user can grasp the print results of the plurality of layout patterns of the print layout selected on the DSC 100 side one by one before printing, and can execute printing with the layout pattern of the desired print layout. .

D. Preview display operation of the third embodiment:
12 and 13 are explanatory diagrams showing the procedure of the preview display operation of the third embodiment. The preview display operation of the third embodiment is the same except that the operations of step [6] to step [8] are different from the operations of step [6] to step [8] of the first embodiment.

  In Step [6] of the third embodiment, the DSC-PTB unit 110 transmits a request message indicating a print job start request using the action [DPS_StartJob] to the PRT-PTB unit 210. However, as shown in FIG. 14, the request message includes a newly defined parameter [Preview] in addition to the parameters included in the action [StartPreview] shown in FIG. Specifically, for example. It is described as “<Preview> ON </ Prview>”. This description indicates that the preview operation is valid.

  The PRT-PTB unit 210 that has received the print job start request does not start the normal print operation because the parameter for enabling the preview operation is included. In step [7], the preview image data generation unit 270 is activated. In step [8], a response message including information (indicated by “OK” in the drawing) indicating that the process has been started is started. Respond to 110.

  Then, from step [9] to step [20], the same operation as in the first embodiment is performed to execute the preview display.

  Also in the third embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the printer 200 generates a plurality of preview image data corresponding to a plurality of layout patterns supported for the print layout specified on the DSC 100 side. Can be generated and transferred to the DSC 100 side. On the DSC 100 side, a plurality of preview images represented by a plurality of preview image data transferred from the printer 200 side can be collectively displayed as a preview. As a result, the user can grasp the print results of a plurality of layout patterns of the print layout selected on the DSC 100 side before printing, and can select and print the layout pattern of the desired print layout from among them. Can be executed.

  In the third embodiment, the action [DPS_StartPreview] of step [6] in the first embodiment is described as an action [DPS_StartJob] including the parameter [Preview]. However, in the second embodiment, The action [DPS_StartPreview] in step [6] may be an action [DPS_StartJob] including the parameter [Preview].

E. Variations:
The present invention is not limited to the above-described examples and embodiments, and can be implemented in various modes without departing from the scope of the invention.

  In the first and third embodiments described above, the case where a plurality of layout patterns are prepared for the print layout supported by the printer 200 specified by the user on the DSC 100 side is described as an example. There may be a case where only one layout pattern is prepared. In this case, it is not necessary to specify the identification information of the layout pattern using the parameter [LayoutID].

  In the above embodiment, the DSC is described as an example of the image recording apparatus connected to the printer as the image printing apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to various image recording apparatuses such as a DVC and a DVD recorder. It is.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the DSC 100 and the printer 200 are connected by the USB cable 300 and communication according to the USB standard is executed between the DSC 100 and the printer 200 is described as an example. The present invention is applicable even when communication according to various standards is executed regardless of connection or wireless connection.

  In the above embodiment, a printing system to which the PictBridge standard is applied is described as an example in order to realize direct printing. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other direct printing is realized. The present invention can also be applied to a printing system to which a standard is applied.

  In addition, the description of the command and parameter newly defined in the above embodiment is an example, and is not limited to this. The description is newly defined to have the same function as each command and parameter. Any description can be used.

It is explanatory drawing which shows schematic structure of the direct printing system as one Example of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the procedure of the preview display operation | movement of 1st Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the procedure of the preview display operation | movement of 1st Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the response message with respect to the request message using action [DPS_GetCapability]. It is explanatory drawing which shows the setting screen for direct printing. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the request message using action [DPS_StartPreview]. It is explanatory drawing which shows the preview preparation screen. It is explanatory drawing which shows the preview screen in 1st Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the procedure of the preview display operation | movement of 2nd Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the procedure of the preview display operation | movement of 2nd Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the preview screen in 2nd Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the procedure of the preview display operation | movement of 3rd Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the procedure of the preview display operation | movement of 3rd Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the request message using the action [DPS_StartJob] including the parameter for starting a preview operation. It is explanatory drawing which shows the subject of a prior art.

Explanation of symbols

100 ... DSC (digital video camera)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 102 ... Display panel 104 ... Operation part 106 ... Memory card 110 ... DSC-PTB part 120 ... USB device control part 122 ... Connector 130 ... User interface 140 ... Memory card drive part 150 ... PTB data memory 160 ... Buffer memory 200 ... Printer 202 Display panel 204 Operation unit 210 PRT-PTB unit 220 USB host control unit 222 Connector 230 User interface 240 Print device 250 PTB data memory 260 Buffer memory 270 Preview image data generation unit 400 Print setting Screen 410 ... Preview display field 412 ... Print target image selection button 420 ... Paper (print medium) setting field 430 ... Number of prints setting field 440 ... Print layout print setting field 440
422, 432, 442 ... selection tab 450 ... print button 460 ... preview button 500 ... preview preparing screen 600 ... preview screen 610 ... preview image display section 612 ... preview selection button 620 ... print button 630 ... end button 700 ... preview screen 710 ... Preview image display section 712 ... Next button 714 ... Back button 720 ... Print button 730 ... End button

Claims (11)

A direct printing system for directly printing an image to be printed by directly connecting an image recording device and an image printing device,
The image recording apparatus includes:
A display unit;
A user interface that displays a setting screen related to printing on the display unit, allows a user to select the print target image and set the print target image, and allows a print execution instruction of the print target image; ,
A recording apparatus that requests the image printing apparatus to execute printing of the print target image based on the print execution instruction, and transmits image data of the print target image in response to a request from the image printing apparatus Side control means;
With
The image printing apparatus includes:
Printing execution means;
Based on the print execution request notified from the recording apparatus side control means, the recording apparatus side control means is requested to transmit image data of the print target image, and from the recording apparatus side control means. A printing apparatus-side control unit that acquires image data of the print target image that is transmitted, and causes the print execution unit to execute printing using the acquired image data of the print target image;
With
The user interface further includes:
The image printing apparatus further allows the user to give a preview display instruction for displaying on the display unit a preview image indicating a print outline based on a print layout setting included in the setting related to the print target image. ,
Preview image data generating means for generating image data for preview representing the preview image;
The recording apparatus side control means further includes:
Based on the preview display instruction from the user, the printing apparatus side control apparatus is requested to start a preview operation for the preview display, and the preview image transmitted from the printing apparatus side control means is transmitted. Image data for preview representing the image, and causing the user interface to display the preview image represented by the acquired image data for preview on the display unit,
The printing apparatus-side control means requests the recording apparatus-side control means to transmit image data of the print target image based on the preview operation start request notified from the recording apparatus-side control means. The image data of the print target image transmitted from the print recording apparatus side control means is acquired, and the preview image data is generated by using the acquired image data of the print target image to the preview image data generation means. Causing generation to be performed, and transmitting the generated preview image data to the recording apparatus-side control unit,
A direct printing system characterized by this. The direct printing system according to claim 1,
The request to start the preview operation is defined by a dedicated preview command representing the request to start the preview operation, and is notified from the recording apparatus side control means to the printing apparatus side control means by using the defined preview command. A direct printing system characterized by that. The direct printing system according to claim 1,
The request for starting the preview operation defines a preview parameter indicating the request for starting the preview operation as a parameter to be included in a print start command representing the request to execute the print, and includes the print parameter including the defined preview parameter. A direct printing system in which the recording apparatus side control means notifies the printing apparatus side control means by using a start command. A direct printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The printing apparatus-side control means is configured to provide a plurality of layouts prepared on the image printing apparatus side with respect to the print layout set by the user via the user interface based on the request to start the preview operation. Causing the preview image data generation means to generate a plurality of preview image data corresponding to each of the patterns, and transmitting the generated preview image data to the recording apparatus side control means,
The recording apparatus-side control unit acquires the plurality of preview image data transmitted from the printing apparatus-side control unit, and the display unit of the plurality of preview images represented by the acquired plurality of preview image data Display on the user interface,
A direct printing system characterized by this. A direct printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The user interface further includes:
The preview image displayed on the display unit among the plurality of layout patterns prepared on the image printing apparatus side with respect to the print layout set by the user via the interface to the user. Means for allowing a preview display change instruction for displaying the preview image by the layout pattern different from the layout pattern;
The recording apparatus side control means requests the preview operation start based on the preview display change instruction,
The printing apparatus side control unit generates the preview image data corresponding to the layout pattern different from the layout pattern executed immediately before, in the preview image generation unit, based on the request to start the preview operation. To execute,
A direct printing system characterized by this. A direct printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
When the preview image data is generated by using the image data of the print target image by the preview image generation unit, the printing apparatus side control unit causes the print execution unit to generate the preview image generated. A direct printing system that performs printing using data. An image recording apparatus for directly printing an image to be printed by directly connecting to an image printing apparatus,
A display unit;
A user who displays a setting screen related to printing on the display unit and allows a user to select the print target image and a setting related to printing the print target image, and to permit an instruction to execute printing of the print target image Interface,
Control means for requesting the image printing apparatus to execute printing of the print target image based on the print execution instruction and transmitting image data of the print target image in response to a request from the image printing apparatus When,
With
The user interface further includes:
Allowing the user to give a preview display instruction for displaying on the display unit a preview image indicating an outline of printing according to a print layout setting included in the setting relating to the print target image;
The control means further includes
Based on the preview display instruction from the user, the image printing apparatus is requested to start a preview operation for the preview display, and the preview image representing the preview image transmitted from the image printing apparatus is displayed. Acquiring image data and causing the user interface to execute display on the display unit of the preview image represented by the acquired image data for preview;
An image recording apparatus. An image printing apparatus for directly printing an image to be printed by directly connecting to an image recording apparatus,
Printing execution means;
Based on the print execution request notified from the image recording apparatus, the image recording apparatus is requested to transmit image data of the print target image, and the print target transmitted from the image recording apparatus Print control means for acquiring image data of an image, and causing the print execution means to execute printing using the acquired image data of the print target image;
Preview image data generating means for generating image data for preview;
With
The print control unit requests the image recording apparatus to transmit image data of the print target image based on the preview operation start request notified from the image recording apparatus, and transmits the image data from the image recording apparatus. The image data of the print target image is acquired, and the preview image data generation unit is configured to generate the preview image data using the acquired image data of the print target image, and generate the preview image data. Sending image data to the image recording device;
An image printing apparatus. A direct printing system control method for directly printing an image to be printed by directly connecting an image recording apparatus and an image printing apparatus,
In the image recording apparatus,
Allowing a user to give a preview display instruction for displaying a preview image indicating a print outline according to a print layout setting included in the setting relating to the print target image;
Requesting the image printing apparatus to start a preview operation for the preview display based on the preview display instruction by the user;
In the image printing apparatus,
Based on the request to start the preview operation notified from the image recording device, the image recording device is requested to transmit image data of the image to be printed,
Obtaining image data of the print target image transmitted from the image recording device;
Using the acquired image data of the print target image, generation of preview image data representing the preview image is executed,
Transmitting the generated preview image data to the image recording device;
In the image recording apparatus,
Obtaining the preview image data transmitted from the image printing apparatus;
Displaying the preview image represented by the acquired image data for preview;
A control method for a direct printing system, comprising: An image recording apparatus control method for directly printing an image to be printed by connecting to an image printing apparatus,
Allowing a user to give a preview display instruction for displaying a preview image indicating a print outline according to a print layout setting included in the setting relating to the print target image;
Based on the preview display instruction from the user, the image printing apparatus is requested to start a preview operation for the preview display.
Obtaining preview image data representing the preview image transmitted from the image printing apparatus;
Displaying the preview image represented by the acquired image data for preview;
A control method for an image recording apparatus. A method for controlling an image printing apparatus that directly connects to an image recording apparatus and executes printing of an image to be printed,
Based on the preview operation start request notified from the image recording device, the image recording device is requested to transmit image data of the image to be printed,
Obtaining image data of the print target image transmitted from the image recording device;
Using the acquired image data of the print target image, generation of preview image data is performed,
Transmitting the generated image data for preview to the image recording apparatus;
A control method for an image printing apparatus.

Images