JP4429653B2 - Service search system and service search method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique applied to a system that directly transfers data between apparatuses without using a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a PC), and more particularly to a technique for searching for a service that can be supported between the apparatuses.

  Conventionally, there is a system for directly transferring data between apparatuses without using a PC.

  For example, a digital still camera (hereinafter referred to as DSC) having an interface conforming to IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 1394 and a printer are directly connected to transfer image data stored in the internal memory of the DSC to the printer. A system for printing, a system for directly connecting a DSC having an interface compliant with IEEE1394 and a storage device, transferring image data stored in the internal memory of the DSC to the storage device, and an interface compliant with IEEE1394 There is a system for directly connecting a storage device and a printer, and transferring image data stored in the storage device to a printer for printing (see Patent Document 1).

  However, in these systems, since the specifications differ depending on the manufacturer and model, a specific DSC and dedicated printer, a specific DSC and dedicated storage device, a specific storage device and dedicated printer, etc. The combination was limited.

In view of these circumstances, in recent years, there has been an increase in the movement to directly standardize and establish various services at the application level by directly connecting an image input device and an image output device. In the Imaging Products Association (DC-001-2003) Digital Photo Solutions for Imaging Devices (hereinafter simply referred to as DC-001-2003), a DSC and a printer are directly connected, and an image obtained by photographing is printed without using a PC. Direct print service to be standardized. As a result, if the DSC and the printer conform to DC-001-2003, a direct print service can be performed between any DSC and the printer without being restricted by the manufacturer or model. It was.
JP 2003-78844 A

  By the way, the above-mentioned DC-001-2003 standardizes a direct print service in which a DSC and a printer are directly connected and an image is printed without using a PC. It is not standardized. For this reason, DC-001-2003 negotiates whether the devices connected to each other are compliant with DC-001-2003 by an operation called discovery. If it is detected that it conforms to -001-2003, the processing related to the direct print service can be executed.

  However, in this discovery operation, when a storage is connected to a DSC compliant with DC-001-2003, the DSC temporarily detects that the connected device is a device compliant with DC-001-2003. Then, the DSC may recognize the storage as a printer and perform inappropriate processing.

  Therefore, it is necessary to prevent such inappropriate processing from being performed by, for example, searching for a service that can be handled between apparatuses in advance.

  In view of the above circumstances, the present invention provides a system and a method for searching for a service that can be handled between devices before the processing related to the service is performed in a system in which two devices directly transmit and receive signals. The purpose is to do.

A first aspect of the present invention is a system in which a main device and a peripheral device directly send and receive signals, and the main device has a virtual file provided for each service supported by the main device. Stored in the first storage means, and the peripheral device is provided with a file name of a corresponding file provided for each file stored in the first storage means of the main device. from the file information including, by searching the file information including the file name same file name and the virtual file corresponding to the service to which the peripheral device supports, is stored in the first storage unit of the main device A service search system having search means for searching for a virtual file corresponding to a service supported by the peripheral device from a file.

According to the above configuration, by searching for a virtual file corresponding to a service supported by the peripheral device from the file stored in the first storage unit, a service that can be supported between the devices is searched. In other words, when the virtual file is searched, the service corresponding to the virtual file is searched as a service that can be handled between devices. When the virtual file is not searched, the service can be handled between devices. The service was not searched.
Further, according to the above configuration, the search for the virtual file is performed by searching the file information of the virtual file.

  According to this configuration, the search for the virtual file is performed by searching for the file name of the virtual file.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the peripheral device is a second storage unit in which a virtual file provided corresponding to each service supported by the peripheral device is stored. For each service supported by the peripheral device stored in the second storage unit when a virtual file corresponding to the service supported by the peripheral device is retrieved by the retrieval unit. In this configuration, file information including the file name of the corresponding virtual file is transmitted to the main device.

According to this configuration, when a service that can be supported between devices is searched, file information of a virtual file provided corresponding to each service supported by the peripheral device is transmitted from the peripheral device to the main device. Therefore, the main device can detect a service supported by the peripheral device based on the file information of the transmitted virtual file.

  The present invention is not limited to the service search system described above, and can be configured as a service search method.

  According to the present invention, in a system in which a main apparatus and a peripheral apparatus directly transmit and receive a signal, it is possible to search for a service that can be handled between apparatuses before processing related to the service is performed.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  The service search system according to the first embodiment of the present invention is a system in which a main device and a peripheral device directly transmit and receive data, and based on a virtual file created for each service supported by the main device, It is a system that searches for services that can be supported.

  1 and 2 are block diagrams illustrating an example of a direct operation system to which the service search system according to the present embodiment is applied.

  FIG. 1 shows a direct operation system in which a main device is a DSC and a peripheral device is a printer.

  In the system shown in the figure, the DSC 1 and the printer 2 are connected via a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable 3.

  In the DSC 1, the control unit 4 includes a direct operation unit 7 including a service search unit 5, a discovery unit 6, and the like, and comprehensively controls the operation of each unit of the DSC 1. The service search unit 5 performs a process related to a search for a service that can be handled with the device connected to the DSC 1. The discovery unit 6 detects whether or not the device connected to the DSC 1 is a direct operation device. The direct operation device is configured so that when the main device and the peripheral device are directly connected, the peripheral device can be directly operated using the UI (user interface) of the main device. A device or peripheral device. The direct operation unit 7 transfers and handles data related to services that can be handled with the direct operation device connected to the DSC 1. The imaging unit 8 captures a subject to generate an imaging signal and performs various image processing to create image data. The display unit 9 displays image data, a user interface screen, and the like. The operation unit 10 includes an operation switch or the like for inputting an instruction regarding the operation of the DSC 1. The recording medium 11 stores image data created by the imaging unit 8. The memory 12 stores a virtual file created for each service supported by the DSC 1, information for controlling the operation of each unit of the DSC 1, and the like. The USB communication IF 13 is an interface conforming to the USB standard that exchanges signals with a connected apparatus.

  On the other hand, in the printer 2, the control unit 14 includes a direct operation unit 17 including a service search unit 15, a discovery unit 16, and the like, and comprehensively controls operations of the respective units of the printer 2. The service search unit 15 performs processing related to a search for a service that can be handled with the apparatus connected to the printer 2. The discovery unit 16 detects whether or not the device connected to the printer 2 is a direct operation device. The direct operation unit 17 transfers and handles data related to a service that can be handled with the direct operation device connected to the printer 2. The memory 18 stores information for controlling the operation of each part of the printer 2. The printing unit 19 performs image printing based on the image data. The USB communication IF 20 is an interface conforming to the USB standard that exchanges signals with a connected apparatus.

  The above is the configuration of the direct operation system in which the main device is the DSC 1 and the peripheral device is the printer 2.

  FIG. 2 shows a direct operation system in which the main device is a DSC and the peripheral device is a storage device (hereinafter referred to as storage).

  In the system shown in the figure, the DSC 1 and the storage 21 are connected via the USB cable 3.

  The configuration of the DSC 1 is as shown in FIG.

  In the storage 21, the control unit 22 includes a direct operation unit 25 including a service search unit 23, a discovery unit 24, and the like, and comprehensively controls operations of the respective units of the storage 21. The service search unit 23 performs a process related to a search for a service that can be handled with an apparatus connected to the storage 21. The discovery unit 24 detects whether or not the device connected to the storage 21 is a direct operation device. The direct operation unit 25 transfers and handles data related to a service that can be handled with the direct operation device connected to the storage 21. The memory 26 stores information for controlling the operation of each part of the storage 21. The recording medium 27 stores image data. The recording medium 27 is an optical disk (optical disk) such as CD-RW, MO, DVD-RAM, or the like. The USB communication IF 28 is an interface conforming to the USB standard that exchanges signals with a connected device.

  The above is the configuration of the direct operation system in which the main device is the DSC 1 and the peripheral device is the storage 21.

  1 and 2, the DSC 1 as the main device operates as a USB device, and the printer 2 and the storage 21 as peripheral devices operate as a USB host device.

  Next, the communication protocol architecture between the DSC 1 and the printer 2 and between the DSC 1 and the storage 21 will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a communication protocol architecture between the DSC 1 and the printer 2 shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 3, the direct operation application layer 31, direct operation layer 32, and PTP transport layer 33 of the DSC 1 correspond to the direct operation unit 7, the physical communication layer 34 corresponds to the USB communication IF 13, and the discovery 35 Corresponding to the discovery unit 6 described above, the service search 36 corresponds to the service search unit 5 described above.

  Further, the direct operation application layer 37, the direct operation layer 38, and the PTP transport layer 39 of the printer 2 correspond to the direct operation unit 17, the physical communication layer 40 corresponds to the USB communication IF 20, and the discovery 41 corresponds to the above. The service search 42 corresponds to the service search unit 15 described above.

  As described above, in the communication protocol architecture between the DSC 1 and the printer 2, USB is used as the physical communication layers 34 and 40, and PTP (Picture Transfer Protocol) is used as the communication protocol of the transport layers 33 and 39 thereon. Used. This PTP is a protocol mainly used for image transfer in DSC. Further, direct operation layers 32 and 38 for realizing a direct operation are provided above the PTP transport layers 33 and 39, and between the PTP transport layers 33 and 39 and the direct operation layers 32 and 38. Are provided with discovery 35, 41 and service search 36, 42 as software components. In addition, the direct operation application layers 31 and 37 which are the uppermost layers are provided with a storage server 43 / client 44 and a print server 45 / client 46 which are software components. The storage server 43 / client 44 supports the function of transferring image data of DSC 1 to the printer 2, and the storage server 43 transfers image data in response to a request from the storage client 44. The print server 45 / client 46 supports a function of printing image data, and the print server 45 prints image data in response to a request from the print client 46.

  The above is the communication protocol architecture between the DSC 1 and the printer 2.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a communication protocol architecture between the DSC 1 and the storage 21 shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 4, the configuration of each layer of DSC 1 is the same as the configuration shown in FIG.

  The direct operation application layer 47, direct operation layer 48, and PTP transport layer 49 of the storage 21 correspond to the direct operation unit 25, the physical communication layer 50 corresponds to the USB communication IF 28, and the discovery 51 corresponds to the above. The service search 52 corresponds to the service search unit 23 described above.

  As described above, in the communication protocol architecture between the DSC 1 and the storage 21, USB is used as the physical communication layers 34 and 50, and PTP is used as the communication protocol of the transport layers 33 and 49 thereon. In addition, direct operation layers 32 and 48 for realizing direct operation are provided above the PTP transport layers 33 and 49, and between the PTP transport layers 33 and 49 and the direct operation layers 32 and 48. Are provided with discovery 35, 51 and service search 36, 52 as software components. In addition, the direct operation application layers 31 and 47 which are the uppermost layers are provided with a storage server 43 / client 54 and a storage server 55 / client 56 which are software components. The storage server 43 / client 54 supports the function of transferring image data of DSC 1 to the storage 2, and the storage server 43 transfers image data in response to a request from the storage client 54. The storage server 55 / client 56 supports the function of transferring the image data in the storage 2 to the DSC 1 and the function of operating the image data in the storage 21. The storage server 55 is requested by the storage client 56. In response to this, the image data is transferred and the image data in the storage 21 is operated.

  The above is the communication protocol architecture between the DSC 1 and the storage 21.

  Next, the operation of the direct operation system described above will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system flow of the direct operation system described above.

  In this figure, when a main device (DSC1) and a peripheral device (printer 2 or storage 21) are connected via a USB cable 3 (S1), negotiations are first performed as to whether or not they are PTP-compatible devices. If it is a compatible device, a PTP connection is established (S2).

  Next, negotiation is performed to determine whether the devices are directly operating devices (S3). If they are direct operation devices, a service search according to the present invention is then performed (S4). If a service that can be handled by both devices can be searched in this service search, a direct operation connection is established by the direct operation connection establishment process (S5). After establishing the direct operation connection, it becomes possible to execute processing (print or store) related to a service that can be handled between both apparatuses (S6).

  In this system flow, discovery (S3) and service search (S4) are separated, but discovery (S3) and service search (S4) can also be performed simultaneously.

  Next, the process (S4) related to the system flow service search described above will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a system flow when a service that can be handled between the two devices is searched in the system flow shown in FIG. 5, and more particularly shows a process related to the service search in detail. .

  In FIG. 6, the processing of S1 to S3 is as described above.

  In the process related to the service search in S4, first, a file identifier number request signal is transmitted from the peripheral device to the main device (S4a). In the main apparatus that has received this, a virtual file corresponding to each service supported by the main apparatus is created (S4b) and stored in the memory of the main apparatus (memory 12 of DSC1). In this example, a virtual file corresponding to the print service, a virtual file corresponding to the storage service, or both virtual files are created and stored in the memory according to the service supported by the main apparatus. These virtual files may be empty files with a file size of 0, and may be created anytime before the subsequent S4c is started. When the virtual file is created and stored in the memory in this way, subsequently, each of the files stored in the memory of the main device (the memory 12 of the DSC 1) corresponds to the file identifier count request in S4a described above. The number of file identifiers provided is transmitted from the main device to the peripheral device (S4c).

  Subsequently, a file identifier list request signal is transmitted from the peripheral device to the main device (S4d), and as a response, the aforementioned list of file identifiers is transmitted from the main device to the peripheral device (S4e).

  Subsequently, in the peripheral device, in order to detect services supported by both devices, a process of searching for a virtual file corresponding to the service supported by the peripheral device based on the file identifier list acquired in S4e described above is performed. Performed (S4f, S4g, S4h). In this example, the virtual file corresponding to the print service, the virtual file corresponding to the storage service, or both virtual files are searched according to the service supported by the peripheral device.

  In this search process, for each file identifier in the acquired file identifier list, a signal requesting file information of a file corresponding to the file identifier is transmitted from the peripheral device to the main device (S4g), and the file information is returned as a response. The process of transmitting (including the file name and the like) from the main device to the peripheral device (S4h) is repeated for the number of file identifiers acquired in S13, and corresponds to the service supported by the peripheral device. A search for file information including the same file name as the virtual file is performed (S4f). In this example, by searching for such file information, a virtual file corresponding to a service supported by the peripheral device is searched.

  In this search process, when file information including the same file name as the virtual file corresponding to the service supported by the peripheral device is searched, the search is performed as a service that the main device and the peripheral device support each other. A service corresponding to the file (virtual file) related to the file information is detected (S4i).

  As described above, when a service that supports each other is detected between the two devices, the direct operation connection establishment process described above is subsequently performed (S5), and it is detected that both devices are directly operating devices ( S5a, S5b). Then, the process (print / store) relating to the detected service, which is the process of S6 described above, can be executed.

  On the other hand, FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a system flow when a service that can be handled between the two devices is not searched in the system flow shown in FIG. 5, and particularly shows a process related to the service search in detail. FIG.

  In FIG. 7, the processing of S1 to S3 and S4a to S4h is as described above. In the search processing of S4f to S4h, the same file name as the virtual file corresponding to the service supported by the peripheral device is selected. When the file information to be included is not retrieved, the services that the main device and the peripheral device support each other are not detected (S4j).

  As described above, when services that are mutually supported between both apparatuses are not detected, the subsequent direct operation connection establishment process (S5) is not performed, and the subsequent processes are not performed.

  Next, a specific example of the system flow described above will be described.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a system flow when the main device is DSC1 (compatible with print service, not compatible with storage service) and the peripheral device is printer 2 (compatible with print service, not compatible with storage service).

  In the example in the figure, after the above-described processing of S1 to S3 and S4a is performed, a virtual file corresponding to the print service is created in S4b in response to the DSC1 being compatible with the print service and not being compatible with the storage service. And stored in the memory 12 of the DSC 1.

  Subsequently, after the processes of S4c to S4e are performed, the search processes of S4f to S4h are performed. However, in the search processing of this example, a search for a virtual file corresponding to the print service is performed according to the fact that the printer 2 is compatible with the print service and not compatible with the storage service.

  In this example, since both apparatuses support the print service, a virtual file corresponding to the print service is searched in the search process. In S4i, the print service is a service that both apparatuses support each other. Is detected. Then, the processes of S5, S5a, and S5b described above are performed, and in S6, the process (printing) related to the print service detected in S4i can be executed.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a system flow when the main device is DSC1 (print service compatible, storage service non-compatible) and the peripheral device is storage 21 (print service non-compatible, storage service compatible). .

  In the example in the figure, after the above-described processing of S1 to S3 and S4a is performed, a virtual file corresponding to the print service is created in S4b in response to the DSC1 being compatible with the print service and not being compatible with the storage service. And stored in the memory 12 of the DSC 1.

  Subsequently, after the processes of S4c to S4e are performed, the search processes of S4f to S4h are performed. However, in the search processing of this example, a search for a virtual file corresponding to the storage service is performed according to the fact that the storage 21 is incompatible with the print service and compatible with the storage service.

  In this example, since both apparatuses do not have a service that is supported in common with each other, a virtual file corresponding to the storage service is not searched in the search process. In S4j, a service that both apparatuses support each other. Is not detected. Therefore, the direct operation connection establishment process (S5) is not performed, and the subsequent processes are not performed.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a system flow when the main device is DSC1 (not compatible with print service and storage service) and the peripheral device is printer 2 (compatible with print service and storage service not compatible). .

  In the example in the figure, after the above-described processing of S1 to S3 and S4a is performed, a virtual file corresponding to the storage service is created in S4b in response to the DSC1 not supporting the print service and the storage service. And stored in the memory 12 of the DSC 1.

  Subsequently, after the processes of S4c to S4e are performed, the search processes of S4f to S4h are performed. However, in the search processing of this example, a search for a virtual file corresponding to the print service is performed according to the fact that the printer 2 is compatible with the print service and not compatible with the storage service.

  In this example, since both apparatuses do not have a service that is supported in common with each other, a virtual file corresponding to the print service is not searched in the search process. In S4j, a service that both apparatuses support each other. Is not detected. Therefore, the direct operation connection establishment process (S5) is not performed, and the subsequent processes are not performed.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a system flow when the main device is DSC1 (not compatible with print service and storage service) and the peripheral device is storage 21 (not compatible with print service and storage service). .

  In the example in the figure, after the above-described processing of S1 to S3 and S4a is performed, a virtual file corresponding to the storage service is created in S4b in response to the DSC1 not supporting the print service and the storage service. And stored in the memory 12 of the DSC 1.

  Subsequently, after the processes of S4c to S4e are performed, the search processes of S4f to S4h are performed. However, in the search processing of this example, a search for a virtual file corresponding to the storage service is performed according to the fact that the storage 21 is incompatible with the print service and compatible with the storage service.

  In this example, since both devices support the storage service, a virtual file corresponding to the storage service is searched in the search process. In S4i, the storage service is a service that both devices support each other. Is detected. Then, the processes of S5, S5a, and S5b described above are performed. In S6, the process (store) related to the storage service detected in S4i can be executed.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a system flow when the main device is DSC1 (compatible with print service and storage service) and the peripheral device is printer 2 (compatible with print service and non-storage service).

  In the example shown in the figure, after the processes of S1 to S3 and S4a described above are performed, in S4b, the virtual file and storage service corresponding to the print service according to the fact that DSC1 is compatible with the print service and the storage service. Are respectively stored in the memory 12 of the DSC 1.

  Subsequently, after the processes of S4c to S4e are performed, the search processes of S4f to S4h are performed. However, in the search processing of this example, a search for a virtual file corresponding to the print service is performed according to the fact that the printer 2 is compatible with the print service and not compatible with the storage service.

  In this example, since both apparatuses support the print service, a virtual file corresponding to the print service is searched in the search process. In S4i, the print service is a service that both apparatuses support each other. Is detected. Then, the processes of S5, S5a, and S5b described above are performed, and in S6, the process (printing) related to the print service detected in S4i can be executed.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a system flow when the main device is DSC1 (compatible with print service and storage service) and the peripheral device is storage 21 (not compatible with print service and storage service).

  In the example shown in the figure, after the processes of S1 to S3 and S4a described above are performed, in S4b, the virtual file and storage service corresponding to the print service according to the fact that DSC1 is compatible with the print service and the storage service. Are respectively stored in the memory 12 of the DSC 1.

  Subsequently, after the processes of S4c to S4e are performed, the search processes of S4f to S4h are performed. However, in the search processing of this example, a search for a virtual file corresponding to the storage service is performed according to the fact that the storage 21 is incompatible with the print service and compatible with the storage service.

  In this example, since both devices support the storage service, a virtual file corresponding to the storage service is searched in the search process. In S4i, the storage service is a service that both devices support each other. Is detected. Then, the processes of S5, S5a, and S5b described above are performed. In S6, the process (store) related to the storage service detected in S4i can be executed.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the main device (DSC1) and the peripheral device (printer 2 or storage 21) are connected, the peripheral device is stored in the main device for each service supported by the main device. By searching for the virtual file created in the above, it is possible to search for services that can be handled between apparatuses.

  Also, only when a service that can be handled between devices is found by the search, the processing related to the service can be executed. Therefore, the processing related to an inappropriate service that is not supported between the devices is executed. Can be prevented.

  In the service search system according to the second embodiment of the present invention, in addition to the service search system according to the first embodiment described above, the main device is connected to the peripheral device based on a virtual file created for each service supported by the peripheral device. This system detects services supported by the device.

  The configuration of the direct operation system to which the service search system according to the present embodiment is applied is the same as that shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, but the memory 18 of the printer 2 according to the present embodiment further includes the printer. A virtual file created corresponding to the print service supported by 2 is also stored. In addition, the memory 26 of the storage 21 according to the present embodiment further stores a virtual file created corresponding to the storage service supported by the storage 21.

  Further, the communication protocol architecture between the DSC 1 and the printer 2 and the communication protocol architecture between the DSC 1 and the storage 21 according to the present embodiment are the same as those shown in FIGS.

  Subsequently, a system flow of the direct operation system according to the present embodiment will be described.

  The system flow of the direct operation system according to the present embodiment is almost the same as the system flow shown in FIG. 5, but when a service that can be handled between both devices is searched in the process (S4) related to service search. The processing of is slightly different.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a system flow when a service that can be handled between both devices is searched in the system flow according to the present embodiment, and particularly illustrates a process related to the service search in detail. .

  This figure is almost the same as the system flow shown in FIG. 6 described above, but the following S4k and S4l are placed between S4i and S5 in FIG. 6 so that the main apparatus can detect the service supported by the peripheral device. , S4m and S4n are added.

  That is, in S4i, when a service supported by both devices is detected, a virtual file corresponding to each service supported by the peripheral device is created (S4k), and the memory of the peripheral device (the memory 18 or storage of the printer 2). 21 memory 26). In this example, a virtual file corresponding to the print service, a virtual file corresponding to the storage service, or both virtual files are created and stored in the memory according to the service supported by the peripheral device. These virtual files may be empty files with a file size of 0, and may be created anytime before the subsequent S4l is started. When the virtual file is created and stored in the memory in this way, subsequently, file information (file name, etc.) of the virtual file is transmitted from the peripheral device to the main device (S4l), and a file information transmission response signal is transmitted as a response. Is transmitted from the main device to the peripheral device (S4m). When the main device acquires the file information of the virtual file, the service supported by the connected device is detected from the file information (file name, etc.) (S4n).

  By such processing, the main device can detect a service supported by the connected device (peripheral device).

  In the system flow according to the present embodiment, the system flow when a service that can be handled between the two apparatuses is not searched is the same as that shown in FIG.

  Subsequently, a specific example of the system flow according to the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 15 shows a system flow in the system flow according to the present embodiment when the main device is DSC1 (print service compatible, storage service non-compatible) and the peripheral device is printer 2 (print service compatible, storage service non-compatible). It is the figure which showed an example.

  In the example of FIG. 8, when the processes of S1 to S3 and S4a to S4i of FIG. 8 are performed and a print service is detected as a service supported by both apparatuses in S4i, the printer 2 is detected in S4k. A virtual file corresponding to the print service supported by is created and stored in the memory 18.

  Subsequently, the processes of S4l and S4m are performed, and DSC1 detects from the file information (file name, etc.) of the received virtual file that the service supported by the connected device is a print service. (S4n). Then, the processes of S5, S5a, and S5b described above are performed, and in S6, the process (printing) related to the print service detected in S4i can be executed.

  In the system flow according to the present embodiment, the system flow when the main device is DSC1 (print service compatible, storage service non-compatible) and the peripheral device is storage 21 (print service non-compatible, storage service compatible) is both Since services supported by each other are not detected, the system flow is the same as that shown in FIG.

  FIG. 16 shows a system in which the main device is DSC1 (not compatible with print service and storage service) and the peripheral device is storage 21 (not compatible with print service and storage service) in the system flow according to the present embodiment. It is the figure which showed an example of the flow.

  In the example of FIG. 11, when the processing of S1 to S3 and S4a to S4i of FIG. 11 described above is performed and a storage service is detected as a service supported by both devices in S4i, the storage 21 in S4k is detected. A virtual file corresponding to the storage service supported by is created and stored in the memory 26.

  Subsequently, the processes of S4l and S4m described above are performed, and DSC1 detects from the file information (file name, etc.) of the received virtual file that the service supported by the connected device is a storage service. (S4n). Then, the processes of S5, S5a, and S5b described above are performed. In S6, the process (store) related to the storage service detected in S4i can be executed.

  In the system flow according to the present embodiment, the system flow when the main device is DSC1 (not compatible with print service and storage service) and the peripheral device is printer 2 (compatible with print service and storage service) is both Since services supported by each other are not detected, the system flow is the same as that shown in FIG.

  FIG. 17 shows a system flow when the main device is DSC1 (compatible with print service and storage service) and the peripheral device is printer 2 (compatible with print service and non-storage service) in the system flow according to the present embodiment. It is the figure which showed an example.

  In the example shown in FIG. 12, when the processes of S1 to S3 and S4a to S4i of FIG. 12 are performed and a print service is detected as a service supported by both apparatuses in S4i, the printer 2 is detected in S4k. A virtual file corresponding to the print service supported by is created and stored in the memory 18.

  Subsequently, the processes of S4l and S4m are performed, and DSC1 detects from the file information (file name, etc.) of the received virtual file that the service supported by the connected device is a print service. (S4n). Then, the processes of S5, S5a, and S5b described above are performed, and in S6, the process (printing) related to the print service detected in S4i can be executed.

  FIG. 18 shows a system flow when the main apparatus is DSC1 (print service compatible, storage service compatible) and the peripheral apparatus is storage 21 (print service non-compatible, storage service compatible) in the system flow according to the present embodiment. It is the figure which showed an example.

  In the example shown in FIG. 13, when the processing of S1 to S3 and S4a to S4i in FIG. 13 is performed and a storage service is detected as a service supported by both devices in S4i, the storage 21 in S4k is detected. A virtual file corresponding to the storage service supported by is created and stored in the memory 26.

  Subsequently, the processes of S4l and S4m described above are performed, and DSC1 detects from the file information (file name, etc.) of the received virtual file that the service supported by the connected device is a storage service. (S4n). Then, the processes of S5, S5a, and S5b described above are performed. In S6, the process (store) related to the storage service detected in S4i can be executed.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the main device (DSC1) and the peripheral device (printer 2 or storage 21) are connected, the main device is created corresponding to each service supported by the peripheral device. By acquiring the file information of the virtual file, the service supported by the peripheral device can be detected.

  In the first and second embodiments described above, the virtual file corresponding to the service supported by the main device and the virtual file corresponding to the service supported by the peripheral device are created during service search and stored in the memory. However, it may be stored in the memory in advance at the time of factory shipment, for example.

  In the second embodiment described above, when a service supported by a connected device (peripheral device) is detected, the main device displays the detected service on the display unit 9, for example. It is also possible to notify the user.

  Further, in the first and second embodiments described above, when a service supported by the main device and the peripheral device is not detected (S4j), for example, by disconnecting the communication IF or resetting the communication IF, It is also possible not to establish a direct operation connection.

  In the first and second embodiments described above, the main apparatus or the peripheral apparatus supports the print service, the storage service, or both services, but supports one or more other services. It is also possible.

  In the first and second embodiments described above, the DSC is used as the main device and the printer or the storage is used as the peripheral device. However, the main device and the peripheral device are not limited to these. It is also possible to apply a FAX device or the like that supports a FAX service as a peripheral device by applying an Assistant) or a cellular phone. However, in this case, a virtual file corresponding to each service supported by the device serving as the main device is stored in the memory of the main device. In the second embodiment, each service supported by the device serving as the peripheral device is further stored. Are stored in the memory of the peripheral device.

  In the first and second embodiments described above, transmission / reception of signals between the main device and the peripheral devices is performed by wire, but it is performed wirelessly (such as light, sound waves, or radio waves). Is also possible.

  In the first and second embodiments described above, the USB communication IF is applied as the physical communication layer of the main device and the peripheral device. However, other communication IFs such as IEEE 1394 and LAN (Local Area Network) can also be applied. It is. Further, although PTP is applied as a transport layer communication protocol, other communication protocols can also be applied.

  Although the service search system and service search method of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various improvements and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Of course.

1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a direct operation system including a DSC and a printer, to which a service search system according to Embodiment 1 is applied. It is the block diagram which showed an example of the direct operation system which consists of DSC and storage to which the service search system which concerns on Example 1 was applied. It is the figure which showed an example of the communication protocol architecture between DSC and a printer based on Example 1. FIG. It is the figure which showed an example of the communication protocol architecture between DSC and a storage based on Example 1. FIG. It is the figure which showed an example of the system flow of the direct operation system based on Example 1. FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a system flow when a service that can be handled between both devices is searched in the system flow shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a system flow when a service that can be handled between both apparatuses is not searched in the system flow illustrated in FIG. 5. In the system flow according to the first embodiment, a diagram illustrating an example of a system flow when the main device is a DSC (print service compatible, storage service non-compatible) and the peripheral device is a printer (print service compatible, storage service non-compatible). It is. In the system flow according to the first embodiment, a diagram illustrating an example of a system flow when the main device is a DSC (print service compatible, storage service non-compatible) and the peripheral device is a storage (print service non-compatible, storage service compatible). It is. In the system flow according to the first embodiment, a diagram illustrating an example of a system flow when the main device is a DSC (not compatible with print service and storage service) and the peripheral device is a printer (compatible with print service and not storage service) It is. In the system flow according to the first embodiment, a diagram illustrating an example of a system flow when the main device is a DSC (not compatible with a print service and storage service) and the peripheral device is a storage (not compatible with a print service and compatible with a storage service). It is. In the system flow according to the first embodiment, a diagram illustrating an example of a system flow when a main device is a DSC (print service compatible, storage service compatible) and a peripheral device is a printer (print service compatible, storage service non-compatible). is there. In the system flow according to the first embodiment, a diagram illustrating an example of a system flow when the main device is a DSC (print service compatible, storage service compatible) and the peripheral device is a storage (print service non-compatible, storage service compatible). is there. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system flow when a service that can be handled by both apparatuses is searched in the system flow according to the second embodiment. In the system flow according to the second embodiment, an example of a system flow when the main device is a DSC (print service compatible, storage service non-compatible) and the peripheral device is a printer (print service compatible, storage service non-compatible). It is. In the system flow according to the second embodiment, an example of a system flow when a main device is a DSC (not compatible with a print service and storage service) and a peripheral device is a storage (not compatible with a print service and compatible with a storage service) It is. In the system flow according to the second embodiment, an example of a system flow when the main device is a DSC (print service compatible, storage service compatible) and the peripheral device is a printer (print service compatible, storage service non-compatible) is illustrated. is there. In the system flow according to the second embodiment, an example of a system flow when the main device is DSC (compatible with print service and storage service) and the peripheral device is storage (not compatible with print service and storage service) is illustrated. is there.

Explanation of symbols

1 DSC
2 Printer 3 USB cable 4 Control unit 5 Service search unit 6 Discovery unit 7 Direct operation unit 8 Imaging unit 9 Display unit 10 Operation unit 11 Recording medium 12 Memory 13 USB communication IF
14 Control unit 15 Service search unit 16 Discovery unit 17 Direct operation unit 18 Memory 19 Printing unit 20 USB communication IF
21 Storage 22 Control Unit 23 Service Search Unit 24 Discovery Unit 25 Direct Operation Unit 26 Memory 27 Recording Medium 28 USB Communication IF
31 Direct Operation Application Layer 32 Direct Operation Layer 33 PTP Transport Layer 34 Physical Communication Layer 35 Discovery 36 Service Search 37 Direct Operation Application Layer 38 Direct Operation Layer 39 PTP Transport Layer 40 Physical Communication Layer 41 Discovery 42 Service Search 43 Storage Server 44 Storage client 45 Print server 46 Print client 47 Direct operation application layer 48 Direct operation layer 49 PTP transport layer 50 Physical communication layer 51 Discovery 52 Service search 54 Storage client 55 Storage server 56 Storage client

Claims (4)

A system in which a main device and a peripheral device directly send and receive signals,
The main unit is
A first storage unit storing a virtual file provided corresponding to each service supported by the main device;
Have
The peripheral device is:
The virtual file corresponding to the service supported by the peripheral device is obtained from the file information including the file name of the corresponding file provided corresponding to each file stored in the first storage unit of the main device. Search for searching for virtual files corresponding to services supported by the peripheral device from the files stored in the first storage means of the main device by searching for file information including the same file name as the file name means,
Having
A service search system characterized by that. The peripheral device is:
A second storage means for storing a virtual file provided corresponding to each service supported by the peripheral device;
Further comprising
Provided for each service supported by the peripheral device stored in the second storage unit when a virtual file corresponding to the service supported by the peripheral device is retrieved by the retrieval unit. Sending file information including the file name of the virtual file to the main unit;
Claim 1 Symbol placement service search system, characterized in that. A service search method for a system in which a main device and a peripheral device directly send and receive signals,
The main device stores a virtual file provided corresponding to each service supported by the main device,
The peripheral device, the main device provided corresponding to each file stored in, from the file information including the file name of the corresponding file, the file name of the virtual file corresponding to the service to which the peripheral device supports A virtual file corresponding to a service supported by the peripheral device is searched from the file stored in the main device by searching for file information including the same file name as
A service search method characterized by the above. The peripheral device further stores a virtual file provided corresponding to each service supported by the peripheral device, and when the virtual file corresponding to the service supported by the peripheral device is searched, the peripheral device The file information including the file name of the virtual file provided corresponding to each service supported by the peripheral device is stored in the main device,
The service search method according to claim 3 .

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