JP4501603B2 - Image output instruction device, image output device, and image output system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image output instruction device, an image output device, and an image output system.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which a computer and a printer are connected by a USB cable. The computer outputs printing conditions for printing the selected image to the printer. The printer prints an image under the printing conditions.

International Publication WO 2004/021164 (drawings, detailed description of the invention)

  As described above, in the conventional printing system disclosed in Patent Document 1, an image can be printed by a printer based on printing conditions designated by a computer.

  In addition to connecting a computer and a printer with a USB cable as described above, there is a system in which a DSC (Digital Still Camera) is directly connected to the printer with a USB cable, and an image selected by the DSC is printed with the printer. Such a system is called a direct print system.

  In such a direct print system, a communication protocol specified in “CIPA (Camera and Imaging Products Association) DC-001-2003” is used. Such a communication protocol defines a print setting instruction to be transmitted / received between the DSC and the printer, or a setting value option specified by the print setting instruction. As a result, even if the DSC and the printer are from different manufacturers, the DSC and the printer can be connected to each other to print an image by corresponding to the predetermined communication protocol.

  However, in the direct print system, the following problems may occur by adopting the predetermined communication protocol in this way.

  The DSC receives setting value options for the print condition setting items as parameters of a predetermined communication protocol, converts the parameters into predetermined character strings as options, and displays them on the liquid crystal monitor of the DSC. The user selects a setting value designated by the print setting instruction based on a character string of options displayed on the DSC liquid crystal monitor.

  The character string of options that the DSC converts the parameters of a predetermined communication protocol and displays on the liquid crystal monitor is a character string prepared by the DSC manufacturer. Therefore, even if the display is based on the same parameter of a predetermined communication protocol, the character string of options displayed on the DSC liquid crystal monitor may be different for each DSC (or DSC manufacturer). That is, when the DSC to be used is changed, the character string of the displayed option may be changed. As a result, for example, even if the user tries to print the same print as the DSC used previously with the new DSC, the user is confused by displaying different character strings for each DSC, and the desired print is performed. May not be possible.

  If the meaning of the character string of options for print settings displayed on the liquid crystal monitor of the DSC cannot be understood, the user refers to the DSC or printer manual for the character string. However, although the option character strings displayed on the DSC are the character strings of options related to the printer, they are provided together with the DSC and are not often described in detail in these manuals. As a result, even if the DSC or printer manual is referred to, the user's problem may not be solved.

  In addition, in “CIPA DC-001-2003”, parameters for notifying the printer status are defined in addition to the parameters that are converted into the character strings of options for such print setting instructions. The DSC also displays a character string prepared by the DSC manufacturer in order to display the printer status in the case of a parameter for notifying the printer status. The user needs to take an appropriate measure according to the content of the warning by the displayed character string, but the warning is expressed by a character string that is different for each DSC, so the meaning of the warning is understood. As a result, it may not be possible to take appropriate measures.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an image output instruction apparatus, an image output apparatus, and an image output system that can display an appropriate display character string or the like corresponding to the image output apparatus on an image output instruction apparatus.

  An image output instruction apparatus according to the present invention includes a communication unit that communicates with an image output apparatus using a predetermined communication protocol, and display information that is displayed when display information that specifies display contents is received by the communication unit according to the communication protocol. A conversion request means for sending a request for conversion to a display character string or display image unique to the image output device corresponding to the display information to the communication means, and a display character string or display image received by the communication means in response to the request. Display means for displaying instead of the display content specified by.

  If this configuration is adopted, the display means displays the display character string received from the image output device, instead of the display content specified by the display information. Therefore, the image output instruction device can display a display character string or the like corresponding to another image output device based on certain display information even if the image output device is replaced with another one.

  In the image output instruction apparatus according to the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the above-described invention, the display information is information for specifying display contents of setting item options in the image output instruction.

  By adopting this configuration, the setting item options displayed on the image output instruction device can be unified regardless of the image output instruction device.

  Another image output instruction device according to the present invention includes a communication unit that communicates with an image output device using a predetermined communication protocol, and a display character related to the display when displaying based on communication information received by the communication unit. Transmission request means for causing a communication means to transmit a transmission request for a column or a display image, and display means for displaying a display character string or a display image received by the communication means in response to the transmission request.

  If this configuration is adopted, the display means displays a display character string received from the image output device when displaying based on the communication information. Therefore, the image output instruction device can display a display character string or the like corresponding to another image output device based on certain display information even if the image output device is replaced with another one.

  In another image output instruction apparatus according to the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the above-described invention, the communication information received by the communication unit is information related to the state of the image output apparatus.

  By adopting this configuration, information regarding the state of the image output apparatus displayed on the image output instruction apparatus can be unified regardless of the image output instruction apparatus.

  The image output instruction apparatus according to the present invention has language type inquiry means for inquiring the language type of the display character string of the image output apparatus, in addition to the configuration of each invention described above, and is a conversion request means or a transmission request means. Designates one of the language types received by the communication means in response to the inquiry.

  If this configuration is adopted, the display means can display a display character string in a predetermined language. Therefore, the display character string transmitted by the image output apparatus can be appropriately displayed.

  In the image output instruction apparatus according to the present invention, in addition to the configuration of each invention described above, the conversion request means or the transmission request means designates the maximum number of characters or the data amount of the display character string.

  If this configuration is adopted, the display means displays a display character string having a number of characters or a data amount equal to or less than a predetermined maximum value. Therefore, the display character string transmitted by the image output apparatus can be appropriately displayed.

  An image output apparatus according to the present invention communicates with an image output instruction apparatus according to a predetermined communication protocol, and transmits a display information for specifying display contents according to the communication protocol to the image output instruction apparatus; A storage unit that stores a display character string or a display image in association with each other; and a communication unit that receives a request to convert display information into a display character string, and then displays a display character string corresponding to the display information related to the request from the storage unit or Conversion means for selecting a display image and transmitting it from the communication means to the image output instruction device.

  If this configuration is adopted, the image output apparatus can cause the image output instruction apparatus to display a display character string or the like stored in the storage unit as the display content specified by the display information according to the communication protocol. . Therefore, even if the image output instruction device is replaced with another one, the image output device can cause the other image output instruction device to display the same predetermined display character string as the image output instruction device. .

  In the image output apparatus according to the present invention, in addition to the configuration of each invention described above, the display character string stored in the storage means is a term used in the manual of the image output apparatus, and the image output instruction This is information for designating the display contents of the setting item options.

  If this configuration is adopted, the image output apparatus can display a display character string on the image output instruction apparatus in terms used in the manual. Therefore, the user can understand the meaning of the display character string by referring to the manual of the image output apparatus.

  In the image output apparatus according to the present invention, in addition to the configuration of each invention described above, the display character string stored in the storage means is the product name or model number used in the manual of the image output apparatus, and the image This is information for specifying the display contents of the setting item options in the output instruction.

  If this configuration is adopted, the image output apparatus can display a display character string on the image output instruction apparatus with the product name or model number used in the manual. Therefore, the user can know the product name or model number by referring to the manual of the image output apparatus. Further, it is possible to purchase or select a product having the product name or model number without referring to the manual of the image output apparatus.

  Another image output apparatus according to the present invention communicates with an image output instruction apparatus using a predetermined communication protocol, and transmits a communication information to the image output instruction apparatus, and a display that is displayed based on the communication information and the communication information. A storage unit that stores a character string or a display image in association with each other, and a communication unit that receives a transmission request for a display character string or a display image that is displayed based on the communication information. And a transmission unit that selects a display character string or a display image to be displayed based on the transmission character string and transmits the selected character string to the image output instruction device.

  If this configuration is adopted, the image output apparatus can cause the image output instruction apparatus to display a display character string or the like stored in the storage means when displaying based on the communication information. Therefore, even if the image output instruction device is replaced with another one, the image output device can cause the other image output instruction device to display the same predetermined display character string as the image output instruction device. .

  Another image output apparatus according to the present invention includes, in addition to the above-described configurations of each invention, the display character string stored in the storage unit is a character string used in the manual of the image output apparatus or the image output apparatus. It is a character string composed of words used in the manual.

  If this configuration is adopted, the image output device is a character string used in the manual or a character string composed of words used in the manual of the image output device, and is displayed on the image output instruction device. Can be displayed. Therefore, the user can understand the meaning of the display character string by referring to the manual of the image output apparatus.

  In the image output apparatus according to the present invention, in addition to the configuration of each of the inventions described above, the storage unit stores a plurality of display character strings corresponding to a plurality of languages or a plurality of display character strings having different numbers of characters. The transmission means extracts the display character string that matches the specified condition together with the display character string request from the plurality of display character strings stored in the storage means, and displays the display character string based on the extracted display character string. It is to be sent.

  If this configuration is adopted, the image output apparatus transmits a display character string that matches the condition specified in the image output instruction apparatus. Therefore, a predetermined display character string can be appropriately displayed on the image output apparatus.

  The image output apparatus according to the present invention is such that the storage means is a rewritable storage means in addition to the configuration of each invention described above.

  By adopting this configuration, it is possible to rewrite the display character string stored in the storage means. As a result, even if the contents of the manual are changed, the display character string stored in the storage means can be rewritten accordingly, and the predetermined correspondence between the display character string and the manual can be maintained. it can.

  In the image output apparatus according to the present invention, in addition to the configuration of each invention described above, the storage unit stores data that can be reproduced as sound in association with the display information or the communication information, and the conversion unit or the transmission unit receives the request. Data that can be reproduced as sound corresponding to the display information or communication information according to the above is transmitted.

  If this configuration is adopted, the image output apparatus can cause the image output instruction apparatus to reproduce sound. As a result, information that cannot be conveyed to the user by the display character string can be conveyed from the image output instruction device.

  The image output system according to the present invention includes the image output instruction device according to each of the above-described inventions and the image output device according to each of the above-described inventions, and communication means of the image output instruction device and communication means of the image output device. And the image output device outputs an image instructed by the image output instruction device.

  If this configuration is adopted, the display character string received from the image output device is displayed on the display means of the image output instruction device as the display content specified by the display information according to the predetermined communication protocol from the image output device. Can be made. Therefore, even if the image output instruction device is replaced with another one, the image output device can cause the other image output instruction device to display the same predetermined display character string as the image output instruction device. .

  Another image output system according to the present invention includes the image output instruction device according to each of the other inventions described above and the image output device according to each of the other inventions described above, and communication means of the image output instruction device; The image output device outputs an image instructed by the image output instruction device through communication with the communication means of the image output device.

  By adopting this configuration, the display character string received from the image output apparatus can be displayed on the display means of the image output instruction apparatus when displaying based on the communication information from the image output apparatus. Therefore, even if the image output instruction device is replaced with another one, the image output device can cause the other image output instruction device to display the same predetermined display character string as the image output instruction device. .

  Hereinafter, an image output instruction apparatus, an image output apparatus, and an image output system according to embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The image output instruction device will be described using DSC as an example. The image output apparatus will be described using a printer as an example. The image output system will be described by taking a direct print system as an example.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
FIG. 1 is a system perspective view showing a direct print system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The direct print system includes a DSC 1 as an image output instruction device and a printer 2 as an image output device. The DSC 1 and the printer 2 are directly connected by a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable 3.

  The printer 2 is an inkjet printer that forms a full-color image on a sheet (medium) using a plurality of inks (markers) such as black ink, yellow ink, magenta ink, and cyan ink. The printer 2 can be used by connecting to a device such as a DSC 1 or a personal computer. Such a printer 2 generally includes a manual. Manuals generally include information on how to use the printer 2 when connected to other devices, status of the printer 2 such as errors, how to deal with them, ink cartridge model numbers, media model numbers, etc. Is done. By referring to this manual, the user can learn how to give a print instruction to the printer 2 and maintenance such as replacement of consumables of the printer 2. The printer 2 may be another printer such as a laser printer.

  The DSC 1 and the printer 2 may be connected by a cable communication path such as a cable other than the USB cable 3 such as an Ethernet (registered trademark) cable. The DSC 1 and the printer 2 may be configured to be able to communicate directly via a wireless communication path such as, for example, Bluetooth.

  The direct print system according to the first embodiment communicates between the DSC 1 and the printer 2 based on a predetermined communication protocol. As the predetermined communication protocol, for example, there is a communication protocol defined in “CIPA DC-001-2003”.

  Then, for example, the DSC 1 of the direct print system according to the first embodiment acquires the setting item options such as the paper type from the printer 2, selects a setting value from the acquired options, and selects the selected setting value. A print setting instruction is transmitted to the printer 2. The printer 2 prints an image based on the print setting instruction.

  In this way, the communication is performed based on a predetermined communication protocol, and as a result, printing is possible. Thus, the DSC 1 is connected to an unspecified printer 2 corresponding to the predetermined communication protocol for printing. The printer 2 can be connected to an unspecified DSC 1 corresponding to the predetermined communication protocol for printing. In addition, since many manufacturers provide the DSC 1 and the printer 2 corresponding to the predetermined communication protocol, the user can use the DSC 1 and the printer 2 in combination in accordance with their own preference.

  As described above, when the DSC 1 acquires setting item options from the printer 2 and selects setting values from the acquired options, the communication protocol that can be understood by both the DSC 1 and the printer 2 is the transmission / reception between them. In addition to commands such as operations and requests to be performed, responses and events according to the commands, etc., it is necessary to define parameters that correspond one-to-one with each choice of setting items for print setting instructions. Thereby, for example, when the printer 2 transmits plain paper as a paper type option to the DSC 1, the DSC 1 can understand that the plain paper is transmitted as an option.

  In the direct print system according to the first embodiment, in the communication protocol, photographic paper is defined as “PhotoPaper”, matte paper is defined as “MattPaper”, and plain paper is defined as “PlainPaper”. . In addition, in the direct print system according to the first embodiment, “Default” is defined as the set value of the paper type that can be specified in the print setting instruction. When “Default” is designated as the set value of the paper type in the print setting instruction, the printer 2 executes print processing using the set value set in the printer 2 at the time of the designation. The parameter defined in the communication protocol may be a code such as a number in addition to an English character string.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing functions implemented in the direct print system of FIG.

  The DSC 1 is mounted so that the semiconductor memory 11 that stores the image file 10 can be inserted and removed. The DSC 1 includes a liquid crystal monitor 12 as a display unit, an input device 13, a communication unit 14 as a communication unit, and a print client unit 15 as a conversion request unit and a language type inquiry unit. The liquid crystal monitor 12 can display an image in full color. The input device 13 outputs an input instruction corresponding to the operation.

  The communication unit 14 of the DSC 1 is connected to the USB cable 3 and transmits / receives data to / from a communication unit 23 (described later) of the printer 2 connected to the other end of the USB cable 3. The communication unit 14 of the DSC 1 is specifically realized by, for example, a USB communication I / F (interface) to which the USB cable 3 is connected, a PTP (Picture Transfer Protocol) communication unit, and a USB still image class communication unit. can do. The PTP communication unit executes communication based on the picture transfer protocol with other PTP communication units. The USB still image class communication unit executes communication using the USB still image class with another PTP communication unit.

  The print client unit 15 communicates with a print server unit 24 (described later) of the printer 2 based on the predetermined protocol described above. Then, the print client unit 15 generates a print setting instruction in the predetermined protocol described above and transmits it to the print server unit 24.

  The print client unit 15, the PTP communication unit of the communication unit 14, and the USB still image class communication unit are realized by executing a program stored in a built-in memory (not shown) by a built-in computer not shown in the DSC 1. Is done. The program stored in the built-in memory is a computer-readable program. Even if the program is stored in the built-in memory when the DSC 1 is shipped, the program is stored via a recording medium or transmission medium (not shown) after the DSC 1 is shipped. May be stored in the built-in memory.

  The printer 2 includes a rewritable ROM (Read Only Memory) 21 as a storage unit that stores the string holding table 20, a printing unit 22, a communication unit 23 as a communication unit, and a print server unit 24 as a conversion unit. Have. The printing unit 22 prints an image on a sheet based on the print job.

  The communication unit 23 of the printer 2 is connected to the USB cable 3 and transmits / receives data to / from the communication unit 14 of the DSC 1 connected to one end of the USB cable 3. Note that the communication unit 23 of the printer 2 may be realized by, for example, a USB communication I / F, a PTP communication unit, and a USB still image class communication unit, similarly to the communication unit 14 of the DSC 1.

  The print server unit 24 communicates with the print client unit 15 of the DSC 1 based on the predetermined protocol described above. Then, the print server unit 24 generates a print job based on the print setting instruction in the predetermined protocol described above.

  The print server unit 24, the PTP communication unit of the communication unit 23, and the USB still image class communication unit execute a program stored in an internal memory (not shown) by an internal computer (not shown) built in the printer 2. Realized. The program stored in the built-in memory is a computer-readable program. Even if the program is stored in the built-in memory when the printer 2 is shipped, a recording medium or transmission medium (not shown) after the printer 2 is shipped. It may be stored in a built-in memory via

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the data structure of the string holding table 20 stored in the rewritable ROM 21 in FIG. The string holding table 20 has a display character string associated with each parameter in a predetermined communication protocol. The display character string includes a display character string for Japanese and a display character string for English. As the display character string for Japanese and the display character string for English, a normal display character string and a shortened display character string are stored. That is, the string holding table 20 has four display character strings associated with each parameter in a predetermined communication protocol. The media product name described in the Japanese manual of the printer 2 is stored as a normal display character string for Japanese. As a normal display character string for English, a media product name described in an English manual of the printer 2 is stored. Note that the normal display character string may be other words (character string) such as a name used in the manual of the printer 2, the model number of the medium, and the like instead of the media product name. Note that a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) or the like may be described in the manual, and the name of the media product used in the URL may be used. Further, it is possible to guess that words that are commonly named that are not unique to the printer 2 or words that are almost as close to the state as possible, such as “paper”, can be understood by the user. You may use even if it is not described.

  Specifically, for example, the string holding table 20 has four display character strings of PM photo paper, photo, PM Photo Paper, and Photo for the parameter “PhotoPaper” in a predetermined communication protocol. The string holding table 20 has four display character strings of PM mat paper, mat, PM Matt Paper, and Matt for the parameter “Matt Paper” in a predetermined communication protocol. The string holding table 20 has four display character strings of plain paper, ordinary paper, plain paper, and plain for the parameter “PlainPaper” in a predetermined communication protocol. The string holding table 20 has four display character strings of a parameter “Default” in a predetermined communication protocol, that is, a setting value of the printer, an automatic setting, a printer setting paper, and a printer.

  Next, the operation of the direct print system of FIG. 1 having the above configuration will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the overall processing flow of the direct print system of FIG. The box on the straight line described below the characters “DSC1 (1)” indicates the main processing executed by DSC1. A box on a straight line described below the characters “printer (2)” indicates main processing executed by the printer 2. Arrows between the two straight lines indicate main data transmitted and received between the DSC 1 and the printer 2 in direct printing.

  First, the print client unit 15 of the DSC 1 selects an image to be printed (step ST1). Specifically, for example, the print client unit 15 displays an image of the image file 10 stored in the semiconductor memory 11 attached to the DSC 1 on the liquid crystal monitor 12. The print client unit 15 specifies the selected image based on the operation information obtained from the input device 13, and selects the image as an image to be printed. In addition to this, for example, the print client unit 15 displays an image of an image file stored in the semiconductor memory 11 (not shown) mounted on the printer 2 or the like on the liquid crystal monitor 12, and inputs instructions from the input device 13. The image may be selected as an image to be printed.

  When an image to be printed is selected, the print client unit 15 executes a paper size selection process (step ST2). Specifically, for example, the print client unit 15 displays on the liquid crystal monitor 12 a print setting instruction screen that displays a plurality of selection items corresponding to several types of paper sizes such as L version, 2L version, and A4. When there is an input instruction meaning selection of the paper size from the input device 13, the print client unit 15 selects the paper size selected by the input instruction as the paper size for printing the image.

  When the paper size is selected, the print client unit 15 generates a request printer capability (step ST3).

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a request printer capability 41 generated after the print client unit 15 in FIG. 2 selects a paper size. The request printer capability 41 is one of commands based on a predetermined protocol. The request printer capability 41 is text data in an XML (extensible Markup Language) format. The request printer capability 41 in FIG. 5 is a command that requests, as a response, a paper type option that the printer 2 can print.

  The request printer capability 41 shown in FIG. 5 includes a tag (<? Xml version = “1.0”?>) Indicating an XML version and a pair of tags (<Request>, </ Request) indicating a request. >). Between a pair of tags indicating a request, a pair of tags (<ReqPrinterCapability>, </ ReqPrinterCapability>) indicating that the request is a request for information regarding the capability of the printer 2 is described.

  In addition, between a pair of tags indicating that it is a request for information regarding the capabilities of the printer 2, tags (<PaperType>, < / PaperType>) is described. In particular, in the request printer capability 41 shown in FIG. 5, this tag has an argument “PaperSize =“ A4 ””. This argument “PaperSize =“ A4 ”” is an option of the setting item (here, paper type: PaperType), and the setting value of another setting item (here, paper size: PaperSize) is the value of the argument (here, A4). This means that the setting value of the setting item related to the request that can be printed in combination with the setting value of the other setting item (here, A4) is requested as an option. The argument value (A4 in this case) describes the paper size selected in the paper size selection process. The selected paper size is described as a parameter “A4” in the communication protocol.

  When the request printer capability 41 is generated, the print client unit 15 supplies the generated request printer capability 41 to the communication unit 14 of the DSC 1. The communication unit 14 of the DSC 1 transmits the request printer capability 41 to the communication unit 23 of the printer 2 (step ST4). The communication unit 23 of the printer 2 supplies the received request printer capability 41 to the print server unit 24.

  The print server unit 24 of the printer 2 generates a printer capability as communication information when the request printer capability 41 for requesting a paper type option is supplied (step ST5).

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a printer capability 42 generated by the print server unit 24 in accordance with the request printer capability 41 of FIG. The printer capability 42 is one of responses based on a predetermined protocol. The printer capability 42 is text data in XML format. The printer capability 42 in FIG. 6 is a response including options of paper types that can be printed by the printer 2.

  The printer capability 42 shown in FIG. 6 includes a tag indicating XML version (<? Xml version = “1.0”?>) And a pair of tags indicating response (<Response>, </ Response>). And). Between a pair of tags indicating a response, the options “PhotoPaper”, “MattPaper”, and “PlainPaper” of the paper size (a type of selection item) requested by the print client unit 15 of the DSC 1 It is described by being sandwiched between a pair of tags (<PaperType>, </ PaperType>) indicating a response of a printable option. This tag also has the same arguments as in FIG. Each option is described as a parameter in the communication protocol.

  The print server unit 24 supplies the generated printer capability 42 to the communication unit 23 of the printer 2. The communication unit 23 of the printer 2 transmits this printer capability 42 to the communication unit 14 of the DSC 1 (step ST6). The communication unit 14 of the DSC 1 supplies the printer capability 42 to the print client unit 15.

  When the printer capability 42 is supplied, the print client unit 15 of the DSC 1 generates a support language request (step ST7).

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a support language request 43 generated by the print client unit 15 in FIG. The support language request 43 is one of commands based on a predetermined protocol. Between a pair of tags (<ReqPrinterCapability>, </ ReqPrinterCapability>) indicating requesting information regarding the capability of the printer 2, tags indicating that a support language option is requested (<LanguageSupported>, </ LanguageSupported>). >) Is described.

  When the support language request 43 is generated, the print client unit 15 supplies the generated support language request 43 to the communication unit 14 of the DSC 1. The communication unit 14 of the DSC 1 transmits a support language request 43 to the communication unit 23 of the printer 2 (step ST8). The communication unit 23 of the printer 2 supplies the received support language request 43 to the print server unit 24.

  When the support language request 43 is supplied, the print server unit 24 of the printer 2 generates a support language response with reference to the string holding table 20 shown in FIG. 3 (step ST9).

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a support language response 44 generated by the print server unit 24 in response to the support language request 43 shown in FIG. The support language response 44 is one of responses based on a predetermined protocol.

  The support language response 44 shown in FIG. 8 includes a choice “Japanes” of the type of display character string stored in the printer 2 between a pair of tags (<Response>, </ Response>) indicating that it is a response. “English” is described by being sandwiched between a pair of tags (<LanguageSupported>, </ LanguageSupported>) indicating that it is a response to a choice of display character string types that the printer 2 can handle. Each option is described as a parameter in the communication protocol.

  The print server unit 24 supplies the generated support language response 44 to the communication unit 23 of the printer 2. The communication unit 23 of the printer 2 transmits this support language response 44 to the communication unit 14 of the DSC 1 (step ST10). The communication unit 14 of the DSC 1 supplies the support language response 44 to the print client unit 15.

  When the support language response 44 is supplied, the print client unit 15 of the DSC 1 selects one of the languages (for example, Japan). When a plurality of languages are notified to the supported language response 44, the print client unit 15 automatically selects one of them or displays it on the liquid crystal monitor 12 based on the selection by the input device 13. Or just choose.

  After selecting one language as the support language, the print client unit 15 of the DSC 1 generates a device string request (step ST11).

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a device strings request 45 generated by the print client unit 15 in FIG. The device string request 45 is one of commands based on a predetermined protocol. A tag (<DeviceString>, </ DeviceString>) indicating that a character string is requested is described between a pair of tags (<Request>, </ Request>) indicating a request. Further, the tag indicating that this character string is requested has two arguments “Language =“ Japane ”” and “MaxLength = 18”. “Language =“ Japan ”” means requesting a character string in a predetermined language (here, Japanese). “MaxLength = 18” means the maximum number of characters (here, 18). Note that the maximum value of the data amount may be specified by an argument instead of the maximum value of the number of characters.

  In addition, between the tags indicating that a character string is requested, a list of parameters of a predetermined protocol (“PhotoPaper”, “MattPaper”, and “PlainPaper”) to be converted into a character string is a setting item having the parameter. It is described by being sandwiched between a pair of tags (<PaperType>, </ PaperType>) indicating that it corresponds to the above option.

  When the device strings request 45 is generated, the print client unit 15 supplies the generated device strings request 45 to the communication unit 14 of the DSC 1. The communication unit 14 of the DSC 1 transmits a device strings request 45 to the communication unit 23 of the printer 2 (step ST12). The communication unit 23 of the printer 2 supplies the received device string request 45 to the print server unit 24.

  When the device string request 45 is supplied, the print server unit 24 of the printer 2 refers to the string holding table 20 shown in FIG. 3 and converts the list of parameters requested to be converted.

  In the case of the parameter list of FIG. 9, the print server unit 24 converts it into a Japanese display character string based on the argument “Language =“ Japane ””. Each parameter is associated with a normal display character string and an abbreviated display character string. The print server unit 24 first converts each parameter into a normal display character string. That is, the print server unit 24 selects “PM photo paper” corresponding to the parameter PhotoPaper, selects “PM mat paper” corresponding to the parameter MattPaper, and selects “plain paper” corresponding to the parameter PlainPaper.

  Next, the print server unit 24 determines whether or not the number of characters of each converted character string exceeds the number of characters (here, 18 characters) specified by the argument “MaxLength = 18”. Since “PM photo paper” has 6 characters, “PM mat paper” has 6 characters, and “plain paper” has 3 characters, the number of characters does not exceed 18 characters. Therefore, the print server unit 24 generates “PM photo paper, PM mat paper, plain paper” as a display character string list obtained by converting the parameter list. The arrangement of each display character string in the list corresponds to the arrangement of each parameter in the list. For example, when “Default” is added to the parameter list of FIG. 9, the normal Japanese display character string “printer setting value” is selected.

  For example, when “MaxLength” is set to 5, the print server unit 24 appropriately uses a display character string in Japanese abbreviated form to display the display character string list “photo mat plain paper auto”. Generate. The total number of characters in the character string in this abbreviated form is 12 characters.

  When the parameter list is converted into the display character string list, the print server unit 24 generates a device string response (step ST13).

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a device strings response 46 generated by the print server unit 24 in response to the support language request 43 shown in FIG. The device strings response 46 is one of responses based on a predetermined protocol. Between the tags (<DeviceString>, </ DeviceString>) indicating that it is a character string, the generated character string list “PM photo paper, PM matte paper, plain paper” is a setting item according to the request. Is described by being sandwiched between a pair of tags (<PaperTypeString>, </ PaperTypeString>).

  The print server unit 24 supplies the generated device strings response 46 to the communication unit 23 of the printer 2. The communication unit 23 of the printer 2 transmits this device string response 46 to the communication unit 14 of the DSC 1 (step ST14). The communication unit 14 of the DSC 1 supplies the device strings response 46 to the print client unit 15.

  When the device strings response 46 is supplied, the print client unit 15 of the DSC 1 displays a list of character strings “PM photo paper, PM mat paper, plain paper” as selectable options on the liquid crystal monitor 12 (step ST15). Specifically, for example, the print client unit 15 cuts out each character string from the list of character strings, and generates a selection object to which the cut out character string is assigned. In the case of “PM photo paper PM mat paper plain paper”, a selection object to which PM photo paper is assigned, a selection object to which PM mat paper is assigned, and a selection object to which plain paper is assigned are generated.

  FIG. 11 is a rear view showing the rear surface of the DSC 1 in FIG. On the back surface of the DSC 1, a liquid crystal monitor 12 and a cross key 51 as a kind of the input device 13 are arranged. A print setting instruction screen is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 12 of FIG. On the print setting instruction screen, selected objects assigned with item names of setting items to be set for printing are displayed vertically in the left half of the screen. In FIG. 11, there are three setting items: a selection object to which an item name of paper size is assigned, a selection object to which an item name of paper type is assigned, and a selection object to which an item name of print quality is assigned. Selected objects are displayed.

  When the cross key 51 is operated to select a selection object to which the item name of the paper type is assigned, the print client unit 15 of the DSC 1 selects the selection object to which the PM photo paper is assigned and the PM matte paper. The selection object to which is assigned and the selection object to which plain paper is assigned are displayed vertically in the right half of the print setting instruction screen.

  When the cross key 51 is operated to select, for example, a selected object to which PM photographic paper is allocated, the print client unit 15 of the DSC 1 corresponds to the display character string allocated to the selected selected object. A paper type parameter (in this case, PhotoPaper) is selected as a paper quality setting value in the print setting instruction.

  When the selection of the setting value of the setting item by the DSC 1 is completed, the print client unit 15 generates a print operation (step ST16). The print operation is a command for instructing print settings in a predetermined communication protocol. The print operation includes a parameter for a setting value for each setting item. For example, a parameter “PhotoPaper” is included as a set value of the paper type.

  When the print operation is generated, the print client unit 15 supplies the generated print operation to the communication unit 14 of the DSC 1. The communication unit 14 of the DSC 1 transmits a print operation to the communication unit 23 of the printer 2 (step ST17). The communication unit 23 of the printer 2 supplies the received print operation to the print server unit 24.

  When the print operation is supplied, the print server unit 24 of the printer 2 starts print job generation processing (step ST18). The print server unit 24 transmits a transmission request for the image file 10 of the image related to printing designated in the printing operation to the DSC 1 (step ST19), and the DSC 1 transmits the image file 10 of the image as a response (step ST20). ). The print server unit 24 generates a print job for printing the image of the image file 10 acquired by the combination of setting values based on the combination of setting values of the setting items specified by the print operation.

  The print server unit 24 outputs the generated print job to the printing unit 22. The printing unit 22 prints an image based on the print job (step ST21).

  As described above, in the direct print system according to the first embodiment, the DSC 1 selects a setting value from the setting item options acquired from the printer 2 and transmits a print operation including the selected setting value. The printer 2 prints an image based on the printing operation.

  In the first embodiment, the DSC 1 converts each parameter (information to be converted into display information) of the paper type received by the printer capability into a predetermined media product name (display character string) in the manual. The selected object to which the media product name is converted and assigned is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 12. Therefore, when the user selects the selection object displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 12 with the input device 13, the user confirms the media product name displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 12 with the manual of the printer 2 regardless of the type of the DSC 1. Can do. As a result, the user can refer to the manual of the printer 2 for each option and select an option of the desired paper type. The user can connect the DSC 1 and the printer 2 to perform desired printing.

  In the first embodiment, the DSC 1 acquires only the paper type option from the printer 2 and converts the option into the media product name described in the manual. In addition to this, for example, the DSC 1 obtains options for each setting item to be set for the paper size, print layout, print quality, and other print instructions from the printer 2, and the media product using the options manually. You may make it convert into the character string of the term used in the name and other manuals.

  In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, in the device string request 45, the value of the argument (for example, “Japanese”) is described inside the tags (<DeviceString>, </ DeviceString>). In addition, for example, the value of this argument (for example, “Japane”) is sandwiched between other tags for arguments (for example, <Language>, </ Language>), and the other tag is further inserted into the previous tag (<DeviceString). >, </ DeviceString>).

  In the first embodiment, the string holding table 20 of the printer 2 is recorded in the rewritable ROM 21. Therefore, the string holding table 20 can be updated by exchanging the rewritable ROM 21 or changing the contents of the rewritable ROM 21. The contents of the rewritable ROM 21 may be updated by, for example, downloading update data from a server on the Internet via a personal computer and writing it in the rewritable ROM 21. If the printer can be connected to a network corresponding to UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) or the like, it is also possible to directly download the update data from the server.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
In the direct print system according to the second embodiment, a DSC 1 as an image output instruction device and a printer 2 as an image output device are connected by a USB cable 3.

  FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating functions implemented in the direct print system according to the second embodiment. The DSC 1 includes an audio output device 61 that outputs audio based on audio data. The rewritable ROM 21 of the printer 2 as a storage unit stores a detailed information holding table 62, an image file 63, an audio file 64, and a moving image file 65.

  FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the data structure of the detailed information holding table 62 stored in the rewritable ROM 21 in FIG. The detailed information holding table 62 has a display character string associated with each status code in a predetermined communication protocol. The display character string includes a display character string for Japanese. As the display character string for Japanese, a normal display character string and its abbreviated display character string are stored. A language other than the display character string for Japanese, for example, a display character string for English may be stored.

  The normal display character string is a character string described in the manual of the printer 2 or a character string using terms and words (character strings) used in the manual. For example, when magenta is used as the name of the ink color in the manual, it is desirable to store this normal display character string as magenta instead of magenta. In addition, you may use the model number etc. which are described in the manual for a display character string.

  Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 13, the detailed information holding table 62 is associated with a status code (error code) “marker-supple-empty” in a predetermined communication protocol, “[ink color] ink”. Replace the normal display character string ”and a shortened display character string“ ink replacement ”. These pieces of information are used when the status of the printer 2 is in a no ink state. In [ink color], the name (character string) of at least one color selected from black, yellow, magenta, and cyan, which are ink colors used in the printer 2, is entered.

  In addition to this, the detailed information holding table 62 also includes, for example, a normal character string “add paper” associated with the status code “media-empty” in a predetermined communication protocol meaning paper out. Have.

  The status code “marker-supply-empty” is used by the printer 2 to notify the DSC 1 of “no ink” in a predetermined communication protocol used for communication between the DSC 1 and the printer 2. The status code may be a code made up of numbers such as “10010000”. For example, when the black ink, the yellow ink, the cyan ink, or the magenta ink runs out as a status inside the printer 2, the printer 2 notifies the status code “marker-supply-empty”.

  The image file 63 is a file including image data obtained by imaging a normal display character string (for example, “Replace ink”) in the detailed information holding table 62. The image file 63 has image data compressed in JPEG (Joint Photographic Coding Experts Group) format. The image data may be in other formats such as PNG (Portable Network Graphics).

  The audio file 64 is a file containing audio data that reads out a normal display character string (for example, “Please replace ink”) in the detailed information holding table 62. This audio file 64 has audio data in the WAV format.

  The moving image file 65 is a file including moving image data indicating a procedure (for example, an ink cartridge replacement procedure) performed by the user based on a normal display character string in the detailed information holding table 62. The moving image file 65 includes moving image data compressed in the format of Moving Picture Coding Experts Group / Moving Picture Experts Group.

  Each other component shown in FIG. 2 has the same function as the component of the same name in the first embodiment, and the description is omitted by using the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment.

  Next, the operation of the direct print system of FIG. 12 having the above configuration will be described.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the overall processing flow of the direct print system of FIG. The box on the straight line described under the characters “DSC (1)” indicates the main processing executed by DSC1. A box on a straight line described below the characters “printer (2)” indicates main processing executed by the printer 2. Arrows between the two straight lines indicate main data transmitted and received between the DSC 1 and the printer 2 in direct printing.

  For example, when the DSC 1 and the printer 2 are connected by the USB cable 3 and the cyan ink and the magenta ink are exhausted while the printing unit 22 is printing an image based on the printing operation of the DSC 1, the printing unit 22 A status indicating “no cyan ink, no magenta ink” is notified to the print server unit 24 as a transmission unit.

  When the status notification is supplied in the printer 2, the print server unit 24 of the printer 2 generates status information as communication information in a predetermined communication protocol for notifying the DSC 1 of the status of the printer 2. In the case of a status notification indicating “no cyan ink, no magenta ink”, the print server unit 24 generates status information including a status code “marker-supply-empty” defined by a predetermined communication protocol. (Step ST31). “Marker-suppli-empty” is a status code used even when the black ink runs out.

  When the status information is generated, the print server unit 24 supplies the generated status information to the communication unit 23 of the printer 2 as a communication unit. The communication unit 23 of the printer 2 transmits the status information to the communication unit 14 of the DSC 1 as a communication unit (step ST32). The communication unit 14 of the DSC 1 supplies the received status information to the print client unit 15 as a transmission request unit and a language type inquiry unit.

  When status information based on a predetermined communication protocol is supplied, the print client unit 15 of the DSC 1 starts processing according to the status information and generates a request printer capability 72 (step ST33).

  FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a request printer capability 71 generated by the print client unit 15 in FIG. 12 after the status information including the status code “marker-supply-empty” is supplied. The request printer capability 71 is one of commands based on a predetermined protocol. The request printer capability 71 is text data in XML format.

  The request printer capability 71 shown in FIG. 15 is that the information related to the request is in a format that can be supplied by the printer 2 between the tags <ReqPrinterCapability> and </ ReqPrinterCapability> (meaning the type of data here). Are described (<FormatSupported>, </ FormatSupported>).

  When the request printer capability 71 is generated, the print client unit 15 supplies the generated request printer capability 71 to the communication unit 14 of the DSC 1. The communication unit 14 of the DSC 1 transmits the request printer capability 71 to the communication unit 23 of the printer 2 (step ST34). The communication unit 23 of the printer 2 supplies the received request printer capability 71 to the print server unit 24.

  When the request printer capability 71 for requesting a supplyable format is supplied, the print server unit 24 of the printer 2 first refers to the rewritable ROM 21 and determines the type of data that can be supplied. As shown in FIG. 12, the rewritable ROM 21 has a detailed information holding table 62 for storing display character strings, an image file 63 for storing JPEG format image data, and an audio file for storing WAV format audio data. 64 and a moving image file 65 for storing moving image data in the MPEG format are stored. In this case, the print server unit 24 determines that a display character string, JPEG format image data, WAV format audio data, and MPEG format moving image data can be supplied. After determining the formats that can be supplied, the print server unit 24 generates printer capabilities (step ST35).

  FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a printer capability 72 generated by the print server unit 24 in accordance with the request printer capability 71 of FIG. The printer capability 72 is one of responses based on a predetermined protocol. In the printer capability 72 shown in FIG. 16, the printer 2 supplies between the tags (<FormatSupported>, </ FormatSupported>) indicating that the format can be supplied by the printer 2 (meaning the type of data here). Codes “TEXT”, “JPEG”, “WAV”, and “MPEG” indicating possible formats are described.

  The code “TEXT” is a code indicating that the replacement notification information unique to the printer 2 for the status information can be supplied as a character string. The code “JPEG” is a code indicating that the alternative notification information unique to the printer 2 for the status information can be supplied as image data in JPEG format. The code “WAV” is a code indicating that alternative notification information unique to the printer 2 for the status information can be supplied as audio data in the WAV format. The code “MPEG” is a code indicating that the alternative notification information unique to the printer 2 with respect to the status information can be supplied as MPEG moving image data.

  The print server unit 24 supplies the generated printer capability 72 to the communication unit 23 of the printer 2. The communication unit 23 of the printer 2 transmits this printer capability 72 to the communication unit 14 of the DSC 1 (step ST36). The communication unit 14 of the DSC 1 supplies the printer capability 72 to the print client unit 15.

  When the printer capability 72 is supplied, the print client unit 15 of the DSC 1 generates a support language request because “TEXT” is included as a code indicating a format that can be supplied by the printer 2 (step ST37). Here, the same support language request as that shown in FIG. 7 of the first embodiment is generated.

  When the support language request is generated, the print client unit 15 supplies the generated support language request to the communication unit 14 of the DSC 1. The communication unit 14 of the DSC 1 transmits a support language request to the communication unit 23 of the printer 2 (step ST38). The communication unit 23 of the printer 2 supplies the received support language request to the print server unit 24.

  When the support language request is supplied, the print server unit 24 of the printer 2 generates a support language response by referring to the detailed information holding table 62 shown in FIG. 12 (step ST39).

  FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a support language response 74 generated by the print server unit 24 in response to the support language request in the second embodiment. The supported language response 74 in FIG. 17 is almost the same as that shown in FIG. 8 of the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof is omitted. However, since the detailed information holding table 62 stores only Japanese display character strings in the second embodiment, in the support language response 74 of FIG. 17, between the tags <Response> and </ Response> Only “Japan” is described as an option for the type of display character string stored in the printer 2. This option “Japan” is a parameter in the communication protocol.

  The print server unit 24 supplies the generated support language response 74 to the communication unit 23 of the printer 2. The communication unit 23 of the printer 2 transmits this support language response 74 to the communication unit 14 of the DSC 1 (step ST40). The communication unit 14 of the DSC 1 supplies a support language response 74 to the print client unit 15.

  When the support language response 74 is supplied, the print client unit 15 of the DSC 1 selects the option “Japan”. After selecting the type of supported language, the print client unit 15 of the DSC 1 generates a device info request (step ST41).

  FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a device info request 75 generated by the print client unit 15 in FIG. The device info request 75 is one of commands based on a predetermined protocol. In the device info request 75, between the tags <Request> and </ Request>, a tag for requesting device info (<DeviceInfo Language = “Japan” MaxLength = “20”>) and a format for requesting device info (“ TEXT ”and“ WAV ”) and a status code requesting device information (“ marker-supply-empty ”) are described. The argument “Language =“ Japan ”” specifies a Japanese display character string, and the argument “MaxLength =“ 20 ”” specifies the maximum number of characters. Instead of the number of characters, the maximum data amount may be specified as an argument.

  When the device info request 75 is generated, the print client unit 15 supplies the generated device info request 75 to the communication unit 14 of the DSC 1. The communication unit 14 of the DSC 1 transmits a device info request 75 to the communication unit 23 of the printer 2 (step ST42). The communication unit 23 of the printer 2 supplies the received device info request 75 to the print server unit 24.

  When the device info request 75 is supplied, the print server unit 24 of the printer 2 starts necessary information generation processing while referring to the rewritable ROM 21.

  In the device info request 75, the format “TEXT” is specified. Therefore, the print server unit 24 first refers to the detailed information holding table 62 and selects a normal display character string corresponding to the status code for which device information is requested. In the case of the status code “marker-suppli-empty”, a normal display character string “[ink color] replace ink” is selected as shown in FIG. Also, the print server unit 24 confirms the color of the ink that is out of ink with the printing unit 22. Since the printing unit 22 has a status of “no cyan ink, no magenta ink”, the print server unit 24 substitutes the character string “cyan, magenta” into the substitution unit [ink color] and “cyan” , Please replace the magenta ink ”.

  The number of characters of this display character string “Please replace cyan and magenta ink” is 20 characters. Accordingly, since MaxLength = “20” is satisfied, the print server unit 24 determines the display character string as a response character string. If, for example, black and cyan as well as magenta are out of ink, the number of characters in the normal display character string will exceed MaxLength = “20”. In this case, the print server unit 24 reads the abbreviated display character string “ink replacement” from the detailed information holding table 62 and determines the abbreviated display character string as a display character string to respond.

  In the device info request 75, the format “WAV” is designated. Therefore, the print server unit 24 refers to the audio file 64 and captures the file name.

  When the information of all formats related to the request is generated, the print server unit 24 generates a device info response (step ST43).

  FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a device info response 76 generated by the print server unit 24 in response to the device info request 75 of FIG. The device info response 76 is one of responses based on a predetermined protocol. Between a pair of tags (<DeviceInfo Language = “Japanes”>, </ DeviceInfo>) indicating a device info response, a format type (“TEXT” and “WAV”) and a display character string “cyan, magenta” Replace the ink ”and the file name“ ERROR.WAV ”of the audio file 64 is described. In addition, as information for specifying the audio file 64 in the device info response 76, a file ID or URL generated in a one-to-one correspondence with the file name may be used in addition to the file name.

  The print server unit 24 supplies the generated device info response 76 to the communication unit 23 of the printer 2. The communication unit 23 of the printer 2 transmits this device info response 76 to the communication unit 14 of the DSC 1 (step ST44). The communication unit 14 of the DSC 1 supplies the device info response 76 to the print client unit 15.

  When the device info response 76 is supplied, the print client unit 15 of the DSC 1 displays the display character string “Please replace cyan and magenta ink” on the liquid crystal monitor 12 as display means (step ST45).

  FIG. 20 is a rear view showing the rear surface of the DSC 1 in FIG. On the back surface of the DSC 1, a liquid crystal monitor 12 and a cross key 51 as a kind of the input device 13 are arranged. A status display screen is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 12 of FIG. On the status display screen, a character string “Please replace cyan and magenta ink” which is a display character string transmitted from the printer is displayed.

  After displaying the display character string included in the device info response 76, the print client unit 15 generates a file request in order to acquire the audio file 64 whose file name is provided in the device info response 76 (step ST46). .

  FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a file request 77 generated by the print client unit 15 in FIG. The file request 77 is one of commands based on a predetermined protocol. Between the tags <Request> and </ Request>, the file format “WAV” and the file name “ERROR.WAV” according to the request are described sandwiched between the tags.

  When the file request 77 is generated, the print client unit 15 supplies the generated file request 77 to the communication unit 14 of the DSC 1. The communication unit 14 of the DSC 1 transmits a file request 77 to the communication unit 23 of the printer 2 (step ST47). The communication unit 23 of the printer 2 supplies the received file request 77 to the print server unit 24.

  When the file request 77 is supplied, the print server unit 24 of the printer 2 causes the communication unit 23 of the printer 2 to transmit the requested file (step ST49). Here, the communication unit 23 of the printer 2 transmits the audio file 64 to the communication unit 14 of the DSC 1. The communication unit 14 of the DSC 1 stores the received audio file 64 in a predetermined memory of the DSC 1 such as the semiconductor memory 11.

  After the requested file is transmitted to the communication unit 23 of the printer 2, the print server unit 24 generates a file response 78 (step ST48).

  FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a file response 78 generated by the print server unit 24 in response to the file request 77 of FIG. The file response 78 is one of responses based on a predetermined protocol. Between a pair of tags (<Response>, </ Response>) indicating the file response 78, a code “OK” indicating that the file transmission is normally completed is described. In addition, when the file transmission is not normally completed, a code “NG” indicating that is described.

  The print server unit 24 supplies the generated file response 78 to the communication unit 23 of the printer 2. The communication unit 23 of the printer 2 transmits this file response 78 to the communication unit 14 of the DSC 1 (step ST50). The communication unit 14 of the DSC 1 supplies a file response 78 to the print client unit 15.

  When the file response 78 is supplied, the print client unit 15 of the DSC 1 reads the requested audio file 64 from a predetermined memory of the DSC 1 such as the semiconductor memory 11 and sends the audio data of the audio file 64 to the audio output device 61. Supply. The audio output device 61 outputs audio based on the supplied audio data. The audio output device 61 outputs, for example, an audio “Please change ink” (step ST51).

  As described above, in the direct print system according to the second embodiment, the DSC 1 converts the parameters relating to the status of the printer 2 into a predetermined display character string obtained from the printer 2 and outputs the display character string. To do. Therefore, the user can confirm the terminology and meaning of the message displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 12 of the DSC 1 with the manual of the printer 2 regardless of the type of the DSC 1. As a result, the user can take an appropriate action according to the message after understanding the meaning of the message.

  In the direct print system according to the second embodiment, the DSC 1 acquires the audio file 64, the image file 63, and the moving image file 65 from the printer 2 and reproduces them. Therefore, even when the user does not notice the display of the message on the LCD monitor 12 or when the user does not know the action for the message, the user can notice the message by reproducing the data of those files. Appropriate measures can be taken according to the message.

  In the second embodiment, the printer 2 voluntarily transmits status information to the DSC 1 when the ink runs out. In addition, for example, the DSC 1 may periodically request the printer 2 to obtain a status, and the printer 2 may transmit status information at the time of the request to the DSC 1 in response to this request. Further, for example, when the printer 2 returns some response in response to the transmission request from the DSC 1, for example, a response such as the printer capability 72 in response to the request for acquiring the paper type, the status is included in the response. In addition to the tag shown, status information may be added and transmitted.

  In the second embodiment, the print client unit 15 defines the length of the requested display character string in the device info request 75 by the argument MaxLength = “20” as in the first embodiment. In addition to this, for example, the print client unit 15 may specify an argument formed by combining the number of lines of the requested display character string and the number of characters in each line, for example, how many lines and how many digits.

  Each of the above embodiments is an example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications and changes can be made.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the communication unit 14 of the DSC 1 and the communication unit 23 of the printer 2 are configured by a PTP communication unit, a USB_SIC communication unit, and a USB communication I / F. In addition to this, for example, the communication unit 14 of the DSC 1 and the communication unit 23 of the printer 2 are configured to include a USB mass storage class communication unit that specifies a SCSI command as a subclass and a USB communication I / F. You may do it.

  In the above embodiments, the DSC 1 requests the printer 2 for a display character string to be displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 12. In addition to this, for example, the DSC 1 displays other types of reproducible data such as images displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 12 and including the display character string, voices for reading the display character string, and moving images. It may be requested to the printer 2.

  Each of the above embodiments is an example of a direct print system in which the DSC 1 and the printer 2 are connected by the USB cable 3. Instead of the DSC 1, a mobile phone terminal, a PDA (Personal Data Assistant), or the like may be connected to the printer 2. Instead of the printer 2, a television receiver, a projector projection device, or the like may be connected to the DSC 1 or the like.

  The present invention can be used, for example, in a direct print system in which a digital still camera and a printer are directly connected and an image selected by the digital still camera is printed by the printer.

1 is a perspective view of a direct print system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is a functional block diagram of the direct print system of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the data structure of the database for string holding | maintenance in FIG. It is a flowchart of the direct print system of FIG. It is a figure which shows a request printer capability. It is a figure which shows printer capability. It is a figure which shows a support language request. It is a figure which shows a support language response. It is a figure which shows a device string request. It is a figure which shows a device string response. It is a rear view which shows the back surface of DSC in FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of a direct print system according to Embodiment 2. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the data structure of the database for detailed information holding in FIG. It is a flowchart of the direct print system of FIG. It is a figure which shows a request printer capability. It is a figure which shows printer capability. It is a figure which shows a support language response. It is a figure which shows a device info request. It is a figure which shows a device info response. It is a rear view which shows the back surface of DSC in FIG. It is a figure which shows a file request. It is a figure which shows a file response.

Explanation of symbols

  1 DSC (image output instruction device), 2 printer (image output device), 12 liquid crystal monitor (display means), 14 communication section (communication means), 15 print client section (conversion request means, transmission request means, language type query) Means), 21 rewritable ROM (storage means), 23 communication section (communication means), 24 print server section (conversion means, transmission means)

Claims (9)

Communication means for communicating with the image output instruction apparatus using a predetermined communication protocol and transmitting display information for designating display contents according to the communication protocol to the image output instruction apparatus;
Storage means for storing the display information and a display character string or display image in association with each other;
After the communication means receives the request to convert the display information into a display character string, the display means selects a display character string or a display image corresponding to the display information related to the request from the storage means, and the image from the communication means. Conversion means for transmitting to the output instruction device ,
The storage means stores a plurality of display character strings corresponding to a plurality of languages or a plurality of display character strings having different numbers of characters,
The conversion means extracts a display character string that matches a specified condition together with the display character string request from a plurality of display character strings stored in the storage means, and displays based on the extracted display character string An image output apparatus that transmits a character string .   The display character string stored in the storage means is a term used in the manual of the image output apparatus, and is information that specifies display contents of setting item choices in an image output instruction. The image output apparatus according to claim 1.   The display character string stored in the storage means is a product name or model number used in the manual of the image output device, and information specifying display contents of setting item options in the instruction of the image output device. The image output apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image output apparatus is provided. Communication means for communicating with the image output instruction device using a predetermined communication protocol and transmitting communication information to the image output instruction device;
Storage means for storing the communication information and a display character string or a display image to be displayed based on the communication information in association with each other;
After the communication means receives a display character string or display image transmission request to be displayed based on the communication information, a display character string or display image to be displayed based on the communication information related to the transmission request is stored from the storage means. Selecting and transmitting from the communication means to the image output instruction device ,
The storage means stores a plurality of display character strings corresponding to a plurality of languages or a plurality of display character strings having different numbers of characters,
The transmission means extracts a display character string that matches a specified condition together with the display character string request from a plurality of display character strings stored in the storage means, and displays based on the extracted display character string An image output apparatus that transmits a character string .   The display character string stored in the storage means is a character string composed of a character string used in a manual of the image output apparatus or a word used in a manual of the image output apparatus. The image output apparatus according to claim 4.   6. The image output apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage means is a rewritable storage means. The storage means stores data that can be reproduced as sound in association with the display information or the communication information,
The image output apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the conversion unit or the transmission unit transmits data that can be reproduced as sound corresponding to the display information or communication information related to the request. An image output system in which the communication means of the image output instruction device communicates with the communication means of the image output device, and the image output device outputs an image instructed by the image output instruction device,
The image output instruction device includes:
A communication means for communicating with the image output apparatus using a predetermined communication protocol;
When display information designating display contents is received by the communication means according to the communication protocol, a request for converting the display information into a display character string or display image unique to the image output device corresponding to the display information is issued. Conversion means for causing the communication means to transmit;
Display means for displaying the display character string or display image received by the communication means in response to the request instead of the display content specified by the display information, and
The image output device includes:
Communication means for communicating with the image output instruction apparatus using a predetermined communication protocol and transmitting display information for designating display contents according to the communication protocol to the image output instruction apparatus;
Storage means for storing the display information and a display character string or display image in association with each other;
After the communication means receives the request to convert the display information into a display character string, the display means selects a display character string or a display image corresponding to the display information related to the request from the storage means, and the image from the communication means. An image output device having conversion means for transmitting to the output instruction device,
The storage means stores a plurality of display character strings corresponding to a plurality of languages or a plurality of display character strings having different numbers of characters,
The conversion means extracts a display character string that matches a specified condition together with the display character string request from a plurality of display character strings stored in the storage means, and displays based on the extracted display character string An image output system characterized by transmitting a character string. An image output system in which the communication means of the image output instruction device communicates with the communication means of the image output device, and the image output device outputs an image instructed by the image output instruction device,
The image output instruction device
A communication means for communicating with the image output apparatus using a predetermined communication protocol;
When displaying based on the communication information received by the communication means, a transmission request means for causing the communication means to transmit a display character string or display image transmission request related to the display,
Display means for displaying a display character string or a display character string or a display image received by the communication means in response to the transmission request, and
The image output device
Communication means for communicating with the image output instruction device using a predetermined communication protocol and transmitting communication information to the image output instruction device;
Storage means for storing the communication information and a display character string or a display image to be displayed based on the communication information in association with each other;
After the communication means receives a display character string or display image transmission request to be displayed based on the communication information, a display character string or display image to be displayed based on the communication information related to the transmission request is stored from the storage means. Transmitting means for selecting and transmitting from the communication means to the image output instruction device,
The storage means stores a plurality of display character strings corresponding to a plurality of languages or a plurality of display character strings having different numbers of characters,
The transmission means extracts a display character string that matches a specified condition together with the display character string request from a plurality of display character strings stored in the storage means, and displays based on the extracted display character string An image output system characterized by transmitting a character string.

Images