JP4612780B2 - Image recording apparatus, control apparatus, control method, and program - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention acquires image information and image ancillary information stored in an information storage medium or an information storage device, and each discharge port of an image recording apparatus to which an optional device having a plurality of discharge ports can be connected, The present invention relates to an image recording apparatus, a control apparatus, a control method, and a program capable of printing out predetermined image data by predetermined output control.
[0002]
The present invention acquires image information and image ancillary information on a memory such as a data processing apparatus via the Internet, generates a print job, and prints predetermined image data based on the generated print job by predetermined output control. The present invention relates to an output image recording apparatus, a control apparatus, a control method, and a program.
[0003]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, as a general method for reproducing image data on hand, there is a photo reprint service. This reprint service is used to fill the translucent negative cover (negative holder) in which the developed film is stored with the number of reprints and a mark, and bring it to the development facility. The development facility identifies the image to be reproduced (reprinted). Thus, only the specified image is reprinted.
[0004]
In recent years, there is a photo CD system that reads an image on a film, writes the image data to a CD-ROM, reads the image data from the CD-ROM, and reproduces and displays the image data on an image display device such as a display. In this photo CD system, a print image can be obtained by reading out image data recorded in a CD-ROM and outputting it with a high-quality printer in a computer system. A high-quality printer is expensive and difficult for an individual to own. Therefore, in order to obtain a printed image, it is common to request a print service from a development office or the like.
[0005]
As a requesting method, a method is generally used in which a CD-ROM and a memo in which information for specifying image data recorded on the CD-ROM (for example, an image number confirmed by an index print, etc.) is written are given. Is.
[0006]
Furthermore, with the improvement of computer technology, the spread of personal computers, and the spread of image input devices such as digital cameras, individuals can easily handle high-definition digital image data. These image data are stored in a predetermined information storage medium in various image file formats such as TIFT, PICT, JPEG, and RAW, and are usually output by a printer connected to a personal computer.
[0007]
However, since the output result of a printer owned by an individual is generally inferior to the output result of a print service at a photo lab, a photo shop, a DPE shop, or a personal computer shop, there is a demand for such a print service. .
[0008]
Recently, when receiving a print service, it is also possible to request printing by sending image data via a communication line. Usually, an information storage medium storing image data is handed over to the service destination, or It is common to request by bringing in. In that case, it is necessary to designate a desired image from the image data stored in the information storage medium, and the customer who requests the print service can select the desired image data stored in the information storage medium. In order to indicate the image, the number and name written on the image must be transmitted to the service destination by a memory or the like.
[0009]
On the other hand, at the image print service destination, the image desired by the customer is manually selected from the image data stored in the information storage medium based on the contents of the instruction such as a memo given from the customer who requests the print service. Must be selected and printed.
[0010]
In general, since a computer system for performing the print service as described above requires complicated operations, it is not easy for a general store clerk to select an image to be printed and execute printing. In addition, selecting desired image data from the image data stored in the information storage medium and actually printing it requires manpower, and the time required for printing is limited.
[0011]
Therefore, in recent years, a method has been proposed in which a desired image can be automatically specified from images stored in an information storage medium and a print of the image can be quickly obtained.
[0012]
53A to 53C show configuration examples of a storage medium 5001 as an information storage medium.
[0013]
In FIG. 53, the storage medium 5001 is mapped to four independent areas of a reserved area 5002, a file allocation table area 5003 (hereinafter referred to as a FAT area), a root directory area 5004, and a file area 5005 shown in FIG. Has been.
[0014]
In the reserved area 5002, the size of the reserved area 5002, the size of the FAT area 5003, and the number of entries in the root directory area 5004 are stored for the storage medium 1. The FAT area 5003 stores how the storage medium space is used in the file area 5005 of the storage medium 5001. In the root directory area 5004, directory entry information indicating information such as the file name, size, and position stored in the storage medium 5001 is stored. The file area 5005 stores image generation instruction data and actual image data.
[0015]
Here, for convenience of explanation, the image generation instruction data will be expressed as DPFxxx as shown in FIG. 53 (b), and the image data will be expressed as IMGxxx as shown in FIG. 53 (c). Image generation instruction data, characters for identifying image data, or numbers).
[0016]
Next, as an example of conventional print control processing, an example in which a desired print image is generated and output by a printing apparatus using image data recorded in the storage medium 5001 as shown in FIG. This will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.
[0017]
54, first, in step S5101, it is confirmed whether or not the storage medium 5001 is set in a data reading unit (see FIGS. 9 and 13 described later) in the printing apparatus. If it is confirmed that the storage medium 5001 is set, the process advances to step S5102.
[0018]
In step S5102, the data reading unit refers to the contents of the root directory area 5004 stored in the storage medium 5001 to check whether there is a file whose file name is DPFxxx. When there is no DPFxxx file, the printing apparatus ends the operation. If there is a DPFxxx file, the process advances to step S5103 to read the first DPFxxx file (see FIG. 53B) in the file area 5005.
[0019]
In step S5104, the first file name IMGxxx designated by the read DPFxxx file is read. In step S5105, the image data (see FIG. 37C) stored in the file name IMGxxx read in step S5104 is read.
[0020]
In step S5106, image generation processing for printing is performed on the image data read in step S5105 by an image generation processing unit (see FIG. 13 described later) in the printing apparatus, and bitmap image data is generated. The generated bitmap image data is printed by an image output unit (see FIG. 13 described later) in the printing apparatus in step S5107.
[0021]
In step S5108, it is checked whether there is another IMGxxx designated by the DPFxxx file being read (see FIG. 53B). If another IMGxxx is also instructed, the process advances to step S5109. On the other hand, if no other IMGxxx is instructed, the process advances to step S5110. In step S5109, the IMGxxx file is read, and the process proceeds to step S5105.
[0022]
In step S5110, the storage medium 5001 is accessed. If there is another DPFxxx file, the process advances to step S5111, the next DPFxxx file is read, and the process advances to step S5104. On the other hand, when there is no other DPFxxx file, the operation of the printing apparatus ends.
[0023]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the conventional example has the following problems.
[0024]
(First issue)
In recent years, computers are connected to each other via a LAN (Local Area Network), and not only printers but also various peripheral devices such as multi-function image processing devices equipped with copy and fax functions can be connected to the LAN. Therefore, the image recording apparatus has various paper discharge modes for responding to various needs of a plurality of users sharing the network in a network environment connected to the LAN, for example, user separation fixed (mailbox), user separation automatic (job Realizes paper discharge methods such as separation, sorting, and stacking.
[0025]
In the “user separate fixing mode” and “user separate automatic mode”, a unique name is given to each paper discharge port of the image recording apparatus, and the paper discharge port is distinguished and the paper discharge destination is determined based on the name. This is a sorting method.
[0026]
The difference between the two will be described. In the “user separate fixing mode”, an identification name is registered in advance in each paper discharge port of the image recording apparatus, and the identification name is designated as a paper discharge destination at the time of printing, so that the user can easily distinguish the name. This is a paper discharge processing method that makes it possible to specify and sort paper destinations.
[0027]
On the other hand, in the “user separate automatic mode”, for example, the user name of the print designation source is dynamically registered in an unstacked empty paper discharge port during the printing process, and is registered at the first printing if there is a print designation again from the same user. This is a paper discharge processing method that realizes sorting of print jobs for each user without searching for a specific paper discharge outlet and discharging the paper to the paper discharge outlet without causing the user to specify a clear paper discharge destination at the time of printing. .
[0028]
Sorting is a paper discharge method that uses a continuous paper discharge port to sort copies of a print job into a specified number of paper discharge ports. Stacks discharge print jobs to the same paper discharge port until the stack is full. The paper discharge method is to perform the same paper discharge by switching to the next highest-priority paper discharge port when the paper continues to be full and is a known paper discharge method.
[0029]
As described above, when printing from the host computer via the printer driver, it is possible to select the paper discharge mode and make various settings, and sort by various paper discharge modes. In addition, when performing direct printing from an information storage medium such as a memory stick, there is no means such as designation of a medium for printing and designation of a paper discharge destination, and sorting of printed matter must be performed by the user's hand, A considerable amount of labor and labor are required for sorting printed materials for personal use or for various sorts of work including each client in a print service business.
[0030]
(Second problem)
Further, for example, in the photo reprint service, in the conventional technology described above, in the form of direct delivery of a photo negative cover or an information storage medium such as a CD-ROM storing image data, the customer goes to a photo lab to reprint. It was necessary to go back and pick up again when completed, and it took a considerable amount of time and effort for the user to request a reprint of the photo and obtain the desired photo (print).
[0031]
In addition, when making a request to the extra printing service, it is possible to fill in a memo or the like according to a certain format with an instruction for an image to be printed or an instruction such as the number of prints and select an image according to the memo. Because there are many, the labor of the clerk who performs the printing was also considerable.
[0032]
In addition, when performing reprinting via an information storage medium such as a CD-ROM, the image data is stored in an information storage medium such as a CD-ROM, and the contents of the data must be grasped in advance and entered in a memo. I must.
[0033]
In addition, when sending image data via a communication line, it is possible to save the customer from having to go to the lab to request it, but the instructions for the image to be printed and the number of prints are given according to the memo. It still took time for the clerk to do it.
[0034]
On the other hand, with the spread of personal computers in recent years, it has become commonplace to install personal computers in ordinary homes. Even if there is no personal computer, home appliances such as TVs and game machines have the same functions as personal computers and can be connected to the Internet. It has become widespread, and not only computers but all media are connected to each other, whether wired or wireless.
[0035]
In other words, when printing is performed using electronic image data without using a physical object such as a negative, anyone can easily issue a print instruction from a personal computer or mobile phone at home. Therefore, for example, even in the case of reprinting a photograph or the like, it is possible to make a request while staying at home or without selecting a place.
[0036]
However, despite the widespread use of personal computers in such homes, effective use has not been made in fields such as the photo reprint service described above, and as a result, services can be performed efficiently. There is a problem that you can not.
[0037]
(To the first issue)
Accordingly, a first object of the present invention is to print from a storage device on an external device such as a digital camera, or from a storage medium such as a memory card, regardless of the presence of a host computer. By making it possible to perform printing instructions such as paper discharge selection from existing devices, it is possible to automatically realize a paper discharge method that meets user needs, sorting printed materials for personal use, and for each customer in print service operations An object of the present invention is to provide an image recording apparatus and an image recording method capable of improving the efficiency of various sorting operations such as sorting.
[0038]
(To the second issue)
A second object of the present invention is to provide an image data storage location, a print destination, and electronic information exchanged between an image recording device such as a printer and an external device such as a personal computer, a mobile terminal, and a digital camera in a print service such as reprinting. By adding information such as the number of prints, paper discharge method, receipt method, and payment method, and making it interpretable by the image recording device, you can print what you need from anywhere or at any place you choose. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image recording apparatus and an image recording method that can only be requested.
[0039]
The third object of the present invention is to specify the receiving location for receiving, so that the neighborhood of the house where the image recording apparatus is installed or the location near the moving destination (convenience store, developing shop, computer shop, etc.) It is possible to specify home delivery, etc., enable reception at a location and method convenient for the user, eliminate the trouble of the customer who requests the print service, and provide a service form that meets the user's needs An object is to provide an image recording apparatus and an image recording method.
[0040]
A fourth object of the present invention is that all the print instructions are stored in the electronic information, so that the store clerk who performs the print does not need to select an image with a memo, saves the trouble of the print work, and improves the efficiency of the print service. It is an object to provide an image recording apparatus and an image recording method that can be realized.
[0041]
A fifth object of the present invention is to perform direct printing from a storage device on an external device such as a host computer on a network or a digital camera, or direct printing from a storage medium such as a memory card, without giving an instruction from the host computer. , It is possible to issue a print instruction such as paper discharge selection from an existing device such as a digital camera, a printing device, etc., automatically realize a paper discharge method that meets the user's needs, sort printed matter for personal use, and print service An object of the present invention is to provide an image recording apparatus and an image recording method capable of improving the efficiency of various sorting operations such as sorting for each customer in business.
[0042]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention Image recording device Includes a recording unit that records an image on a sheet based on image data, and a plurality of bins from which a sheet on which an image is recorded by the recording unit is discharged; Duplicate Number of image data And image-related attached information related to each image Mounting means for mounting a detachable memory for storing In the image related information A designation means for designating one of a plurality of attributes, and an attribute designated by the designation means. Have the same description And determining means for determining a bin to which a sheet on which an image is recorded by the recording means is discharged so that a plurality of sheets on which image data is recorded are discharged to the same bin.
[0043]
The image data is image data taken with a digital camera, Description Is added by a digital camera.
[0044]
The attribute includes any one of a title, a shooting date, and a distribution user.
[0045]
The present invention is a control device that controls a recording unit that records an image on a sheet based on image data, and a plurality of bins to which a sheet on which an image is recorded by the recording unit is discharged. Duplicate Number of image data And image-related attached information related to each image From memory Image related accessories Means for reading information, and In the image related information A designation means for designating one of a plurality of attributes, and an attribute designated by the designation means. Have the same description Determining means for determining a paper discharge destination bin of the paper on which the image data read from the memory is recorded so that a plurality of papers on which the image data is recorded are discharged to the same bin; And
[0046]
The present invention is a control method in a control device that controls a recording unit that records an image on a sheet based on image data and a plurality of bins to which a sheet on which an image is recorded by the recording unit is discharged. Duplicate Number of image data And image-related attached information related to each image From memory Image related accessories Reading the information; and In the image related information A designation step for designating one of the plurality of attributes, and an attribute designated by the designation step. Have the same description And determining a paper output destination bin of the paper on which the image data read from the memory is recorded so that a plurality of paper on which the image data is recorded are discharged to the same bin. And
[0047]
The present invention is a program executed by a control unit that controls a recording unit that records an image on a sheet based on image data and a plurality of bins to which a sheet on which an image is recorded by the recording unit is discharged. , Duplicate Number of image data And image-related attached information related to each image From memory Image related accessories Reading the information; and In the image related information A designation step for designating one of the plurality of attributes, and an attribute designated by the designation step. Have the same description A control unit executes a determination step of determining a paper discharge destination bin of paper on which image data read from the memory is recorded so that a plurality of papers on which image data is recorded are discharged to the same bin. It is characterized by making it.
[0100]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0101]
[Overview]
First, the outline of the present invention will be described with specific examples.
[0102]
(Regarding the first issue)
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image recording apparatus for discharging an output image to a desired discharge port using image related information including at least image generation instruction data and image data, wherein the image related information Input means, means for reading instruction data included in the image generation instruction data based on setting information including the image related information and selection file designation, and a print job based on the read instruction data and image data. A print job generation unit that generates a print job, a determination unit that determines a paper discharge destination based on the generated print job or a print job received from an external apparatus, and a discharge job that releases an identification name registered when the stacking ratio becomes zero. There is provided an image recording apparatus having a paper mouth releasing means, a notifying means for notifying the usage status of a paper discharge opening, and a display means for performing display based on the notification contents.
[0103]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image recording apparatus, an image input apparatus, and a print instruction from an input unit such as a panel, a print instruction from an external apparatus, an information storage medium, and an external apparatus. Based on the setting information that can be set from an external device such as a data processing device, the instruction data is read and processed, and an identification name generation unit that generates an identification name, and an identification name generated by the identification name generation unit Provided is an image recording apparatus having print job generation means for generating a print job by adding to a print job.
[0104]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, an image recording apparatus inputs or generates a print instruction from an input unit such as a panel, a print instruction from an external apparatus, an information storage medium, and an external apparatus. There is provided an image recording apparatus having a determination unit that determines whether or not paper discharge can be performed based on the contents of a print job, and an alarm unit that warns a user when the determination unit cannot discharge paper as specified.
[0105]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the stacking rate detected by the detecting means that performs at least three stages of detection for each paper discharge port, that is, sheets are not stacked, sheets are stacked, and full is loaded. Based on this, an image recording apparatus is provided that searches for and determines a discharge port that matches an identification name included in a print job or a discharge port with a zero loading ratio, and registers the identification name for the discharge port determined at that time. To do.
[0106]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, when the stacking ratio of each paper discharge port detected by the detecting means becomes zero, an image in which a paper discharge port in use is released and a new print job can be discharged. A recording device is provided.
[0107]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, when there is a print instruction from an input unit such as a panel, a print instruction from an external apparatus, an information storage medium, and an external apparatus, an image recording apparatus, an image input apparatus, Based on the setting information that can be set from an external device such as a data processing device, the instruction data is read and processed, and an identification name generation unit that generates an identification name, and an identification name generated by the identification name generation unit Provided is an image input device having print job generation means for generating a print job by adding to a print job.
[0108]
A seventh invention according to the present invention is based on the content of a generated print job when a print instruction from an input unit such as a panel, a print instruction from an external device, an information storage medium, and an external device are attached. There is provided an image input device having a determination unit that determines whether or not paper discharge can be performed and an alarm unit that warns a user when the determination unit cannot discharge paper as specified.
[0109]
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image input apparatus having a display means for receiving the contents notified by the notification means and displaying a usage status of the paper discharge outlet.
[0110]
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image recording apparatus, an image input apparatus, and a print instruction from an input unit such as a panel, a print instruction from an external apparatus, an information storage medium, and an external apparatus. Based on the setting information that can be set from an external device such as a data processing device, the instruction data is read and processed, and an identification name generation unit that generates an identification name, and an identification name generated by the identification name generation unit Provided is a data processing apparatus having print job generation means for generating a print job by adding to a print job.
[0111]
A tenth aspect of the present invention is based on the contents of a generated print job when a print instruction from an input unit such as a panel, a print instruction from an external apparatus, an information storage medium, and an external apparatus are attached. There is provided a data processing apparatus having a determination means for determining whether or not paper discharge can be performed, and an alarm means for warning a user when the determination means cannot discharge the paper as specified.
[0112]
An eleventh aspect of the present invention provides a data processing apparatus having display means for receiving the contents notified by the notifying means and displaying the usage status of the discharge outlet.
[0113]
(Regarding the second issue)
According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided means for inputting a storage location of image generation instruction data in a storage device, editing means for editing the image generation instruction data, and designation means for designating an image recording apparatus for performing printing. A receiving method input means for inputting a method for receiving a printed matter, a timing instructing means for instructing a printing timing, and a host information input means for inputting host information. Provided is a data processing apparatus that performs transmission, image file transmission, and printing instruction.
[0114]
A thirteenth aspect of the present invention includes display means for displaying the storage location of the image generation instruction data, the contents of the image file, user information, and the like, and can be updated by selecting or editing each display content. Provided is a data processing device characterized by the above.
[0115]
A fourteenth aspect of the present invention provides a data processing device for transmitting the image generation instruction data edited by the editing means to a designated image recording device.
[0116]
A fifteenth aspect of the present invention provides a data processing device for transmitting image data to a designated image recording device based on the image generation instruction data edited by the editing means.
[0117]
According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image recording apparatus for discharging an output image to a desired discharge port using image-related information including at least image generation instruction data and image data, wherein the image-related information Based on the setting information including the image-related information and the selected file designation, the means for reading the image generation instruction data and the image data, and the printing based on the read image generation instruction data and the image data A print job generation unit that generates a job, a determination unit that determines a paper discharge destination based on the generated print job or a print job received from an external device, and an identification name registered when the stacking ratio becomes zero There is provided an image recording apparatus having a discharge port releasing unit, a notification unit for notifying the usage status of the discharge port, and a display unit for performing display based on the notification contents.
[0118]
A seventeenth aspect of the present invention provides an image recording apparatus that makes a transmission request for an image generation instruction file to a storage location of the image generation instruction file included in the print instruction information.
[0119]
According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image recording having image generation instruction data interpretation means for interpreting the image generation instruction data, and making a transmission request for image data to a storage location of an image file based on the contents of the instruction Providing the device.
[0120]
A nineteenth aspect of the present invention can be set from an external device such as an image recording device, an image input device, or a data processing device, and print instructions from an input unit such as a panel, print instructions from an external device, information When the storage medium and the external device are attached, the image generation instruction data is read and processed based on the setting information, and an identification name generation unit that generates an identification name and the identification name generation unit An image recording apparatus having print job generation means for generating a print job by adding the identified name to the print job is provided.
[0121]
According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, an image recording apparatus inputs or generates a print instruction from an input unit such as a panel, a print instruction from an external apparatus, an information storage medium, and an external apparatus. There is provided an image recording apparatus having a determination unit that determines whether or not paper discharge can be performed based on the contents of a print job, and an alarm unit that warns a user when the determination unit cannot discharge paper as specified.
[0122]
According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, the stacking ratio detected by the detecting means that performs at least three stages of detection for each paper discharge port, that is, sheets are not stacked, sheets are stacked, and full is loaded. Based on this, an image recording apparatus is provided that searches for and determines a discharge port that matches an identification name included in a print job or a discharge port with a zero loading ratio, and registers the identification name for the discharge port determined at that time. To do.
[0123]
According to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, when the stacking ratio of each paper discharge port detected by the detecting means becomes zero, the paper discharge port in use is released so that a new print job can be discharged. An image recording apparatus is provided.
[0124]
According to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, an image recording device, an image input device, a data processing device, and the like can be set from an external device. A print instruction from an input unit such as a panel, a print instruction from an external device, and information When the storage medium and the external device are attached, the image generation instruction data is read and processed based on the setting information, and an identification name generation unit that generates an identification name and the identification name generation unit An image input apparatus having print job generation means for generating a print job by adding the identified name to the print job is provided.
[0125]
A twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention is based on the content of a generated print job when a print instruction from an input unit such as a panel, a print instruction from an external apparatus, an information storage medium, and an external apparatus are attached. There is provided an image input device having a determination unit that determines whether or not paper discharge can be performed and an alarm unit that warns a user when the determination unit cannot discharge paper as specified.
[0126]
According to a twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image input apparatus having a display means for receiving the contents notified by the notification means and displaying the usage status of the paper discharge outlet.
[0127]
A twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention can be set from an external device such as an image recording device, an image input device, or a data processing device, and print instructions from an input unit such as a panel, print instructions from an external device, information When a storage medium and an external device are mounted, the image generation instruction data is read and processed based on the setting information, and an identification name generation unit that generates an identification name and the identification name generation unit A data processing apparatus having print job generation means for generating a print job by adding the identified name to the print job is provided.
[0128]
A twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention is based on the contents of a generated print job when a print instruction from an input unit such as a panel, a print instruction from an external apparatus, an information storage medium, and an external apparatus are attached. There is provided a data processing apparatus having a determination means for determining whether or not paper discharge can be performed, and an alarm means for warning a user when the determination means cannot discharge the paper as specified.
[0129]
According to a twenty-eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data processing apparatus having a display means for receiving the contents notified by the notification means and displaying the usage status of the paper discharge outlet.
[0130]
According to a twenty-ninth aspect of the present invention, means for inputting a storage location of image generation instruction data in a storage device, editing means for editing the image generation instruction data, and designation means for designating an image recording apparatus for performing printing An image generation instruction file for a predetermined print server, a reception method input means for inputting a method for receiving a printed matter, a timing instruction means for instructing printing timing, and a host information input means for inputting host information A data processing apparatus that performs image transmission, image file transmission, and print instruction.
[0131]
In a thirtieth aspect of the present invention, the print server stores the image generation instruction file, the image file, and the print instruction information, and a part of the image generation instruction file, the image file, and the print instruction information. Alternatively, a data processing device for transferring all data to a designated image recording device is provided.
[0132]
In a thirty-first aspect of the present invention, there is a print instruction such as user ID input or ID card insertion, and the image generation instruction file, image file, and print instruction information are not downloaded in the image recording apparatus. The image generation instruction file, the image file, and the print instruction information of the user are searched for the print server, and if there is, the information transmission request is sent to the print server. An image recording apparatus for displaying an error message on a display device or a host computer on an image recording device when it does not exist is provided.
[0133]
According to a thirty-second aspect of the present invention, there is provided means for inputting a storage location of image generation instruction data in a storage device, editing means for editing the image generation instruction data, and designation means for designating an image recording apparatus for performing printing. An image generation instruction file for the data processing apparatus, a receiving method input means for inputting a method for receiving a printed matter, a timing instruction means for instructing a printing timing, and a host information input means for inputting host information. An image recording apparatus that makes a transmission request and an image file transmission request is provided.
[0134]
A thirty-third invention according to the present invention has display means for displaying the storage location of the image generation instruction data, the contents of the image file, user information, and the like, and can be updated by selecting or editing the respective display contents. An image recording apparatus is provided.
[0135]
[Concrete example]
Hereinafter, a specific example will be described.
[0136]
(As an example corresponding to the first problem)
<First example>
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0137]
1 to 3 show a configuration example of a system that prints out an image captured by a digital camera in a “user separate automatic mode”.
[0138]
This system includes a laser beam printer 102 (hereinafter referred to as a printer) provided with a data processing apparatus 101 that outputs paper 8 that is sorted and output, and a memory card 110 as an information storage medium that can be attached to and detached from the printer 102. Is done. The digital camera 1 can be loaded with a memory card 110, and a captured image is recorded on the memory card 110.
[0139]
The operation panel 104 of the printer 102 and the display screen 2 of the digital camera 1 display information such as images recorded on the memory card 110 and items necessary for various operations and settings.
[0140]
Functions such as sorting control and data processing according to the present invention can be provided in the main body of the printer 102 and the data processing apparatus 101. Further, functions such as sorting information setting, print job generation, print request, and print command according to the present invention can be provided in the main body of the digital camera 1 and the laser beam printer 102.
[0141]
This will be specifically described below.
[0142]
FIG. 1 is an example of sorting output images according to shooting dates, FIG. 2 is an example of sorting output images according to titles, and FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the same image to a plurality of people as in the case of extra printing. This is an example in which output images are sorted by a distribution user input for delivery.
[0143]
1 to 3 show an example in which image data taken by the digital camera 1 is stored in an information storage medium in the digital camera 1 and printing is performed based on information in the information storage medium. This information storage medium is a detachable flash memory such as CompactFlash (registered trademark), SmartMedia (registered trademark), Memory Stick (registered trademark), etc., even if it is fixedly built in the digital camera 1. May be. In this example, a removable memory card 110 is used.
[0144]
These information storage media store image related auxiliary information related to each image in addition to the image data of the photographed image. This image-related accessory information includes information such as an image number, shooting date, and image file format as automatically stored information, and title, trimming information, and rotation as information input after shooting by the user. Information, number of prints, etc. In addition, information such as the name or affiliation name of a person who needs to be distributed as a distribution user in order to give the same image to a plurality of people, such as reprinting, may be used.
[0145]
Further, the information storage medium stores not only the image related auxiliary information but also print instruction information related to the print instruction. The print instruction information includes output destination printer information and graphic mode, color mode, paper discharge mode, number of copies, and the like, which are control information at the time of printing, and also includes detailed setting information of each.
[0146]
In each of FIGS. 1 to 3, the “paper discharge mode” is instructed by “user separate automatic”. When “user separate automatic” is designated for “paper discharge mode”, designation of “identification attribute” is also necessary, and different designations are made in FIGS. 1 to 3.
[0147]
“Identification attribute” refers to which attribute is used as the identification name at the time of sorting, among the various attributes stored as the image-related attached information, as the discharge destination name in the “user separate automatic” mode. When printing, the description content of the attribute designated as “identification attribute” from the image-related attached information of each image is automatically adopted as the identification name.
[0148]
The “identification attribute” may be any attribute as long as it is an attribute in the image-related auxiliary information stored in units of images in the information storage medium. Examples of attributes that can be specified as the “identification attribute” include the shooting date, the title, and the like. Distribution user, image file format, image number, image data directory, output paper size, and the like.
[0149]
Hereinafter, a printing process executed by a print command from the operation panel 104 of the printer 102 via the memory card 110 will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0150]
First, the example of FIG. 1 will be described.
[0151]
In FIG. 1, the information storage medium such as the memory card 110 stores “user separate automatic” as the paper discharge mode and “shooting date” as the identification attribute by the input operation from the user. When a print instruction is received from the user, the job generation unit 440 (see FIG. 17 described later) in the printer 102 starts creating a print job based on the “user separate automatic” mode designated as the paper discharge mode.
[0152]
When creating a print job in the “user separate automatic” mode, the “shooting date” specified in the identification attribute is a determination material for performing the sorting process on each image. In the example of FIG. 1, “1999. 12.31”, “2000.01.01”, “2000.02.02”, “2000.04.22”, etc., which are “shooting dates” of each image, are identified names. It is used in the sorting process.
[0153]
Accordingly, in the print job creation process, if the “user separate automatic” mode is designated, the date information designated in the identification attribute “shooting date” is extracted from each image-related attached information, and each date information is extracted. Is added to the print instruction information of each image as an identification name for sorting. Thus, a print job is constituted by the header portion including the extracted image-related attached information and the print instruction information, and the image data. This print job consists of a command group in packet units.
[0154]
When the generation of the print job is completed, the job generation unit 440 passes the print job to the data analysis processing unit. Here, the printer 102 includes a data processing device 101 having a plurality of paper discharge ports 9, and the data processing device 101 performs sorted paper discharge based on identification names such as a user separate automatic mode and a user separate fixed mode. It shall be possible.
[0155]
The printer 102 analyzes the content of the print job based on the generated print job, and performs a predetermined print process according to the content. In the case of a print job as in the example of FIG. 1, each image shot on the same “shooting date” is sorted into the same paper outlet 9 according to the identification name specified by “shooting date”. The paper discharge destination is determined. The images for which the paper supply / discharge destinations have been determined are subjected to predetermined print processing in order, and as shown in the example of FIG. The output result of the image is discharged, and the output result of the image whose discharge destination is specified with the identification name “2000.01.01” is discharged to the discharge port “Bin2” and is output to the discharge port “Bin3”. Discharges the output result of the image designated by the discharge destination with the identification name “2000.02.02”, and designates the discharge destination with the identification name “2000.04.22” at the discharge outlet “Bin4”. The output result of the printed image is discharged.
[0156]
As described above, in the printing process in the “user separate automatic” mode in which “shooting date” is an identification attribute, the identification name extracted by the identification attribute “shooting date” from the image-related auxiliary information stored in the information storage medium is An image registered in each paper discharge port 9 of the data processing apparatus 101 and designated as a paper discharge destination with the same identification name is sorted and discharged to the paper discharge ports 9 registered with the same identification name.
[0157]
Next, the example of FIG. 2 will be described.
[0158]
In FIG. 2, the information storage medium such as the memory card 110 stores “user separate automatic” as the paper discharge mode and “title” as the identification attribute by an input operation from the user. When receiving a print instruction from the user, the job generation unit 440 starts creating a job based on the “user separate automatic” mode designated as the paper discharge mode. When generating a print job in the “user separate automatic” mode, the “title” specified in the identification attribute is a judgment material for performing the sorting process on each image.
[0159]
In the example of FIG. 2, “overseas travel”, “Untitled”, “wedding”, “second party”, etc., which are “titles” of each image, are used as classification names in the sorting process. Here, “Untitled” is a title name that is set by default in the “title” attribute. After shooting, in particular, when there is no input designation from the user, the “title” attribute may remain “Untitled”.
[0160]
In the print job generation process, if the “user separate automatic” mode is specified, the location information specified in the identification attribute “title” is extracted from each image-related attached information, and the location information is sorted. The header part of the print job is configured by adding it to the print instruction information of each image as an identification name for the image.
[0161]
When the generation of the print job is completed, the job generation unit 440 passes the print job to the data analysis unit. The printer 102 analyzes the content of the print job based on the generated print job, and performs a predetermined print process according to the content.
[0162]
In the case of a print job as in the example of FIG. 2, according to the identification name specified in “Title”, the images input with the same “Title” are sorted into the same paper outlet 9 so that each image is discharged. Determine the paper tip. The images for which the paper supply / discharge destinations are determined are subjected to predetermined print processing in order, and as shown in the example of FIG. The result is discharged, the output result of the image designated by the discharge destination with the identification name “Untitled” is discharged to the discharge port “Bin2”, and the identification of “wedding” is discharged to the discharge port “Bin3”. The output result of the image whose discharge destination is specified by name is discharged, and the output result of the image whose discharge destination is specified by the identification name “secondary party” is discharged to the discharge port “Bin4”.
[0163]
As described above, in the printing process in the “user separate automatic” mode with “title” as the identification attribute, the identification attribute “title” is extracted from the image-related auxiliary information stored in the information storage medium in the digital camera 1. An identification name is registered in each paper discharge port 9 of the data processing apparatus 101, and an image specified as a paper discharge destination with the same identification name is sorted and discharged to the paper discharge ports 9 registered with the same identification name. ing.
[0164]
Next, the example of FIG. 3 will be described.
[0165]
In FIG. 3, the information storage medium such as the memory card 110 stores “user separation automatic” as the paper discharge mode and “distribution user” as the identification attribute by an input operation from the user. Assume that the attribute “distributed user” is prepared as image-related attached information assuming a case where the same image is copied and distributed to a plurality of people, such as reprinting.
[0166]
When receiving a print instruction from the user, the job generation unit 440 starts creating a print job based on the “user separate automatic” mode designated as the paper discharge mode. When generating a print job in the “user separate automatic” mode, the “distributed user” specified in the identification attribute is a judgment material for performing the sorting process on each image.
[0167]
In the example of FIG. 3, a plurality of “distribution users” are input for one image, and “distribution users” such as “kakky”, “yuichi”, “maekawa”, “hkita”, etc. The identification name is used in the sorting process. Accordingly, in the print job creation process, if the “user separate automatic” mode is designated, the personal name information designated in the identification attribute “distributed user” is extracted from each image-related attached information, and each personal name information is extracted. Is added to the print instruction information of each image as an identification name for sorting to constitute the header portion of the print job.
[0168]
When the creation of the print job is completed, the job generation unit 440 passes the print job to the data analysis unit. The printer 102 analyzes the content of the print job based on the generated print job, and performs a predetermined print process according to the content.
[0169]
In the case of a print job as in the example of FIG. 3, according to the identification name specified for “distribution user”, the images required by the same “distribution user” are sorted into the same paper outlets. Determine the paper output destination. If multiple “distribution users” are specified for one image, copy that image to the number of pages for “distribution users”, and one “distribution user” for each page. "Is assigned as the paper discharge destination.
[0170]
The images for which the paper supply / discharge destination is determined are sequentially subjected to predetermined printing processing. As shown in the example of FIG. 3, the image “000−” is designated as the discharge destination with the identification name “kakky” at the discharge outlet “Bin1”. An output result such as “0000”, “000-0001”, “001-0001”, and the like are discharged, and an image “000-0001” in which the discharge destination is designated with an identification name “yuichi” at the discharge outlet “Bin2”. , “001-0002”, and the like, and the discharge outlet “Bin3” has images “001-0000”, “001-0001”, and the like designated by the discharge destination with the identification name “maekawa”. The output result is discharged, and the output result of the images “001-0000”, “001-0001”, etc., whose discharge destination is specified by an identification name such as “hkita” is discharged to the discharge outlet “Bin4”.
[0171]
As described above, in the printing process in the “user separate automatic” mode in which “distributed user” is the identification attribute, the identification attribute “distributed user” is extracted from the image-related attached information stored in the storage medium such as the memory card 110. The identification name is registered in each paper discharge port 9 of the data processing apparatus 101, and an image specified as a paper discharge destination with the same identification name is sorted and discharged to the paper discharge ports 9 registered with the same identification name. is doing.
[0172]
In addition, when a plurality of identification names are specified for one image, the image information is copied so that the number of the identification names is the same, and the paper discharge outlet registered with each identification name 9, the same image is discharged.
[0173]
The configuration example of the system that prints out the image captured by the digital camera 1 in the user separate automatic mode via the information storage medium such as the memory card 110 has been described above.
[0174]
Hereinafter, the system example (see FIGS. 1 to 3) will be described in more detail with reference to block diagrams, flowcharts, and the like.
[0175]
(Directory structure of information storage medium)
FIG. 4 shows an example of the directory structure of the information storage medium.
[0176]
In FIG. 4, image data is arranged as an image file 10, and data as image-related auxiliary information is arranged as an image generation instruction file 20, respectively, below the root directory.
[0177]
The image file 10 is organized in a hierarchical manner by being grouped in an arbitrary directory arranged below the root directory by a user instruction or by automatic setting of the job generation unit 440. Multiple layers may be used as long as the hierarchy is consistent with the path designation of the image file 10 described in the image generation instruction file 20. Similarly, a predetermined directory may exist between the image generation instruction file 20 and the root directory as long as the job generation unit 440 can detect the predetermined directory.
[0178]
FIG. 5 shows data contents described in the image generation instruction file 20.
[0179]
In the image generation instruction file 50, information common to image data stored in the information storage medium (hereinafter referred to as image common information) 21 and information specific to each image data (hereinafter referred to as image specific information) 22 are described. Is done.
[0180]
The image common information 21 includes the version of the image generation instruction file 20, the model name that saved the image generation instruction file 20, the date and time when the image generation instruction file 20 was saved, user information (user name, address, telephone number, etc.), print An output method (graphic mode, color mode, paper discharge mode, etc.), an identification attribute (sorting attribute) in the user separate automatic mode, and the like are described.
[0181]
Each image specific information 22 includes a product ID, print type, number of prints, image file format, relative path of the image file, image attached information (date, frame number, title, trimming information, rotation information, etc.), and the like. Described.
[0182]
These pieces of information may be automatically described according to the settings at the time of image input, or may be described by an explicit instruction from the user after image input.
[0183]
When there is a print instruction from the user, the job generation unit 440 detects the image generation instruction file 20 from the information storage medium, analyzes the content of the detected image generation instruction file 20, and prints based on the content. Create a job.
[0184]
(Print specification screen)
FIG. 6 shows an example (UI) of instructing to print data in the memory card 110 when the memory card 110 is inserted on the display screen 104.
[0185]
Printing from a storage medium such as the memory card 110 may be started with the insertion as a trigger, or printing is started after waiting for user settings and instructions so that printing can be specified as in this example. May be.
[0186]
As shown in FIG. 6, “image designation”, “media”, and “sorting method” are displayed on the display unit of the image recording apparatus 102 and can be selected.
[0187]
“Specify image”, for example, selects whether to print all images in the memory card 110, print a part of them, or print an index print page showing a list of selected images To do.
[0188]
“Media” corresponds to the print instruction information, and selects what the image is printed on. Depending on the image recording device, there is a machine dedicated to photography, but in this example, it is possible to print on multiple media, and plain paper, postcards, photographs, glossy paper, OHP sheets, etc. can be selected. In FIG. 6, a photograph is selected.
[0189]
The “sorting method” corresponds to the image-related attached information, and selects which information in the memory card 110 is used for sorting. The owner, date, title, distribution user, directory, etc. can be selected. The date is selected in FIG.
[0190]
After making these selections, when an “OK” button is pressed, information in the memory card is read and printing is started with the above settings.
[0191]
(Print execution instruction processing)
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when an instruction to execute printing of the memory card 110 is received from the user.
[0192]
In FIG. 7, when a user issues a print execution instruction, the data reading unit starts fetching data from a predetermined information recording medium, and checks whether communication with the mounted information recording medium is possible. (S1).
[0193]
In S1, if it is determined that communication with the information recording medium is impossible, a warning message such as “Please insert a memory card” is displayed and communication connection from the information recording medium is made. The user is notified that there is not (S6), and the print execution instruction process is terminated.
[0194]
If it is possible to communicate with the information recording medium in S1, the capability information (number of paper discharge ports, number of paper feed ports, paper size that can be passed, type, etc.) of the printer 102 and the data processing device 101 as the image recording device is acquired. (S2).
[0195]
In S3, the image generation instruction file 20 is detected from the information storage medium and the contents thereof are read, and image data, image attached data (image related attached information), print setting data, and the like are referred to.
[0196]
From the reference contents, it is determined whether or not the designated printing can be executed in S4. If the printing cannot be executed in S4, a warning message such as “User separate discharge cannot be performed” is displayed and the contents are displayed. Is displayed, the user is informed that printing as specified cannot be performed (S6), and the print execution instruction process is terminated. In S4, if printing can be executed, the process proceeds to S5 and subsequent steps.
[0197]
In S5, a print job is generated by adding header data to the print image based on the image common information described in the image generation instruction file 20 read in S3. Further, each image unique information described in the image generation instruction file 20 is first read in the other image unique information in the reading order of the first image unique information in S7, and a print job is generated.
[0198]
In S8, it is determined whether or not the “paper discharge mode” of the print setting is the user separate mode designation. In the case of the user separate mode, in order to add an identification name for sorting in accordance with the setting contents, in S9, Based on the attribute described in the “identification attribute” of the print setting, the identification name is acquired from the image common information or the image unique information being referred to and used as the paper discharge destination name of the image. These identification names may be obtained from the image common information, the image unique information, or a combination thereof, and are created based on the specified content of the sorting method preset in the UI of FIG. If the user separate mode is not designated in S8, it is not necessary to add an identification name, and the process moves to S10.
[0199]
In S10, control data of the image is created based on the image unique information being referred to. In S11, an image data portion of the print job is created from the image file stored at the position represented by the relative path of the image file, and the processing for the image specific information being referred to is completed.
[0200]
In S12, it is determined whether there is any other image unique information, and if there is, the processes in S8 to S12 are repeated with the next image unique information as a reference destination. Here, the image data used for job generation is selected based on the image designation set in advance in FIG. 6, and all the image data or a part of the image data that matches the designated content is selected.
[0201]
If there is no other image specific information, the process proceeds to S13. In S13, the print job created by the above process is transmitted to the image recording apparatus, and the print execution instruction process is terminated.
[0202]
(System configuration of image recording device)
FIG. 8 is a block diagram for explaining the system configuration of the image recording apparatus in the image recording system of this example, and shows the case of the printer 102 formed of a laser beam printer.
[0203]
The image recording apparatus to which this example is applied is not limited to a laser beam printer, and an ink jet printer or other printers of other printing methods may be used. In the following description, an example in which two option units are connected will be described. However, more option units can be connected, and the functions of the option units may be shared by the main body.
[0204]
In FIG. 8, the printer 102 can be connected to various optional devices, is connected to the data processing device 101 via a general-purpose interface (for example, Centronics, RS232C, etc.), and is transferred from the data processing device 101 via the general-purpose interface. (Including control information such as code data based on a predetermined printer language, such as PostScript, LIPS III, LIPS IV, image data, etc.) or a recorded image based on print information read from a memory card 110 mounted on the printer 102 I do.
[0205]
Reference numeral 103 denotes a video controller, which is connected to the data processing apparatus 101 via the general-purpose interface, receives code data (ESC code, various PDL data, etc.) transferred from the data processing apparatus 101 via the general-purpose interface, Page information including dot data based on the data is generated, and image data (binary or multivalued) is transmitted to the engine controller 105 (to be described later) via the video interface 80, and also described later via the general interface 90. A command for specifying paper feed and paper discharge is transmitted to the option controller unit 106.
[0206]
The engine controller 105 forms a latent image on the photosensitive drum by a known electrophotographic process based on the image data transferred from the video controller 103, and performs printing by transferring and fixing on a supplied sheet. At this time, the option controller unit 106 is instructed to supply / discharge timing.
[0207]
Reference numeral 104 denotes a panel unit, which is an interface with a user including various switches (buttons) for operation, an LED display, an LCD display, and the like. The user operates the operation panel 104 to connect to the printer 102 in advance. Can be instructed. Various data set by the user are stored and managed in a non-volatile memory (not shown) such as NVRAM or EEPROM.
[0208]
The option controller unit 106 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like (not shown). One option controller unit 106 is based on a paper supply / discharge designation transferred from the video controller 103 and a paper supply / discharge instruction from the engine controller 105. The overall controller controls the above-described optional devices (units) in an integrated manner, and communicates with the optional controller unit included in the various optional devices via the optional unit interface 70 to comprehensively control the various optional devices.
[0209]
Further, in the RAM of the option controller unit 106, there is a shared memory (see FIG. 14 described later) that can be accessed by the video controller 103. The shared memory includes a transport status management area, a basic status area, a command for about 40 pages. The video controller 103 is configured from a status management area, a startup processing area, and the like, and designates each option device via each area of the shared memory.
[0210]
The transport status management area includes an area where the video controller 103 notifies each option device of a printing method (paper feed port, paper discharge port, color, stapling, shifting, etc.), and each option status (how far printing has been performed). , Paper discharge completion, etc.) is configured from an area for notifying the video controller 103.
[0211]
In addition, the basic status area is an area for notifying the video controller 103 of abnormality (door open, paper jam, failure, cassette paper out, paper size mismatch, full load, staple staples, etc.) of each optional device. The area is an area for exchanging command status with the video controller 103, and the startup processing area is an area for the video controller 103 to specify startup processing for each option device.
[0212]
Reference numeral 107 denotes a paper feed option device (unit), which is a paper deck option unit, for example, having a paper deck controller (large capacity paper feed cassette controller) 107a inside, and based on control information transmitted from the option controller unit 106 Perform paper feed control.
[0213]
The paper deck controller 107a includes a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM (not shown). The CPU is stored in the ROM and controls the paper feed option device 107 based on a program. Further, the ROM stores extension information of the paper feed option device 107, such as information on the paper size that can be stored in the paper deck.
[0214]
Reference numeral 108 denotes a paper discharge option device (unit), which is a sorter option unit having a sort function, for example, and has a sorter controller (large-capacity paper discharge stacker controller) 108a inside, and includes control information transmitted from the option controller unit 106. Based on this, a sort operation and a paper discharge operation are performed.
[0215]
The sorter controller 108a includes a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM (not shown). The CPU is stored in the ROM and controls the paper discharge option device 108 based on a program.
[0216]
The ROM also includes extended information of the paper discharge option device 108, such as the number of paper discharge ports, the presence / absence of a sort function, the presence / absence of a stapling function, the presence / absence of a shift function for shifting the paper discharge in a predetermined direction, Information on the presence or absence of an inversion function for inverting the direction of the image is stored.
[0217]
The paper feed option device 107 and the paper discharge option device 108 are provided with operation units 107b and 108b having a display unit and various keys, respectively, and can display and operate messages and operation methods for the user when using each option. It has become.
[0218]
Reference numeral 110 denotes a memory card, which is provided with one or more mounting openings in the housing of the printer 102 and is detachable. A user can instruct the printer 102 to perform a predetermined operation by attaching a memory card or operating the operation panel 104.
[0219]
Reference numeral 109 denotes a control unit, which includes an engine controller 105 that controls the printing process of the printer 102, a video controller 103 that controls the entire printer 102, analyzes data from the data processing apparatus 101 and converts it into image data, and various optional units. An option controller unit 106 that performs overall control is configured.
[0220]
The option controller 106 manages each option unit by a common option unit interface 70 and communicates with the video controller 103 via the overall interface 90. The feature of this example is that the video controller 103 controls each paper supply / discharge option unit via the option controller unit 106.
[0221]
(Printer configuration)
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the configuration of the printer 102 shown in FIG. 8. The same reference numerals are given to the same portions as those in FIG.
[0222]
In FIG. 9, reference numeral 230 denotes a paper cassette which holds the recording paper 8 and has a mechanism for electrically detecting the size of the recording paper 8 by a partition plate (not shown). Reference numeral 231 denotes a cassette paper feed clutch, which separates only one uppermost recording paper 8 of the recording paper 8 placed on the paper cassette 230, and feeds the recording paper 8 separated by a driving means (not shown) to a paper feed roller. A cam for carrying up to 204, which rotates intermittently for each paper feed, and feeds one sheet of recording paper 8 corresponding to one rotation. A recording paper detection sensor 230S detects the amount of the recording paper 8 held in the paper cassette 230.
[0223]
Reference numeral 227 denotes a registration shutter, which presses the paper to stop paper feeding. The paper feed roller 204 conveys the leading end of the recording paper 8 to the registration shutter 227. Reference numeral 202 denotes a manual feed tray on which the recording paper 8 is placed. Reference numeral 203 denotes a manual paper feed clutch that conveys the recording paper 8 placed on the manual feed tray 202 to the registration shutter 227. Reference numeral 233 denotes an optional paper feed roller (feed relay transfer roller), which supplies the recording paper S fed from the paper feed option 107 into the printer 102 main body.
[0224]
A registration roller pair 205 for synchronously conveying the recording paper S is provided downstream of the manual feed roller 203, the cassette feed clutch 231 and the optional feed roller 233, and a laser scanner unit is provided downstream of the registration rollers. An image recording unit 207 that forms a toner image on the recording paper S by a known electrophotographic process using a laser beam emitted from 206 is provided.
[0225]
In the laser scanner unit 206, reference numeral 215 denotes a laser unit that emits laser light based on an image signal (VDO signal) sent from the video controller 103. Laser light emitted from the laser unit 215 is scanned by the polygon mirror 216 to form a latent image on the photosensitive drum 220 via the imaging lens group 218 and the folding mirror 219. A beam detector 217 detects a laser beam emitted from the laser unit 215 and outputs a main scanning synchronization signal. A light amount sensor 270 detects the amount of laser light emitted from the laser unit 215.
[0226]
In the image recording unit 207, reference numeral 222 denotes a primary charger, which uniformly charges the photosensitive drum 220. A developing unit 223 is charged by the primary charger 222 and laser-exposed by the laser scanner unit to form a latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 220 with toner. A transfer charger 224 transfers the toner image on the photosensitive drum developed by the developing unit 223 onto the recording paper 8 fed by the registration roller 205. A cleaner 225 removes residual toner on the photosensitive drum 220. Reference numeral 221 denotes a pre-exposure lamp, which neutralizes the photosensitive drum 220 with light.
[0227]
A fixing device 208 heat-fixes the toner image formed on the recording paper 8 by the image recording unit 207 on the recording paper 8. A conveyance roller 210 discharges and conveys the recording paper 8. A paper discharge sensor 209 detects the discharge state of the recording paper 8. A flapper 211 switches the transport direction of the recording paper 8 on which recording has been completed to the paper discharge tray 213 side or the paper discharge option 108 side. Reference numerals 214 and 212 denote discharge rollers, which discharge the recording sheet S conveyed by switching the flapper 211 to the stacking tray 213. Reference numeral 213 denotes a discharge stack amount detection sensor that detects the stack amount of recording sheets stacked on the stack tray 213.
[0228]
The engine controller 105 in the control unit 109 controls the electrophotographic process by the laser scanner unit 206, the image recording unit 207, and the fixing unit 208, and controls the conveyance of the recording paper 8 in the main body of the laser printer 102.
[0229]
Further, the video controller 103 is connected to the data processing apparatus 101 via a general-purpose interface (for example, Centronics, RS232C, etc.), expands image information sent via the general-purpose interface into bit data, and converts the bit data into a VDO signal. To the engine controller 105 via the video interface 80.
[0230]
In addition, the data reading unit 413 is a part to which a removable information storage medium such as CompactFlash (registered trademark), SmartMedia (registered trademark), Memory Stick (registered trademark) is mounted, and when the information storage medium is mounted, The print data is read from the data stored in the information storage medium, and the process is executed and printed in the same manner as when sent from the data processing apparatus 101.
[0231]
Next, various option units detachably connected to the main body of the printer 102 will be described.
[0232]
The option controller unit 106 shown in FIG. 8 is provided in the main body shown in FIG. 9, and is configured so that various option units can communicate with each other using the same protocol via the option unit interface 70 serving as a common bus. The option controller unit 106 is connected to the video controller 103 via the overall interface 90.
[0233]
In a paper feed option 107 such as a paper deck option unit, reference numeral 241 denotes a paper deck on which recording paper 8 is stacked on a deck that moves up and down in a large capacity. Reference numeral 242 denotes a paper deck paper feed roller that feeds the recording paper S stacked on the paper deck 241. A conveyance roller 244 conveys the recording sheet S fed from the paper deck sheet feeding roller 242 toward the option sheet feeding roller 233. Reference numeral 243 denotes a paper feed relay transport roller, which is fed from another paper feed option unit that can be detachably connected to the lower part of the paper deck option (which can feed recording sheets of different sizes or the same size). The recording paper 8 is relayed and conveyed. Reference numeral 241 denotes a recording paper storage amount detection sensor that detects the amount of the recording paper S placed on the paper deck 241. The paper deck option unit 107 is controlled by a paper deck controller 107a.
[0234]
In the paper discharge option 108 such as a sorter option unit, reference numerals 251 to 257 denote a first paper discharge bin to a seventh paper discharge bin that perform face-down paper discharge, and sort and stack the recorded recording paper 8. Reference numeral 258 denotes an eighth paper discharge bin for performing face-up discharge by directly passing the paper carried into the sorter option. Reference numeral 280 denotes a flapper, which switches the conveyance of the recording paper 8 distributed by the flapper 211 of the printer 102 main body and sent to the sorter option unit 108 so that the face of the recording paper 8 is switched based on an instruction from the video controller 103. Reference numerals 261S to 268S indicate discharge empty detection sensors that detect the presence or absence of stacked sheets of recording paper discharged to the first discharge bin 251 to the eighth discharge bin 258.
[0235]
Further, the discharge stack amount detection sensors 271S to 278S are full load detection sensors, and the height of the recording sheets stacked on the first discharge bin 251 to the eighth discharge bin 258 is, for example, 18 mm (about 120 sheets). The sorter controller 108a notifies the video controller 103 of the full load via the option controller unit 106.
[0236]
The first paper discharge bin 251 to the eighth paper discharge bin 258 can stack about 120 sheets in each bin, that is, about 960 sheets in 8 bins, of which the first paper discharge bin 251 to the seventh paper discharge bin. 257 can perform sort discharge.
[0237]
When face-up is designated by the video controller 103 through the overall interface 90, the face-up flapper 280 is turned on to perform sorting, and the sorted recording paper 8 is sent to the paper discharge port 9 as it is by the roller 290. Also, when face down is designated by the video controller 103 through the overall interface 90, the face-up flapper 280 is turned off and sorting is performed, and the rear end of the recording paper 8 is once faced by the roller 291. Then, the roller 291 is reversed and fed to the vertical path from the rear end of the recording paper 8, and the bin flappers 281 to 286 are driven at a predetermined timing by the designated paper discharge bins to face down. The paper is distributed to the paper discharge ports 9, and the paper discharge is completed in a face-down state. When the discharge bin is the seventh discharge bin 257, the face-down discharge is completed by discharging the bin flapper without driving the bin flapper.
[0238]
Further, when the staple is designated by the video controller 103 through the overall interface 90 by the stapler (not shown), the recording paper 8 is stored in the staple tray (not shown), the recording paper 8 is aligned, and the stapler is The staple is executed, and the paper is discharged to any one of the first paper discharge bin 251 to the eighth paper discharge bin 258. When the shift designation is performed by the video controller 103 through the overall interface 90, the recording paper 8 is stored in the staple tray (not shown), and the recording paper 8 is aligned and arranged for each tray as in the case of stapling designation. In other words, the paper is discharged to one of the first paper discharge bin 251 to the eighth paper discharge bin 258 after shifting the placement area (tray) of the recording paper 8 to be discharged. A staple needle remaining amount detection sensor (not shown) is provided to detect the remaining amount of staples stored in the staple. The sorter option unit 108 is controlled by a sorter controller 108a.
[0239]
The option controller unit 106, the paper deck controller 107, and the sorter controller 108 are connected by connectors, and perform serial communication through the option unit interface 70. These are connected in series by the same connector, and therefore, the paper deck option unit 107 and the sorter option unit 108 can be connected by switching their connection order.
[0240]
Note that the registration roller pair 205 for transporting the recording paper 8, the paper feed roller 204, and the transport roller 244 are provided downstream of the manual paper feed roller 203, the cassette paper feed clutch 231, and the paper deck paper feed roller 242, respectively. The image recording unit 207 that forms a toner image on the recording paper 8 by the laser light emitted from the laser scanner unit 206 is provided downstream of the registration roller pair 205. Further, the fixing device 208 for thermally fixing the toner image formed on the recording paper 8 is provided downstream of the image recording unit 207, and the conveyance state of the paper discharge unit is detected downstream of the fixing device 208. A paper discharge sensor 209, a conveyance roller 210 that conveys the recording paper 8, a flapper 211 that switches the conveyance direction of the recording paper 8 that has completed recording, and the like are provided.
[0241]
(Configuration of control system of printer 102)
FIG. 10 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the printer 102 shown in FIG. 8. In FIG. 10, the same parts as those in FIG.
[0242]
In FIG. 10, reference numeral 91 denotes a serial communication interface. Commands such as paper feed designation to the paper deck option unit 107 and paper discharge bin designation to the sorter option unit 108 are transmitted from the video controller 103 to the option controller unit 106, and the paper is designated. The option controller unit 106 and the video controller 103 can be directly connected via the CPU bus with the status such as the paper presence / absence status of the deck option unit 107, the stacking status of each discharge bin of the sorter option unit 108, and the presence / absence status of staples. .
[0243]
Reference numeral 92 denotes an OPTRDY signal which functions as a signal indicating whether or not an option designated by the video controller 103, for example, stapling is available, is transmitted from the option controller unit 106 to the video controller 103. Reference numeral 93 denotes a POUTT signal, which functions as a timing signal for the printer 102 main body to discharge the recording paper. A PFEDT signal 94 functions as a signal indicating the timing at which the printer 102 receives the recording paper from the option unit. Reference numeral 95 denotes a PCNG signal, which functions as a signal for reducing the speed of the recording sheet S that has been conveyed at high speed in the option unit and matching it with the conveyance speed of the printer 102 main body.
[0244]
81 is a communication interface, and commands such as paper feed designation to the paper feed cassette of the printer 102 main body and paper discharge designation and printing to the paper discharge tray 231 of the printer 102 main body are transmitted from the video controller 103 to the engine controller 105. Status such as paper presence / absence or paper jam in the cassette 230 of the printer 102 is transmitted from the engine controller 105 to the video controller 103. A VDO signal 82 indicates bit data transmitted from the video controller 103.
[0245]
In addition, the control for each process by the engine controller 105 (not shown) is executed based on a signal exchanged with the video controller 103. As the signal, / CPRDY, / PPRDY, / RDY, / PRNT, / PRNT, There are VSREQ, / VSYNC, / BD, / SCLK, / CMD, / CBSY, / STS, / SBSY, and / CCRT (Condition Change Report T) signals, the details of which are as shown in FIG.
[0246]
Of the above signals, the method of using the / CCRT signal is shown in the following procedure 1 and procedure 2.
[0247]
(Procedure 1)
The video controller 103 normally checks the / RDY signal and the / CCRT signal, and if the signals change, it is difficult to read the status information. At this time, if the / CCRT signal is “FALSE” and the / RDY signal is “FALSE”, the status of misprint, wait, sleep, operator call, etc. is first checked. In accordance with the result, details are confirmed by referring to the lower status corresponding to each bit.
[0248]
(Procedure 2)
On the other hand, when the / CCRT signal becomes “TRUE”, first, the status of the contents such as change of paper size, change of paper feed paper presence / absence, paper feed part function change, warning content change, etc. is read, and the changed status Recognize the type and read the status of the group sequentially to recognize the details.
[0249]
In addition, regarding the reset procedure of the / CCRT signal, the engine controller 105 constantly checks the end status change, that is, the change in the paper size, the change in the presence or absence of paper, the change in the paper feed unit function, and the change in the warning state, and there is a change. If the status change status is higher, the status change status corresponding to the higher level is set to “1” and the / CCRT signal, which is a hardware signal, is set to “TRUE”.
[0250]
Thereafter, when the status request command is received from the video controller 103 and the status change status is read into the video controller 103, the / CCRT signal is set to "FALSE".
[0251]
The overall interface 90 includes a serial communication interface 91, an OPTRDY signal 92, a POUTT signal 93, a PFEDT signal 94, and a PCNG signal 95.
[0252]
The three signals POUTT signal 93, PFEDT signal 94, and PCNG signal 95 are output from the engine controller 105, passed through the video controller 103 via the video interface 80, and input to the option controller unit 106. Details of each signal are as shown in FIG.
[0253]
(Video controller configuration)
FIG. 13 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the video controller 103 shown in FIG. 8, and the same reference numerals are given to the same portions as those in FIG.
[0254]
In FIG. 13, a panel interface (I / F) unit 401 receives various settings and instructions from the operator from the operation panel 104 through data communication with the operation panel 104.
[0255]
A host interface (I / F) unit 402 is a signal input / output unit for the data processing apparatus 101. Reference numeral 406 denotes an engine interface (I / F) unit which is a signal input / output unit for the engine controller 105 and transmits a data signal from an output buffer register (not shown) and controls communication with the engine controller 105.
[0256]
Reference numeral 403 denotes an image data generation unit that generates bitmap data for actual printing based on control code data sent from the data processing apparatus 101. An image memory 405 stores image data. Reference numeral 409 denotes a CPU which controls the entire video controller 103. Reference numeral 404 denotes a ROM that stores control codes for the CPU 409. Reference numeral 407 denotes a RAM which functions as temporary storage means used by the CPU 409. 410 is an EEPROM, which is composed of a non-volatile memory medium.
[0257]
A DMA control unit 408 transfers bitmap data in the image memory to the engine interface unit 406 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 409. An option interface (I / F) unit 412 communicates with the option controller unit 106 in response to an instruction from the CPU 409. Also, POUTT 93, PFEDT 94, and SPCNG 95 are sent through from the engine interface unit 406 to the overall interface 90.
[0258]
A data reading unit 413 reads print data based on the insertion of the memory card 110 or an operator instruction from the operation panel 104. Based on the data read here, printing is executed in the same manner as when data is received from the data processing apparatus.
[0259]
A system bus 411 has an address bus and a data bus. Panel interface unit 401, host interface unit 406, image data generation unit 403, ROM 404, image memory 405, engine interface unit 406, RAM 407, DMA control unit 408, CPU 409, EEPROM 410, and option interface unit 412 are each connected to system bus 411. Thus, all functional units on the system bus 411 can be accessed.
[0260]
The control code for controlling the CPU 409 includes an OS that performs time-sharing control in units of load modules called tasks by a system clock (not shown), and a plurality of load modules (tasks) shown in FIG. It shall be comprised by.
[0261]
(shared memory)
FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of a shared memory with the video controller 103 secured in the RAM provided in the option controller unit 106 shown in FIG. 8 in the present embodiment, and FIG. 15 shows a command based on the basic status. It is a schematic diagram which shows the procedure which issues a status and acquires the detailed information of each input / output option.
[0262]
First, a control method in which the video controller 103 performs overall control of each option device through the option controller 106 will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0263]
The shared memory shown in FIG. 14 performs page designation, a conveyance status management area for knowing the conveyance status of paper, a basic status portion for knowing the abnormal state of each option, a command status portion for exchanging command status, and an option And a startup processing unit for specifying the startup processing of the apparatus.
[0264]
The start-up processing unit includes a start-up specifying part specified from the video controller 103 and a completion notification part for notifying that each option has completed processing as a result of the specification. The video controller 103 performs start-up processing for each option by specifying the start-up processing unit. When the power is turned on, the video controller 103 informs the start-up designation of the initialization specification of the shared memory, the configuration information acquisition specification of each option required by the option controller 106, the information acquisition completion, etc., and each processing is completed. The completion notification part is monitored to see if it has been completed.
[0265]
The transport status management area includes the paper feed slot, paper ejection slot, color / monochrome, stapling position and execution method designation area, how far the paper has been fed, whether a print signal can be output, It consists of a part that tells you the status of the option, such as whether it has been completed. The video controller 103 designates the printing method and performs printing while grasping the status of each option.
[0266]
The above specification can specify up to 40 pages. The specification is made in order for each page, the discharged area is regarded as an empty area, initialized so that it can be specified again, and used as a ring buffer.
[0267]
The basic status section is an area for notifying the abnormal state of each device, and acquires from this area the status such as paper out, paper jam, door open, failure, full load, and the like. More detailed information is acquired from the contents of the basic status by the command status.
[0268]
The command status part is an area for acquiring detailed information of each option and controlling the operation of the option. In this area, a command according to necessity is designated and information is acquired.
[0269]
For example, the acquirable information includes an apparatus name, a paper supply mounting paper size, a paper supply remaining amount, a paper jam position, type, an access point, a discharge paper stacking amount, failure details, and the like.
[0270]
As shown in FIGS. 15 (a) and 15 (b), these issue commands according to their respective situations and receive statuses. The command status section is also used to control options such as shifting to the power saving mode, emergency stop when a paper jam occurs, movement of the paper discharge bin, and reset execution.
[0271]
In this way, the video controller 103 acquires the above information, executes printing in a state where there is no abnormality, and when abnormality occurrence is detected from the basic status, issues a command status for identifying the abnormality location, and further to the apparatus. The contents of the abnormality are identified, and detailed information collection and control according to the abnormality is performed.
[0272]
(Option information acquisition process)
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a mechanism for exchanging information by accessing the shared memory in the option controller 106, exchanging command status with each option.
[0273]
In FIG. 16, when the video controller 103 acquires option information, it designates the command status management area in the memory of the option controller 106 and receives the information. In the command designation area, an ID (S21) for identifying the type of necessary information, the number of data to be designated to the option controller 106 with an execution command (S22), and data (S23) representing the designated content are designated as predetermined addresses. The option controller 106 communicates with each option device and triggers to acquire information (S24). Based on the trigger in S24 and the specified content, the option controller 106 performs serial communication with the required optional device to obtain the specified information.
[0274]
On the other hand, until the option controller 106 has completely obtained information, a timer is started to monitor whether or not the video controller 103 is in a state in which status information can be acquired (S25, S26).
[0275]
If the status information cannot be acquired even after a certain period of time, status information cannot be acquired. Therefore, a retry notification is made so that the command is executed again (S31), and the process is terminated.
[0276]
In S26, when the status information acquisition state is entered, the status ID is acquired to check whether the status information is for the specified command (S27).
[0277]
Next, the number of status data is acquired (S28), status data for the number of status data is acquired (S29), and the completion of status acquisition is notified to the option controller 106 (S30).
[0278]
(Data processing flow)
FIG. 17 shows a data flow from the data processing device 101 or the memory card 102 to the option controller unit 106 and the engine controller unit 105 in this example.
[0279]
The control code for controlling the CPU 409 is composed of an OS (operating system) that performs time-sharing control in units of load modules called tasks by a system clock (not shown) and a plurality of load modules (tasks) that operate in units of functions. Shall be.
[0280]
The translator processing system (analysis development task), scheduling system (page operation task), engine I / F system (engine I / F task), and option I / F system (option I / F task) in FIG. It is assumed that the task is a CPU 409 as an entity, and logically operates in parallel.
[0281]
FIG. 18 shows the structure of a page table that stores the page information in FIG.
[0282]
The page table is a table for logically recognizing each page in the CPU 409. The entity exists as a continuous area in the control information storage area of the RAM 407, and is acquired and released by the page management function unit ( Not shown).
[0283]
A “raster pointer” in FIG. 18 is a head pointer of an area for one page in the image memory 405, and the CPU 409 selects a corresponding area (not shown) in the image memory 405 at the initialization of power-on. Divide by page and link here.
[0284]
“Status flag” is an area for storing a flag indicating the status of the page.
"Deployment end flag"
"Page end flag"
"Print start flag"
"Paper end flag"
"Release flag"
It is possible to determine the state of the page information created by this status flag.
[0285]
For example, the “paper feeding mode” is an instruction for a method for determining a paper feeding means.
"Automatic feeding"
"Cassette 1 (cassette 230) paper feed"
"Paper deck (cassette 107) paper feed"
"MP tray feeding"
(Not shown). “Automatic paper feeding” is a mode in which paper sizes are matched and searched and determined according to a predetermined priority order from paper feeding means on which paper is placed.
[0286]
“Requested paper size” stores a numerical expression of the paper size requested to be fed to the engine controller 105.
[0287]
In addition, the “paper discharge mode” instructs a method for determining the paper discharge means, and “user separate automatic mode” and “user separate fixed mode” are designated as this “paper discharge mode”. When “user separate automatic mode” or “user separate fixed mode” is designated, the name designated as the paper discharge destination is stored in the “designated identification name” and will be described later with reference to FIGS. 21 and 22. The actual paper discharge port determined by the search process is stored in the “paper discharge port”.
[0288]
(Job control table)
FIG. 19 shows the structure of the job control table 461 in the RAM 407.
[0289]
The job control table 461 is the status and contents of the input job ascertained by the video controller 103, and the entity exists as a continuous area in the control information storage area (not shown) of the RAM 407, and the job management function unit (see FIG. Managed to acquire and release.
[0290]
Any of the above tables is referenced / updated from the analysis development task, page operation task, engine I / F task, and option I / F task.
[0291]
(Engine status table)
FIG. 20 shows the structure of the engine state table 471 in the RAM 407.
[0292]
The engine state table 471 is the state of the engine controller 105 ascertained by the video controller 103, and is not the same as the actual state of the engine controller 105, and reflects the state of the engine controller 105 by predetermined communication at an arbitrary timing. Will be updated.
[0293]
For example, “/ RDY state” is a flag reflecting the state of the / RDY signal, and is set to “TRUE” while the engine I / F task detects “FALSE” of the / RDY signal.
[0294]
The “/ CCRT state” is a flag reflecting the state of the / CCRT signal, and the actual state of the / CCRT signal is reflected by the engine I / F task. When the engine I / F task detects “TRUE” of the / CCRT signal and acquires the state of the engine controller 105 by predetermined serial communication, the / CCRT signal becomes “FALSE” as described above.
[0295]
“Number of paper feed stages” is the number of paper feed stages that can be selected reflecting the mounting of the optional cassette unit.
[0296]
“Presence / absence of one cassette sheet” is the presence / absence of paper in the cassette 230. “Cassette 1 paper size” is a paper size set by a dial (not shown) of the cassette 230, and is recognized as the paper size of the cassette 230 on the assumption that the operator places the same paper as the dial value. The
[0297]
“Paper deck paper presence / absence” is the presence / absence of paper in the cassette 107. “Paper deck paper size” is a paper size set by a partition plate (not shown) of the paper feed option cassette 107, and it is assumed that the operator has loaded the same paper as the value of the partition plate. This is recognized as the paper size of the option cassette 107.
[0298]
Here, the data flow of FIG. 17 will be described.
[0299]
As the input method of the print data, there are a case from the data processing device 101 and a case from the memory card 110. In the case of printing from the data processing device 101, the input print data (control code, PDL, etc.) When printing from the memory card 110 is stored in the host interface unit 402 in a predetermined block unit, the data reading unit 413 reads the image generation instruction file 20, the image file 10, etc. in the memory card 110, and the data processing apparatus 101. The print data (control code, PDL, etc.) similar to the print data generated in the above is generated by the job generation unit 440 in the ROM 404 and stored in predetermined block units.
[0300]
Further, the host interface unit 402 can also input the image generation instruction file 20 and the image file 10 from the data processing apparatus 101, and when the file data is input, the data reading unit 413 receives from the host interface unit 402. The image generation instruction file 20 and the image file 10 are read, and print data (control code, PDL, etc.) similar to the print data generated in the data processing apparatus 101 is generated by the job generation unit 440 in the ROM 404, and a predetermined block Store in units.
[0301]
When the analysis development task 450 detects data in the host I / F unit 402 or the job generation unit 440, the analysis development task 450 acquires the page table 451. Then, the data is analyzed in units of one block, and image formation information (PDL graphic drawing command, character code, etc.) is imaged using an image data generation unit 403 (not shown in FIG. 17) or with confidence in the CPU 409. Development is performed and the data is stored in an area indicated by “raster pointer” in the page table 451.
[0302]
Control information for the printer 102 (number of copies, paper feed selection, etc.) is stored in a page table. After the analysis and expansion of the data for one page is completed, “end of expansion” is set to TRUE and the data is enqueued in the page queue having the FIFO structure.
[0303]
The page operation task 460 simultaneously monitors the “status flag” of all pages in the page queue, and changes the transport procedure according to the status to realize printing. At this time, the option I / F unit 412 designates printing such as a sheet feeding unit, a sheet discharging unit, and a print mode, and the engine I / F unit 406 actually sets the sheet feeding unit and the like to the engine controller 105. To do. The page table 451 having the “discharge end flag” set to TRUE is dequeued from the page queue and returned to the page management function unit.
[0304]
The engine I / F task 470 and the option I / F task 480 communicate with the engine controller 105 and the option controller 106 via the engine I / F unit 406 and the option I / F unit 412 at a predetermined cycle, respectively. When a factor that changes the state of the state occurs, the “state flag” is updated. Also, a change in the / RDY signal is monitored, and a change from TRUE to FALSE makes the printer status an error occurrence and monitors the cancellation of the error. Further, the state change such as the / RDY signal and the / CCRT signal is monitored, the “procedure 1” and the “procedure 2” are executed, and the “engine state table” is updated.
[0305]
The operation mode designation (copy number, paper feed selection, etc.) from the operation panel 104 is temporarily stored in the panel I / F unit 401. A printer control task (not shown) cyclically monitors the panel I / F unit 401 at an appropriate interval, and stores data in the EEPROM 410 when data exists, and at the same time, a control information storage area (not shown) in the RAM 407 as control information. To store. By storing the data in the EEPROM 410, the printer 102 can be operated in a mode desired by the user even after the printer 102 is once turned off.
[0306]
(System operation)
FIG. 21 is a flowchart for explaining processing until print data is received and printing is completed, FIG. 22 is a flowchart for explaining discharge port search processing in the user separate automatic mode, and FIG. 23 shows information update processing for each discharge port. FIG. 24 is a flowchart for explaining display processing of each paper discharge port. The processing performed by the printer will be described with reference to these drawings.
[0307]
(Printing process)
In S41 of FIG. 21, the print data sent from the data processing apparatus 101 is analyzed, and in S42, the control information and the drawing information are expanded and stored in the memory.
[0308]
In S43, it is determined whether or not the paper discharge mode is automatically designated from the control information. If the paper discharge mode is not automatic designation, a paper discharge port designated in a fixed manner is selected based on the control information (S52), and whether or not there is an abnormality is determined. (S54) If there is no abnormality, printing is executed (S55).
[0309]
In the case of automatic designation, it is determined in S44, S46, S48, and S50 what is designated in a plurality of automatic modes. Then, in accordance with the designation, search processing of any of user separation automatic (S45), user separation fixed mode (S47), sorting (S49), stack (S51), and illegal designation processing (S53) is executed.
[0310]
In this case, as in the case of fixed designation, the presence / absence of an abnormality is determined (S54). After printing is executed in S55, the data processing apparatus 101 is notified of the completion of paper discharge or job completion after waiting for paper discharge in S56.
[0311]
If an abnormality such as a full load is detected in S54, an error is displayed according to the content of the abnormality (S57), waits for the abnormality to be canceled by the user's operation (S58), and the error display is canceled (S59). ), The process from S43 is performed again, and the recovery process is started.
[0312]
When the above processing is repeated and all discharge of the print job is completed, a print job end notification event is transmitted to each data processing apparatus 101, and the paper is output to which discharge outlet on the UI of each data processing apparatus 101 It is notified to the user whether it was done (S56).
[0313]
(User separate automatic search processing)
Next, with reference to FIG. 22, the detailed processing of S45 shown in FIG. 21 will be described. Note that the detailed description of the search processing in S47, S49, S51, and S52 in FIG. 21 is omitted in this example.
[0314]
When the user separate automatic search process starts, first, in S61, a paper discharge bin having the same name as the identification name specified in the print data is searched. As a result of the search, it is determined whether there is a discharge bin with the same name (S62), and if there is a discharge bin with the same name, it is checked whether the bin is full (S63).
[0315]
If it is not full in S63, the provisionally determined bin searched in S61 is selected as the official bin (S64), and the paper is discharged. If it is full at S63, it is checked whether the bin with the next priority order after the provisionally determined bin searched at S61 is empty (S65). If the bin is not empty (S66), no new bin registration is performed, and the provisionally determined bin searched in S61 is determined as an official bin in S64.
[0316]
If the provisionally determined bin searched in S61 is empty in S66, the bin is determined as an official bin (S67), and the identification name is registered as the bin name of the bin (S68). If there is no bin with the same name in S62, an empty bin is searched from the highest priority bin in S69. If there is an empty bin (S70), the highest priority bin is determined as an official bin among the empty bins (S71). The identification name is registered as the bin name of the bin (S72).
[0317]
In S70, if there are no empty bins, all other users are already using bins, and there are no newly assigned bins. Therefore, an escape bin for discharging paper when no output can be performed as specified. The official bin is determined (S73), and the search process is terminated.
[0318]
(Paper exit information update process)
Next, referring to FIG. 23, a process for updating information on the paper discharge bin will be described.
[0319]
The status of the paper discharge bin is updated by acquiring status information whose status changes at regular intervals.
[0320]
In S81, it is determined whether or not there is a change in the stacking amount of the discharge bin. If there is a change, the stacking state is updated (S82). In S83, when the loading amount becomes zero, the identification name of the bin registered at the time of searching is deleted, and an empty bin state is set (S84). The process waits for a certain time (S85) and repeats the processes from S81.
[0321]
By the above method, based on the name registration state of the paper discharge bin, the printing process is performed while dynamically deleting and deleting the paper discharge bin, thereby realizing sorting by the identification name.
[0322]
(Paper exit display update process)
Next, referring to FIG. 24, processing for displaying information indicating the state of the paper discharge outlet of the printer 102 will be described.
[0323]
When the state of the printer 102 changes, in S91, an event is received and the content is analyzed (S92). From the analysis result, display or display matching the contents is performed to notify the user of a change in the printer status. For example, in the user separate automatic mode, since the discharge bins are dynamically allocated, the user does not know which bin has been discharged until printing is performed. Therefore, at the end of the print job, the bin information in which the identification name specified in the job is registered is displayed on a panel of a printer or the like, and as shown in FIG. 25, the owner and stack of the printed material loaded in each bin. In order to know information such as the rate at a glance, the user is informed of paper discharge bin information such as bin usage.
[0324]
In addition, as shown in FIG. 26, information such as a discharge port name, an image number, a shooting date, and a title may be displayed for a specific discharge port. Other display devices such as a digital camera and a computer display may be used.
[0325]
As described above, in this example, since printing is started immediately after printing is instructed, the user can print, for example, if he / she goes to the development station, and can use time efficiently.
[0326]
Furthermore, if home delivery is specified, it is possible to receive at home or at a company, and the convenience is further increased.
[0327]
<Second example>
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the same part as the 1st example mentioned above, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.
[0328]
In the first example, the memory card 110 is mounted on the image recording apparatus 102 and printing is performed.
[0329]
In this example, the digital camera 1 and the image recording apparatus 102 are interface cables for realizing various data transfer methods such as interfaces defined by RS, Centro, Ethernet (registered trademark), SCSI, USB, IEEE1394, IRDA, BlueTooth, etc. And printing is performed by issuing a print instruction from the panel of the image recording apparatus or the display device of the digital camera.
[0330]
Only the parts (FIGS. 27 to 35) different from the first embodiment will be described.
[0331]
27 to 29 show an example of the configuration of a system that prints out an image read by the digital camera 1 in the user separate automatic mode.
[0332]
FIG. 27 is an example of sorting output images according to shooting dates, FIG. 28 is an example of sorting output images according to titles, and FIG. 29 is a diagram showing the same image to a plurality of people as in the case of extra printing. This is an example in which output images are sorted by a distribution user input for delivery.
[0333]
In each of FIGS. 27 to 29, image data taken by the digital camera 1 is stored in an information storage medium in the digital camera 1. This information storage medium is a detachable flash memory such as CompactFlash (registered trademark), SmartMedia (registered trademark), Memory Stick (registered trademark), etc., even if it is fixedly built in the digital camera 1. May be. The information storage medium here refers to a kind of memory corresponding to the memory card 110 of the first example described above.
[0334]
The information storage medium in the digital camera 1 stores attached information related to each image in addition to the image data of the photographed image. These information includes automatically stored information such as image number, shooting date, image file format, etc., and information input after shooting by the user such as title, trimming information, rotation information, print There are number of sheets. In addition, it may be possible to input the name or affiliation name of a person who needs to be distributed as a distribution user in order to deliver the same image to a plurality of people, such as reprinting.
[0335]
Further, the information storage medium stores not only the image attached information but also information related to the print instruction. The print instruction information includes output destination printer information and graphic mode, color mode, paper discharge mode, number of copies, and the like, which are control information at the time of printing, and detailed setting information of each.
[0336]
In each of FIGS. 27 to 29, the “paper discharge mode” is designated as “user separate automatic”. When “user separate automatic” is designated for “paper discharge mode”, designation of “identification attribute” is also necessary, and different designations are made in FIGS. 27 to 29.
[0337]
“Identification attribute” is the designation of which attribute is used as the identification name for sorting among the various attributes stored as the image attachment information for the paper discharge destination name in the “user separate automatic” mode. At the time of printing, the description content of the attribute designated as “identification attribute” from the attached information of each image is automatically adopted as the identification name. The “identification attribute” may be any attribute as long as it is an attribute included in the image ancillary information stored in units of images in the storage medium. Examples of attributes that can be specified as the “identification attribute” include the shooting date, title, and distribution. User, image file format, image number, image data directory, output paper size, and the like.
[0338]
Below, according to each example of FIGS. 27-29, the printing process performed from a digital camera is demonstrated in order.
[0339]
First, the example of FIG. 27 will be described.
[0340]
In FIG. 27, the information storage medium in the digital camera stores “user separate automatic” as the paper discharge mode and “shooting date” as the identification attribute by the input operation from the user. When receiving a print instruction from the user, the data processing unit in the digital camera starts creating a job based on the “user separate automatic” mode designated as the paper discharge mode. When creating a print job in the “user separate automatic” mode, the “shooting date” specified in the identification attribute is a determination material for performing the sorting process on each image.
[0341]
In the example of FIG. 27, “1999. 12.31”, “2000.01.01”, “2000.02.02”, “2000.04.22”, etc., which are “shooting dates” of each image, are identified names. It is used in the sorting process. Therefore, in the print job creation process, if the “user separate automatic” mode is designated, the date information designated in the identification attribute “shooting date” is extracted from each image attached information, and the respective date information is extracted. It is added to the print instruction information of each image as an identification name for sorting.
[0342]
When the creation of the print job is completed, the data processing unit of the digital camera 1 transmits the print job to an image recording apparatus such as a printer. Here, it is assumed that the image recording apparatus has a plurality of paper discharge ports and can perform paper discharge based on identification names such as a user separate automatic mode and a user separate fixed mode.
[0343]
When the image recording apparatus 102 receives a print job from a digital camera via a predetermined communication medium, the image recording apparatus 102 analyzes the content of the print job and performs a predetermined print process according to the content. When a print job such as the example of FIG. 27 is received, each image shot on the same “shooting date” is sorted into the same discharge port according to the identification name specified in “shooting date”. The destination of the image is determined. The images for which the paper supply / discharge destinations are determined are subjected to predetermined print processing in order, and as shown in the example of FIG. 27, the paper discharge destination “Bin1” is designated as the paper discharge destination by the identification name “1999.12.31”. The output result of the image is discharged, and the output result of the image whose discharge destination is specified with the identification name “2000.01.01” is discharged to the discharge port “Bin2” and is output to the discharge port “Bin3”. Discharges the output result of the image designated by the discharge destination with the identification name “2000.02.02”, and designates the discharge destination with the identification name “2000.04.22” at the discharge outlet “Bin4”. The output result of the printed image is discharged.
[0344]
As described above, in the printing process in the “user separate automatic” mode in which “shooting date” is the identification attribute, the identification extracted from the image attached information stored in the storage medium in the digital camera with the identification attribute “shooting date”. A name is registered in each paper discharge port of the image recording apparatus, and an image whose discharge destination is specified with the same identification name is sorted and discharged to a paper discharge port registered with the same identification name.
[0345]
Next, the example of FIG. 28 will be described.
[0346]
In FIG. 28, the information storage medium in the digital camera 1 stores “user separate automatic” as the paper discharge mode and “title” as the identification attribute by the input operation from the user. When a printing instruction is received from the user, the data processing in the digital camera 1 starts creating a job based on the “user separate automatic” mode designated as the paper discharge mode. When creating a print job in the “user separate automatic” mode, the “title” specified in the identification attribute is a judgment material for performing the sorting process on each image.
[0347]
In the example of FIG. 28, “overseas travel”, “Untitled”, “wedding”, “second party”, etc., which are “titles” of each image, are used as classification names in the sorting process. Here, “Untitled” is a title name that is set by default in the “title” attribute. After shooting, in particular, when there is no input designation from the user, the “title” attribute may remain “Untitled”. In the print job creation process, if the “user separate automatic” mode is specified, the location information specified in the identification attribute “title” is extracted from each image attached information, and each location information is classified. The identification name is added to the print instruction information of each image.
[0348]
When the creation of the print job is completed, the data processing unit of the digital camera 1 transmits the print job to the image recording apparatus 102 such as a printer.
[0349]
When the image recording apparatus 102 receives a print job from the digital camera 1 via a predetermined communication medium, the image recording apparatus 102 analyzes the content of the print job and performs a predetermined print process according to the content. When the print job as in the example of FIG. 28 is received, the images having the same “title” input according to the identification name specified by the “title” are sorted into the same paper discharge port. Determine the paper output destination. The images for which the paper supply / discharge destinations have been determined are subjected to predetermined print processing in order, and as shown in the example of FIG. The result is discharged, the output result of the image designated by the discharge destination with the identification name “Untitled” is discharged to the discharge port “Bin2”, and the identification of “wedding” is discharged to the discharge port “Bin3”. The output result of the image whose discharge destination is specified by name is discharged, and the output result of the image whose discharge destination is specified by the identification name “secondary party” is discharged to the discharge port “Bin4”.
[0350]
As described above, in the printing process in the “user separate automatic” mode in which “title” is the identification attribute, the identification name extracted by the identification attribute “title” from the image attached information stored in the storage medium in the digital camera is An image registered in each paper discharge port of the image recording apparatus and designated as a paper discharge destination with the same identification name is sorted and discharged to a paper discharge port registered with the same identification name.
[0351]
Next, the example of FIG. 29 will be described.
[0352]
In FIG. 29, the information storage medium in the digital camera 1 stores “user separate automatic” as the paper discharge mode and “distributed user” as the identification attribute by an input operation from the user. It is assumed that the attribute “distributed user” is prepared as image ancillary information assuming a case where the same image is copied and distributed to a plurality of people, such as reprinting.
[0353]
When receiving a print instruction from the user, the data processing unit in the digital camera 1 starts creating a print job based on the “user separate automatic” mode designated as the paper discharge mode. When creating a print job in the “user separate automatic” mode, the “distributed user” specified in the identification attribute is a judgment material for performing the sorting process on each image. In the example of FIG. 29, there are cases where a plurality of “distribution users” are input for one image, and “distribution users” such as “kakky”, “yuichi”, “maekawa”, “hkita”, and the like. The identification name is used in the sorting process. Accordingly, in the print job creation process, if the “user separate automatic” mode is designated, the personal name information designated in the identification attribute “distributed user” is extracted from each image attached information, and the personal name information is extracted. It is added to the print instruction information of each image as an identification name for sorting.
[0354]
When the creation of the print job is completed, the data processing unit in the digital camera 1 transmits the print job to the image recording apparatus 102 such as a printer.
[0355]
When the image recording apparatus 102 receives a print job from the digital camera 1 via a predetermined communication medium, the image recording apparatus 102 analyzes the content of the print job and performs a predetermined print process according to the content. When a print job like the example of FIG. 29 is received, each image required by the same “distribution user” is sorted into the same paper discharge port according to the identification name specified for “distribution user”. The destination of the image is determined.
[0356]
If multiple “distribution users” are specified for one image, copy that image to the number of pages for “distribution users”, and one “distribution user” for each page. "Is assigned as the paper discharge destination.
[0357]
The images for which the paper supply / discharge destinations are determined are sequentially printed, and as shown in the example of FIG. 29, an image “000-0000” in which the paper discharge destination is specified with the identification name “kakky” at the paper discharge outlet “Bin1”. , “000-0001”, “001-0001”, and the like, and output images “000-0001”, “000”, which are designated as discharge destinations with the identification name “yuichi” at the discharge outlet “Bin2”. The output result such as “001-0002” is discharged, and the output result of the images “001-0000”, “001-0001”, etc., in which the discharge destination is designated with the identification name “maekawa” is output to the discharge outlet “Bin3”. , And output results such as images “001-0000”, “001-0001”, etc., which are designated by a discharge destination with an identification name such as “hkita”, are discharged to the paper discharge outlet “Bin4”.
[0358]
As described above, in the printing process in the “user separate automatic” mode in which “distributed user” is the identification attribute, the identification attribute “distributed user” is extracted from the image attached information stored in the storage medium in the digital camera. A name is registered in each paper discharge port of the image recording apparatus, and an image whose discharge destination is specified with the same identification name is sorted and discharged to a paper discharge port registered with the same identification name.
[0359]
In addition, when a plurality of identification names are specified for one image, the image information is copied so that the number of the identification names is the same, and the paper discharge outlet registered with each identification name The same image is discharged.
[0360]
The concept of the system configuration for printing out an image read by the digital camera 1 in the user separate automatic mode has been described above.
[0361]
Next, print setting processing in the digital camera will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0362]
(Print setting process)
FIG. 30 is an example of a UI screen for explaining a procedure for a user to perform print settings on the digital camera 1, and FIG. 31 is a flowchart illustrating a user separate automatic mode setting process procedure in the data processing unit of the digital camera 1.
[0363]
First, FIG. 30 will be described.
[0364]
FIG. 30A is an example of a UI screen that is displayed when “print setting” is selected from the operation menu of the digital camera 1 in order to perform print settings.
[0365]
In FIG. 30A, the print setting contents include “discharge mode” for setting how output images are sorted, “media” for setting media such as plain paper, dedicated paper, cardboard, and OHP, “Graphic mode” for setting the drawing method and drawing quality of the output image, and “Printing” for setting the printing method when there are a plurality of printing methods (LBP method, inkjet method, etc.) in the output image recording apparatus There are items such as “method” and “number of copies” for setting the number of copies for the entire print job.
[0366]
The user moves the cursor represented by “*” to an item to be set from among the respective items by using an operation button or the like, and selects the item by “decision” operation. When setting the paper discharge mode, the cursor “*” is set to “paper discharge mode” on this screen and the “decision” operation is performed.
[0367]
FIG. 30B is an example of a UI screen that is displayed when “paper discharge mode” is selected in FIG. 30A in order to set the paper discharge mode.
[0368]
In FIG. 30B, the setting contents of the paper discharge mode include “user separate automatic”, “user separate fixed”, “sort”, “stack” in each paper discharge mode possible in the image recording apparatuses connected via communication. Etc. ”. The user uses an operation button or the like to move the cursor represented by “*” to an item to be set as the paper discharge mode from among the respective items, and select the item by “decision” operation. When the paper discharge mode is set to the user separate automatic mode, the cursor “*” is set to “user separate automatic” on this screen and the “decision” operation is performed.
[0369]
FIG. 30C is an example of a UI screen displayed when “user separate automatic” is selected as the paper discharge mode in FIG. 30B in order to set a detailed sorting method.
[0370]
In FIG. 30C, the sorting method in the user separate automatic mode includes items such as “distributed user”, “title”, “shooting date”, and “print type”. These are information input or automatically registered for each image. In the user separate automatic mode, the item (attribute) selected here is used as an identification attribute for sorting output images.
[0371]
The user uses an operation button or the like to move the cursor represented by “*” to an item to be set as a sorting method (identification attribute) from among the respective items, and select the item by “decision” operation. When setting the identification attribute (sorting method) to the distribution user, the cursor “*” is set to “distribution user” on this screen and the “decision” operation is performed.
[0372]
(User separate automatic mode setting process)
FIG. 31 will be described.
[0373]
FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing a user separate automatic mode setting process procedure performed by the data processing unit of the digital camera 1 in relation to FIG.
[0374]
In FIG. 31, when the user instructs to set the user separate automatic mode, the data processing unit in the digital camera 1 displays a screen for allowing the user to set the identification attribute (S101).
[0375]
Items to be displayed on the identification attribute setting screen are attributes existing in each image unique information of the image generation instruction file. The user can select an identification attribute from the displayed attributes according to his / her sorting purpose.
[0376]
In S102, while waiting for input from the user on the display screen, if any identification attribute is selected, the process proceeds to S103, and if there is no input from the user, S102 is repeated.
[0377]
In S103, the identification attribute selected in S102 is stored in a predetermined position of the image formation instruction file 20, and the user separate automatic mode setting process is terminated.
[0378]
Next, print execution instruction processing in the digital camera 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 32 and 33.
[0379]
(Procedure for print execution instruction)
FIG. 32 is an example of a UI screen for explaining a procedure for a user to issue a print execution instruction with the digital camera 1. FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing a print execution instruction process in the data processing unit of the digital camera 1.
[0380]
First, FIG. 32 will be described.
[0381]
FIG. 32A is an example of a UI screen that displays an operation menu of the digital camera 1.
[0382]
In FIG. 32A, menu items include “shooting mode” for shooting an image, “playback mode” for displaying the shot image on the LCD of the digital camera, and “edit mode” for editing the shot image. ”,“ Print setting ”for performing the setting related to printing described with reference to FIG. 30, and“ print execution ”for instructing execution of printing of the photographed image based on the contents of the above“ print setting ”. The user moves the cursor represented by “*” to an item to be executed from among the respective items by using the operation button or the like, and selects the item by “decision” operation. Instructing execution of printing is realized by setting the cursor “*” to “execution of print” on this screen and performing “decision” operation.
[0383]
FIG. 32B is an example of a UI screen that is displayed when “print execution” is selected on the menu screen of FIG. 32A in order to issue a print execution instruction.
[0384]
(Print execution instruction processing)
FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when there is a print execution instruction from the user in relation to FIG.
[0385]
In FIG. 33, when the print execution instruction process is performed, a message indicating that the print process is in progress is displayed together with the progress of the print process, for example, “printing being executed... 50%”. "Print interruption" to interrupt, "Display job contents" to display the contents of the print job sent to the image recording device, "Printer discharge status to display the discharge status of the image recording device" Selection items such as “display” and “return to menu screen” for returning to the menu screen of FIG. 32A are also displayed.
[0386]
In FIG. 33, when a print execution instruction is issued from the user, the digital camera 1 and the image recording apparatus 102 negotiate to check whether communication is possible (S111).
[0387]
In S111, if it is determined that communication with the information recording medium is impossible, a warning message such as “Please insert a memory card” is displayed and communication connection from the recording medium is not established. This is notified to the user (S116), and the print execution instruction process is terminated.
[0388]
If communication with the information recording medium is possible in S111, the capability information (number of paper discharge ports, number of paper feed ports, paper size that can be passed, type, etc.) of the image recording device 102 is acquired (S112). The data reading unit 102 starts to fetch data from the information recording medium in the digital camera 1 and starts communication with the attached digital camera 1.
[0389]
In step S113, the image generation instruction file 20 is detected from the information storage medium, and the contents thereof are read, and image data, image attached data, print setting data, and the like are referred to.
[0390]
From the reference contents, it is determined in S114 whether or not printing as specified can be executed.
[0390]
If printing cannot be executed in S114, a warning message such as “User separate discharge cannot be performed” is displayed to notify the user that printing according to the contents cannot be performed and printing as specified is not possible (S116). The print execution instruction process is terminated.
[0392]
If printing can be executed in S114, the process proceeds to S115 and subsequent steps. In S115, header data for the print image is added based on the image common information described in the image generation instruction file 20 read in S113, and a print job is generated.
[0393]
Further, each image unique information described in the image generation instruction file 20 is first read in the other image unique information in the reading order of the first image unique information in S117, and a print job is generated.
[0394]
In S118, it is determined whether or not the “paper discharge mode” of the print setting is the user separate mode. If the user separate mode is specified, in order to add an identification name for sorting according to the setting contents, the print is performed in S119. Based on the attribute described in the “identification attribute” of the setting, the identification name is acquired from the image common information or the image unique information being referred to, and used as the paper discharge destination name of the image.
[0395]
These identification names may be from the common image information, the unique image information, or a combination thereof, and are created based on the specified content of the sorting method preset in the UI of FIG.
[0396]
If the user separate mode is not specified in S118, it is not necessary to add an identification name, and the process proceeds to S120.
[0397]
In S120, control data for the image is created based on the image-specific information being referred to.
[0398]
In S121, an image data portion of the print job is created from the image file stored at the position represented by the relative path of the image file, and the process for the image specific information being referred to is completed.
[0399]
Next, in S122, it is determined whether there is any other image unique information, and if there is, the processes in S118 to S122 are repeated with the next image unique information as a reference destination.
[0400]
Here, the image data used for job generation is selected based on image designation set in advance (not shown), and all image data or partial image data that matches the designated content is selected.
[0401]
If there is no other image specific information, the process proceeds to S123, where the print job created by the above process is transmitted to the image recording apparatus 102, and the print execution instruction process is terminated.
[0402]
(Example of output status)
FIG. 34 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example in which the discharge status (stacking information) of each discharge port of the image recording apparatus 102 to which the digital camera 1 is connected is displayed on the display screen 2.
[0403]
In FIG. 34, the digital camera 1 displays information related to the discharge status of each discharge port from the connected image recording apparatus 102. The display contents are, for example, information such as a discharge port name and a loading amount registered for each discharge port for each discharge port, and display the discharge status of all the discharge ports. By this display, the user can easily know to which discharge port each output image has been discharged.
[0404]
In FIG. 34, all the paper discharge ports are displayed, but the digital camera can also display detailed information of output images discharged to the individual paper discharge ports.
[0405]
FIG. 35 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example in which detailed information of an image stacked on a specific paper discharge port of the image recording apparatus 102 to which the digital camera 1 is connected is displayed.
[0406]
In FIG. 35, the digital camera 1 displays detailed information related to the image output to a specific paper outlet, for example, “Bin1” of the connection destination image recording apparatus 102. This display can be performed by the user operating the “*” cursor displayed at the top of the “paper outlet” in FIG. 34 to select the paper outlet to be referred to.
[0407]
The display contents are the name of the paper discharge outlet “Bin1”, the image output to the paper discharge outlet, the image number, the date of shooting the image, the title of the image, and the like. The user can refer to the images output to the paper discharge port in order by a button operation or the like.
[0408]
<Third example>
A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the same part as each example mentioned above, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.
[0409]
In the first example described above, the memory card 110 is mounted on the image recording apparatus 102, the memory contents are taken in, and printing is performed.
[0410]
In this example, as shown in FIG. 36, an example in which an information storage medium such as a memory card 110 is mounted on a data processing device such as a personal computer 3 and a print instruction is issued from the display device to perform printing. It is.
[0411]
<Fourth example>
A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the same part as each example mentioned above, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.
[0412]
In the above-described first example, the description has been given of sorting printing with a simple pattern in the image generation instruction file 20, for example, for each shooting date, for each title, and for each distribution user.
[0413]
In this example, the present invention is not limited to this, and sorting is performed based on other information in the image generation instruction file 20 in the information storage medium, information on directories, etc., information on combinations thereof, or part of information. Also good.
[0414]
Further, these pieces of information may be input by the user or automatically based on preset contents.
[0415]
For example, there are the following cases.
[0416]
(1) In a print service business such as a laboratory, when a print request is received from a customer, the date + time is automatically transferred to the storage medium as the reception time based on information from the cash register and used as an identification name in time series Sort.
[0417]
(2) User information of customer name + address + telephone number is input (may be input in advance or at reception) and used as an identification name for sorting by customer. Some of these information may be used.
[0418]
(3) The directory shown in FIG. 4 described above is given meaning and managed hierarchically, and sorting is performed for each directory.
[0419]
(4) The paper discharge port is switched for each paper size and medium, and sorting is performed so that the charge can be easily calculated.
[0420]
<Fifth example>
A fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the same part as each example mentioned above, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.
[0421]
In the second example described above, there is provided means for reading the data from the information storage medium in the digital camera 1, extracting identification information such as sorting and generating a print job, and sending the generated print job from the digital camera 1. The process of transferring to the printer 102 as the image recording apparatus and performing printing has been described.
[0422]
In this example, the printer 102 reads data from an information storage medium in an external device such as the digital camera 1 and extracts identification information such as sorting in the printer 102 to generate a print job. is there.
[0423]
Furthermore, a menu for selecting these processes may be provided so that the user can select an optimal process even if there is a difference in the performance of the digital camera 1 or the performance of the image recording apparatus 102. The digital camera and the image recording device may be compared in performance, and automatic discrimination may be performed so as to perform high image quality (resolution, gradation, etc.) and high-speed printing (CPU specifications, etc.).
[0424]
(As an example corresponding to the second problem)
<Sixth example>
A sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the same part as each example mentioned above, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.
[0425]
FIG. 37 shows a system configuration in which a user issues a print instruction to image data stored in a host to a remote printer connected via the Internet, and the printer prints out in a user separate automatic mode according to the instruction. It is a conceptual diagram which shows an example.
[0426]
This system sorts and outputs a host computer 500, 501 (hereinafter referred to as a host), a printer 102 as an image recording apparatus connected via the Internet, and printing paper connected integrally with the printer 102. It comprises a possible data processing apparatus 101 and a server 510 connected within a print service on the same network.
[0427]
In FIG. 38, the user issues a print instruction to the remote printer 102 connected via the Internet, and the printer 102 prints out the image data stored in the host 500 in the user separate automatic mode according to the instruction. The flow of system processing is shown.
[0428]
This will be specifically described below.
[0429]
(System configuration)
First, in FIG. 37, a host 500 whose IP (Internet Protocol) address is “111.2.33.34” and a host 501 whose IP address is “111.3.3.55” are configured in the same LAN. Yes.
[0430]
In addition, a server 510 having an IP address “222.33.4.111” and a printer 102 having an IP address not specified are configured in the print service LAN. Further, each LAN is connected via the Internet.
[0431]
(Printing procedure)
In FIG. 38, in such a system, the user issues a print instruction to the remote printer 102 connected via the Internet to the image data stored in the host 500, and the printer 102 performs user separation according to the instruction. A procedure for printing out in the automatic mode will be described.
[0432]
In FIG. 38, the user accesses the print service server “222.33.4.111” via the Web browser on the host 500 (S201).
[0433]
An HTML file for making a print request is downloaded to the printer 102 managed by the print service (S202). The HTML file transferred from the print service server is displayed on the Web browser of the host 500, for example, as shown in FIG.
[0434]
The user describes information necessary for outputting the image file 10 (see FIG. 4) stored in the host 500 to the remote printer 102 on the Web browser according to the content of the HTML file downloaded from the print service server. To go.
[0435]
The contents of the description include the storage location (directory) of the image generation instruction file 20 (see FIG. 4) in which image information to be printed, user information, etc. are stored, the output destination printer 102 or the request destination print service vendor name, There are methods for receiving output images.
[0436]
If the image generation instruction file 20 does not exist in the host 500, it is necessary to create it according to a predetermined format, and it can be created by describing it on a screen on a Web browser displayed as shown in FIG. it can.
[0437]
The user notifies the print service server of the storage location of the image generation instruction file 20 via the Web browser of the host 500, and makes a print request based on the contents of the image generation instruction file 20 (S203).
[0438]
As a result, the print server accesses the output destination printer 102 designated by the host 500 and notifies the storage location of the image generation instruction file 20 notified to the host 500 and its host information (IP address, etc.). To make a print request (S204).
[0439]
Upon receiving a print request from the printer service server, the printer 102 accesses the storage location of the image generation instruction file 20 of the remote host via the Internet according to the received host information and storage location information of the image generation instruction file 20 (S205). ). The image generation instruction file 20 stored in a predetermined format in the directory is searched, and the found image generation instruction file 20 is downloaded (S206).
[0440]
If the predetermined image generation instruction file 20 is not found during the search, the print service server may display an error message on the Web browser of the host 500 in order to notify the user of the fraud.
[0441]
When the download of the predetermined image generation instruction file 20 is completed, the printer 102 analyzes image information, user information, and the like described in the image generation instruction file 20 (S207).
[0442]
After the analysis, all necessary image files 10 described in the image generation instruction file 20 are downloaded from the storage location (S208, S209), and the analysis contents of the image generation instruction file 20 and the downloaded image file 10 are used. A print job is created (S210). When creating a print job, if the paper discharge mode of the printer 102 is set to “user separate automatic” in advance, the “user separate automatic” mode is added to the print job discharge designation.
[0443]
When the generation of the print job is completed, the printer 102 starts the printing process and outputs it while performing the sorting process in the “user separate automatic” mode as shown in FIG. 37 (S211).
[0444]
When the printing process is completed, the printer 102 notifies the print service server that the printing has been completed (S212).
[0445]
At this time, information such as the number of printed sheets, which is information for adjusting the charge for the print service, is also notified. When the print service server receives a notification of the end of printing from the printer 102, the electronic mail address information at the time of the print request is sent to the user from the electronic mail address information at an appropriate time according to a predetermined setting of the print service business as necessary. A mail completion notice, fee settlement guidance, and an output image receiving method are provided by mail (S213). The print end notification and guidance may be performed via display on the web browser of the host 500.
[0446]
(Web browser example)
FIG. 39 shows an example of a Web browser 400 (UI) for a user to make a print request from the host 500 to the printer 102 connected via the Internet. FIG. 40 shows an example of a Web browser 401 (UI) for editing the image generation instruction file 20 necessary for making a print request via the Internet.
[0447]
First, an example of the Web browser 400 in FIG. 39 will be described.
[0448]
In FIG. 39, the user first selects a trader requesting a print service or a convenience store name as an output destination of the image file 10 in a combo box of “requested service trader”. For specifying the storage location of the image generation instruction file 20, the host information is described directly in the “host information (IP address)” text field, and the directory information is described directly in the “directory information” text field, or “image It may be specified while referring to the directory by pushing the “Edit generation instruction file” button.
[0449]
If the host 500 making a print request can automatically detect host information (IP address), “host information (IP address)” is automatically displayed as an initial value. Also good. If the image generation instruction file 20 has not been created, it may be created on the display screen shown in FIG. 40, which will be described later, which is opened by pushing the “edit image generation instruction file” button.
[0450]
For specifying the receiving method, check the “Handed at the service window” check box if you want to receive the output image at the service window, and the “Delivery” check box if you want the output image to be delivered to your home by home delivery. To do. When receiving the output image at the service window, select and specify the desired service window from the “designated service window” combo box. When a print request is made after completing all inputs, a “print start” button is pushed. As a result, a print request is notified to the printer 102, and the printer 102 executes a download process and further starts the print process. When the “print start” button is pushed, a warning message may be displayed if there is an incomplete description in each item or if there is an irregularity such as the absence of a designated image instruction file.
[0451]
Next, an example of the Web browser 401 in FIG. 40 will be described.
[0452]
In FIG. 40, the user first specifies the storage location of the image generation instruction file 20. The storage location may be described directly in the text field of “storage location (directory) of image generation instruction file 2”, or may be specified while pushing the “reference” button and referring to the directory.
[0453]
The image file 10 to be output is displayed in a list of “designation of image file”, and each image file 10 in each directory can be designated by a “reference” button.
[0454]
Further, when editing each image file 10, it is possible to select the image file 10 to be edited and push an “edit image file” button. When editing an image signal, title trimming information, rotation information, etc., it is possible to select an image file to be edited and push an “edit image attached information” button. For specifying user information, the user fills in the text fields of “name”, “e-mail address”, “address”, and “phone number”.
[0455]
Note that the editing of the image generation instruction file 20 performed on the display screen shown in FIG. 40 does not have to be at the time of a print request, but is a case where image attached information such as a title and image editing information for each image file 10 is recorded. May be.
[0456]
In addition, when the storage location of the image generation instruction file 20 is specified on the display screen of FIG. 40, any information that has already been recorded and can be displayed is displayed, and the user is notified that the information is already recorded. You may do. As long as the format of the image instruction file 20 is the same, the image instruction file 20 may be edited by predetermined application software instead of the Web browser 401.
[0457]
(Image generation instruction file)
Here, the data content described in the image generation instruction file 20 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0458]
The image generation instruction file 20 can be created from an image reading device such as a digital camera in a predetermined format, and can be created by a device or application software that supports the same format other than the Web browser. It can be created or edited if any.
[0459]
As shown in FIG. 5 described above, the image generation instruction file 20 includes information common to image data stored in the information storage medium (hereinafter referred to as image common information) 21 and information unique to each image data ( (Hereinafter referred to as image specific information) 22 is described.
[0460]
The image common information 21 includes the version of the image generation instruction file 20, the model name (or software name) that saved the image generation instruction file 20, the date and time when the image generation instruction file 20 was saved, and user information (user name, address, telephone number). Number, etc.), print output method (graphic mode, color mode, paper discharge mode, etc.), identification attribute (sorting attribute) in the user separate automatic mode, etc. are described.
[0461]
Each image specific information 22 includes product ID, print type, number of prints, format format of the image file 10, relative path of the image file 10, image attached information (date, frame number, title, trimming information, rotation information, etc.), etc. Is described.
[0462]
These pieces of information may be automatically described according to the settings at the time of image input, or may be described by an explicit instruction from the user after image input. The image file 10 may be of any type, whether it is an image file or a text file.
[0463]
“Identification attribute” is the designation of which attribute is used as the identification name for sorting among the various attributes stored as the image attachment information for the paper discharge destination name in the “user separate automatic” mode. At the time of printing, the description content of the attribute designated as “identification attribute” from the attached information of each image is automatically adopted as the identification name. The “identification attribute” may be any attribute as long as it is an attribute included in the image ancillary information stored in units of images in the storage medium. Examples of attributes that can be specified as the “identification attribute” include the shooting date, title, and distribution. User, image file format, image number, image data directory, output paper size, and the like.
[0464]
In the conceptual diagram of FIG. 37, the user's e-mail address is set in the printer 102 as an identification attribute. The printer 102 designates the user's e-mail address as an identification name when generating a job, and the user's e-mail during print processing. Control is performed so that images with the same address are discharged to the same discharge bin.
[0465]
<Seventh example>
A seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the same part as each example mentioned above, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.
[0466]
In the above-described sixth example, when there is a print request from the host 500 by the user, the printer 102 downloads the image generation instruction file 20 and the image file 10 to the host 500, and at the same time as the download is completed. This is a configuration example of a system for starting a printing process.
[0467]
In this example, when there is a print request from the host 500 by the user, the printer 102 only downloads the image generation instruction file 20 and the image file 10 to the host 500, and the user's operation by panel operation or the like. An example of the configuration of a system that starts print processing when an explicit print execution instruction is given is shown. Here, only the parts different from the sixth example (see FIGS. 41 to 47) will be described.
[0468]
FIG. 41 shows a case where the user makes a print reservation for the image data stored in the host 500 to the remote printer 500 connected via the Internet and goes to the printer installation location to display a panel for the printer 102. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a system in which an explicit print execution instruction is performed by an operation, and a printer 102 performs print output in a user separate automatic mode according to the instruction.
[0469]
FIG. 42 shows a case where the user makes a print reservation for the image data stored in the host 500 to the remote printer 102 connected via the Internet and goes to the printer installation location to display a panel for the printer 102. The flow of processing of the system in which an explicit print execution instruction is given by operation and the printer 102 prints out in the user separate automatic mode according to the instruction is shown.
[0470]
This will be specifically described below.
[0471]
(System configuration)
First, in FIG. 41, a host 500 having an IP (Internet Protocol) address of “111.2.33.34” and a host 501 having an IP address of “111.2.33.35” are configured in the same LAN. Yes.
[0472]
Further, a server 510 having an IP address “222.33.4.111” and a printer 102 having an IP address not specified are configured in the print service LAN. Further, each LAN is connected via the Internet.
[0473]
In such a system, the user makes a print reservation for the image data stored in the host 500 to the remote printer 12 connected via the Internet, and when the user goes to the printer installation location, the printer 102 receives the image data. A procedure for performing an explicit print execution instruction by panel operation and causing the printer 102 to print out in the user separate automatic mode according to the instruction will be described with reference to FIG.
[0474]
In FIG. 42, the user accesses the server 510 having the print service IP address “222.33.4.111” via the Web browser on the host 500 (S221).
[0475]
An HTML file for making a print reservation request is downloaded to the printer 102 managed by the print service (S222). The HTML file transferred from the print service server is displayed on the Web browser of the host 500 as shown in FIG. 39 described above in the sixth example described above, for example.
[0476]
The user describes information necessary for outputting the image file 10 stored in the host 500 to the remote printer 102 on the Web browser in accordance with the contents of the HTML file downloaded from the print service server 510. The contents of the description include the storage location (directory) of the image generation instruction file 20 in which the information of the image to be printed, user information, and the like are stored, the output destination printer 102 or the request destination print service vendor name, and the output image receiving method. Etc.
[0477]
If the image generation instruction file 20 does not exist in the host 500, it must be created according to a predetermined format, and is described on the screen on the Web browser displayed as shown in FIG. 40 described in the sixth example. It can be created by going.
[0478]
When the user notifies the print service server 510 of the storage location of the image generation instruction file 20 via the web browser of the host 500 and makes a print reservation request based on the contents of the image generation instruction file 20 (S223), the print is made. The service server 510 accesses the output destination printer 102 designated by the host 500 and notifies the storage location of the image generation instruction file 20 notified to the host 500 and its host information (IP address, etc.). Then, a print reservation request is made (S224).
[0479]
Upon receiving a print reservation request from the printer service server 510, the printer 102 stores the image generation instruction file 20 in the remote host 500 via the Internet according to the received host information and storage location information in the image generation instruction file 20. Access is made (S225).
[0480]
The image generation instruction file 20 stored in a predetermined format in the directory is searched, and the found image generation instruction file 20 is downloaded (S226).
[0481]
If the predetermined image generation instruction file 20 is not found during the search, an error message is displayed on the Web browser of the host 500 via the print service server 510 in order to notify the user of the fraud. Also good.
[0482]
When the download of the predetermined image generation instruction file 20 is completed, the printer 102 analyzes the image information, user information, and the like described in the image generation instruction file 20 (S227).
[0483]
After the analysis, all necessary image files 10 described in the image generation instruction file 20 are downloaded from the storage location (S228, S229), and the downloaded image generation instruction file 20 and the image file 10 are assigned for each user. It is stored in a predetermined storage device.
[0484]
When saving the image file 10, the relative path of each image file 10 from the image generation instruction file 20 is the same as the download destination in consideration of the directory hierarchy specified in the image generation instruction file 20. Save with configuration.
[0485]
However, if the same configuration is not possible, the host 500 may be notified of this, or the path that has been saved and changed in a configurable form may be reflected in the image generation instruction file 20.
[0486]
When the user designates the print reservation, the printer 102 goes to the installation location of the printer 102 and waits until a print execution instruction is explicitly given by a panel operation of the printer 102.
[0487]
When the user issues a print instruction to the printer 102, the user ID is first input from the panel of the printer 102 (S230). The user ID to be input may be an ID and password designated by the user himself / herself, an e-mail address and a password, or a reservation number given from the print service server 510 at the time of print reservation. .
[0488]
When the user ID is input, the printer 102 displays the contents of the image generation instruction file 20 downloaded from the host 500 designated by the user, and accepts settings such as print settings from the user if necessary. Wait for print instructions. Upon receiving a print execution instruction from the user, the printer 102 creates a print job based on the contents of the image generation instruction file 20 and the image file 10 (S231).
[0489]
When creating a print job, if the discharge mode of the printer 102 in the print settings from the user is set to “user separate automatic”, the “user separate automatic” mode is added to the discharge specification of the print job. .
[0490]
When the generation of the print job is completed, the printer 102 starts the printing process and outputs it while performing the sorting process in the “user separate automatic” mode as shown in FIG. 41 (S232).
[0491]
When the printing process is completed, the printer 102 displays a print completion message on the panel to notify the user that printing has been completed, or sends a signal indicating the completion of printing (S233). The server 510 is also notified (S234). At this time, information such as the number of printed sheets, which is information for adjusting the charge for the print service, is also notified.
[0492]
In the system like this example, the printer 102 can be used exclusively by the user who issues the print instruction, and therefore, all of the plurality of paper discharge bins can be used according to the purpose of the user.
[0493]
Hereinafter, the print setting according to each sort purpose and the sort process of the printer 102 based on the designation will be described using an example.
[0494]
FIGS. 43 to 45 are conceptual diagrams illustrating sheet discharge control of the printer 102 when the user designates the user separate automatic mode for the printer 102.
[0495]
FIG. 43 is an example of sorting output images according to shooting dates, FIG. 44 is an example of sorting output images according to titles, and FIG. 45 is a diagram showing the same image to a plurality of people as in the case of additional printing. This is an example in which output images are sorted by a distribution user input for delivery.
[0496]
The image generation instruction file 20 that the printer 102 downloads from the host 500 can store information related to a print instruction, and can also be specified when a print execution instruction is given by a panel operation. The information related to the print instruction includes the printer information of the output destination and the graphic mode, the color mode, the paper discharge mode, the number of copies, etc., which are control information at the time of printing, and includes detailed setting information of each. .
[0497]
43 to 45, the “paper discharge mode” is designated as “user separate automatic”. When “user separate automatic” is designated for “paper discharge mode”, designation of “identification attribute” is also necessary, and different designations are made in FIGS. 43 to 45.
[0498]
“Identification attribute” is the designation of which attribute is used as the identification name for sorting among the various attributes stored as the image attachment information for the paper discharge destination name in the “user separate automatic” mode. At the time of printing, the description content of the attribute designated as “identification attribute” from the attached information of each image is automatically adopted as the identification name. The “identification attribute” may be any attribute as long as it is an attribute included in the image ancillary information stored in units of images in the storage medium. Examples of attributes that can be specified as the “identification attribute” include the shooting date, title, and distribution. User, image file format, image number, image data directory, output paper size, and the like.
[0499]
Hereinafter, according to each example of FIGS. 43 to 45, the print processing of a print job created based on the contents of the image generation instruction file 20 will be described sequentially.
[0500]
(Printing process)
First, the example of FIG. 43 will be described.
[0501]
43, in the image generation instruction file 20, “user separate automatic” is designated as the paper discharge mode, and “shooting date” is designated as the identification attribute. When a print instruction is received from the user, the job generation unit 440 in the image recording apparatus 102 starts creating a job based on the “user separation automatic” mode designated as the paper discharge mode. When creating a print job in the “user separate automatic” mode, the “shooting date” specified in the identification attribute is a determination material for performing the sorting process on each image.
[0502]
In the example of FIG. 43, “1999. 12.31”, “2000.01.01”, “2000.02.02”, “2000.04.22”, etc., which are “shooting dates” of each image, are identified names. It is used in the sorting process. Therefore, in the print job creation process, if the “user separate automatic” mode is designated, the date information designated in the identification attribute “shooting date” is extracted from each image attached information, and the respective date information is extracted. It is added to the print instruction information of each image as an identification name for sorting.
[0503]
When the generation of the print job is completed, the job generation unit 440 passes the print job to the data analysis processing unit. Here, it is assumed that the image recording apparatus 102 has a plurality of paper discharge ports and is capable of sorting paper discharge based on identification names such as a user separate automatic mode and a user separate fixed mode.
[0504]
The image recording apparatus 102 analyzes the content of the print job based on the generated print job, and performs a predetermined print process according to the content. In the case of a print job as shown in the example of FIG. 43, images taken on the same “shooting date” according to the identification name specified in “shooting date” are sorted into the same paper discharge outlet. Determine the paper output destination. The images for which the paper supply / discharge destinations are determined are subjected to predetermined print processing in order, and as shown in the example of FIG. 43, the paper discharge destination “Bin1” is designated as the paper discharge destination with the identification name “1999.12.31”. The output result of the image is discharged, and the output result of the image designated by the discharge destination with the identification name “2000.01.01” is discharged to the discharge port “Bin2”, and is discharged to the discharge port “Bin3”. Discharges the output result of the image designated by the discharge destination with the identification name “2000.02.02”, and designates the discharge destination with the identification name “2000.04.22” at the discharge outlet “Bin4”. The output result of the printed image is discharged.
[0505]
In this way, in the printing process in the “user separate automatic” mode in which “shooting date” is the identification attribute, the identification name extracted with the identification attribute “shooting date” from the image attached information specified in the image generation instruction file 20 Is registered in each paper discharge port of the image recording apparatus 102, and an image specified as a paper discharge destination with the same identification name is sorted and discharged to a paper discharge port registered with the same identification name.
[0506]
Next, the example of FIG. 44 will be described.
[0507]
In FIG. 44, in the image generation instruction file 20, “user separate automatic” is specified as the paper discharge mode and “title” is specified as the identification attribute by the input operation from the user.
[0508]
When receiving a print instruction from the user, the job generation unit 440 starts creating a print job based on the “user separate automatic” mode designated as the paper discharge mode. When generating a print job in the “user separate automatic” mode, the “title” specified in the identification attribute is a judgment material for performing the sorting process on each image.
[0509]
In the example of FIG. 44, “overseas travel”, “Untitled”, “wedding”, “second party”, etc., which are “titles” of each image, are used as classification names in the sorting process. Here, “Untitled” is a title name that is set by default in the “title” attribute. After shooting, in particular, when there is no input designation from the user, the “title” attribute may remain “Untitled”.
[0510]
In the print job generation process, if the “user separate automatic” mode is specified, the location information specified in the identification attribute “title” is extracted from each image attached information, and each location information is classified. The identification name is added to the print instruction information of each image.
[0511]
When the generation of the print job is completed, the job generation unit 440 passes the print job to the data analysis unit. The printer 102 as an image recording apparatus analyzes the content of the print job based on the generated print job and performs a predetermined print process according to the content.
[0512]
In the case of a print job such as the example of FIG. 44, each image is discharged so that images input with the same “title” are sorted into the same discharge port according to the identification name specified by “title”. Determine the destination.
[0513]
The images for which the paper supply / discharge destinations have been determined are subjected to predetermined printing processing in order, and as shown in the example of FIG. The result is discharged, the output result of the image designated by the discharge destination with the identification name “Untitled” is discharged to the discharge port “Bin2”, and the identification of “wedding” is discharged to the discharge port “Bin3”. The output result of the image whose discharge destination is specified by name is discharged, and the output result of the image whose discharge destination is specified by the identification name “secondary party” is discharged to the discharge port “Bin4”.
[0514]
As described above, in the printing process in the “user separate automatic” mode in which “title” is the identification attribute, the identification name extracted by the identification attribute “title” from the image attached information specified in the image generation instruction file 20 is the printer. An image registered in each of the paper discharge ports 102 and designated as a paper discharge destination with the same identification name is sorted and discharged to a paper discharge port registered with the same identification name.
[0515]
Next, the example of FIG. 45 will be described.
[0516]
In FIG. 45, in the image generation instruction file 20, “user separate automatic” is designated as the paper discharge mode, and “distribution user” is designated as the identification attribute by the input operation from the user. It is assumed that the attribute “distributed user” is prepared as image ancillary information assuming a case where the same image is copied and distributed to a plurality of people, such as reprinting.
[0517]
When receiving a print instruction from the user, the job generation unit 440 starts creating a print job based on the “user separate automatic” mode designated as the paper discharge mode. When generating a print job in the “user separate automatic” mode, the “distributed user” specified in the identification attribute is a judgment material for performing the sorting process on each image.
[0518]
In the example of FIG. 45, there are cases where a plurality of “distribution users” are input for one image, and “distribution users” such as “kakky”, “yuichi”, “maekawa”, “hkita”, etc. The identification name is used in the sorting process. Accordingly, in the print job creation process, if the “user separate automatic” mode is designated, the personal name information designated in the identification attribute “distributed user” is extracted from each image attached information, and the personal name information is extracted. It is added to the print instruction information of each image as an identification name for sorting.
[0519]
When the creation of the print job is completed, the job generation unit 440 passes the print job to the data analysis unit. The printer 102 analyzes the content of the print job based on the generated print job, and performs a predetermined print process according to the content.
[0520]
In the case of a print job such as the example of FIG. 45, according to the identification name specified for “distribution user”, the images required by the same “distribution user” are sorted into the same paper discharge outlets. Determine the paper output destination. If multiple “distribution users” are specified for one image, copy that image to the number of pages for “distribution users”, and one “distribution user” for each page. "Is assigned as the paper discharge destination.
[0521]
The image for which the paper supply / discharge destination has been determined is subjected to predetermined print processing in order. As shown in the example of FIG. 45, the image “000−” is specified for the discharge destination with the identification name “kakky” at the discharge outlet “Bin1”. An output result such as “0000”, “000-0001”, “001-0001”, etc. is discharged, and an image “000-0001” designated as a discharge destination with an identification name “yuichi” at the discharge outlet “Bin2”. , “001-0002”, and the like, and the discharge outlet “Bin3” has images “001-0000”, “001-0001”, and the like designated by the discharge destination with the identification name “maekawa”. The output result is discharged, and the output results of the images “001-0000” and “001-0001” whose discharge destinations are specified with an identification name such as “hkita” are discharged to the discharge outlet “Bin4”.
[0522]
As described above, in the printing process in the “user separate automatic” mode in which “distribution user” is the identification attribute, the identification name extracted by the identification attribute “distribution user” from the image attached information specified in the image generation instruction file is An image registered in each paper discharge port of the printer 102 and designated as a paper discharge destination with the same identification name is sorted and discharged to a paper discharge port registered with the same identification name.
[0523]
In addition, when a plurality of identification names are specified for one image, the image information is copied so that the number of the identification names is the same, and the paper discharge outlet registered with each identification name The same image is discharged.
[0524]
(Print instructions from the operation panel)
FIG. 46 is an example of a UI for issuing a print instruction by a panel operation of the printer 102 serving as an image recording apparatus based on the image generation instruction file 20 and the image file 10 downloaded from the host 500.
[0525]
As shown in FIG. 46, “image designation”, “media”, and “sorting method” are displayed on the display unit of the printer 102 and can be selected. “Image designation”, for example, prints all the images designated in the image generation instruction file 20, prints a part of them, or prints an index printing page showing a list of selected images Select what to do.
[0526]
In addition to index printing, it is also possible to print the contents of the printed matter at all the paper outlets, the contents of the printed matter at the designated paper outlet, etc. Although not shown, it is also possible to designate the paper discharge destination. .
[0527]
As for the printing of these information description images, the image file 10 may be printed together with the print job and output as a cover of each printed matter, or the contents of the printed matter that has already been discharged. In order to confirm this, only the information description image may be printed.
[0528]
“Media” selects what the image is printed on. Depending on the printer 102, there is a machine dedicated to photography. In this example, it is possible to print on a plurality of media, and plain paper, postcard, photograph, glossy paper, OHP sheet, etc. can be selected. In FIG. 46, a photograph is selected.
[0529]
The “sorting method” is used to select which information in the image generation instruction file 20 is used for sorting, and the owner, date, title, distribution user, directory, and the like can be selected. The date is selected. When the “OK” button is pressed after making these selections, the information in the image generation instruction file 20 is read and printing is started with the above settings.
[0530]
(Print processing by print execution instruction)
FIG. 47 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure when there is a print execution instruction from the user through a panel operation of the printer 102.
[0531]
In FIG. 47, when a print execution instruction is issued from the user, the data reading unit reads the contents of a predetermined image generation instruction file 20 and refers to image data, image attached data, print setting data, and the like (S241).
[0532]
Thereafter, the capability information (the number of paper discharge ports, the number of paper feed ports, the size of paper that can be passed, the type, etc.) of the printer 102 as the image recording apparatus is acquired (S242), and it is determined in S243 whether printing can be performed as specified. To do.
[0533]
In S243, if printing cannot be performed, a warning message such as “User-separated paper cannot be ejected” is displayed, and the user is informed that printing as specified cannot be performed by displaying according to the contents (S246). ), The print execution instruction process is terminated. If it is possible to execute printing in S243, the process proceeds to S244 and subsequent steps.
[0534]
In S244, a print job is generated by adding header data to the print image based on the image common information described in the image generation instruction file 20 read in S241.
[0535]
Further, each piece of image unique information described in the image generation instruction file 20 is first read in the image unique information at the head of S245, and other image unique information is read in order to generate a print job.
[0536]
In S248, it is determined whether or not the “paper discharge mode” of the print setting is the user separate automatic mode designation. In the case of the user separate automatic mode, in order to add an identification name for sorting in accordance with the setting contents, in S249, reference is being made based on the attribute described in the “identification attribute” of the print setting. An identification name is obtained from the image common information or the image unique information, and is used as the paper discharge destination name of the image.
[0537]
These identification names may be from the common image information, the unique image information, or a combination thereof, and are created based on the specified content of the sorting method set in the UI of FIG.
[0538]
In S248, if the user separate automatic mode is not designated, it is not necessary to add an identification name, and the process proceeds to S250. In S250, control data for the image is created based on the image specific information being referred to.
[0539]
In S251, an image data portion of the print job is created from the image file 10 stored at the position represented by the relative path of the image file 10, and the processing for the image specific information being referred to is completed.
[0540]
Next, in S252, it is determined whether there is any other image unique information. If there is, the next image unique information is used as a reference destination (S247), and the processes in S248 to S252 are repeated.
[0541]
Here, the image data used for job generation is selected based on the image designation set in advance in FIG. 46, and all image data or a part of the image data that matches the designated content is selected. If there is no other image unique information, the process proceeds to S253, where the print job created by the above process is stored in a predetermined storage area, and the print execution instruction process is terminated.
[0542]
As described above, in this example, the data is downloaded in advance and the actual printing is performed when the user issues a print instruction, and the user ID, password, and the like are input at that time. It can express high operation.
[0543]
Furthermore, for download data, a data retention period is set, and if there is no print instruction within that period, the data is automatically deleted and free memory can be secured, so that there is insufficient memory. It is possible to prevent a state in which reservations cannot be accepted due to.
[0544]
<Eighth example>
An eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the same part as each example mentioned above, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.
[0545]
In the sixth example described above, when a print request is made from the host 500 by the user, the printer 102 downloads the image generation instruction file 20 and the image file 10 to the host 500, and print processing at the same time as the download is completed. Was a system to start. In the seventh example described above, when a print request is made from the host 500 by the user, the printer 102 only downloads the image generation instruction file 20 and the image file 10 to the host 500, and performs a panel operation or the like. In this system, the printing process is started only when a user's explicit print execution instruction is issued.
[0546]
In this example, the user designates the storage location of the image generation instruction file 20 to be downloaded from the printer 102 side, issues a print request and a print instruction, and the printer 102 is configured as a system that executes download processing and print processing according to the instruction. There is an example of the case. Here, only parts different from the sixth example and the seventh example described above (see FIGS. 48 and 49) will be described.
[0547]
FIG. 48 shows a configuration of a system in which a user designates a storage location of image data in a remote host 500 using the operation panel 104 of the printer 102 and issues a print instruction, and the printer 102 prints out in the user separate automatic mode according to the instruction. FIG.
[0548]
FIG. 49 shows a system process in which the user designates the storage location of the image data of the remote host 500 using the operation panel 104 of the printer 102 and issues a print instruction, and the printer 500 prints out in the user separate automatic mode according to the instruction. Show the flow.
[0549]
This will be specifically described below.
[0550]
(System configuration)
First, in FIG. 48, a host 500 whose IP (Internet Protocol) address is “111.2.33.34” and a host 501 whose IP address is “111.3.3.55” are configured in the same LAN. Yes.
[0551]
In addition, a server 510 having an IP address “222.3.3.4.11” and a printer 102 having an IP address not specified are configured by a print service LAN. Further, each LAN is connected via the Internet.
[0552]
(Print processing by print instruction)
In such a system, the user designates the storage location of the image data of the remote host 102 using the operation panel 104 of the printer 102 and issues a print instruction, and the printer 102 performs a print output in the user separate automatic mode according to the instruction. This will be described with reference to FIG.
[0553]
In FIG. 49, the user designates host information (IP address or the like) in which image data to be output is stored by operating the panel or the like for the printer 102. Furthermore, a user ID (account name, password, etc.) for accessing the host 500 is input, a storage location (directory) of the image generation instruction file 20 is specified, and a print request is made to the printer 102 (S261). .
[0554]
In the example of FIG. 48, “111.2.3.44” is designated as the host information. When there is a print request from the user, the printer 102 accesses the remote host 500 designated by the user via the Internet (S262).
[0555]
In accordance with the storage location information of the designated image generation instruction file 20, the image generation instruction file 20 stored in a predetermined format is searched, and the found image generation instruction file 20 is downloaded (S263).
[0556]
If the predetermined image generation instruction file 20 is not found during the search, an error message may be displayed on the operation panel 104 to notify the user of the fraud. When the download of the predetermined image generation instruction file 20 is completed, the printer 102 displays a download completion message on the operation panel 104 to notify that the download is complete.
[0557]
After the download of the image generation instruction file 20 is completed, the user performs detailed print settings on the UI of the printer 102 as shown in FIG. 46 of the seventh example described above, and issues a print instruction (S264).
[0558]
At that time, the printer 102 analyzes the downloaded image generation instruction file 20 (S265), supplies information necessary when the user intends to perform print settings, or sets the print settings changed by the user to the image generation instruction file. 20 is reflected.
[0559]
When there is a print execution instruction from the user, the printer 102 accesses the necessary storage location of each image file 10 according to the analysis result of the image generation instruction file 20 in S265 (S266), and downloads each image file 10 (S266). S267). The downloaded image generation instruction file 20 and image file 10 are stored in a predetermined storage device assigned to each user.
[0560]
When saving the image file 10, the relative path of each image file 10 from the image generation instruction file 20 is the same as the download destination in consideration of the directory hierarchy specified in the image generation instruction file 20. Save with configuration.
[0561]
However, if the same configuration cannot be achieved, the user may be notified of this, or the path that has been saved and changed in a configurable form may be reflected in the image generation instruction file 20.
[0562]
When the download of all the image files 10 is completed, the printer 102 creates a print job (S268). When a print job is created, if the user's print setting of the printer 102 in the print settings is set to “user separate auto”, the “user separate auto” mode is added to the print job discharge designation.
[0563]
When the generation of the print job is completed, the printer 102 starts the printing process and outputs it while performing the sorting process in the “user separate automatic” mode as shown in FIG. 48 (S269).
[0564]
When the printing process is completed, the printer 102 displays a print end message on the operation panel 104 in order to notify the user that printing has ended (S270). At this time, information such as the number of printed sheets, which is information for adjusting the charge for the print service, is also notified.
[0565]
Note that the print instruction in S264 may be after the process of S261 or after S267 unless the print setting of the image generation file 10 is changed.
[0566]
As described above, in this example, all operations can be performed on the printer 102 as an image recording apparatus, and can be operated even by a user who does not have a personal computer or a mobile terminal. It becomes.
[0567]
Furthermore, since settings corresponding to Web browser input performed on a personal computer can also be performed from the operation panel 104 on the printer 102, it is not necessary to provide a server, and costs can be reduced.
[0568]
<Ninth example>
A ninth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the same part as each example mentioned above, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.
[0569]
In the sixth to eighth examples described above, the print execution instruction or the print reservation instruction is issued from the host computer 500 or the printer 102. An execution instruction or a print reservation instruction may be issued.
[0570]
FIG. 50 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a configuration of a system in which a user issues a print execution instruction or print reservation instruction from a portable terminal, and the printer 102 executes a predetermined print process according to the instruction.
[0571]
In FIG. 50, the user transmits a print execution instruction and a print reservation instruction for a predetermined print process based on the image generation instruction file 20 and the image file 10 stored in the host 500 of “111.2.33.34”. Going from 5. The instruction is notified from the mobile phone 5 to the printer 102 via the base station 4 and the Internet, and the printer 102 performs a predetermined download process or print process as in the above examples.
[0572]
Note that the mobile terminal is not limited to the mobile phone 5, and any mobile terminal that can communicate with the base station 4 may be used. In addition, it goes without saying that an operation system may be used in which another external device is connected to the end of the mobile terminal and a print execution instruction or print reservation instruction is issued from the external device.
[0573]
As described above, in this example, the print execution instruction or the print reservation instruction can be performed without the host 500, and can be performed from the mobile terminal. Therefore, the print execution instruction or the print reservation can be performed from anywhere regardless of the location. Instructions are possible.
[0574]
<Tenth example>
A tenth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the same part as each example mentioned above, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.
[0575]
In the above-described sixth to ninth examples, the server 510 configured in the same LAN as the printer 102 manages the settings of the printer 102 and provides a print service to the user with a Web browser or the like. It was a server.
[0576]
In this example, a server that provides a print service to a user using a Web browser or a server that manages settings of the printer 102 is configured on a LAN different from the printer 102.
[0577]
Further, the servers that perform the respective functions may not be the same server, and the server that provides the print service to the user with a Web browser or the like is a relay server that relays communication processing between the host 500 and the printer 102. The image generation instruction file 20 and the image file 10 that the user has reserved for printing from the host 500 are downloaded to a storage area managed by the relay server. When the printer 12 issues a print instruction, the printer 102 receives the image from the relay server. It may be a system that downloads the generation instruction file 20 and the image file 10 and performs printing processing.
[0578]
FIG. 51 illustrates a configuration example of a system in which a server that provides a print service is not configured in the same LAN as the printer 102.
[0579]
In FIG. 51, a server 510 having an IP address “333.44.5.222” for providing a print service to a user via a Web browser or the like is connected to the printer 102 or the host 500 via the Internet, and is connected to the host 500. It functions as a relay server that relays communication processing with the printer 102.
[0580]
In such a system, when the server 510 of “333.44.5.222” receives a print reservation instruction from the user in the host 500 of “111.2.3.44”, “111.2.33. 44 ”is downloaded from the host 500 and stored in a storage area managed by the server 510.
[0581]
When the user executes printing from the printer 102 side, the printer 102 downloads the user's image generation instruction file 20 and the image file 10 from the server “333.44.5.222” and executes print processing. To do.
[0582]
On the other hand, the server 511 “222.3.4.4.11”, which is configured on the same LAN as the printer 102 and manages settings of the printer 102, relays “333.44.5.222” to the printer 102. Settings relating to access to the server 510 for printing, settings of paper discharge means during printing, and the like.
As described above, in this example, when a print reservation is made from the host 500, the image generation instruction file 20 and the image file 10 to be downloaded are saved in a storage area managed by the relay server 510, thereby allowing the user to Even when changing the receiving location specified at the time of print reservation and issuing a print instruction from another printer, it is possible to issue a print instruction from the other printer and the image from the other printer. Output can be done.
[0583]
<Eleventh example>
An eleventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the same part as each example mentioned above, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.
[0584]
In the above-described sixth to tenth examples, the printer 102 receives a print request or print reservation request from the host 500 via the server, or the print settings are managed by the server.
[0585]
In this example, the printer is confident in functions such as receiving a print request or print reservation request from the host 500 or managing print settings, etc., and configured as a system without a server as shown in FIG. is there.
[0586]
As described above, in this example, since it is not necessary to provide a server, the cost of a system such as a printer service can be reduced.
[0587]
<Twelfth example>
A twelfth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the same part as each example mentioned above, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.
[0588]
In the seventh example and the eighth example described above, an account name and an e-mail address are used when inputting a user ID.
[0589]
In this example, an information storage medium such as an ID card in which predetermined ID information is stored is inserted into the printer 102 so that the printer 102 can read the inserted information storage medium and determine the user. is there.
[0590]
The information storage medium may store not only the user ID but also information such as host information and a storage directory of the image generation instruction file 20, and the printer 102 reads the information to read a predetermined host, A predetermined directory may be accessed.
[0591]
Further, the image generation instruction file 20 itself may be stored in the storage medium, and the printer 102 reads the information, accesses a predetermined host and a predetermined directory, and automatically reads the contents of the read image generation file 20. Alternatively, the download processing and printing processing of the image file 10 may be started.
[0592]
As described above, in this example, instead of inputting the user ID and password, an ID card may be inserted, so that the user operation becomes easier. Further, in order to increase security, only the password may be input.
[0593]
<13th example>
A thirteenth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the same part as each example mentioned above, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.
[0594]
In the sixth to eighth examples described above, the user designates host information (such as an ID account) at the time of a print request.
[0595]
In this example, if host information and user information can be registered in the printer 102, if the host information and user information are specified and registered only for the first time, the user ID and the like can be used for the second print request. In this example, only the user information is designated, and the host 500 that has been registered in advance is automatically accessible.
[0596]
Accordingly, when only a specific printer is used in the print service, a print instruction can be easily performed, and convenience is increased.
[0597]
Further, as registration contents to the printer 102, not only the designated host information but also information such as the storage destination of the image creation instruction file 20 in the designated host may be registered. For a user who stores only in a specific directory, a print instruction can be performed efficiently.
[0598]
As described above, in this example, the user information can be registered, so that it is possible to save the user's trouble for the second and subsequent times.
[0599]
<Fourteenth example>
A fourteenth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the same part as each example mentioned above, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.
[0600]
In the above-described eighth example, when the user designates the storage location (directory) of the image generation instruction file 20 stored in the remote host 500 to the printer 102, the root directory of the designated host. I had to input and specify all the paths from.
[0601]
In this example, the printer 102 accesses the designated host, and the directory hierarchy has a function capable of being displayed on the screen. The user searches the desired root image generation instruction file 20 from the displayed root directory. This is a printer that can be used.
[0602]
As described above, in this example, it is only necessary to specify the host 500 in which the image generation instruction file 20 exists, so that it is possible to save the user's input effort at the time of print request.
[0603]
Each example described above can be applied to an imaging apparatus such as a digital camera, but can also be applied to a system including a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, etc.). You may apply to the apparatus which consists of one apparatus (For example, a small image processing apparatus like a PDA (personal information management) apparatus, a copying machine, a facsimile machine).
[0604]
Needless to say, the present invention can also be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or apparatus. Then, a storage medium storing a program represented by software for achieving the present invention is supplied to the system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus stores the program code stored in the storage medium It is possible to enjoy the effects of the present invention also by reading and executing.
[0605]
In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.
[0606]
As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card (IC memory card), ROM (mask) ROM, flash EEPROM, etc.) can be used.
[0607]
Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) operating on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included.
[0608]
Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written in the memory of the function expansion unit inserted in the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the CPU or the like provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.
[0609]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, an image storage medium having image data, image-related auxiliary information related to the image data, and print instruction information for instructing to print the image data is used. Extracting desired sort identification information for sorting the plurality of paper discharge outlets from the image-related auxiliary information stored on the medium, and adding the extracted sort identification information to the image data together with the print instruction information Then, the print job is generated, the contents of the sorting identification information added to each of the generated print jobs are analyzed, the image data is sorted based on the analyzed sorting identification information, and the same classification is made by the sorting. Since the image data is discharged to the same discharge port, regardless of the presence of the host computer, printing from an information storage medium in an external device such as a digital camera, memory When printing from an information storage medium such as a print card, it is possible to issue a print instruction such as discharge selection from an existing apparatus such as a digital camera or a printing apparatus. Processing can be automatically realized, and it is possible to improve the efficiency of various sort operations such as sort of printed matter for personal use and sort for each customer in print service business.
[0610]
In addition, according to the present invention, in an image recording system for controlling output of an image by adding specific attached information to data exchanged between the host device and the image recording device, the host device can store the image storage medium. Read the data, access the storage location of the image-related auxiliary information based on a predetermined print request, transfer the image-related auxiliary information to the image recording device, and transfer the transferred image-related auxiliary information based on the predetermined printing instruction Based on the analyzed image-related attached information, the storage location of the desired image data is accessed, the image data is transferred to the image recording device, and the print job is generated based on the transferred image data. Since the printing process corresponding to the print job is executed, for example, in a print service such as reprinting, an image recording apparatus such as a printer is connected to a personal copy. Image recording apparatus by adding information such as image data storage location, print destination, number of prints, paper discharge method, receipt method, fee payment method to electronic information exchanged with external devices such as computers, mobile terminals, digital cameras, etc. This makes it possible to request as many prints as necessary from anywhere, at any place, at home.
[0611]
In addition, in the system capable of the above printing service, by specifying the receiving location, the location near the house where the image recording apparatus is installed or the location near the moving destination (convenience store, development shop, computer shop) Etc.), or home delivery, etc. can be specified, it can be received in a location and method convenient for the user, the trouble of the customer who requests the print service can be saved, and a service form adapted to the user's needs can be provided. it can.
[0612]
Further, in the system capable of the above print service, all print instructions are stored in the electronic information, so that the store clerk who performs the print does not need to select an image with a memo and the print work is saved. It is possible to improve the efficiency.
[0613]
Furthermore, in the system capable of the print service, it is possible to perform direct printing from a storage device on an external device such as a host computer on a network or a digital camera, or from a storage medium such as a memory card without giving an instruction from the host computer. In direct printing, it is possible to issue printing instructions such as paper discharge selection from existing devices such as digital cameras and printing devices, automatically realizing a paper discharge method that meets the needs of the user, sorting printed materials for personal use, In addition, it is possible to improve the efficiency of various sorting operations such as sorting for each customer in print service operations.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating processing for sorting jobs based on date information in a memory card according to a first embodiment of this invention.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing processing for sorting jobs based on title information in a memory card in the first example.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing processing for sorting jobs based on distributed user information in a memory card in the first example.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a directory structure of a storage medium in the first example.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing data contents described in an image generation instruction file in the first example.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a UI screen for a user to issue a print instruction on the image recording apparatus in the first example.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a print execution instruction processing procedure in the image recording apparatus in the first example.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image recording apparatus in the first example.
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of an image recording system including an image recording apparatus and an option unit thereof in the first example.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an interface of each controller in the image recording apparatus in the first example.
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing contents and directions of signals exchanged between the video controller and the engine controller in the first example.
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing the contents and directions of serial communication and signals performed by the option controller, the video controller, and the engine controller in the first example.
FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a video controller in the first example.
FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a shared memory with a video controller secured in a RAM provided in the option controller section in the first example.
FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a procedure for issuing a command status based on a basic status of an option unit and acquiring detailed information of each paper supply / discharge option unit in the first example.
FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for acquiring option information via an option controller in the first example;
FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing a data flow in image recording processing in the first example.
FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing a map relating to a page table in a RAM in the first example.
FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing a map relating to a job control table in a RAM in the first example;
FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing a map related to an engine state table in a RAM in the first example.
FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure until the image recording apparatus receives print data and completes printing in the first example.
FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating a discharge port search processing procedure in a user separate automatic mode in the first example.
FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating an information update processing procedure for each paper discharge port in the first example.
FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating an information update processing procedure for each paper discharge port in the first example.
FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of the discharge status (loading information) of each discharge port on the panel unit of the image recording apparatus in the first example.
FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display example of a detailed image of an image in which the panel unit of the image recording apparatus is stacked on a specific paper discharge port in the first example.
FIG. 27 is an example of sorting output images according to shooting date according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and illustrates a configuration of a system that prints out an image read by a digital camera in a user separate automatic mode. FIG.
FIG. 28 is an example of sorting output images according to titles in the second example, and is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of a system that prints and outputs an image read by a digital camera in a user separate automatic mode.
29 is an example of sorting output images by a distribution user in the second example, and is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of a system that prints out an image read by a digital camera in a user separate automatic mode. FIG.
FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a UI screen for explaining a procedure for a user to perform print setting with a digital camera in a second example.
FIG. 31 is a flowchart illustrating a user separate automatic mode setting process procedure in a data processing unit of a digital camera in a second example.
FIG. 32 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a UI screen for explaining a procedure for a user to issue a print execution instruction with the digital camera in the second example;
FIG. 33 is a flowchart illustrating a print execution instruction processing procedure in the data processing unit of the digital camera in the second example.
FIG. 34 is an explanatory diagram showing that, in the second example, the digital camera displays the discharge status (loading information) of each discharge port of the connection destination image recording apparatus.
FIG. 35 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of detailed information of an image stacked in a specific paper discharge port of the image recording apparatus to which the digital camera is connected in the second example.
FIG. 36 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a system that prints out an image read by a host computer from a memory mode in a user separate automatic mode according to a second embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 37 is a sixth embodiment of the present invention, in which a user issues a print instruction to a remote printer connected via the Internet for image data stored in the host, and the printer is printed according to the instruction FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a system for printing out in a user separate automatic mode.
FIG. 38 shows a sixth example in which a user issues a print instruction to a remote printer connected via the Internet for image data stored in the host, and the printer performs a user separation automatic mode according to the instruction; It is explanatory drawing which shows operation | movement of the system which prints out.
FIG. 39 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a Web browser UI screen for a user to make a print request from a host to a printer connected via the Internet in a sixth example.
FIG. 40 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a Web browser UI screen for editing an image generation instruction file necessary for making a print request via the Internet in the sixth example.
FIG. 41 is a seventh embodiment of the present invention in which a user makes a print reservation for image data stored in a host to a remote printer connected via the Internet, and sets the printer location FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a system in which when a user goes out, an explicit print execution instruction is given to the printer by a panel operation, and the printer prints out in a user separate automatic mode according to the instruction.
FIG. 42 shows a seventh example in which a user makes a print reservation for image data stored in a host to a remote printer connected via the Internet, and sends the image data to the printer when he goes to the printer installation location. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a system in which an explicit print execution instruction is given by a panel operation, and a printer prints out in a user separate automatic mode according to the instruction.
FIG. 43 is an example of sorting output images according to shooting date in the seventh example, and is an explanatory diagram showing discharge control of the printer when the user designates the user separate automatic mode for the printer.
FIG. 44 is an example of sorting output images according to titles in the seventh example, and is an explanatory diagram showing the discharge control of the printer when the user designates the user separate automatic mode for the printer.
FIG. 45 is an example of sorting output images by a distribution user who is input to give the same image to a plurality of people as in the case of reprinting in the seventh example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the paper discharge control of a printer when the automatic mode is designated.
FIG. 46 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a UI screen for performing a print instruction by a panel operation of a printer based on an image generation instruction file and an image file downloaded from a host in a seventh example.
FIG. 47 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure when there is a print execution instruction from the user through a panel operation of the printer in the seventh example.
FIG. 48 is an eighth embodiment of the present invention in which a user designates a storage location of image data in a remote host by a printer operation panel and issues a print instruction, and the printer performs a user separate automatic mode according to the instruction; FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of a system that performs print output according to FIG.
FIG. 49 is a diagram showing an example of a system in which a user designates a storage location of image data of a remote host by a printer operation panel and issues a print instruction according to the instruction in the eighth example. It is explanatory drawing which shows a structure.
FIG. 50 illustrates a configuration of a system according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention in which a user issues a print execution instruction or print reservation instruction from a mobile terminal, and a printer executes predetermined print processing according to the instruction. It is explanatory drawing.
FIG. 51 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of a system in which a server that provides a print service according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention is not configured in the same LAN as a printer.
FIG. 52 is an explanatory diagram showing a system configuration in which the printer has the functions of receiving the print request and print reservation request from the host or managing the print settings and the like according to the eleventh embodiment of the present invention. is there.
FIG. 53 shows a conventional example and is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a storage medium as an information storage medium.
FIG. 54 is a flowchart showing a conventional print control processing procedure for generating and outputting a desired print image using image data recorded on a storage medium.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Digital camera
2 Display screen
3 Host
4 base stations
5 Mobile phones
8 Recording paper
9 Paper exit
10 Image file
20 Image generation instruction file
21 Common image information
22 Image specific information
101 Data processing device
102 Printer
104 Operation panel
110 Memory card
500 hosts
501 host
510 server
511 server

Claims (12)

Recording means for recording an image on paper based on image data;
A plurality of bins from which paper on which images are recorded by the recording means are discharged;
And mounting means for mounting a detachable memory storing the image related auxiliary information related to the multiple image data and each image,
Designating means for designating one of a plurality of attributes in the image-related accessory information ;
A bin to which the paper on which images are recorded by the recording means is discharged so that a plurality of papers on which image data having the same description content of the attribute specified by the specifying means are recorded are discharged to the same bin. An image recording apparatus comprising: a determining unit for determining. 2. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image data is image data photographed by a digital camera, and the description content is added by a digital camera.   The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the attribute includes any one of a title, a shooting date, and a distribution user. A control unit that controls a recording unit that records an image on a sheet based on image data and a plurality of bins to which a sheet on which an image is recorded by the recording unit is discharged;
It means for reading the image-related auxiliary information from the memory for storing the image data of the multiple image related auxiliary information associated with each image,
Designating means for designating one of a plurality of attributes in the image-related accessory information ;
Discharge of the sheet on which the image data read from the memory is recorded so that a plurality of sheets on which image data having the same description contents of the attribute designated by the designation means are ejected to the same bin And a determining unit that determines a previous bin. 5. The control apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the image data is image data taken by a digital camera, and the description content is added by a digital camera.   The control apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the attribute includes any one of a title, a shooting date, and a distribution user. A control method in a control device that controls a recording unit that records an image on a sheet based on image data and a plurality of bins in which a sheet on which an image is recorded by the recording unit is discharged.
A step of reading out the image-related auxiliary information from the memory for storing the image related auxiliary information related to the multiple image data and each image,
A designation step for designating one of a plurality of attributes in the image-related accessory information ;
Discharge of the sheet on which the image data read from the memory is recorded so that a plurality of sheets on which image data having the same description contents of the attribute specified in the specifying step is recorded are discharged to the same bin. And a determining step for determining a previous bin. The control method according to claim 7, wherein the image data is image data captured by a digital camera, and the description content is added by a digital camera.   The control method according to claim 7, wherein the attribute includes any of a title, a shooting date, and a distribution user. A program executed by a control unit that controls a recording unit that records an image on a sheet based on image data, and a plurality of bins to which a sheet on which an image is recorded by the recording unit is discharged.
A step of reading out the image-related auxiliary information from the memory for storing the image related auxiliary information related to the multiple image data and each image,
A designation step for designating one of a plurality of attributes in the image-related accessory information ;
Discharge of the sheet on which the image data read from the memory is recorded so that a plurality of sheets on which image data having the same description contents of the attribute specified in the specifying step is recorded are discharged to the same bin. A program causing a control device to execute a determination step for determining a previous bin. 11. The program according to claim 10, wherein the image data is image data taken by a digital camera, and the description content is added by a digital camera.   The program according to claim 10, wherein the attribute includes any one of a title, a shooting date, and a distribution user.

Images