JPH10191226A - Image printing system, image pickup device and printing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image printing system which can print/output an image that is picked up by an image pickup device by a printing device without troubling an operation. SOLUTION: In the image printing system, communication is executed by transferring an infrared ray 105 between a digital camera 101 and a printer 102 through respective infrared ray I/F 103 and 104. At the time of printing and outputting the image which is picked up by the digital camera 101, printing data conversion software and image data are transmitted by the infrared ray 105 from the infrared ray I/F 103 from the digital camera 101. Printing data conversion software and picture data, which are transmitted by the infrared ray 105, are received through the infrared ray I/F 104 of the printer 102. Received printing data conversion software is started on the printer 102 and received picture data are converted into printing data by printing data conversion software.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an image printing system for printing out an image picked up by an image pickup device by a printing device, an image pickup device suitable for the image print system, and a printing device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, a personal computer (hereinafter, referred to as a PC) is used as an image printing system for printing and outputting an image captured by a digital camera with a printer.
Is used, the PC captures image data from the imaging device, converts the image data into print data that can be printed by the printer, and outputs the print data to the printer.

FIG. 21 shows this image printing system.
This will be specifically described with reference to FIG. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a conventional image printing system.

The image printing system comprises a digital camera 1001, a PC 1002, and a printer 1003, as shown in FIG.
1 and the PC 1002 are communicably connected via a communication cable 1004 such as RS232C.
02 and the printer 1003 are communicably connected via a communication cable 1005 such as Centronics.

An image captured by the digital camera 1001 is temporarily stored as image data in a flash memory mounted on the digital camera 1001. To print out the captured image, first, the digital camera 1001 and the PC 1002 are connected by the communication cable 1004, and communication software is started on the PC 1002. Next, communication with the communication software in the digital camera 1001 is performed by the communication software, and the image data stored in the flash memory of the digital camera 1001 is transmitted to the PC 1002 via the communication cable 1004. The transmitted image data is temporarily stored in a hard disk or the like of the PC 1002.

When image data from the digital camera 1001 is taken into the PC 1002, a printer driver for the printer 1003 is started on the PC 1002, and the digital camera 100
1 is converted into print data that can be printed by the printer 1003, and then output to the printer 1003 via the communication cable 1005.
The printer 1003 captures print data via the communication cable 1005, prints an image indicated by the print data on a print sheet based on the print data, and outputs the image.

[0007]

However, in the above-described conventional image printing system, a communication cable 1004 for capturing the image data of the digital camera 1001 into the PC 1002, activation of communication software, and printing of the captured image data are referred to as print data. Since operations and operations on the PC 1002 such as activation of a printer driver for converting and outputting to a PC are required, operations for obtaining a print output of an image captured by a digital camera are troublesome and troublesome. is there.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an image printing system capable of printing out an image picked up by an image pickup device by a printing device without troublesome operation.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an image pickup apparatus and a print apparatus used in an image print system capable of printing out an image picked up by the image pickup apparatus with a printing apparatus without troublesome operation. It is in.

[0010]

According to the first aspect of the present invention,
An image printing system comprising: an imaging device that captures an image to generate image data of the image; and a printing device that prints an image corresponding to the print data on print paper based on print data that can be printed. A communication unit for performing communication with the printing apparatus provided in the apparatus, and a communication unit for performing communication with the imaging apparatus in the printing apparatus and the print processing of image data of the imaging apparatus; A data conversion unit that converts the image data into print data; the imaging device transmits the image data via the communication unit; and the printing device directly receives the image data transmitted from the imaging device via the communication unit. The data conversion unit is activated to convert the received image data into print data that can be printed.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an imaging apparatus which captures an image to generate image data of the image, and prints an image corresponding to the print data on a print sheet based on print data which can be printed. An image printing system comprising: a data conversion unit for converting the image data into the printable print data in the image capturing apparatus so as to be transmittable; and for performing communication with the printing apparatus. Communication means for providing communication between the printing apparatus and the imaging apparatus, the imaging apparatus transmits the image data and the data conversion means via the communication means, The printing device directly receives the image data and the data conversion unit transmitted from the imaging device via the communication unit, and receives the received data conversion unit. The start and converting the image data thus received in the print data which can be the printing process.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image pickup apparatus for picking up an image and generating image data of the image, and printing the image corresponding to the print data on a print sheet based on print data which can be printed. In an image printing system including a device, a data conversion unit for converting the image data into the print processable print data and a communication unit for performing communication between the printing device and the imaging device, The printing apparatus is provided with communication means for performing communication with the imaging apparatus, and the imaging apparatus converts the image data into the print processing print data by the data conversion means, and performs the print processing. The print data is transmitted via communication means of the imaging apparatus, and the printing apparatus transmits the print-processable image data transmitted from the imaging apparatus via the communication means. Received directly, and performs printing based on the printing process can print data thus received.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image pickup apparatus for picking up an image and generating image data of the image, and printing the image corresponding to the print data on a print sheet based on print data that can be printed. In an image printing system including an apparatus and an information processing apparatus that is capable of transmitting a data conversion unit that converts the image data into the print processing print data, the imaging apparatus communicates with the printing apparatus. Communication means for performing communication between the printing apparatus and the imaging apparatus and the information processing apparatus; and providing the information processing apparatus with communication with the printing apparatus. The information processing apparatus transmits the data conversion means via the communication means, the pre-imaging apparatus transmits the image data via the communication means, The printing device directly receives the image data transmitted from the imaging device and the data conversion unit transmitted from the information processing device via the communication unit, activates the received data conversion unit, and receives the received data. The image data is converted into print data that can be subjected to the print processing.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an imaging apparatus which captures an image to generate image data of the image, and prints an image corresponding to the print data on a print sheet based on print data which can be printed. An image print system comprising: a device; an additional information generation unit configured to generate additional information corresponding to the image data in the imaging device; a data conversion unit configured to convert the image data into print data that can be subjected to print processing; Communication means for performing communication with the printing apparatus; communication means for performing communication with the imaging apparatus provided in the printing apparatus; Is converted into print data that can be subjected to the print processing, and the additional information is transmitted via the communication unit of the imaging device together with the print data that can be subjected to the print processing. Directly receives the printable image data and the additional information transmitted from the imaging device via the communication unit, and prints an image corresponding to the print data based on the received printable print data. In addition to printing on paper, the received additional information is printed on a region outside the print region of the image on the printing paper.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an imaging apparatus which captures an image to generate image data of the image, and prints an image corresponding to the print data on a print sheet based on print data which can be subjected to print processing. An image print system comprising: a device; an additional information generation unit configured to generate additional information corresponding to the image data in the imaging device; a data conversion unit configured to convert the image data into print data that can be subjected to print processing; Communication means for performing communication with the printing apparatus; communication means for performing communication with the imaging apparatus provided in the printing apparatus; Is converted into the print data that can be subjected to the print processing, and the additional information is transmitted together with the print data that can be subjected to the print processing via the communication unit of the imaging device, and The device directly receives the print-processable print data and the additional information transmitted from the imaging device via the communication unit, and generates an image corresponding to the print data based on the received print-processable print data. Printing on the printing paper, printing the received additional information in an area outside the printing area of the image on the printing paper, and when receiving only the printable print data, the received printable printing An image corresponding to the print data is printed on a print sheet based on the data, and additional information corresponding to the received print data is generated and the additional information is printed on a region outside the print area of the image on the print sheet. It is characterized by doing.

The invention according to claim 7 is the first to sixth aspects of the present invention.
In the image printing system according to any one of the above, the communication unit of the imaging device and the communication unit of the printing device include wireless communication units.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the image printing system according to the seventh aspect, the wireless communication means comprises an infrared communication means.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the image printing system of the eighth aspect, the infrared communication means includes:
It is characterized by comprising communication means using the IrDA system.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the image printing system according to the eighth aspect, the infrared communication means comprises a communication means using an ASK system.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the image printing system according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the communication unit of the imaging device and the communication unit of the printing device are serial wired communication units. It is characterized by the following.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the image printing system according to the eleventh aspect, the serial wired communication means comprises a communication means using a universal serial bus system.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image printing system of the eleventh aspect, the serial wired communication means comprises communication means conforming to the IEEE 1394 standard.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image printing system according to the first, second, or fourth aspect, the data conversion means is a program described in a language interpretable by the printing apparatus. I do.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image printing system according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the imaging device comprises a digital still camera.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image printing system according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the printing condition display means for displaying a printing condition for the image data on the imaging device and the display. Selecting means for selecting the selected printing condition, wherein the data converting means converts the image data into the print data so as to correspond to the selected printing condition.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the image printing system according to the sixteenth aspect, the printing condition display means doubles as a means for displaying an image captured by the imaging device.

According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image printing system according to the sixteenth aspect, the selecting means doubles as a means for selecting a photographing mode in the image pickup apparatus.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image printing system according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the printing device comprises an ink jet printer.

According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, in the image printing system according to the fourth aspect, the information processing apparatus comprises:
It comprises a personal computer.

According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, in the image printing system according to the fifth aspect, the additional information comprises information including date data when the image was captured.

According to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, in the image printing system according to the fifth aspect, the additional information comprises information including a name of the imaging device.

According to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, in the image printing system according to the fifth aspect, the additional information is transmitted from the imaging device to the printing device in a character code.

According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image printing system in cooperation with a printing apparatus equipped with a first communication means and a data conversion means for converting image data into print data which can be printed. An image capturing apparatus, comprising: an image capturing unit that captures an image to generate image data of the image; and a second communication unit that can directly communicate with a communication unit of the printing apparatus. It is characterized by communicating directly with the printing device via a communication means.

According to a twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing apparatus which comprises a first communication means, and cooperates with an imaging apparatus which captures an image and generates image data of the image to form an image printing system. , A second communication unit that can directly communicate with a first communication unit of the imaging device, and a data conversion unit that converts image data of the imaging device into print data that can be subjected to print processing. And the image data transmitted from the first communication means via the second communication means is directly received, the data conversion means is activated, and the received image data is subjected to the print processing. It is characterized by being converted into.

According to a twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an imaging apparatus for forming an image printing system in cooperation with a printing apparatus equipped with a first communication unit, wherein the printing apparatus can print the image data. A data communication means for converting the data into print data is mounted so as to be transmittable, and a second communication means capable of directly communicating with the first communication means of the printing apparatus is provided. The data is transmitted to the printing apparatus via the second communication means.

According to a twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image printing apparatus which cooperates with an image pickup apparatus having first communication means and data conversion means for converting image data of a picked-up image into print data which can be subjected to print processing. In a printing apparatus for configuring a system, a second communication unit capable of directly communicating with a first communication unit of the imaging device is provided, and the image transmitted from the imaging device via the first communication unit is provided. Receiving directly the data and the data conversion means via the second communication means, and activating the received data conversion means to convert the received image data into the print processing-capable print data. Printing device.

According to a twenty-eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an imaging apparatus for forming an image printing system in cooperation with a printing apparatus having a first communication unit, wherein the printing apparatus prints image data of a captured image. A data converter for converting the print data into processable print data; and a second communication unit capable of directly communicating with the first communication unit of the printing apparatus. The data converter converts the image data into the print data. The print data is converted into data and transmitted to the printing apparatus via the second communication unit.

According to a twenty-ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image printing apparatus which cooperates with an image pickup apparatus having first communication means and data conversion means for converting image data of a picked-up image into print data which can be printed. In a printing apparatus for configuring a system, a second communication unit that can directly communicate with a first communication unit of the imaging device is provided, and the printing transmitted from the imaging device via the first communication unit is provided. Data is directly received via the second communication means.

According to a thirtieth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image pickup apparatus having a first communication unit, and a second communication unit and an image pickup device for converting image data of an image picked up by the image pickup unit into print data which can be printed. A printing apparatus for configuring an image printing system in cooperation with an information processing apparatus equipped with a data conversion means capable of transmitting the image data.
Communication means and a third communication means capable of directly communicating with a second communication means of the information processing apparatus, wherein the image data and the information processing transmitted from the imaging apparatus via the first communication means are provided. Receiving directly the data conversion means transmitted from the apparatus via the second communication means via the third communication means, activating the received data conversion means and printing the received image data The print data is converted into print data that can be processed.

According to a thirty-first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an additional information generating means for generating additional information corresponding to image data of a picked-up image, and a data converting means for converting the image data into print data which can be printed. In a printing apparatus for constructing an image printing system in cooperation with an imaging device provided with a first communication unit, a second communication unit capable of directly communicating with a first communication unit of the imaging device is provided, The additional information transmitted together with the print data from the imaging device via the first communication unit is directly received via the second communication unit, and the additional information corresponding to the print data is received based on the received print data. An image is printed on a print sheet, and the received additional information is printed on an area outside a print area of the image on the print sheet.

According to a thirty-second aspect of the present invention, in the printing apparatus according to the thirty-first aspect, when only the print data is received, an image corresponding to the print data is printed on print paper based on the received print data. Generating additional information corresponding to the received print data, and printing the additional information in a region outside the print region of the image on the printing paper.

[0042]

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

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a first embodiment of the image printing system of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the image printing system includes a digital still camera (hereinafter, referred to as a digital camera) 101 provided with an infrared I / F (infrared interface) 103 and an infrared I / F 104. A digital camera 101
Between the infrared ray I / F and the printer 102
Communication is performed by exchanging infrared rays 105 via 103 and 104. The digital camera 101 stores image data of a captured image in a flash memory, and when printing out the image data stored in the flash memory, the image data is conveyed by infrared rays 105 from an infrared I / F 103. This infrared 105
Is received by an infrared I / F 104 of the printer 102, and image data is extracted from the infrared light. The extracted image data is converted into print data that can be subjected to print processing by print data conversion software activated on the printer 102, and based on the print data, an image corresponding to the data is printed out.

This print data conversion software is installed in the digital camera 101 and is transmitted from the digital camera 101 to the printer 102 via the infrared I / F 103 before printing out an image. The printer 102 captures the print data conversion software transmitted from the digital camera 102 via the infrared I / F 104 and stores the software in a memory or the like. This print data conversion software is, for example, TIF
The program comprises a program for converting image data in a data format adopted by the digital camera 101 such as the F format or JPEG format into print data in a data format that can be processed by the printer 102. For example, the data format adopted by the digital camera 101 is When the presence printer 102 is an ink jet printer, the image data in the TIFF format is converted into YMCK color data. In the print data conversion software, a process for decompressing image data when the image data is compressed is described. Furthermore, the print data conversion software includes a mode setting process for setting various print modes, and can convert image data into print data corresponding to the set mode according to the set mode. is there.

As described above, the printer 102 directly captures image data from the digital camera 102 and prints out the image data. In addition, the printer 102 is connected to a personal computer via a connection cable. It can also be configured as a versatile device by having a function of printing and outputting images, documents, and the like created on a personal computer input via the PC.

Next, a detailed configuration of the digital camera and the printer will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the digital camera shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the printer shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 is an external view showing the rear side of the digital camera shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 2, the digital camera 101 has an image pickup section 205 for picking up an image and generating an image signal indicating the image, and the image signal generated by the image pickup section 205 is converted into a color processing conversion section. 206. Color processing conversion unit 20
6 converts an image signal into image data by a color conversion process;
This image data is temporarily stored in the image memory 207.
The image data stored in the image memory 207 is sent to the liquid crystal control unit 209 or to the flash memory 204 via the internal bus 214.

The liquid crystal control unit 209 controls the liquid crystal display unit 208 to display the image data input from the image memory 207 or the data from the CPU 201 on the liquid crystal display 208.
The liquid crystal display unit 208 is used as a finder or a monitor by this driving. The data from the CPU 201 displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 208 includes various setting information such as a shooting mode, time information, and the like. The time information is obtained from the clock device 215.
The timekeeping device 215 has a calendar function, and is backed up by a secondary battery 216 so that the timekeeping operation can be continued when the power of the digital camera 101 is turned off.

The flash memory 204 is the image memory 20
The image data input from the flash memory 7 is stored, and the image data stored in the flash memory 204 is transferred to the infrared I / F 103 via the internal bus 214.

The infrared I / F 103 comprises an IrDA communication control unit 212 connected to the internal bus 214 and an infrared transceiver 213. IrDA communication control unit 2
12 is IrDA (Infrared), one of the infrared communication systems.
A modulation / demodulation or serial communication control is performed based on a data association (Data Association) method, and a signal is transmitted / received to / from the infrared transceiver 213 according to the communication control. The infrared transceiver 213 converts the signal received from the IrDA communication control unit 212 into a corresponding infrared light, sends out the infrared light as the infrared light 105, receives the infrared light 105, converts it into a signal, and converts the signal into an IrDA communication control unit. Send to 212. The IrDA system is a half-duplex communication using infrared rays, and can communicate data in two directions.

Each of the above-described blocks is connected to the CPU 201 via the internal bus 214.
02 is read out and executed to control the above-described blocks. A RAM 203 is used as a temporary storage area for data under the control of the CPU 201 and a work area for arithmetic processing. The control program includes a system program describing the control of the entire camera, and a plurality of individual programs describing individual controls such as a shooting mode.
Each program is read and executed according to the operation state of the switch group 211. The ROM 202 stores print data conversion software in advance together with the above-described control program.
02 and sent to the printer 102 in response to a request from the printer 102.

The switch group 211 includes, as described later,
Each switch includes a shutter switch, a mode switch, a power switch, and an image data selection switch. The operation state of each switch of the switch group 211 is transmitted to the CPU 201 via the input port 210.

In this digital camera 101, as shown in FIG.
1, shutter switch 404, mode changeover switch 405, image selection switch 406, power switch 40
7, a print switch 408, and the like. A shutter switch 404 is a switch for instructing an imaging timing of the imaging 205, and a mode switch 405 is a switch for switching between an imaging mode and a reproduction mode. An image selection switch 406 is a switch for selecting an image to be displayed on the liquid crystal display unit from the images in the flash memory 204 when the reproduction mode is set, and a power switch 407 is a switch for turning on and off the power. . A print switch 408 is a switch for instructing transmission of image data for print output to the printer 102. A transmitting / receiving window 403 through which infrared light from the infrared transceiver 213 or from the printer 102 enters and exits is provided on the side surface of the body 401.
Is formed, and a filter is fitted in the transmission / reception window 403. Further, on the back surface of the body 401, a liquid crystal display unit 208 is arranged so as to expose the screen 402 to the outside.

The printer 102 has the infrared I / F 104 as described above, as shown in FIG.
104 is an infrared I / F 103 of the digital camera 101
In the same manner as described above, the communication system includes an IrDA communication control unit 305 connected to the internal bus 310 and an infrared transceiver 304. The IrDA communication control unit 305 performs modulation / demodulation and serial communication control based on the IrDA system, and sends and receives signals to and from the infrared transceiver 304 by this communication control.
The infrared transceiver 304 converts the signal received from the IrDA communication control unit 305 into a corresponding infrared light, sends out the infrared light as the infrared light 105, receives the infrared light 105 and converts it into a signal, and converts the signal into an IrDA communication control unit. 305.

The digital camera 10 is connected with the infrared I / F 104.
When the print data conversion software receives the print data conversion software from
Once stored in the CPU 303 and read out, the CPU 301
And the digital camera 1 is installed in the printer 102.
An environment capable of converting image data No. 01 into print data that can be subjected to print processing is constructed. When image data from the digital camera 101 is received by the infrared I / F 104, the received image data is converted into print data by the processing of the CPU 301 according to the activated print data conversion software, and the printer data is transmitted to the printer via the internal bus 310. The data is transferred to the engine control circuit 308.

The printer engine control circuit 308 controls the driving of the printer engine 309 based on the print data. Under this control, the printer engine 309 prints an image corresponding to the printer data on a sheet and outputs the image.

The CPU 301 is connected to the above-described blocks via the internal bus 310, and executes the above-described printer data conversion software and controls each block in accordance with a control program stored in the ROM 302. RAM is used as a temporary storage area for data under the control of the CPU 301 and a work area for arithmetic processing.
303 is used. The control programs stored in the ROM 302 include a system program describing control of the entire printer and a plurality of individual programs describing individual control for each block. Is read out and executed according to.

The switch group 307 includes switches such as a mode switch, a power switch, and a paper discharge switch. The operation state of each switch of the switch group 307 is transmitted to the CPU 301 via the input port 306.

The CPU 301 obtains time information from the timekeeping device 311 having a calendar function, and manages a printer job using the time information. Timekeeping device 31
Reference numeral 1 is backed up by a secondary battery 312 so that the clocking operation can be continued when the power of the printer 102 is turned off.

Next, the operation when the image taken by the digital camera 101 is printed out by the printer 102 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6 are flowcharts showing the control operation by the CPU of the digital camera when the image taken by the digital camera of FIG. 1 is printed out by the printer. FIGS. 7 and 8 show the image taken by the digital camera of FIG. Printer CP when printing out with a printer
9 is a flowchart showing a print mode selection screen display example in the digital camera of FIG. 1, and FIG. 10 is a view showing another mode selection screen display example applicable to the digital camera of FIG. FIG.

When an image captured by the digital camera 101 is printed out by the printer 102, the control operation of the digital camera 101 is performed by the CPU 201 according to a predetermined procedure. First, as shown in FIG. 5, an infrared I / F is received in response to an instruction to start communication with the printer 102 issued by pressing the switch 408 in step S501.
Instruct the IrDA communication control unit 212 in 103 to start communication, and set up a communication connection with the printer 102 via the infrared I / F 103 according to the IrDA communication protocol.

Then, the flow advances to step S502 to wait for a print data conversion software request from the printer 102.
Upon receiving the print data conversion software request from the printer 102, in step S503, the print data conversion software is set to R in response to the printer data conversion software request.
The data is read from the OM 202 and transmitted to the printer 102 via the infrared I / F 103.

In the following step S504, the liquid crystal control unit 2
In step 09, print mode setting dialog data is transmitted, and the liquid crystal control unit 209 is controlled so that the print mode setting dialog data is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 208. With this control, the display screen 402 of the liquid crystal display unit 208 is displayed.
For example, as shown in FIG. 9, a selection screen of each print mode of the HQ mode and the HS mode is displayed. This H
The Q mode is a mode for instructing high-quality printing.
The mode is a mode for instructing high-speed printing.

Next, the process proceeds to step S505, in which a monitoring process for monitoring the operation status of each switch of the switch group 211 via the input port 210 is started, and the subsequent step S5
06, a mode changeover switch 4 assigned as a print mode selection switch after the switch 408 is pressed.
05, wait for the image data selection switch 406 and the print switch 408 to be pressed. If any switch is pressed, it is determined whether or not the mode selected and instructed by the switch pressed in step S507 is the HQ mode. If the selected and selected mode is the HQ mode, the process proceeds to step S508. , An HQ mode setting request is transmitted to the printer 102 via the infrared I / F 103. If the selected and instructed mode is not the HQ mode, it is determined that the selected and instructed mode is the HS mode, and the flow advances to step S509 to issue an HS mode setting request to the infrared I / O mode.
/ F103 to the printer 102.

After transmitting the selected print mode setting request, the process waits for an image data transmission request from the printer 102 in step S510, and receives the image data transmission request from the printer 102 in step S510.
Proceed to 511.

In step S511, image data is read from the flash memory 204, and the image data is transmitted to the printer 102 via the infrared I / F 103. More specifically, the image data stored in the flash memory 204 is transferred to the IrDA communication control unit 21 via the internal bus 214.
2, the image data transferred by the IrDA communication control unit 212 is converted into a modulated signal, and then output to the infrared transceiver 213, and the infrared 105 corresponding to the signal modulated by the infrared transceiver 213 is transmitted. ,
The transmission of the image data to the printer 102 is performed.

When the transmission of the image data is completed, the process proceeds to step S512, where the digital camera 101 and the printer 10
2 is transmitted to the printer 102 via the infrared I / F 103, and in the subsequent step S513,
Infrared communication disconnection processing for disconnecting the communication connection with the printer 102 is performed according to the IrDA communication protocol, and this processing ends.

On the other hand, in the printer 102,
A control operation according to a predetermined procedure is performed by the CPU 301. First, as shown in FIG. 7, in step S601, an instruction to start communication with the digital camera 101 is received and an infrared I / O
Instruct the IrDA communication control unit 305 of F104 to start communication, and set a communication connection with the digital camera 101 via the infrared I / F 104 according to the IrDA communication protocol.

Next, the flow advances to step S602 to transmit a print data conversion software request to the digital camera 101 via the infrared I / F 104, and then to step S603.
Waits for reception of print data conversion software from the digital camera 101. When the reception of the print data conversion software is started, the process proceeds to step S604, where the printer data conversion software is received, and the received print data conversion software is stored in the RAM 303.

When the reception of the print data conversion software is completed, the process proceeds to step S605, where the print data conversion software is started, and an environment in which the digital camera 101 can print image data is built in the printer 102.

Then, the flow advances to step S606 to wait for a print mode setting request from the digital camera 101.
Upon receiving the print mode setting request, step S60
7 to determine whether the requested print mode is the HQ mode. If the requested print mode is the HQ mode, the process proceeds to step S608 shown in FIG. 8; if the requested print mode is not the HQ mode, ,
It is determined that the requested print mode is the HS mode, and the process proceeds to step S614 shown in FIG.

In step S608, the print mode is set to the HQ mode for the print data conversion software as shown in FIG. By setting the HQ mode, an environment for converting image data from the digital camera 101 into print data corresponding to the HQ mode is set. In the following step S609, an image data transmission request is transmitted to the digital camera 101 via the infrared I / F 104.

Next, in step S610, the infrared ray 105 transmitted from the digital camera 101 in response to the image data transmission request is received, the image data is extracted from the infrared ray 105, and the image data is converted to H in step S611.
The print data is converted into print data corresponding to the Q mode, and printer engine control corresponding to the HQ mode is performed in step S612, and the print data in the HQ mode is transferred to the printer engine control circuit 308 via the internal bus 310. Next, in step S613, it is determined whether the reception of the image data has been completed. If the reception of the image data has not been completed, the process returns to step S610, and the processing from step S613 to the reception of the image data is performed. Repeat until done.

When the reception of the image data is completed, the flow advances to step S620 to wait until a communication disconnection request from the digital camera 101 is received.
In step S621, an infrared communication disconnection process for disconnecting the communication connection with the digital camera 101 via the infrared I / F 104 is performed according to the IrDA communication protocol.
This processing ends.

In step S614, as shown in FIG. 8, the print mode is set to the HS mode for the print data conversion software. By setting the HS mode, an environment for converting image data from the digital camera 101 into print data corresponding to the HS mode is set. In the following step S615, an image data transmission request is transmitted to the digital camera 101 via the infrared I / F 104.

Next, in step S616, the infrared ray 105 transmitted from the digital camera 101 in response to the image data transmission request is received, the image data is extracted from the infrared ray 105, and the image data is converted to H in step S617.
The print data is converted into print data corresponding to the S mode, and printer engine control corresponding to the HS mode is performed in step S618, and the print data in the HS mode is transferred to the printer engine control circuit 308 via the internal bus 310. Next, in step S619, it is determined whether the reception of the image data has been completed. If the reception of the image data has not been completed, the process returns to step S616, and the processing from step S619 to the step S619 is performed. Repeat until done.

Upon completion of the reception of the image data, the flow advances to step S620 to wait until a communication disconnection request from the digital camera 101 is received.
In step S621, an infrared communication disconnection process for disconnecting the communication connection with the digital camera 101 via the infrared I / F 104 is performed according to the IrDA communication protocol.
This processing ends.

As described above, in the image printing system according to the present embodiment, when an image captured by the digital camera 101 is printed out by the printer 102, the infrared I / F 103 is connected between the digital camera 101 and the printer 102. The communication connection is set by exchanging the infrared rays 105 via the.
After the print data conversion software is activated on the printer 102, the image data is transmitted from the digital camera 101 to the printer 102 by the infrared ray 105, and the image data is transmitted by the print data conversion software activated on the printer 102. Is converted to a digital camera 10 as in the prior art.
The image captured by the digital camera 101 can be printed out directly from the printer 102 without intervening between the digital camera 10 and the digital camera 10.
The operation for printing out the image picked up in step 1 is not troublesome.

In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which one of the HQ mode and the HS mode is selected in setting the print mode. However, another mode is set. It is also possible.
For example, when the printer is an ink jet printer, it is necessary to perform pseudo halftone processing. There are several types of this pseudo halftone processing, such as ED
(Error diffusion method), dither method, and the like, and it is possible to select the type of the pseudo halftone processing. As shown in FIG. 10, in order to select the type of the pseudo halftone processing, ED and dither dialogs are displayed on the display screen 402 of the liquid crystal display unit 208 as shown in FIG. Is selected by a switch operation, it is possible to set the kind of pseudo halftone processing desired by the user.

In addition to the above-described settings, it is also possible to make other mode settings such as color matching settings. A dialog corresponding to each mode setting is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 208 and switch operation is performed. If the selection instruction is issued in accordance with, various mode settings can be easily performed.

Further, in the present embodiment, the print data conversion software is installed in the digital camera 101, and the print data conversion software is transmitted to the printer 102 when the image captured by the digital camera 101 is printed out by the printer 102. But instead of this,
Print data conversion software corresponding to the image data of the digital camera 101 may be configured to be installed in the printer 102 in advance. Also, not all of the print data conversion software is mounted on the printer 102, but a part of the software is mounted on the digital camera 101, and other parts are mounted on the digital camera 101. Another part of the print data conversion software may be transmitted to the printer 102. For example, only the software part for decompressing the image data compressed in the JPEG format may be transferred from the digital camera 101, and the software part for converting the decompressed image data into print data may be installed in the printer 102.

Further, in the present embodiment, the infrared communication system of the IrDA system is used.
An infrared communication system can also be used. Further, other wireless communication systems using sound waves and radio waves can also be used. For example, a time division digital communication system such as PHS and a radio wave system such as a spread spectrum system can be used.

Further, in this embodiment, the printer 10
Although the printer data conversion software is stored in the RAM 302 in 2, the storage means such as a hard disk and a memory card may be provided instead, and the print data conversion software may be stored in this storage means.

Further, in the present embodiment, an example has been described in which an image captured by a digital still camera is printed out. However, the present invention is applicable to a case in which an image captured in a still mode of a digital video camera is printed out. Needless to say.

(Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a second embodiment of the image printing system of the present invention.

This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the print data conversion software is transferred from a personal computer to a printer.

The image printing system according to the present embodiment
As shown in FIG. 11, a digital camera (not shown) provided with an IrDA infrared I / F and a printer 102 provided with an IrDA infrared I / F 104 are provided. Communication with the communication unit 102 is performed by exchanging infrared rays via respective infrared I / Fs. When printing out an image captured by a digital camera, image data of the digital camera is transmitted via an infrared I / F and the printer 1
02 receives image data via the infrared I / F 104. The extracted image data is converted into print data that can be subjected to print processing by print data conversion software activated on the printer 102, and an image corresponding to the data is printed out based on the print data.

This print data conversion software is installed in a personal computer (hereinafter, PC) 901, and transmitted as infrared rays 903 from the PC 901 via the infrared I / F 902 in response to a print data conversion software transmission request from the printer 102. You. Printer 102 is P
The infrared I / F 1 transmitted from the C 901 to the infrared I / F 1
04, and retrieves print data conversion software from the infrared ray 903. This printer data conversion software is held in the RAM in the printer 102. This PC9
The infrared I / F 902 provided in the communication device 01 is based on the IrDA system, and a communication protocol for transmitting the print data conversion software is based on the IrDA system as in the first embodiment.

The timing for issuing the print data conversion software transmission request is set, for example, at a point in time when a predetermined time has elapsed after the completion of the power-on of the printer. Instead of this timing, for example, a setting may be made to issue a print data conversion software transmission request at another time before receiving image data. Alternatively, a request for receiving the print data conversion software may be issued from the PC 901, and the printer 102 may transmit a transmission permission message to the PC 901 in response to the request.

Third Embodiment Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a third embodiment of the image printing system of the present invention.

The present embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that communication between the digital camera 101 and the printer 102 is performed via serial wired communication means, and other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment. Same as in one embodiment.

In the image printing system of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, a digital camera 101 and a printer 102 are connected by a serial communication cable 1201, and serial communication between the digital camera 101 and the printer 102 is performed. This is performed according to the USB (Universal Serial Bus) method. It is also possible to supply power from the printer 102 to the digital camera 101 by this USB communication method. In addition, instead of this USB method, IEEE139
The communication method specified in 4 can also be used.

(Fourth Embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIGS. 13 to 15 are flowcharts showing the control operation by the CPU of the digital camera when the image taken by the digital camera is printed out by the printer in the fourth embodiment of the image printing system of the present invention, and FIG. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a control operation by the CPU of the printer when an image captured by the digital camera according to the fourth embodiment of the image printing system is printed out by the printer. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image printing system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of image output from a printer.

This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the digital camera 101 converts image data into print data using print data conversion software.
The print data and the additional information including the date data such as the photographing time are transmitted to the printer. Based on the print data received by the printer 102, an image corresponding to the data is printed on a sheet. Are different from each other in that the digital camera 101 and the printer 102 have the same configuration, and the communication scheme between them is the same.

First, the details of the control operation by the CPU 201 of the digital camera 101 when the image picked up by the digital camera 101 is printed out by the printer will be described with reference to FIGS.

In the digital camera 101, FIG.
As shown in FIG.
(FIG. 4), and when the power switch 408 is pressed, in step S1302, the power switch 4
08 is recognized via the input port 210, and power is supplied to each block.

Next, in step S1303, it is determined whether or not the photographing mode is set based on the operation state of the mode switch 405 (shown in FIG. 4). If the photographing mode is set, the flow advances to step S1304.
The image captured by the image capturing unit 205 is converted into image data and temporarily stored in the image memory 207, and the image data is supplied to the liquid crystal control unit 209 and is controlled so as to be displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 208. The display of the image data on the liquid crystal display unit 208 causes the liquid crystal display unit 208 to function as a finder.

In the following step S1305, it is monitored whether or not the shutter switch 404 (shown in FIG. 4) has been pressed through the input port 210. If the pressing of the shutter switch 404 has not been detected, the process returns to step S1305.
Returning to step 1303, the processing from this step is repeated. If the press of the shutter switch 404 is detected, the process advances to step S1306 to transfer the image data of the image memory 207 to the first memory of the flash memory 204 via the internal bus 214.
Transfer to the area of and store. In a succeeding step S1307, date data is acquired from the clock device 215, and the date data is stored in the second area of the flash memory 204 corresponding to the first area.

Next, the flow advances to step S1308 to detect whether the power switch 404 has been pressed again via the input port 210. If the power switch 404 has not been pressed, the flow returns to step S1303 to set the photographing mode. If continued, the processing from step S1304 is repeated. Note that the repeatable number, that is, the number of photographable times is determined by the capacity of the flash memory 204. When the pressing of the power switch 404 is detected,
In step S1309, the power supply to each block is stopped, and the process ends. Since the timer 215 is backed up by the secondary battery 216, the timer continues to operate regardless of the stop of power supply to each block.

If it is determined in step S1303 that the shooting mode has not been set, that is, that the reproduction mode has been set, the flow advances to step S1310 shown in FIG. In step S1310, as shown in FIG. 14, image data is read from the flash memory 204, and the image data is supplied to the liquid crystal control
08 is displayed. By displaying the image data on the liquid crystal display unit 208, the liquid crystal display unit 208 functions as a monitor.

In the following step S1311, the print switch 408 (shown in FIG. 4) is input via the input port 210.
Is pressed or not, and a print switch 408 is detected.
If the button is not detected, the process proceeds to step S1318 shown in FIG. In step S1318, it is detected whether or not the image selection switch 406 (shown in FIG. 4) has been pressed via the input port 210.
If the press of the image selection switch 406 is not detected, the process proceeds to step S1319.
It returns to step S1303 again. In step S1319, the next image data is read from the flash memory 204, this image data is supplied to the liquid crystal control unit 209, and control is performed so as to be displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 208. After displaying this image data, the process returns to step S1311. .

If the press of the print switch 408 is detected in step S1311, step S1312
, The image data is read from the flash memory 204 by the print data conversion software and converted into print data, and the printer data is converted from the infrared I / F 103 to the infrared
02. The transmission of the print data from the infrared I / F 103 is performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

After transmitting the print data, step S13
In step 14, the date data associated with the image data is read out from the flash memory 204 and converted into a character code. The character code is transmitted from the infrared I / F 103 to the printer 102 through the infrared light 105,
In step S1315, the digital camera name stored in the ROM 202 is read out and converted into a character code, and the character code is transmitted from the infrared I / F 103 to the printer 102 by infrared.

Then, the flow advances to step S1316 to detect whether the power switch 404 has been pressed again via the input port 210. If the power switch 404 has not been pressed, the flow returns to step S1318 (shown in FIG. 15). If the press of the image selection switch 406 is detected here, the process proceeds to step S1319 to read the next image data from the flash memory 204, supply this image data to the liquid crystal control unit 209, and display it on the liquid crystal display unit 208. After displaying the image data, the process returns to step S1311 where the print switch 40
If 8 is pressed, the next image data is transmitted to the printer 102 after being converted into print data.

If it is detected in step S1316 that the power switch 404 has been pressed, the flow advances to step S1317 to stop power supply to each block, and the processing ends.

On the other hand, in the printer 102,
As shown in FIG. 16, first, in step S1601, reception of infrared light is waited.
It is determined whether the data indicated by the infrared ray received in step 2 is print data. If it is print data, the received print data is stored in the RAM 3 in step S1603.
03 and temporarily stored in the RAM 3 in step S1604.
03 is transferred to the printer engine control circuit 308 via the internal bus 310. Upon receiving the print data, the printer engine control circuit 308
The printer engine 309 is controlled so that the corresponding image is printed on paper based on the print data.

Next, the flow advances to step S1605 to determine whether or not the printing of the print data has been completed. If the printing of the print data has not been completed, the flow returns to step S1601 to repeat the processing from step S1601 to step S1605. Repeat until printing is completed.

When the printing of the print data is completed,
The process advances to step S1606 to wait until character code information transmitted next to the print data from the digital camera 101 is received. When the character code information is received, the process advances to step S1607 to store font data corresponding to the received character code information in the ROM 302. Then, the font data read in step S1608 is transferred to the printer engine control circuit 308 via the internal bus 310. Upon receiving the font data, the printer engine control circuit 308 controls the printer engine 309 based on the font data so as to print the corresponding character in the area outside the image print area on the paper.

Then, the flow advances to step S1609 to determine whether or not the printing of the character code information has been completed. If the printing of the character code information has not been completed, the flow returns to step S1601 to repeat steps S1601 to S1602 and S1606. Step S
The processing up to 1609 is repeated until the printing of the character code information is completed.

When the printing of the character code information is completed,
In step S1610, the communication connection with the digital camera 101 is disconnected in accordance with the IrDA communication protocol, the paper is output, and the process ends.

As described above, a sheet on which an image picked up by the digital camera (the selected image displayed on the liquid crystal display unit) and the digital camera name together with the date information are printed in an area outside the print area of the image is displayed. Output from printer. For example, as shown in FIG. 17, an image (selected image displayed on the liquid crystal display) 702 captured by a digital camera is printed on the output paper 701, and a print area of the printed image 702 is displayed. A digital camera name (ABC) 703 is printed in an outer area (a lower area in the figure) together with date information.

As described above, in the image printing system according to the present embodiment, when an image captured by a digital camera is printed out by a printer, infrared communication is performed between the digital camera and the printer, as in the related art. Images taken by the digital camera can be printed out directly from the printer without the need for a personal computer between the digital camera and the printer, and additional images associated with the images taken with the digital camera can be printed out. The information is sent to the printer, and the additional information of the image is automatically printed by the printer on the area outside the image print area of the paper, so that the date on which the image was taken and the camera used can be known from the additional information. Easily manage images captured using printed paper. It is possible.

In this embodiment, additional information including date data such as a shooting date and a digital camera name is used. However, a shooting mode in which a digital camera's shutter speed, close-up shooting, wide angle, telephoto, and the like are set. It is also possible to store additional information including the number of pixels, the compression ratio of the image data, and the like in association with the image data, and to set this additional information to be printed together with the image data. Time conditions and setting contents can be understood from the printout result.

Further, the digital camera may be provided with means for enabling the items of additional information to be appropriately selected.

Further, items to be input by key input among the items of the additional information, such as title, shooting location, weather,
It is also possible to set an item such as a memo, select this item, and write the corresponding information by key input.

(Fifth Embodiment) Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIGS. 18 and 19 are flowcharts showing control operations by the CPU of the printer when an image captured by the digital camera is printed out by the printer according to the fifth embodiment of the image printing system of the present invention.
0 is a diagram showing an example of image output from a printer according to the fifth embodiment of the image printing system of the present invention.

This embodiment is different from the above-described fourth embodiment in that when no additional information is transmitted from the digital camera to the printer, the printer generates additional information, and the generated additional information is used to convert the additional information of the image on the paper. The difference is that the digital camera and the printer have the same configuration and the communication scheme between them, except that printing is performed in an area outside the print area.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 18, except for step S1806, the processing contents of steps S1801 to S1811 are the same as those of steps S1601 to S1610 shown in FIG. The processing is the same, the description of the same steps is omitted or simply described, and different steps will be described in detail.

Referring to FIG. 18, when printing of print data is completed, it is determined in step S1806 whether or not additional information has been transmitted from digital camera 101 along with the print data. The process proceeds to step S1812 shown in FIG. In step S1812, as shown in FIG. 19, date data is acquired from the timer 312, and
At 1813, the acquired date data is converted into a character code.

Next, the flow advances to step S1814, where RO
The font data corresponding to the character code is read from M302, and the read font data is sent to the printer engine control circuit 308 to the internal bus 3 in step S1815.
Transfer via 10. Upon receiving the font data, the printer engine control circuit 308 controls the printer engine 309 based on the font data so as to print the corresponding character (date of printing) in an area outside the image print area on the paper.

Next, the flow advances to step S1816, where RO
The character code of the printer name is acquired from M302, font data corresponding to the acquired character code is read from the ROM 302 in step S1817, and the font data read in step S1818 is sent to the printer engine control circuit 308 via the internal bus 310. Transfer. Upon receiving the font data, the printer engine control circuit 308 controls the printer engine 309 based on the font data so as to print the corresponding character (print name) in the area outside the image print area on the paper.

Then, the flow advances to step S1811 to disconnect the communication connection with the digital camera according to the IrDA communication protocol, output paper, and end the present process.

As described above, when the additional information is not transmitted from the digital camera, the additional information (print date, printer name) is generated by the printer, and the image captured by the digital camera and the area outside the print area of the image are output. The paper on which the generated additional information is printed is output from the printer. For example, as shown in FIG. 20, an image 902 picked up by the digital camera 101 (the selected image displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 208) is printed, and an area outside the print area of the printed image 902 (see FIG. 20). Paper 901 with print date and printer name (XYZ) 903 printed on the lower area)
Is output.

As described above, in the image printing system according to the present embodiment, when the additional information is not transmitted from the digital camera 101, the additional information is generated in the printer 102, and the generated additional information is stored in the print area of the image on the paper. Since the image is automatically printed in the outer region, the date of printing the image, the printer used, and the like can be known from the additional information, and the date of capturing the image can be estimated from the date of printing.

[0126]

As described above, according to the image printing system of the first aspect, the imaging device is provided with communication means for communicating with the printing device, and the printing device communicates with the imaging device. Communication means for performing communication between the apparatus and data conversion means for converting image data of the imaging apparatus into print data which can be subjected to print processing, transmitting the image data via the communication means by the imaging apparatus, and transmitting the image data by the printing apparatus. Since image data transmitted from the imaging device is directly received via the communication unit, the data conversion unit is activated and the received image data is converted into print data that can be subjected to print processing. An image captured by the device can be printed out by the printing device.

According to the image printing system of the present invention, a data conversion means for converting image data into print data which can be subjected to print processing is slidably mounted on the image pickup apparatus, and communication with the printing apparatus is performed. A communication unit for performing communication with the imaging device is provided in the printing device, the imaging device transmits image data and data conversion unit via the communication unit, and the printing device transmits the image data and the data conversion unit. Since image data and data conversion means transmitted from the imaging apparatus are directly received via the communication means, and the received data conversion means is activated to convert the received image data into print data which can be subjected to print processing, the operation is troublesome. The image picked up by the imaging device can be printed out by the printing device without multiplying the image.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image printing system comprising: a data conversion unit for converting image data into print data which can be subjected to print processing by the imaging device; and a communication unit for performing communication with the printing device. A communication device for communicating with the imaging device in the printing device, converting the image data into printable print data by the data conversion device in the imaging device, and converting the printable print data to the print data. The image data is transmitted through the communication unit of the imaging device, the printing device directly receives the printable image data transmitted from the imaging device through the communication unit, and performs printing based on the received printable print data. Therefore, the image captured by the imaging device can be printed out by the printing device without troublesome operation.

According to the image printing system of the fourth aspect, the communication device for communicating with the printing device is provided in the imaging device, and the printing device communicates with the imaging device and the information processing device. Communication means for communicating with the printing apparatus in the information processing apparatus, transmitting data conversion means from the information processing apparatus via the communication means, and using the communication means in the imaging apparatus. Image data transmitted from the imaging device and the data conversion device transmitted from the information processing device via the communication device in the printing device, and activates the received data conversion device. Since the received image data is converted into print data that can be subjected to print processing, an image captured by the imaging device can be printed out by the printing device without troublesome operation.

According to the image printing system of the present invention, additional information generating means for generating additional information corresponding to the image data in the image pickup apparatus and data converting means for converting the image data into print data which can be subjected to print processing. Communication means for performing communication between the image processing apparatus and the printing apparatus; communication means for performing communication between the printing apparatus and the image capturing apparatus; Print data, and transmits the additional information together with the print-processable print data via the communication unit of the imaging device. The print-processable image transmitted from the imaging device via the communication unit of the printing device Since data and additional information are directly received and an image corresponding to the print data is printed on printing paper based on the received print data that can be processed, the operation is troublesome. The image picked up by the image pickup device can be printed out by the printing device without being interrupted, and the date of photographing the image, the camera used, and the like can be known from the additional information, and the output printing paper can be used. It is possible to easily manage the captured image.

According to the image printing system of the present invention, additional information generating means for generating additional information corresponding to the image data in the imaging device and data converting means for converting the image data into print data which can be subjected to print processing. Communication means for performing communication between the image processing apparatus and the printing apparatus; communication means for performing communication between the printing apparatus and the image capturing apparatus; And the additional information is transmitted through the communication unit of the imaging device together with the print data that can be printed, and the printing device transmits the printable data transmitted from the imaging device through the communication unit. The print data and the additional information are directly received, and an image corresponding to the print data is printed on printing paper based on the received print-processable print data. When the additional information is printed in an area outside the print area of the image on the print paper, and only print data that can be printed is received, an image corresponding to the print data is printed based on the received print data that can be printed. And prints the additional information corresponding to the received print data and prints the additional information in an area outside the print area of the image on the printing paper. The printed image can be printed out by the printing device, and the printing date and the printing device used can be known from the additional information, and the image capturing date of the image can be easily estimated using the output printing paper. It becomes possible to do.

According to the image printing system of the present invention, the communication means of the imaging device and the communication means of the printing device can be constituted by wireless communication means.

According to the image printing system of the present invention, the wireless communication means can be constituted by infrared communication means.

According to the image printing system of the ninth aspect, the infrared communication means can be constituted by communication means using the IrDA system.

According to the image printing system of the tenth aspect, the infrared communication means can be constituted by communication means using the ASK method.

According to the image printing system of the present invention, the communication means of the image pickup apparatus and the communication means of the printing apparatus can be constituted by serial wired communication means.

According to the image printing system of the twelfth aspect, the serial wired communication means can be constituted by the communication means using the universal serial bus system.

According to the image printing system of the thirteenth aspect, the serial wired communication means can be constituted by communication means conforming to the IEEE 1394 standard.

According to the image printing system of the present invention, the data conversion means can be constituted by a program described in a language interpretable by the printing apparatus.

According to the image printing system of the present invention, the imaging device can be a digital still camera.

According to the image printing system of the present invention, there is provided a printing condition display means for displaying printing conditions for image data on the image pickup apparatus, and a selecting means for selecting the displayed printing conditions. Since the image data is converted into the print data so as to correspond to the print condition selected in the step 2, the output of the image printed under the desired print condition can be obtained.

According to the image printing system of the present invention, since the printing condition display means also serves as a means for displaying the image picked up by the image pickup device, it is possible to prevent the image pickup device from being enlarged.

According to the image printing system of the eighteenth aspect, since the selecting means also functions as a means for selecting a photographing mode in the image pickup apparatus, it is possible to prevent the image pickup apparatus from being enlarged.

According to the image printing system of the nineteenth aspect, an ink jet printer can be used as a printing device.

According to the image printing system of the present invention, a personal computer can be used as the information processing device.

According to the image printing system of the twenty-first aspect, since the additional information includes information including the date data on which the image was captured, the date on which the image was captured can be known from the output printing paper.

According to the image printing system of the twenty-second aspect, since the additional information includes information including the name of the image pickup device, it is possible to know the image pickup device that picked up the image from the output printing paper.

According to the image printing system of the twenty-third aspect, the additional information can be transmitted from the imaging device to the printing device in a character code.

According to the imaging apparatus of the present invention, an image printing system suitable for printing an image taken by the imaging apparatus by a printing apparatus without troublesome operation is suitable. An imaging device can be configured.

According to the printing apparatus of the twenty-fifth, twenty-seventh, twenty-ninth, or thirty-third aspect, there is provided an image printing system capable of printing out an image picked up by an imaging device by a printing device without troublesome operation. A suitable printing device can be configured.

According to the printing apparatus of the thirty-first or thirty-second aspect, it is possible to print out an image taken by the imaging apparatus by the printing apparatus without troublesome operation, and to print the additional information. It is possible to configure a printing apparatus suitable for an image printing system capable of easily managing an image captured using the printed printing paper.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a first embodiment of an image printing system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the digital camera in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the printer of FIG.

FIG. 4 is an external view showing a rear side of the digital camera shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a control operation by a CPU of the digital camera when an image captured by the digital camera in FIG. 1 is printed out by a printer.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a control operation by a CPU of the digital camera when an image captured by the digital camera in FIG. 1 is printed out by a printer.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a CPU of the printer when an image captured by the digital camera shown in FIG. 1 is printed out by the printer.
Is a flowchart showing a control operation according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a CPU of the printer when an image captured by the digital camera shown in FIG. 1 is printed out by the printer.
Is a flowchart showing a control operation according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a display example of a print mode selection screen in the digital camera of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a selection screen display of another mode applicable to the digital camera of FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 shows a second embodiment of the image printing system according to the present invention.
It is a block diagram showing composition of an embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a third embodiment of the image printing system according to the present invention;
It is a block diagram showing composition of an embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a fourth embodiment of the image printing system according to the present invention;
6 is a flowchart showing a control operation by the CPU of the digital camera when an image captured by the digital camera in the embodiment is printed out by the printer.

FIG. 14 is a fourth embodiment of the image printing system according to the present invention;
6 is a flowchart showing a control operation by the CPU of the digital camera when an image captured by the digital camera in the embodiment is printed out by the printer.

FIG. 15 is a fourth embodiment of the image printing system according to the present invention;
6 is a flowchart showing a control operation by the CPU of the digital camera when an image captured by the digital camera in the embodiment is printed out by the printer.

FIG. 16 is a fourth embodiment of the image printing system according to the present invention;
4 is a flowchart illustrating a control operation by a CPU of the printer when an image captured by the digital camera according to the embodiment is printed out by the printer.

FIG. 17 is a fourth embodiment of the image printing system according to the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of image output from a printer according to an embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a fifth embodiment of the image printing system according to the present invention;
4 is a flowchart illustrating a control operation by a CPU of the printer when an image captured by the digital camera according to the embodiment is printed out by the printer.

FIG. 19 is a fifth embodiment of the image printing system according to the present invention;
4 is a flowchart illustrating a control operation by a CPU of the printer when an image captured by the digital camera according to the embodiment is printed out by the printer.

FIG. 20 is a fifth embodiment of the image printing system according to the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of image output from a printer according to an embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a conventional image printing system.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 101 Digital camera 102 Printer 103, 104 Infrared I / F 105 Infrared ray 201, 301 CPU 202, 302 ROM 203, 303 RAM 204 Flash memory 205 Imaging unit 208 Liquid crystal display unit 211, 307 Switch group 215, 311 Timing device 308 Printer engine control Circuit 309 Printer engine 901 Personal computer 1201 Serial communication cable

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[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] February 13, 1997

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Drawing

[Correction target item name] FIG.

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

FIG.

Claims (32)

[Claims] 1. An image printing apparatus comprising: an imaging device that captures an image to generate image data of the image; and a printing device that prints an image corresponding to the print data on a print sheet based on print data that can be printed. In the system, a communication unit for communicating with the printing device is provided in the imaging device, and a communication unit for communicating with the imaging device in the printing device and image data of the imaging device are provided. A data conversion unit that converts the print data into print data that can be printed, the imaging device transmits the image data via the communication unit, and the printing device transmits the image data from the imaging device via the communication unit. An image printing apparatus comprising: receiving image data directly, activating the data conversion unit, and converting the received image data into print data that can be printed. System. 2. An image printing apparatus comprising: an imaging device that captures an image to generate image data of the image; and a printing device that prints an image corresponding to the print data on a print sheet based on print data that can be printed. In the system, the imaging device is provided with a data conversion unit for converting the image data into the print data that can be subjected to the print process so as to be transmittable, and a communication unit for performing communication with the printing device is provided, The printing apparatus is provided with a communication unit for performing communication with the imaging apparatus, the imaging apparatus transmits the image data and the data conversion unit via the communication unit, and the printing apparatus includes the communication unit. Directly receiving the image data and the data conversion means transmitted from the imaging device via the An image printing system for converting the image data into print data that can be printed. 3. An image printing apparatus comprising: an imaging device that captures an image to generate image data of the image; and a printing device that prints an image corresponding to the print data on a print sheet based on print data that can be printed. In the system, the imaging device is provided with a data conversion unit for converting the image data into the print data that can be printed and a communication unit for performing communication with the printing device. A communication unit for performing communication with the image processing apparatus, wherein the imaging device converts the image data into the printable print data by the data conversion unit, and converts the printable print data into the image capture device. And the printing apparatus directly receives the printable image data transmitted from the imaging apparatus through the communication means, and An image printing system for performing printing based on print data that can be subjected to print processing. 4. An image capturing apparatus that captures an image to generate image data of the image, a printing apparatus that prints an image corresponding to the print data on print paper based on print data that can be printed, and the image data And an information processing device that is capable of transmitting a data conversion unit that converts the data into print data that can be subjected to the print processing, the communication unit for performing communication between the imaging device and the printing device. Provided, a communication unit for performing communication between the imaging device and the information processing device in the printing device, and a communication unit for performing communication with the printing device in the information processing device, The information processing apparatus transmits the data conversion means via the communication means, the pre-imaging apparatus transmits the image data via the communication means, and the printing apparatus transmits the image data via the communication means. Directly receiving the image data transmitted from the imaging device and the data conversion unit transmitted from the information processing device via a stage, and activating the received data conversion unit to print the received image data. An image printing system for converting print data into processable print data. 5. An image printing apparatus comprising: an imaging device that captures an image to generate image data of the image; and a printing device that prints an image corresponding to the print data on a print sheet based on print data that can be printed. In the system, between the printing device and an additional information generation unit that generates additional information corresponding to the image data in the imaging device, and a data conversion unit that converts the image data into print data that can be printed. A communication unit for performing communication, and a communication unit for performing communication between the printing device and the imaging device, wherein the imaging device is capable of performing the print processing of the image data by the data conversion unit. The print device converts the print data into print data, and transmits the additional information together with the print data that can be printed through the communication unit of the imaging device. Directly receiving the printable image data and the additional information transmitted from the imaging device, and printing an image corresponding to the print data on print paper based on the received printable print data, An image printing system, wherein the received additional information is printed on a region outside a printing region of the image on the printing paper. 6. An image printing apparatus comprising: an imaging device that captures an image to generate image data of the image; and a printing device that prints an image corresponding to the print data on a print sheet based on print data that can be printed. In the system, between the printing device and an additional information generation unit that generates additional information corresponding to the image data in the imaging device, and a data conversion unit that converts the image data into print data that can be printed. A communication unit for performing communication, and a communication unit for performing communication between the printing device and the imaging device, wherein the imaging device is capable of performing the print processing of the image data by the data conversion unit. The print device converts the print data into print data, and transmits the additional information together with the print data that can be printed through the communication unit of the imaging device. Directly receiving the printable print data and the additional information transmitted from the imaging device, and printing an image corresponding to the print data on print paper based on the received printable print data, The received additional information is printed in an area outside the print area of the image on the printing paper, and when only the print data that can be processed is received, the additional information is printed based on the received print data that can be processed. An image, wherein a corresponding image is printed on a print sheet, additional information corresponding to the received print data is generated, and the additional information is printed on a region outside the print area of the image on the print sheet. Printing system. 7. The image printing system according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit of the imaging device and the communication unit of the printing device include a wireless communication unit. 8. The image printing system according to claim 7, wherein said wireless communication means comprises an infrared communication means. 9. An image printing system according to claim 8, wherein said infrared communication means comprises communication means using an IrDA system. 10. An image printing system according to claim 8, wherein said infrared communication means comprises communication means using an ASK method. 11. The image printing system according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit of the imaging device and the communication unit of the printing device include a serial wired communication unit. 12. The image printing system according to claim 11, wherein said serial wired communication means comprises communication means using a universal serial bus system. 13. The serial wired communication means according to claim 1, wherein:
The image printing system according to claim 11, comprising communication means conforming to the E1394 standard. 14. The image printing system according to claim 1, wherein said data conversion means is a program written in a language interpretable by said printing apparatus. 15. The image printing system according to claim 1, wherein the imaging device comprises a digital still camera. 16. The image capturing apparatus further includes a printing condition display unit for displaying a printing condition for the image data and a selecting unit for selecting the displayed printing condition. The image print system according to claim 1, wherein the image data is converted into the print data so as to correspond to the print condition. 17. The image printing system according to claim 16, wherein said printing condition display means also functions as a means for displaying an image taken by said imaging device. 18. An image printing system according to claim 16, wherein said selection means also functions as a means for selecting a shooting mode in said imaging device. 19. The image printing system according to claim 1, wherein said printing device comprises an ink jet printer. 20. The image printing system according to claim 4, wherein said information processing device comprises a personal computer. 21. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the additional information includes information including date data when the image was captured.
Image printing system as described. 22. The image printing system according to claim 5, wherein said additional information comprises information including a name of said imaging device. 23. The image printing system according to claim 5, wherein the additional information is transmitted from the imaging device to the printing device in a character code. 24. An imaging apparatus for forming an image printing system in cooperation with a printing apparatus equipped with a first communication unit and a data conversion unit for converting image data into print data that can be printed. An imaging unit that captures an image to generate image data of the image, and a second communication unit that can directly communicate with a communication unit of the printing apparatus, and the image data is transmitted through the second communication unit. An imaging device for communicating directly with a printing device. 25. A printing apparatus equipped with a first communication unit and configured to form an image printing system in cooperation with an imaging apparatus that captures an image and generates image data of the image. A second communication unit that can directly communicate with the first communication unit; and a data conversion unit that converts image data of the imaging device into print data that can be subjected to the print processing. Receiving directly the image data transmitted via the second communication means via the second communication means, and activating the data conversion means to convert the received image data into print data which can be subjected to the print processing. Printing device. 26. An imaging apparatus for forming an image printing system in cooperation with a printing apparatus equipped with a first communication unit, wherein said image data is converted into print data that can be printed by said printing apparatus. And a second communication unit capable of directly communicating with the first communication unit of the printing apparatus, wherein the image data and the data conversion unit are transmitted via the second communication unit. An image pickup apparatus for transmitting the image data to the printing apparatus. 27. An image printing system for cooperating with an image pickup apparatus equipped with a first communication unit and a data conversion unit for converting image data of a picked-up image into print data that can be printed. In a printing apparatus, a second communication unit capable of directly communicating with a first communication unit of the imaging device is provided, and the image data and the data conversion unit transmitted from the imaging device via the first communication unit are provided. A printing apparatus that receives the image data directly through the second communication unit, activates the received data conversion unit, and converts the received image data into print data that can be printed. 28. An imaging apparatus for forming an image printing system in cooperation with a printing apparatus equipped with a first communication unit, wherein image data of a captured image is converted into print data that can be printed by the printing apparatus. A second communication unit which can directly communicate with the first communication unit of the printing apparatus, which is equipped with a data conversion unit for conversion, converts the image data into the print data by the data conversion unit,
An image pickup apparatus, wherein the print data is transmitted to the printing apparatus via the second communication unit. 29. An image printing system configured to cooperate with an image pickup apparatus equipped with a first communication unit and a data conversion unit for converting image data of a picked-up image into print data that can be printed. In the printing apparatus, a second communication unit that can directly communicate with the first communication unit of the imaging device is provided, and the print data transmitted from the imaging device via the first communication unit is transmitted to the second communication unit. A printing apparatus which receives data directly through a communication unit. 30. An imaging device equipped with a first communication unit, and a transmittable data converter for converting image data of an image captured by the second communication unit and the imaging device into print data that can be subjected to print processing. A printing apparatus for configuring an image printing system in cooperation with an information processing apparatus equipped with a means, wherein the first communication means of the imaging apparatus and the second communication means of the information processing apparatus can directly communicate with the second communication means. 3
Communication means, wherein the image data transmitted from the imaging device via the first communication means and the data conversion means transmitted from the information processing apparatus via the second communication means are provided by the second communication means. 3. A printing apparatus which receives the image data directly via the communication means of claim 3 and activates the received data conversion means to convert the received image data into print data which can be printed. 31. An additional information generating unit for generating additional information corresponding to image data of a captured image, a data converting unit for converting the image data into the printable print data, and a first communication unit. In a printing apparatus for constructing an image printing system in cooperation with an imaging apparatus provided with a second communication unit capable of directly communicating with a first communication unit of the imaging apparatus, the printing apparatus is provided with a second communication unit. Receiving directly the additional information transmitted together with the print data via the first communication means via the second communication means,
A printing apparatus that prints an image corresponding to the print data on a print sheet based on the received print data, and prints the received additional information in an area outside a print area of the image on the print sheet. . 32. When only the print data is received, an image corresponding to the print data is printed on a print sheet based on the received print data, and additional information corresponding to the received print data is generated. 32. The printing apparatus according to claim 31, wherein the additional information is printed on an area outside a print area of the image on the printing paper.