JP2005047255A - Output unit and output processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce alteration in body shape, e.g. housing, and alteration in design of a processing section including a circuit, a software, and the like, when an output unit is arranged with a radio communication unit. <P>SOLUTION: A card slot 12 capable of inserting a CF type memory card is provided in the body 2 of a printer 1. A CF (compact flash (R)) type card incorporating infrared communication function (hereafter, referred to CF type infrared communication card) 13 can be inserted into the card slot 12. When it is inserted into the printer 1, data received from the infrared ray receiving/emitting section 20 of a portable telephone 14 is received at the infrared ray receiving/emitting section 13a of the CF type communication card 13 and the content of that data can be printed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an output device and an output processing system that perform output processing based on data received from a mobile terminal or the like via a wireless communication device.

  In recent years, data communication between digital devices has been performed using wireless technology. In particular, recently, infrared communication is often used for data transmission or reception between mobile terminals that are easy to carry. For example, recent major mobile phones are equipped with an infrared communication port as a standard. The mobile phone stores personal information data such as names of acquaintances entered through the phone book function, phone numbers, e-mail addresses, etc., and image data taken with the camera function, and these data are to be printed on a printer. There is a request.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a technique for connecting a portable personal computer (referred to as a personal computer) and a printer by infrared communication and printing data of the personal computer is known (for example, Patent Document 1). A printer communication adapter for infrared communication is attached to the side of the main body via a connector. In a personal computer, an application program supports printing, and various data can be printed by specifying a layout.

Also, printers that have a main body with a slot into which a memory card for storing image data of a photographic image taken by a digital camera is removably inserted are known. In this printer, the printer can directly read image data from a memory card inserted in a slot of the main body and directly print it without using a personal computer or the like (for example, Patent Document 2).
JP-A-8-300772 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-321019

  However, in the configuration of the printer described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to attach a printer communication adapter (hereinafter referred to as a communication adapter) to the side of the main body of the printer, and there is a problem that the size of the printer increases. Also, in order to be able to equip an old printer that does not have an infrared communication function with a communication adapter, it is necessary to change the shape of the printer, such as changing the housing shape or adding a terminal structure including connectors. Will occur. Changing the housing or the like requires changing the manufacturing mold. For this reason, even when the infrared communication function is provided, there has been a demand for performing as much as possible without changing the shape of the housing or the like. In addition, when the infrared communication function is provided, there are cases where it is necessary to change the circuits and software constituting the conventional communication function part. In this case, not only the infrared communication function part but also the conventional communication function part needs to be changed in the design of the circuit and software, and there has been a problem that the design change tends to be large.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an output device that includes a wireless communication device, and that can reduce changes in the shape of the main body of the housing and the like, and can also reduce design changes in the processing unit including circuits and software. An apparatus and an output processing system are provided.

In order to solve the above-described problems, the gist of the present invention is that an output device includes a main body including a slot into which a wireless communication device can be inserted and a slot into which a memory medium can be inserted.
According to this configuration, the wireless communication device is configured to be inserted into the slot, while the memory medium is also configured to be inserted into the slot. Therefore, when the wireless communication function is added, the output device is almost enlarged. No. Moreover, the shape change of the main body can be suppressed to a small extent only by adding a slot. In addition, since the configuration includes a plurality of slots, the reception circuit, the reading circuit, and the processing program can be easily shared to some extent as compared with the configuration in which the slots are combined with other communication methods.

Further, the gist of the present invention is that the main body is provided with a slot which is used both as a wireless communication device and a memory medium.
According to this configuration, since the slot is shared by the wireless communication device and the memory medium, when the wireless communication function is added to the output device, the output device is hardly increased in size. In addition, when adding a wireless communication function to an output device having a slot for a memory medium, there is no need to add a slot, and there is almost no need to change the shape of the output device body, and the body shape can be used almost as it is. It becomes possible. Furthermore, since the slot is also used, it is easy to share the receiving circuit, the reading circuit, and the processing program to some extent.

Further, the gist of the present invention is that an identification means for identifying whether a target inserted in the slot is a wireless communication device or a memory medium is provided.
According to this configuration, only by inserting the object to be inserted into the slot into the slot, the identification unit identifies whether the wireless communication device or the memory medium is inserted into the slot. There is no need to perform an operation for designating whether the one inserted in the slot is a wireless communication device or a memory medium, and the user does not need to perform any operation other than the insertion, which is convenient.

  Further, the present invention provides an output means for performing an output process based on data received via a wireless communication device inserted in the slot and an output process based on data read from a memory medium inserted in the slot The main point is that In this case, each output process is not limited to the same process, and each output process may be partially overlapped.

  According to this configuration, the output means performs output processing based on data received via the wireless communication device inserted in the slot and output processing based on data read from the memory medium inserted in the slot. . That is, each output process based on the data received by the common output means via the wireless communication device and the data read from the memory medium is performed. If the output processing at least partially overlaps, it is possible to share part of the processing circuit, processing program, etc. constituting the output means necessary for processing the data between the wireless communication device and the memory medium. .

  In the present invention, the output means performs a predetermined process on the data read from the memory medium and converts it into output data; and the data received via the wireless communicator The gist of the invention is to include a second output processing unit that converts the data into data that can be processed by the first output processing unit, and an output execution unit that drives and controls the driving unit based on the output data.

  According to this configuration, the output unit includes the first output processing unit and the second output processing unit. The first output processing unit performs predetermined processing on the data read from the memory medium and converts the data into output data. On the other hand, the second output processing unit converts the data received via the wireless communication device into data that can be processed by the first output processing unit. Accordingly, data obtained by processing the data received via the wireless communication device by the second output processing unit is then subjected to predetermined processing by the first output processing unit and converted into output data. Therefore, the first output processing unit is shared by the memory medium and the data processing fetched from the wireless communication device. Then, based on the output data converted by the processing of the first output processing unit, the output execution unit drives and controls the driving unit, so that an image is output. Thus, even if it becomes the structure which can receive data via a radio | wireless communication apparatus by sharing a 1st output process part, the additional change of the processing circuit and processing program required for it can be suppressed few.

  In the present invention, the first output processing unit is a print data generation unit that performs predetermined processing on the data read from the memory medium and converts the data into print data. The gist of the invention is that it is a print execution means for controlling the drive means to print on a print medium.

  According to this configuration, the data read from the memory medium is subjected to predetermined processing by the print data generation unit and converted to print data. Data obtained by processing the second output processing unit on the data received via the wireless communicator is also subjected to predetermined processing by the print data generation unit and converted into print data. That is, the data received via the wireless communication device is converted into data of the same data type as the data read from the memory medium by the second output processing unit. Thus, the print data generation unit can be shared.

  The present invention further includes a communication unit of the slot, a communication unit other than the communication unit of the slot, and a communication control unit that controls communication of the plurality of communication units. The gist is to allow reception or reading of data via a communication unit other than the communication unit of the slot even when it is recognized that a wireless communication device is inserted in the slot.

  According to this configuration, even when the communication control unit recognizes that the wireless communication device is inserted in the slot, the communication control unit allows data reception or reading via another communication unit other than the communication unit of the slot. To do. Therefore, data can be received via another communication unit even if the wireless communication device is still mounted in the slot.

  The present invention further includes a communication unit of the slot, a communication unit other than the communication unit of the slot, and a communication control unit that controls communication of the plurality of communication units. Even when it is recognized that a wireless communication device is inserted in the slot, the output processing is being executed based on the data acquired through the other communication unit in a state where the wireless communication device is recognized. The gist is to prohibit data reception via the wireless communication device.

  According to this configuration, during the execution of output processing based on data acquired via another communication unit, data reception via the wireless communication device inserted in the slot is prohibited. Therefore, even if the wireless communication device is still inserted in the slot, it is possible to receive or read data via another communication unit and perform output processing such as printing processing.

  Further, the present invention provides a write control unit for writing data received via the wireless communication device to the memory medium in a state where it is recognized that both the wireless communication device and the memory medium are inserted in the slot. The main point is that

  According to this configuration, when the write control unit recognizes that both the wireless communication device and the memory medium are inserted into the slot, when the data is received via the wireless communication device, the received data is It is written to the memory medium inserted in the slot. Therefore, it is possible to obtain the same effect as adding the memory without adding the memory to the output device by writing the data received via the wireless communication device in the memory medium.

  The present invention further includes data processing means for performing predetermined processing on the data received via the wireless communication device, wherein the write control unit is at least part of the predetermined processing performed by the data processing means. The gist is to write the data after the above processing is performed to the memory medium.

  According to this configuration, data obtained by performing predetermined processing by the data processing unit on the data received via the wireless communication device is written to the memory medium by the write control unit. For example, data that has been processed by the second output processing unit, and further, data that has been processed up to a part of processing (for example, image processing) by the first output processing unit can be written to the memory medium. For example, when the data received via the wireless communication device is converted into the same data type as the data type written in the memory medium and written, it is identified as the memory medium by the identification means and read from the memory medium. Even if the data is sent through the processing path for the memory medium, it can be output through appropriate processing.

The gist of the present invention is an output processing system comprising the output device and the wireless communication device that is removably inserted into a slot provided in a main body of the output device.
According to this configuration, the same effect as that of the invention of the output device can be obtained.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the printer 1. In FIG. 1, a printer 1 as an output device is an ink jet printer, and a sheet feeder 4 and a roll paper support 5 of an automatic paper feeder 3 are provided on the back side of a main body 2. A sheet paper (not shown) is set in the sheet feeder 4 and fed into the main body 2. Further, the roll paper P 1 is set on the roll paper support portion 5 and fed into the main body 2. A cover 6 is provided in the center of the main body 2, and a printing mechanism is provided in the cover 6, and a sheet P (cut sheet paper or roll paper) as a printing medium printed by the operation of the printing mechanism. The paper is discharged from the front lower discharge port 7. An operation panel 8 is provided on the right side of the upper surface of the main body 2.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the operation panel 8 includes a display device 9 having a display screen 9a and an operation unit 10 including a plurality of operation switches. The display device 9 is a liquid crystal display device, and displays, for example, a menu for manually selecting a paper type (cut sheet or roll paper), paper size, layout, photo selection, number of prints, and the like on the display screen 9a. .

  The operation unit 10 is also provided with a power switch 10a for powering on the printer 1, a maintenance switch 10b that is pressed when an error occurs, and a roll paper switch 10c that is pressed when operating the roll paper. Further, the operation unit 10 is provided with a print start switch 10d, a cancel switch 10e, an upper switch 10f, a lower switch 10g, a determination switch 10h, and a return switch 10i. The print start switch 10d is pressed when starting to print an image on a cut sheet or roll paper. The cancel switch 10e is pressed when canceling printing that is being executed or when discarding the input content on the display screen 9a when the printer is in a non-printing state. The upper switch 10f and the lower switch 10g are pressed when selecting a menu on the display screen 9a, moving a cursor when selecting various setting items, or increasing / decreasing numerical values to be input. The decision switch 10h is pushed when the display on the display screen 9a is advanced to the next screen or when the setting content input using the display screen 9a is confirmed. The return switch 10i is operated when returning the screen displayed on the display screen 9a to the initial screen or when returning the display of the display screen 9a to the previous screen.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a second display device 11 is attached to the upper right side of the main body 2 of the printer 1. A print image to be printed on the paper P is displayed in advance on the display screen 11 a of the second display device 11.

  A card slot (CF card slot) 12 is provided on the front right side of the main body 2, and the card slot 12 has a CF (compact flash (R)) type card (infrared communication card) (hereinafter referred to as a CF type) with a built-in infrared communication function. (Referred to as a communication card) 13 is set to be insertable / removable. The CF type communication card 13 is an IrDA module having an infrared communication function compliant with IrDA (Infrared Data Association), and is set in the card slot 12 so that the printer 1 has an infrared communication function capable of receiving infrared data. Give. The printer 1 takes in data received from the mobile phone 14 by the CF type communication card 13 and performs a printing process based on the data.

  The mobile phone 14 in the present embodiment includes a telephone function and an infrared communication function, a telephone book function capable of registering and managing personal information including a telephone number, an electronic mail function capable of sending and receiving electronic mails with other mobile phones, It has multiple functions such as a camera function that can capture still images or moving images. The mobile phone 14 manages personal information data (text data) handled by the phone book function and image data handled by the camera function in a file format compatible with infrared communication. Specifically, personal information data is managed in the vCard (TM) file format, and image data is managed in the vNote (TM) file format. Therefore, personal information data in the vCard file format or image data in the vNote file format managed by the mobile phone 14 is received by the printer 1 through the CF type communication card 13 set in the card slot 12. The mobile phone 14 can send and receive e-mails and image data to and from other mobile phones and personal computers through the mobile phone network. If a CF memory card for a digital camera is set in the card slot 12, image data captured by the digital camera can be read from the CF memory card to the printer 1 and printed.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the CF-type communication card 13 is provided with an infrared light receiving / emitting unit 13a and a display unit 13b serving as communication ports on the front surface (front surface). The infrared light emitting / receiving unit 13a includes a light receiving element and a light emitting element, and the light emitting element emits infrared light composed of a pulse signal modulated by a carrier wave having a carrier frequency of, for example, 25 to 50 kHz by turning on / off the light emission. The light receiving element outputs infrared light composed of bit signals expressed in the same manner. The display unit 13b includes a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) having different emission colors, and notifies the data reception state of the CF type communication card 13 by a combination of the emission color, lighting, blinking, and extinguishing. A connector (not shown) is formed on the back surface of the CF-type communication card 13, and this connector is electrically connected to a printer-side connector provided on the back surface of the card slot 12.

  FIG. 4A shows the mobile phone viewed from the front. As shown in the figure, the mobile phone 14 includes a plurality of operation buttons 15 (15a to 15c, etc.), a mouthpiece 16, a mouthpiece 17, a display 18, and a CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) imaging device 19. .

  While using the camera function, the mobile phone 14 displays an image captured by the CCD imaging device 19 on the display 18 and operates the operation button 15b as a shutter to display the captured image as one image. Can be saved as data. In the present embodiment, image data (still image data) captured by the camera function of the mobile phone 14 is stored in the mobile phone 14 as JPEG data, and the mobile phone 14 transmits the image data to the printer 1 by infrared communication. 14 is converted into vNote (TM) format, which is one of the file formats compatible with infrared communication, and transmitted. The printer 1 received in this vNote format encodes (compresses) JPEG data with an encode / decode converter called Base64, and is stored as encoded JPEG image data. In addition, the cellular phone 14 can register the personal information created on the display 18 by operating the operation button 15a using the phone book function.

  FIG. 4B shows an example of personal information registered and displayed on the display using the telephone directory function of the mobile phone. The personal information registration method will be described. First, when the operation button 15 is operated to select the personal information creation mode (new registration mode) of the telephone book function, the personal information creation program built in the mobile phone 14 is activated. . On the display 18, items shown on the left side in FIG. 4B, that is, “name”, “phonetic”, “phone number 1”, “phone number 2”, “phone number 3”, “e-mail address 1” "," E-mail address 2 "," E-mail address 3 "," Address "and" Memo (note) "are displayed. After selecting a desired item by operating the operation button 15c, the corresponding data is input, and this is repeated as many times as necessary to create one piece of personal information as shown in FIG. . Personal information data (text data) created by the telephone directory function is stored in the vCard (TM) format, which is one of the file formats compatible with infrared communication in this embodiment.

  Further, the mobile phone 14 has an infrared communication function compliant with IrDA (Infrared Data Association), and an infrared light receiving / emitting unit 20 (shown in FIG. 1) for performing infrared communication with the CF type communication card 13. ). The cellular phone 14 transmits image data and personal information data to the CF-type communication card 13 by operating the operation buttons 15. The infrared light receiving / emitting unit 20 includes a light receiving element and a light emitting element that can receive and issue the same infrared communication method as the infrared light receiving / emitting unit 13 a provided in the CF type communication card 13.

Next, the electrical configuration of the printer 1, the CF-type communication card 13, and the mobile phone 14 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG.
First, the electrical configuration of the mobile phone 14 will be described. The mobile phone 14 includes a control unit 21, a memory 22, a transmission / reception unit 23, a microphone 24, a speaker 25, an operation button 15, a display 18, a CCD imaging device 19, and an infrared light receiving / emitting unit 20.

  In the memory 22, image data and personal information data captured by the CCD imaging device 19 are temporarily stored by the control unit 21. The microphone 24 outputs the voice spoken at the earpiece 16 to the control unit 21 as a voice signal. The speaker 25 converts the sound signal output from the control unit 21 into sound and outputs it from the mouthpiece 17.

  The transmission / reception unit 23 is an input / output interface, and transmits the audio signal, mail, and image data output from the control unit 21 to another mobile phone or personal computer, and also transmits the voice signal, mail from other mobile phone or personal computer. The image data is received and output to the control unit 21.

  The control unit 21 includes a CPU, a ROM, an EEPROM, and the like, and the CPU executes various operations based on a control program and various application programs stored in the ROM and the EEPROM. That is, the control unit 21 executes the processing operation for the above-described call, creation of mail, transmission / reception and storage of data based on the operation of the operation button 15. The control unit 21 executes a processing operation for displaying and storing image data captured by the CCD imaging device 19 based on the operation of the operation button 15. At this time, the image data stored in the memory 22 is stored in the JPEG data format by the control unit 21. The control unit 21 executes a processing operation based on the operation of the operation button 15 for creating and storing personal information. At this time, the personal information data (text data) stored in the memory 22 is stored in the business card data format (in this example, the vCard format) by the control unit 21.

  Further, the control unit 21 executes a processing operation for transmitting the stored personal information data and image data to the printer 1 (CF type communication card 13) via the infrared light receiving / emitting unit 20 based on the operation of the operation button 15. To do. When transmitted from the control unit 21 to the CF-type communication card 13, personal information data is transmitted in the vCard file format, and image data (encoded JPEG data) is transmitted in the vNote file format. The control unit 21 transmits these according to the object exchange protocol. In this embodiment, IrOBEX (TM) used for exchanging objects called v format such as a telephone directory (vCard), a schedule (vCalender), and a memo (vNote) is adopted as an object exchange protocol.

Next, the electrical configuration of the CF type communication card 13 will be described.
The CF type communication card 13 includes a card control unit 31, a memory 32, a card side UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter) 33, a printer side UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter) 34, an infrared light receiving and emitting unit 13a, and a display unit (LED) 13b. Have.

  The card control unit 31 controls the memory 32, the card side UART 33, the infrared light emitting / receiving unit 13a, and the display unit 13b. The card control unit 31 includes a CPU, a ROM, and the like, and the CPU executes various operations based on a control program and various application programs stored in the ROM. When the card control unit 31 receives data from the mobile phone 14 via the infrared light emitting / receiving unit 13a, the card control unit 31 instructs the card-side UART 33 to transfer the object data (personal information data or image data) to the printer 1. . At this time, a part of the memory 32 is used as a buffer for temporarily storing object data.

  The card side UART 33 converts object data (personal information data or image data) into a serial bit stream based on an instruction from the card control unit 31 and outputs the serial bit stream to the printer side UART 34.

  The printer-side UART 34 is controlled by the communication interface 45 on the printer 1 side via a bus 35 that is connected when both connectors are electrically connected with the CF-type communication card 13 set in the card slot 12. When the printer-side UART 34 starts receiving object data from the card-side UART 33, the printer-side UART 34 outputs an interrupt signal to request the printer 1 to read the data. When the printer 1 that receives this interrupt signal opens the input port, reading of object data into the printer 1 is started. At this time, the printer-side UART 34 converts the serial bit stream received from the card-side UART 33 into parallel byte data and outputs the object data to the printer 1 side.

  The printer-side UART 34 outputs various signals input from the printer 1 side to the card control unit 31 via the card-side UART 33. The card control unit 31 monitors various signals input from the printer 1 side, manages the data reception state (communication status), and controls display of the display unit 13b in a lighting mode according to the communication status at that time. Therefore, the data reception state is notified to the user by the lighting mode of the display unit 13b provided on the front surface of the CF type communication card 13. At this time, the card control unit 31 transmits the communication status information to the mobile phone 14 via the infrared light emitting / receiving unit 13a, and the display 18 of the mobile phone 14 displays the data reception state on the printer 1 side as character information or the like. Is done.

Next, the electrical configuration of the printer 1 will be described.
The printer 1 has a CPU 41, ROM 42, EEPROM 43, RAM 44, communication interface 45, ASIC (Application Specific IC) 46, drivers 47 a to 47 e, and user interface 48, which are electrically connected to each other via a data bus 49. Has been.

  The communication interface (I / F) 45 includes a communication interface unit 45a, a parallel communication unit 45b, a Bluetooth (TM) communication unit 45c, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) communication unit 45d, a slot communication unit 45e, and a serial communication unit ( (Not shown). Each of the communication units 45b to 45e has a communication port (input / output port), and the communication interface unit 45a is composed of, for example, a group of communication interfaces provided independently for each of the communication units 45b to 45e. When each of the communication units 45b to 45e receives data, the communication unit 45b to 45e notifies the CPU 41 that manages the priority of communication (data reception). The CPU 41 determines whether the data can be received based on the reception information received from the communication interface unit 45a. For example, when the first data is received after the next data can be received, the communication unit Command to open the input port. The communication interface unit 45 a receives data sent from a predetermined host device by opening one of the input ports of the communication units 45 b to 45 e in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 41, and outputs it to the common data bus 49. . When data arrives first in any one of the plurality of input ports, the communication interface unit 45a starts to take in data from that port, and the other ports are in the period until the end of taking in data. The busy state is set so that reception of other data is prohibited. The communication interface unit 45a performs such processing in accordance with instructions from the CPU 41. When reception of data from one communication port is started, the CPU 41 secures a data transfer path through which the received data reaches the printing process until the end of the printing, and receives data from other communication ports during that time. The communication interface unit 45a is instructed to be prohibited. Further, the CPU 41 performs an interlock process for permitting or prohibiting data reception from the communication port. When the communication interface unit 45a receives a reception request from the host device or the CF-type communication card 13, the CPU 41 receives a notification to that effect from the communication interface unit 45a. Based on the communication information, the communication port availability state And the communication port being received.

  The parallel communication unit 45b can receive data from a host computer (personal computer) HC via a communication cable via parallel communication. The Bluetooth communication unit 45c can receive data from the Bluetooth-compatible mobile terminal BC by short-range wireless communication using radio waves in a predetermined standard frequency band according to a predetermined communication protocol. The USB communication unit 45d can receive data from a USB compatible device (not shown) according to a predetermined communication protocol. The slot communication unit 45e can receive data from the CF type communication card 13 or the CF card (memory card) inserted in the CF card slot 12. Each of the communication units 45b, 45c, 45d, and 45e can transmit predetermined signals or data such as information necessary for communication with the host device and a signal for notifying the state of the printer 1.

  The CPU 41 comprehensively controls the communication interface 45, the ASIC 46, and the drivers 47a to 47c based on a control program stored in the ROM 42 and various application programs stored in the EEPROM 43. The CPU 41 outputs a command signal for operating a part of the printing mechanism to the ASIC 46, and instructs data transfer processing between the ASIC 46 and the RAM 44 and between various processing circuits inside the ASIC 46. The CPU 41 incorporates, for example, a DMA controller for transfer processing. Further, the CPU 41 drives and controls the paper feed motor M1, the carriage motor M2, and the cutter motor M3 of the cutter device that cuts the printed portion of the roll paper into a predetermined size via the drivers 47a to 47c.

  The ASIC 46 performs image processing on the data to generate print data as output data, and drives and controls the plurality of piezoelectric elements PZ via the driver 47c based on a command signal from the CPU 41 and the print data. The RAM 44 includes a reception buffer 44a, a work memory 44b, an output buffer 44c, and the like. Data received through each of the communication units 45b to 45e is temporarily stored in the reception buffer 44a, data for performing a predetermined process is stored in the work memory 44b, and finally generated print data is stored in the output buffer 44c. Is done.

  The paper feed motor M1 is a motor for transporting the cut paper or roll paper P1 set in the automatic paper feeder 3 to the paper discharge port 7 via the printing position. The carriage motor M2 is a motor for reciprocating a carriage mounted with a recording head having a plurality of ejection nozzles in the main scanning direction. The piezoelectric element PZ is an element that is provided for each of a plurality of ejection nozzles provided in the recording head and ejects ink from the nozzles. The cutter motor M3 is a motor that drives the cutter device, and moves the cutting blade in the main scanning direction to cut the roll paper into a predetermined size.

  Further, the CPU 41 reads out menu display data stored in advance in the EEPROM 43 and transfers it to the display processing unit 9 b of the display device 9. The display processing unit 9b displays on the display screen 9a a menu used for manually selecting the paper type, paper size, layout, photo selection, number of prints, and the like based on the menu display data. A “layout” is prepared for the menu item, and this “layout” is printed by designating one or a plurality of images input for printing from a memory card or the like set in the card slot 12 on a sheet. This is a function for creating an image (printed state image). The EEPROM 43 stores a plurality of layout templates used for designating the layout. The display data for the print image created by this layout function is temporarily stored in the RAM 44. When the operation unit 10 is operated before printing, the CPU 41 reads the display data from the RAM 44 and transfers it to the display processing unit 11b. The print image is displayed on the display screen 11a.

Further, the CPU 41 is configured to input a signal based on the operation of each switch 10 a to 10 i provided on the operation panel 8 via the user I / F 48.
FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram for explaining data communication performed between the mobile phone and the printer via the CF type communication card and printing processing of the received data. Each functional unit shown in the figure is realized by a hardware circuit including various circuits, and a CPU that executes a communication protocol program, an application program, and the like.

  The card control unit 31 built in the CF type communication card (infrared communication card) 13 includes an IrDA communication circuit 61, an IrDA stack (IrDA protocol stack) 62, a file transfer unit 63, and an object transmission / reception unit 64. The IrDA communication circuit 61 includes hardware including a CPU and a communication circuit (both not shown), and corresponds to a physical layer in the communication layer. The IrDA stack 62 includes an IrDA communication protocol group and corresponds to a data link layer and a network layer. The file transfer unit 63 controls transfer of files received from the mobile phone 14 by infrared communication, and corresponds to a transport layer and a session layer in the communication layer. The object transmission / reception unit 64 performs data transfer control between two communication systems of IrDA communication performed with the mobile phone 14 and serial communication performed with the printer 1, and received data check, etc. Manage the necessary processing. The object transmitting / receiving unit 64 includes a portion corresponding to a presentation layer and an application layer for processing data from the file transfer unit 63, and a portion constituting a presentation layer to a data link layer including a serial communication protocol stack in an upper layer of the UART 33. Become.

  The file transfer unit 63 is a functional part constructed by the CPU in the CF-type communication card 13 executing an OBEX (Object Exchange) (TM) program, and manages file transfer control based on the specifications of OBEX. Specifically, a logical communication link with OBEX on the mobile phone 14 side is established and disconnected, and a restoration process for assembling a packet divided and sent in the original file at the time of file transfer is performed.

  The object transmission / reception unit 64 has a corresponding extension storage unit 64a. When the printer 1 detects that the CF type communication card 13 is inserted into the card slot 12 for the first time after the power is turned on, the object transmission / reception unit 64 receives the CF type communication from the printer 1. The extension data sent to the card 13 is stored (set up) in the corresponding extension storage unit 64a. Further, the object transmission / reception unit 64 obtains a file name from the received data, and compares and refers to the extension and extension data in the file name, so that the received data has a print compatible capability for the printer 1. It is determined whether the data is print compatible data. For details, read the file name “aaaa.bbb” in the header of the data, extract the extension “bbb” from the file name, and compare the extension “bbb” with the extension data. Judge whether or not. This reference comparison is not case sensitive. Then, the object transmission / reception unit 64 performs a data selection process that permits the reception of print-compatible data based on the determination result, but rejects the reception of non-print-compatible data. When the object transmission / reception unit 64 is print-compatible data, the object transmission / reception unit 64 transfers the object data and data with the file extension “bbb” (referred to as file extension data) to the printer 1 side.

  On the printer 1 side, a card driver 71, an IrDA UART driver (hereinafter referred to as a UART driver) 72, a data transfer unit 73, an IrDA profile unit 74, a text data raster processing unit 75, an image data raster processing unit 76, and a print engine 77 are provided. Is provided.

  The card driver 71 and the UART driver 72 are configured by hardware and software including a driver circuit built in the slot communication unit 45e in FIG. The data transfer unit 73 is a functional part realized by the CPU 41 executing the communication protocol program. Further, the IrDA profile unit 74, the text data raster processing unit 75, and the image data raster processing unit 76 are functional parts realized by the CPU 41 executing the application program. Further, the print engine 77 is a printing process comprising a software part realized by the CPU 41 executing an application program, an ASIC 46, drivers 47a to 47e, a paper feed motor M1, a carriage motor M2, a piezoelectric element PZ, a cutter motor M3, and the like. It is comprised from the hardware part which implement | achieves.

  When applied to the OSI reference model, the card driver 71 and the UART driver 72 correspond to the data link layer and the network layer. The data transfer unit 73 corresponds to a transport layer and a session layer, and the IrDA profile unit 74, the text data raster processing unit 75, and the image data raster processing unit 76 correspond to a presentation layer and an application layer.

  The card driver 71 is a communication driver that exchanges signals and data with the CF-type communication card 13, and issues necessary instructions to the UART driver 72 based on instructions from the CPU 41.

  The UART driver 72 controls the communication operation of the printer side UART 34 built in the CF type communication card 13. For example, the UART driver 72 controls the printer side UART 34 based on instructions from the CPU 41 and the card driver 71. When the UART driver 72 receives an interrupt request from the printer-side UART 34, the printer 1 opens the input port and starts to capture data unless the printer 1 is busy receiving data from the other communication units 45b to 45d.

  Further, the card driver 71 receives extension data from the CPU 41 and stores it in the setup data storage unit 71a during an initialization process executed by the CPU 41 when the printer 1 is powered on. Then, the card driver 71 reads the extension data stored in the setup data storage unit 71a based on an instruction from the CPU 41 that detects the electrical connection between the printer 1 and the CF type communication card 13 for the first time after the power is turned on. It transmits to the communication card 13. In this embodiment, “vcf”, “vnt”, “jpeg”, and “jpg” are set in the extension data as the extension of the print compatible file. The extension data sent to the CF type communication card 13 is set up on the CF type communication card 13 side by being stored in the corresponding extension storage unit 64a by the object transmitting / receiving unit 64. When the UART driver 72 receives a notification such as an error notification detected by the data transfer unit 73 and the profile unit 74, the UART driver 72 transmits a signal to that effect to the card control unit 31. The card control unit 31 manages the communication status indicating the data reception state by monitoring the data and signals received from the mobile phone 14 and the printer 1, and displays the display unit (LED ) Display control of 13b. The CF type communication card 13 notifies the sender of the data reception state by the lighting state of the display unit 13b.

  When the data transfer unit 73 receives the object data and the file extension data sent from the object transmission / reception unit 64 of the CF type communication card 13, the data transfer unit 73 sends the file extension data to the profile unit 74 and the object data. Judge whether it was received correctly. This determination is made according to a transmission control procedure in which a procedure for verifying whether or not the object data has been received correctly is programmed. The transmission control procedure includes a basic procedure and an HDLC (High Level Data Link procedure). In this example, a transmission control procedure in which the basic procedure is simplified is adopted. Note that the error detection method employed for error control is not limited to the CRC detection method, but may be a parity check method, a checksum, or a Hamming code.

  The data transfer unit 73 sequentially sends the data (the message body or the message division block) to the next IrDA profile unit 74 when the data can be correctly received by the transmission control procedure 73a, and when the data cannot be correctly received, the data transfer unit 73 Request the transmitter / receiver 64 to retransmit the data. Receiving this retransmission request, the object transmission / reception unit 64 retransmits the data transmitted to the data transfer unit 73 immediately before. The data transfer unit 73 instructs the UART driver 72 to transmit an error notification signal to the object transmission / reception unit 64 when a timeout occurs without being retransmitted after a retransmission request.

  The IrDA profile unit 74 includes an extension identification unit 81, a number determination unit 82, a note analysis unit 83, a division processing unit 84, a text data format conversion unit 85, a template storage unit 86, an image data decoding unit 87, and a determination unit. 88.

  The extension identifying unit 81 identifies the file format of the object data from the file extension data input from the data transfer unit 73. That is, it identifies the extension of personal information data (vCard file format), attached format image data (vNote file format), or image data (JPEG file). That is, if the file extension data is “vcf”, it is identified as “vCard file”, if “vnt”, it is identified as “vNote file”, and if it is “jpeg” or “jpg”, “JPEG file”. Identify. The extension identifying unit 81 sorts the destination of the object data sent from the data transfer unit 73 thereafter according to the identification result of the file extension. That is, if the file extension is “vcf”, the extension identifying unit 81 sends the vCard file (personal information data) to the number determination unit 82, and if the file extension is “vnt”, the vNote file (image) Data) is sent to the image data decoding unit 87. Further, if the file extension is “jpeg” or “jpg”, the JPEG data is sent to the image data raster processor 76. Here, uppercase and lowercase letters are not distinguished in the extension data.

  The number determination unit 82 determines whether the vCard file is a “single case” file including one piece of personal information or an “all case” file including a plurality of pieces of personal information. If it is determined that the file is a “single case” file, the vCard file is sent to the note analysis unit 83. If it is determined that the file is “all cases”, the vCard file is sent to the division processing unit 84. The determination result of the number determination unit 82 is “N = 0” for “single case” and “N = 1” for “all cases”, and the determination value N is sent to the text data format conversion unit 85. Sent.

  The note analysis unit 83 reads and analyzes the text described in the Note area of the vCard file. When printing a single piece of personal information, it is possible to specify a print layout by describing a predetermined designated character in the note area, and whether or not the print layout is designated by the designated character is determined. Therefore, the description contents of the note area are analyzed. In the present embodiment, numbers (numbers) are adopted as designated characters. The reason for adopting numbers is that the number of characters is small and identification is easy. In addition to numbers, alphabets (for example, A, B, C,...) Can be adopted as designated characters. The note analysis unit 83 sends the designated character information M (for example, the number M = 1, 2,... N) obtained as an analysis result to the text data format conversion unit 85.

  When the division processing unit 84 starts to sequentially input all the case files in units of message division blocks, the division processing unit 84 examines the contents of the data while storing them in a buffer (not shown), and divides them by a predetermined number of times by extracting a delimiter for each case. Then, the personal information data is sent out to the text data format conversion unit 85 for the next processing by the predetermined number of divisions. In this embodiment, the predetermined number of cases is set to one, and all data in the vCard file is sequentially divided into individual information for each case, while the division processing unit 84 converts the text data format for the next processing one by one. Sent to the unit 85.

  The text data format conversion unit 85 converts personal information data (text data) from the vCard format to the XHTML (Extensible Hyper Text Markup Language) format. However, before performing format conversion, whether the object data is in vCard format is analyzed to verify that the data is in vCard file format. For example, the presence or absence of properties (“BEGIN VCARD”, “N”, “SOUND”, etc.) that should be provided for data in the vCard file format is confirmed. If the data is not in the vCard file format, the data is discarded and the CF type communication card 13 is notified through the UART driver 72 that the data is incorrect. On the other hand, if the data is in the vCard file format, the object data is subjected to format conversion processing. When the vCard file of the type having an image attachment function is analyzed, the attached encoded JPEG image data is transferred to the image data decoding unit 87. As described above, the text data format conversion unit 85 analyzes and verifies whether the extension is “vCard” but the contents of the data are also correctly in the vCard format. If the image data decoding unit 87 is a vNote file of a type including text data described by the memo pad function, the text data format conversion unit 85 accepts only the text data. Since it has been verified, no analysis is performed.

  When performing the format conversion process, the text data format conversion unit 85 first reads a print layout template (hereinafter referred to as a template) described in the XHTML format from the template storage unit 86. In the template, a layout frame is specified by a tag description so that the value (text data) of each item (property) constituting the object data can be assigned to a predetermined position. By incorporating (flowing in) the value (text data) of the corresponding item (property) into the layout frame, the personal information in the vCard format is converted into the XHTML format with a template. In other words, the vCard file is originally a file format that does not have a layout concept, but a file format (XHTML) in which a layout can be defined from a file format (vCard) in which a layout cannot be defined so that it can be printed with a predetermined layout at the time of printing. ). A layout is defined by a tag by using a template described in the XHTML format at the time of format conversion. The text data format conversion unit 85 sends XHTML data in which personal information is embedded in the template to the text data raster processing unit 75.

On the other hand, the image data decoding unit 87 receives the object data in the vNote file format from the extension identifying unit 81, analyzes the contents of the object data, and verifies whether the data is in the vNote file format. For example, the presence or absence of a property or the like that should be provided in the case of vNote file format data is confirmed. If the data is not in the vNote file format, the data is discarded and the CF communication card 13 is notified through the UART driver 72 that the data is incorrect. On the other hand, if the data is in the vNote file format, the attached encoded image data is extracted, and when it is analyzed that the text data described in the memo pad function is included, the image data is The remaining extracted data is transferred to the text data format conversion unit 85. Then, a decoding program (Bese64) prepared in advance is activated to decode the encoded JPEG image data attached to the vNote file into JPEG image data. In this manner, the image data decoding unit 87 analyzes and verifies whether the extension is “vnt” but the contents of the data are also correctly in the vNote format. The image data decoding unit 87 sends the decoded JPEG image data to the image data raster processing unit 76.

  The text data raster processing unit 75 performs raster processing on the XHTML data received from the text data format conversion unit 85. This raster processing includes XHTML analysis processing, layout setting processing, color conversion processing, and binarization processing. First, in the XHTML analysis process, the XHTML data is analyzed to extract layout template information described in the XHTML language and personal information described in the text language. Then, the description content (layout template information) described in the XHTML language (tag) is analyzed to calculate the allocation position of the personal information text (value of each property), and the position coordinate data (address) of the calculated allocation position is calculated. get. In the layout setting process, the character code of the personal information text is converted into character data, and the personal information text embedded in the XHTML data is developed as dot data based on the obtained character data and position coordinate data. A color conversion process and a binarization process are performed on the expanded dot data, and then the binarization data is subjected to a process of rearranging in the dot formation order at the time of printing. As a result of the XHTML analysis process, if the XHTML data includes an image (only address designation), a transfer request is issued to designate the address data of the image and transfer the image data to the mobile phone 14, and respond to this transfer request. When the image data is transferred from the mobile phone 14, layout setting processing is performed for the entire image and text. Therefore, when text and an image are included, a layout in which the text and the image are arranged at predetermined positions is determined. Here, when an image is included in the vCard data, it is necessary to decode the encoded image data (Base64). In the present embodiment, the image data acquired from the mobile phone 14 is temporarily stored in the image data decoding unit 87. The JPEG data after being sent and decoded by the image data decoding unit 87 is returned to the text data raster processing unit 75 to indirectly perform the decoding process. When the vCard data includes an image as described above, a configuration in which only image address data is embedded in the vCard data as in this embodiment may be used, or a configuration in which image data is embedded in the vCard data from the beginning may be used. In the case of this latter configuration, it is possible to eliminate the transfer process for transferring only the image data later.

  The image data raster processing unit 76 performs raster processing on the JPEG image data. However, for the JPEG data sent directly without going through the image data decoding unit 87 before raster processing, the contents of the data are analyzed to verify whether the data is in JPEG file format. For example, the presence or absence of information that should be provided in the case of JPEG file format data is confirmed. If the data is not in the JPEG file format, the data is discarded and the CF type communication card 13 is notified through the UART driver 72 that the data is incorrect. On the other hand, if the data is in JPEG file format, the process proceeds to raster processing. As described above, the image data raster processing unit 76 analyzes and verifies whether the extension is “jpeg” but the data contents are also correctly in the JPEG format.

  The raster processing includes JPEG analysis and decoding processing, layout setting processing, color conversion processing, and binarization processing. In JPEG analysis and decoding processing, since JPEG image data is compressed image data, this is first expressed using the YCbCr color system (luminance (Y), blue color difference (Cb), and red color difference (Cr). Decompress to color-based (uncompressed) image data. The YCbCr color system multi-value image data obtained by decompression is further converted into RGB color system multi-value image data. In the layout setting process, an allocation area in which RGB color system multi-value image data is allocated on a sheet is calculated, and the image is assigned to an address on the work memory (image buffer) 44b determined from the calculated allocation area. Expand as dot data. After the developed image data (dot data) is subjected to color conversion processing and binarization processing, the binarized data is subjected to processing for rearranging in the dot formation order at the time of printing. The same processing is performed for the raster processing of the JPEG image after the layout setting processing in the text data raster processing section 75 described above. When text is included in the vNote data, the image data raster processing unit 76 performs layout setting processing for the entire text and image. The second determination means is constituted by the text data format conversion unit 85, the image data decoding unit 87, and the image data raster processing unit 76 that analyze and verify the contents of the object data in each file format (vCard, vNote, JPEG). Is done.

  The print engine 77 sets rasterized CMYK binary image data (raster data) developed on the image buffer as a print command header and sets it as a printer print command. The engine controller executes a print mechanism based on the printer print command. By being driven, printing is performed on the paper.

  Note that the text data raster processing unit 75 and the image data raster processing unit 76 receive a CF type communication card in the printer 1 so that data in file formats (XHTML format and JPEG format) handled by the Bluetooth-compatible mobile terminal BC can also be printed. It is an existing one that was provided before the system was adopted. In this example, minimization is achieved by sharing this existing part with respect to a functional part that needs to be added so that even cellular phone compatible file data received via the CF-type communication card 13 can be printed. In other words, by adding a function part for converting the data of the mobile phone compatible format (vCard format and vNote format) to the Bluetooth compatible format in the IrDA profile unit 74, each raster processing unit 75, 76 is diverted.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating the flow of data processing from when data received by a printer using a plurality of communication methods is converted into print data to printing. As the communication method, only the memory card reading method, the Bluetooth communication method, and the infrared communication (IrDA) method are listed. The data received by these communication methods is handled in different file formats depending on the type of the transmission source device, but the printer 1 is capable of printing regardless of the difference in the file formats handled by each communication method. The memory card reading method is based on the premise that the image data captured by the digital camera is read from the memory card and printed, and thus the read data is JPEG data generally adopted by the digital camera. Data received by the Bluetooth communication method is XHTML data and JPEG data that are frequently used in a Bluetooth-compatible mobile terminal BC such as a PDA. Data received by the infrared communication (IrDA) method is vCard format data and vNote format data adopted by the mobile phone 14. If the file format of the received data is different as described above, different data processing is required for each file format before printing into print data and printing.

  The printer 1 of the present embodiment receives a print processing function that handles print data received from a printer driver in a host computer, a print processing function that processes image data (JPEG) read from a memory card, and a Bluetooth communication method. And a print processing function for processing XHTML data. In this embodiment, when the infrared communication method is adopted, the IrDA communication module is provided in the form of the CF communication card 13 by using the card slot 12 originally provided for the memory card so that it can be mounted in the card format. I have to. Therefore, it is almost unnecessary to change the shape design of the casing (main body case) of the printer 1 and the printer 1 casing can be used before and after the introduction of the infrared communication method. No need for In addition, the printer 1 only needs to add an IrDA communication chip (hardware circuit), and the rest only needs to be added / changed in software such as the IrDA communication protocol and application. As a result, the IrDA communication function is added in such a manner that the existing circuit is shared without changing the existing circuit.

Hereinafter, a characteristic configuration of a printer in which only a simple configuration is added by sharing an existing configuration when introducing an infrared communication method will be described with reference to FIG.
What was added when the infrared communication system was introduced was an IrDA communication comprising a CF-type communication card 13 set in the card slot 12 and an IrDA communication chip, a communication protocol, an application, and the like provided in the main body 2. It is the processing unit 120.

  As already described, the CF-type communication card 13 includes the infrared light emitting / receiving unit 13a, the IrDA communication circuit 61, the IrDA stack 62, the file transfer unit (IrOBEX) 63, the object transmission / reception unit 64, and the UARTs 33 and 34. The cellular phone 14 that transmits data to the CF-type communication card 13 by infrared communication has a similar communication layer structure, and includes an infrared light emitting / receiving unit 20, an IrDA communication circuit 121, an IrDA stack 122, a file transfer unit (IrOBEX) 123, and An application 124 is provided. The IrDA communication processing unit 120 includes drivers 71 and 72, a data transfer unit 73, and an IrDA profile unit 74. The IrDA profile unit 74 is constructed by software that converts data handled by the mobile phone 14 into a file format or data handled by another communication method.

  On the other hand, the components for realizing the memory card reading method include an image selection process including a slot communication unit 45e, an image data raster processing unit 76, a UI (user interface) for selecting image data stored in the memory card MC, and the like. Part (not shown). The image data raster processing unit 76 has a function of raster processing JPEG image data, and includes a decompressor 91 as a first output processing unit and a YCbCr / RGB converter 92 as a second output processing unit.

  Further, the components that realize the Bluetooth communication system are a BT communication unit 45c, a text data raster processing unit 75, and an image data raster processing unit 76. The BT communication unit 45c includes a Bluetooth communication circuit (hereinafter referred to as BT communication circuit) (physical layer) 125, a Bluetooth communication protocol stack (hereinafter referred to as BT stack) 126, a file transfer unit (OBEX) 127, BPP128, and BIP129 ( Both have an application layer). The portable terminal BC that transmits data to the BT communication unit 45c also has a similar communication layer structure. The BT communication circuit (physical layer) 131, the BT stack 132, the file transfer unit (OBEX) 133, the BPP 134, and the BIP 135 (both applications) Layer). The text data raster processing unit 75 has a function of raster processing text data in XHTML format, and includes an interpretation processing unit 90 and a character generator 98. The JPEG image data received by the BT communication unit 45c is transferred to the image data raster processing unit 76 and subjected to raster processing. That is, since the Bluetooth communication method and the memory card reading method handle image data in the same file format, the image data raster processing unit 76 is shared for raster processing.

  The XHTML data sent from the BPP 128 of the BT communication unit 45c is interpreted by the interpretation processing unit 90, whereby a character code and layout data are extracted. Among them, the character code is converted into a dot-structured character pattern by the character generator 98, and the layout data is used to determine the arrangement position of the character pattern when developing the image.

On the other hand, the IrDA profile unit 74 of the IrDA communication processing unit 120 includes a text data processing unit (vCrad processing unit) 141 that mainly performs data format conversion processing from vCard format to XHTML format, and a data format from vNote format to JPEG format. An image data processing unit (vNote processing unit) 142 that performs conversion processing. The text data processing unit 141 includes a number determination unit 82, a note analysis unit 83, a division processing unit 84, a text data format conversion unit 85, and a template storage unit 86. On the other hand, the image data processing unit 142 includes an image data decoding unit 87. The text data processing unit 141 converts the vCard text data into XHTML text data in a template embedded description format. That is, the text data processing unit 141 converts the vCard text data, which is a cellular phone compatible format, into XHTML text data, which is a Bluetooth compatible format, so that the text data raster processing unit 75 prepared for the Bluetooth compatible format data processing is displayed. Use. The image data processing unit 142 converts (decodes) the encoded image data in the vNote attached format into JPEG image data. In other words, the image data processing unit 142 is prepared for processing data corresponding to the Bluetooth compatible format and the memory card compatible format by converting (decoding) the encoded image data in the vNote attached format which is a format compatible with the mobile phone into JPEG image data. The image data raster processing unit 76 is used. As described above, the raster processing units 75 and 76 are commonly used for raster processing of data in a Bluetooth compatible format and a mobile phone compatible format.

  The image data received by any of the above three communication methods is sequentially processed by the image processing unit 46a and the print processing unit 46b after raster processing, and print data based on the image data is generated. Also, after raster processing of text data received by any of the three communication methods, the image processing unit 46a and the print processing unit 46b sequentially process the print data based on the text data. Then, the print mechanism 145 is driven and controlled by the print processing unit 46b based on the print data.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the printer 1 includes an authentication code storage unit 151 and an authentication code management unit 152. The mobile terminal BC or the mobile phone 14 has a function of requesting an input of an authentication code on the display 18 when a transmission operation is performed to transmit relatively confidential information such as personal information. At this time, if the same authentication code as that registered in the data transmission destination device is input, authentication is performed when the communication link is established, and data transmission becomes possible. In the printer 1, when an authentication code is input by operating the operation unit 10 while the authentication code registration menu is selected on the operation panel 8, the authentication code is stored in the authentication code storage unit (in this example, a predetermined recording area of the EEPROM 43) 151. Remembered. The authentication code management unit 152 reads and manages the authentication code from the authentication code storage unit 151 when the printer 1 is turned on and whenever the authentication code is input by the operation unit 10 for updating, and the authentication code is also stored. The data is sent to the BT communication unit 45c and stored in the storage unit 153 provided in the BT stack 126. The authentication code management unit 152 transmits the authentication card to the object transmission / reception unit 64 in the CF type communication card 13 and stores it in the storage unit 154 when the CF type communication card 13 is detected for the first time after the printer 1 is turned on. To do.

Next, IrDA communication performed between the mobile phone 14 and the CF type communication card 13 will be described.
FIG. 8 shows the data structure of the OBEX specification used at the time of file transfer. The data D includes an operation code OP, a header HD, and a data body DB. The operation code OP describes a command related to communication. “Connect”, “Disconnect”, “PUT”, “FPUT”, “GET”, “FGET”, “Abort”, “Response”, and the like are prepared as commands. “Connect” means a connection request, and “Disconnect” means a disconnection request. “PUT” is a data reception request, “FPUT” is a final data reception request (including the end of transmission data), “GET” is a data extraction request, and “FGET” is a final data extraction request (indication of reception data end). Means). “Abort” means abort and “Response” means response.

  In the header HD, information on the data body DB is described. The data body DB is data itself to be transmitted / received (transferred), and is usually divided into packets (blocks) having a predetermined size or less. In the case of this example, the object data transmitted from the mobile phone 14 to the printer 1 is divided into a plurality of parts and transferred when the data size exceeds a predetermined size. "Name", "Authentication", "filesize", "Bodylength", etc. are prepared. “Name” means a file name, “Authentication” means verification of qualification to access information, “filesize” means file size, and “Bodylength” means body data length. Since “Name” is described in the form of “file name.extension”, the “extension” of the file can be acquired by looking at the value of “Name”. Also, “Authentication” describes an authentication code (pin code) that can verify the qualification to access information when it is set. The mobile phone 14 is set to require the input of an authentication code when transmitting all items of personal information registered in the phone book function or all items of personal information in a specified group. When all such data is transmitted, an authentication code is input to an input field required on the display 18 after the transmission button is operated. The input authentication code is described in “Authentication” of the header HD.

  As already described with reference to FIG. 7, the printer 1 has an authentication code registration function. When all data is directly transmitted from the mobile phone 14 to the printer 1 for printing, the printer 1 is previously set on the operation panel 8. An authentication code is registered in the printer 1 by operating the operation unit 10.

FIG. 9 shows a transfer processing sequence for transferring data in the flow of mobile phone → infrared communication card (CF type communication card) → printer.
When a data transmission operation is performed with the mobile phone 14, an IrDA connection (physical connection) is first performed between the IrDA communication circuits 61 and 121 which are physical layers. An IrDA connection request is issued from the mobile phone 14, and the IrDA connection is established in such a manner that the CF communication card 13 responds to the request. Next, OBEX connection (logical connection) is performed. The mobile phone 14 requests OBEX connection (logical connection) by transmitting data having “Connect” as the operation code OP, and the CF communication card 13 responds to this with data having “Response” as the operation code OP. An OBEX connection (logical connection) is established.

  When the logical connection is established, the file transfer unit 123 divides the file data into data lengths within the maximum allowable data length of the body DB, and transfers the divided data in multiple times in units of the divided blocks (frames). At this time, “PUT” is used as the operation code OP, and data D in which a block is inserted in the body DB is created and transmitted. Thereafter, after waiting for reception of data having “Response” as the operation code OP, the next data D having “PUT” as the operation code OP is transmitted.

  The file transfer unit (IrOBEX) 63 on the CF-type communication card 13 side assembles sequentially received blocks to restore the data, and the restored data is transferred to the object transmitting / receiving unit 64. The object transmitting / receiving unit 64 transmits data to the printer 1 in units of blocks (frames) within a predetermined data size according to a transmission control procedure (basic procedure). At this time, the object transmitting / receiving unit 64 transmits “name.extension” acquired from “Name” of the header HD together with the data.

  Thus, when the data transfer process proceeds and the last block (data) is transferred from the mobile phone 14, “FPUT” is described in the operation code OP, so the file transfer unit 63 sets the operation code OP of the received data to “FPUT ”Is recognized as the last block, that is, a data reception completion notification. In response to this, the disconnection request with “Disconnect” as the operation code OP is sent from the mobile phone 14 to disconnect the OBEX connection (logical connection), and then the IrDA connection (physical connection) to disconnect the communication link. Blocked. Thereafter, the printer 1 generates print data from the received data, and printing is executed based on the print data.

  Note that if the cellular phone 14 is interrupted during data transmission, data having the operation code OP of “Abort” is transmitted to the CF-type communication card 13. In this case as well, the communication link is cut off through the same sequence of IrDA disconnection and OBEX disconnection. In this example, the file transfer function from the printer 1 to the mobile phone 14 is not provided. However, when data having the operation code OP of “GET” is sent from the mobile phone 14 to the CF type communication card 13, the printer The printer 1 may be provided with a transfer function for transferring a file stored in one memory to the mobile phone 14.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a program executed by the CPU 41 on the printer 1 side when a CF type communication card is inserted (set) into the card slot. Hereinafter, the processing content executed when the CPU 41 detects the CF type communication card 13 will be described.

  First, in step (hereinafter simply referred to as “S”) 10, it is determined whether or not the CF type communication card 13 has been inserted into the card slot 12 (that is, whether or not the CF type communication card 13 has been detected). If the CF type communication card 13 is inserted into the card slot 12, the process proceeds to S20, and if not inserted, the process is terminated.

  In S20, it is determined whether the inserted CF type communication card 13 is a memory card (CF memory card 13) or a CF type communication card 13. Specifically, when the connector is inserted into the card slot 12 and electrically connected, the input signal (input code) input by the CPU 41 via communication differs between the CF type communication card 13 and the memory card MC. Based on this, it is identified whether the communication partner inserted in the card slot 12 is the CF communication card 13 or the memory card MC. If it is the CF type communication card 13, the process proceeds to S30, and if it is a memory card, the process proceeds to S80.

  In S30, a processing path for the communication card is selected. That is, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a processing path through which data received from the CF-type communication card 13 through the bus 35 passes through the IrDA / UART driver 72, the data transfer unit 73, and the IrDA profile unit 74 is selected. .

  In S40, the CF type communication card 13 is set up. That is, the card driver 71 is instructed to read the extension data (reference data) from the setup data storage unit 71 a and transmit it to the object transmission / reception unit 64. As a result, the card driver 71 transmits the extension data to the object transmission / reception unit 64, and the object transmission / reception unit 64 that has received the data stores the extension data in the storage unit 64a.

Next, in S50, an interlock process is performed. That is, processing for determining whether or not to release the interlock is performed.
In S60, it is determined whether the interlock can be released. That is, the determination is made based on the interlock processing result. If it is OK to release the interlock, the process proceeds to S70. If the process returns to S50, then the interlock process is executed every predetermined time. If the interlock can be released in S60, the process proceeds to S70.

  In S70, a ready command for releasing the interlock is output. Upon receiving this ready command, the card control unit 31 (CPU 159) releases the interlock state, shifts to a communication status of “receivable”, and turns on the display unit 13b in green. The user recognizes that the CF type communication card 13 is in a state where data can be received when the display unit 13b is lit in green.

  On the other hand, in S80, the processing path for the memory card is selected. That is, when a memory card MC (not shown in the figure) is inserted into the card slot 12 in FIG. 7, an image read from the memory card MC through the bus 35 along the arrow path indicated by a two-dot chain line in the figure. A processing path is selected so that data is sent to the image data raster processing unit 76.

Next, communication conflict avoidance processing for avoiding communication conflict between the infrared communication method and other communication methods will be described.
FIG. 11 is a sequence illustrating an example of communication contention avoidance processing between the infrared communication method and another communication method. In this figure, an example of avoiding data reception conflict between the infrared communication method and the Bluetooth communication method (radio wave communication method) is shown, but the case where communication conflict between each communication method is avoided is basically the same.

  By the way, the card slot 12 specifically has an opening shape into which a plurality of types of memory cards can be inserted simultaneously, and is a memory of another type (for example, SD (TM) type) having a different size from the CF type memory card. If it is a card, it can be inserted at the same time. When the memory card and the CF type communication card 13 are simultaneously set in the card slot 12 and the CPU 41 detects both the CF type communication card 13 and the memory card MC, reception of the CF type communication card 13 is also valid. However, reception of the CF type communication card 13 is invalidated while data is being read from the memory card MC. In this respect, the processing basically performed is the same when data reception competes with a communication unit of another communication method.

Hereinafter, as an example of the communication conflict avoidance process, a data reception conflict avoidance process between the infrared communication method and the Bluetooth communication method will be described.
In FIG. 11, it is assumed that data is first transmitted from the mobile phone 14 to the infrared communication card (CF type communication card) 13. The CF type communication card 13 transfers the received data to the printer 1. The CF-type communication card 13 takes, for example, several tens of seconds to 1 minute, and receives data. When the data reception is completed, the CF-type communication card 13 notifies the mobile phone 14 of the completion of reception. The mobile phone 14 displays that the reception is complete, and the user confirms that the data has been transmitted to the printer 1 by viewing this. The printer 1 completes the data reception slightly after the completion of the reception of the CF-type communication card 13, and notifies the CF-type communication card 13 of the completion of the reception at that time.

The printer 1 performs a process of converting the received data into print data, executes (starts) printing based on the print data, and ends printing when all are printed out.
On the other hand, the mobile terminal BC having the right Bluetooth (hereinafter abbreviated as BT) communication function also transmits data to the BT communication unit 45c later than the mobile phone 14. In this case, the IrDA communication port on the printer 1 side is opened, and the other BT communication unit 45c, USB communication unit 45d, and parallel communication unit 45b are in a busy state, so data is not accepted. At this time, a reception rejection notification is transmitted from the BT communication unit 45c to the portable terminal BC. The reception refusal is displayed on the portable terminal BC, and the user can recognize the failure of data transmission.

  After the printing of the received data from the mobile phone 14 is completed, when the data is transmitted again from the mobile terminal BC to the BT communication unit 45c, the communication interface unit 45a in the printer 1 opens the port of the BT communication unit 45c and performs other communication. Make the port busy. Therefore, even if data is transmitted by infrared communication from the mobile phone 14 to the printer 1 that is receiving data from the mobile terminal BC, the mobile phone 14 is notified of the reception refusal. Data received from the portable terminal BC is processed in the printer 1 and the contents of the data are printed.

  Basically, when data reception by another communication method such as the parallel communication unit 45b, the USB communication unit 45d, and the serial communication unit (not shown) competes with the data reading from the memory card in the slot communication unit 45e. Are processed in the same sequence.

The effects of the first embodiment will be described below.
(1) A configuration in which one card slot 12 provided in the main body 2 of the printer 1 is shared by the memory card and the CF type communication card 13 is adopted. Therefore, when an infrared communication function is added to a printer such as Patent Document 2 having one slot for a memory card in the main body, there is no need to change the shape of the housing of the main body 2. Therefore, it is also possible to use the old manufacturing mold of the housing as it is.

  (2) Since both the memory card MC and the CF type communication card 13 are identified when they are inserted into the card slot 12, the user can operate the operation unit in order to make the printer 1 recognize which is inserted by the user. The labor of the input operation to operate 10 can be saved. In addition, since it identifies (recognizes) the CF communication card 13 or the memory card MC and determines the subsequent data processing path, appropriate data can be sent to an appropriate processing unit to perform appropriate processing. it can.

  (3) By providing a function for converting vCard format data received by infrared communication into the same XHTML format as the Bluetooth data in the printer 1, a processing unit 90 for converting XHTML data into print data The character generator 98 and the like can be shared. That is, by sharing the processing unit 90, the character generator 98, and the like, it is possible to reduce the number of processing units including processing circuits and processing programs to be newly added as much as possible.

  (4) Since the encoded image data attached to the vNote file received by infrared communication is decoded in the printer 1 to the same JPEG data as the file format read from the memory card MC, the JPEG data is A processing unit (decompressor 91, converter 92) or the like for converting to print data can be shared. That is, by sharing this processing unit and the like, it is possible to reduce the number of processing units including processing circuits and processing programs to be newly added as much as possible.

  (5) Even while recognizing that the CF-type communication card 13 is inserted into the card slot 12, it is possible to receive or read from the communication units 45b to 45d of other communication methods including Bluetooth communication and memory card reading. It is said. Therefore, although the infrared communication function is the insertion / removal type in which the CF type communication card 13 is inserted into the card slot 12, the user can use the printer 1 with the CF type communication card 13 inserted in the card slot 12 almost always. The printer 1 can be used as usual. This eliminates the trouble of inserting and removing the CF communication card 13 each time the infrared communication function is used.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a printer having two CF card slots.

  As shown in the figure, two card slots 12 a and 12 b arranged in two upper and lower stages are provided at the lower right side of the front surface of the main body 2 of the printer 1. The two card slots 12a and 12b have the same configuration as in the first embodiment, and both the memory card MC and the CF type communication card 13 can be inserted. For example, one is used for a memory card and the other is used for a CF card equipped with an infrared communication function.

  FIG. 13 shows an electrical configuration block diagram of a printer, a CF type communication card, and a mobile phone. The difference between the electrical configuration block diagrams of FIGS. 13 and 5 is that a second slot communication unit is provided on the printer side.

  In this configuration, the CPU 41 determines the type of card inserted into the first card slot 12 a and the second card slot 12 b via the communication interface 45 and the bus 49. The card type is determined according to the flowchart of FIG.

  When the memory card MC is inserted into the first card slot 12a and the second card slot 12b, both cards function as memory cards. The CPU 41 receives the instruction selected by the user through the operation of the operation unit 10, reads the information of the selected memory card, and temporarily stores it in the RAM 44. Thereafter, the CPU 41 displays an image on the display screen or performs printing in accordance with a user instruction.

  When the CF type communication card 13 is inserted into the first card slot 12a and the second card slot 12b, the CPU 41 controls the communication interface unit 45a to open the port of the first slot communication unit 45f during communication, The port of the 2-slot communication unit 45g is always closed.

  When the CF type communication card 13 is inserted into the first card slot 12a and the memory card MC is inserted into the second card slot 12b, the CPU 41 operates the operation unit 10 with the received data from the CF type communication card 13 first. It is determined whether the information from the memory card MC is first. As described with reference to FIG. 5, the CPU 41 issues a command to open a port with respect to data that has reached the communication interface unit 45 a first. In this case, the same applies to the configuration in which the memory card MC is in the first card slot 12a and the CF-type communication card 13 is in the second card slot 12b.

FIG. 14 shows a sequence diagram when the CF type communication card and the memory card compete.
First, when data is transmitted from the mobile phone 14 to the infrared communication card (CF type communication card) 13 on the upper side of FIG. 14, the data is transferred from the infrared communication card 13 into the printer 1. When the printer 1 receives the data, the printer 1 transmits a reception completion notification to the infrared communication card 13 and transmits the notification data to the mobile phone 14. By receiving a notification of reception completion on the mobile phone 14, the user can confirm that the transmitted data has been transmitted to the printer 1 without fail. Thus, the data transmitted from the mobile phone 14 is printed. On the other hand, even if the user operates the operation panel 8 to read the data on the memory card MC after the printer 1 starts to receive the data on the mobile phone 14, the CPU 41 refuses to read the data on the memory card MC. The data reading prohibition state of the memory card MC continues after the printer 1 starts receiving data until a reception completion notification is transmitted.

  On the lower side of FIG. 14, it is faster for the user to operate the operation panel 8 to read data from the memory card MC, contrary to the upper side. The printer 1 reads data from the memory card MC and executes printing. On the other hand, the data transmitted from the mobile phone 14 cannot be received until the data reading from the memory card MC is completed. Therefore, the data transmitted from the mobile phone 14 is eventually notified of rejection of reception by the printer 1 and is notified to the mobile phone 14 via the infrared communication card 13 as a reception error message.

  When the infrared communication card 13 is inserted in the first card slot 12a and the memory card MC is inserted in the second card slot 12b, the data in the memory card can be printed by the printer 1. However, when the infrared communication card 13 receives data and prints the data, it cannot be printed. This is because the communication interface 45 is controlled to close the data reception port of the memory card MC. This control mechanism works not only between the slot communication units 45f and 45g but also between the parallel communication unit 45b, the BT communication unit 45c, and the USB communication unit 45d.

  Further, when two CF-type communication cards 13 are inserted into the two card slots 12a and 12b, a function for preventing a reception error caused by simultaneous reception of the same data by either CF-type communication card 13 or the like. Is provided in the printer 1. When the user has a plurality of CF-type communication cards 13, there are cases where two CF-type communication cards 13 are left inserted in the card slots 12a and 12b. If the two CF communication cards 13 receive data from the mobile phone 14 at the same time, the communication interface 45 may open either the first slot communication unit 45f or the second slot communication unit 45g. This may lead to reception errors. In this case, in the processing of the CPU 41, the CF type communication card 13 inserted in the first card slot 12a is set in advance so that priority is given. When two CF-type communication cards 13 are inserted in each of the card slots 12a and 12b, the CF-type communication card 13 on the side inserted in one predetermined first card slot 12a is effective. I try to make it.

Hereinafter, effects of the second embodiment will be described.
(4) In a printer provided with two card slots 12a and 12b, the infrared communication card 13 and the memory card MC can be simultaneously inserted. Further, two memory cards MC or two infrared communication cards 13 can be inserted.

  (5) Even when two CF-type communication cards 13 are respectively inserted into the two card slots 12a and 12b, the CF-type always on one of the predetermined card slots (the first card slot 12a in this example) side The communication card 13 is validated. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a reception error that occurs when the two CF-type communication cards 13 are both valid and data is simultaneously transmitted to the two slot communication units 45f and 45g.

The embodiment is not limited to the above, and can be modified as follows.
(Modification 1) In a printer provided with two CF card slots, when an infrared communication card is inserted in one side and a memory card is inserted in the other, it is received via an infrared communication card (CF type communication card) 13 A configuration in which a function of saving (writing) data to the memory card MC is added can also be adopted. In this case, the slot communication unit 45e is equipped with a reading / writing device having both a reading function and a writing function. “Memory card storage mode” is selected from the menu screen by operating the operation unit 10 of the operation panel 8. The CPU 41 identifies in which of the first card slot 12a and the second card slot 12b the CF type communication card 13 is set and in which is the memory card MC set. Then, when the write execution selection is requested on the menu screen, the user presses the decision switch 10h. When the CPU 41 inputs a pressing signal from the determination switch 10h, when it recognizes that the CF type communication card 13 and the memory card MC are inserted in both the card slots 12a and 12b, “send data”, etc. Is displayed on the screen to prompt the user to send data by infrared communication from the mobile phone 14 or the like. After checking that the data received via the CF-type communication card 13 is an appropriate data type from the extension, if it is an appropriate data type, the data is written to the memory card MC. Note that the file name is checked before writing, and if a file with the same file name is already stored in the memory card MC, it is confirmed on the screen whether or not the user can write it. According to this configuration, by temporarily storing data in the memory card MC inserted in the printer 1, the data can be printed out when it is desired to print later.

(Modification 2) Also, when it is desired to continuously transmit a plurality of data, the memory card writing function is used to transmit and store data to be printed on the memory card MC first, and the printer can store the memory card. A configuration in which a plurality of transmitted data is sequentially read out and printed is also adopted. Select “Send print data” on the screen after selecting “Memory card save mode”. Under this mode, a plurality of data is received and written sequentially into the memory card MC, and the data received and written in advance from the memory card MC is read out in accordance with the progress of the printing process, and the printing process proceeds. According to this configuration, even when the printer 1 does not have a sufficient reception buffer capacity, writing to the memory card MC eliminates the waiting time for transmitting data at intervals, and continuously transmits a plurality of data items for continuous printing. It becomes possible to make it. Therefore, by using the memory card MC to store the data, the same effect as that obtained by adding memory to the printer can be obtained. In addition, the user of the mobile phone 14 can delete the data from the mobile phone 14 after transmitting the data, and the memory capacity of the mobile phone 14 can be saved.

  (Modification 3) The data written to the memory card MC is not limited to the received data itself. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which JPEG data obtained by decoding encoded image data attached to a vNote file by an image data decoding unit 87 in the printer is written to the memory card MC. In this case, even if it is identified that the memory card MC is inserted in the slot and the read data is sent to the image data raster processing unit 76, it is JPEG data, so when the data contents are analyzed. No error occurs. Further, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which the extension identification unit 81 identifies whether the data received from the mobile phone 14 is in the vNote format or the vCard format, and selects only the image data and writes it to the memory card MC. Furthermore, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which XHTML data obtained by converting vCard data received by the printer 1 into an XHTML format corresponding to the template format is written to the memory card MC. Since XHTML data is a file format (data type) that can include text data, image data, and template information, it is one of the data formats suitable for printing out and displaying on a personal computer or the like. In addition, for a printer that does not support the vCard format but supports the XHTML format, it is possible to insert a memory card MC into the slot and perform printing.

  (Modification 4) In the printer 1 having one card slot 12, the CF type communication card 13 is inserted into the card slot 12, and another type of memory card (for example, smart media or memory stick) is inserted into the same card slot. Insert into 12 different openings (insertion openings). Then, a function of storing (writing) data received by the CF type communication card 13 in a memory card MC of a format other than the CF type is provided. That is, the card slot 12 is formed so that a plurality of types of memory cards having different opening shapes can be inserted at the same time, and a CF type, an SD type, etc. can be inserted at the same time. The card slot 12 has an opening shape that can be inserted into a plurality of types. In this case, a CF-type communication card 13 is inserted into the CF-type opening portion of the card slot 12, and a format other than the CF-type (for example, SD-type) is used. For example, an SD memory card is inserted into the opening. Also in this case, since the CPU 41 can recognize the insertion of the CF type communication card 13 and the memory card MC of a format other than the CF type, the data received via the CF type communication card 13 is written into the memory card MC. In this case, the CF-type communication card 13 is used for both the role of receiving data to be printed directly and the role of receiving data to be written in the temporary memory card MC. Provide the memory card with a function to send back a message indicating whether data is being saved. According to this configuration, variations in the function of transmitting data from the mobile phone 14 or the like to the printer by infrared communication increase, and there is room for selection on the user side for use.

  (Modification 5) A configuration in which the memory cards MC and MC are inserted into the two card slots 12a and 12b, respectively, can be employed. In this case, the printer 1 has a function capable of selecting whether to read data from the memory card MC inserted into which card slot on the screen of the operation panel 8. For example, the screen indicates that the slot of the reading source should be selected, and the number to be selected is displayed, so that the cursor is placed on the number selected by the direction switch (upper switch 10f, lower switch 10g). At the same time, the determination switch 10h is pressed. When the memory card MC is determined in this way, attribute information such as the file name or photo number is read from the memory card MC and displayed on the screen, and the number or file name to be printed is selected from the attribute information. The CPU 41 reads the selected image data from the designated memory card MC and performs printing processing. According to this configuration, when a memory card is inserted into a plurality of memory cards, it is not possible to recognize which memory card should be read from, but since the user has a function to select and specify two cards, A memory card can be inserted into the slot and data can be read from the memory card and printed.

(Modification 6) The output device is not limited to a printer. It can also be implemented in a display device such as a color liquid crystal monitor or a liquid crystal projector that projects an image on a screen.
(Modification 7) In the present embodiment, the CF communication card is described as an infrared communication card. However, the present invention is not limited to the infrared communication card but can be applied to a Bluetooth compatible communication card.

The technical idea grasped from the embodiment and the modifications will be described below.
(1) In Claim 2, one slot is provided in the main body. According to this configuration, for example, when an output device having a slot into which a memory medium can be inserted is additionally equipped with a wireless communication function, a wireless communication device is inserted using one slot for the memory medium. Since the structure to be taken can be taken, a housing etc. are fundamentally unnecessary for a change. For this reason, it is not necessary to change the manufacturing mold of the housing before and after the addition of the wireless communication function.

  (2) In Claim 2, a plurality of the slots are provided in the main body. According to this configuration, the wireless communication device may be inserted into any of a plurality of slots, and the memory medium may be inserted into any of the slots. On the other hand, if dedicated slots are determined for the wireless communication device and the memory medium, mistakes in the slot are likely to occur, but this type of worry is unnecessary.

  (3) In claim 2, a plurality of the slots are provided in the main body, and recognizing that a plurality of the wireless communication devices are inserted into the slots, enables reception from only one of them, A communication control unit for invalidating reception from the other wireless communication device is provided. According to this configuration, it is possible to avoid communication interference that occurs due to a plurality of wireless communication devices receiving data transmitted from one mobile terminal.

  (4) In the output device according to claim 4, the output means performs a predetermined process on data received from a communication unit other than the communication unit of the slot in which the wireless communication device is inserted, and outputs the data. A first output processing unit that converts data, a second output processing unit that converts data received via the wireless communication device into data that can be processed by the first output unit, and driving means based on the output data And an output execution means for outputting an image by controlling the drive. According to this configuration, after the data received via the wireless communication device is converted by the second output processing unit, the converted data is converted into output data by the first output processing unit. Therefore, the first output processing unit that converts data received from other communication units into output data can be shared, and a processing circuit to be added to convert data received via the wireless communication device into output data The processing section can be reduced.

  (5) In an output device having at least two slots into which a memory medium can be inserted, among two or more memory media inserted into the slot, a slot or a memory medium that is a data reading destination And a reading means for reading data from the memory medium selected by the selecting means.

  (6) In an output device including a slot provided in the main body so that a memory medium can be inserted, and output means for performing output processing based on data read from the memory medium inserted in the slot, the main body includes: A slot into which a wireless communicator can be inserted; and the output means performs a first output process based on data read from a memory medium inserted in the slot, and the wireless communication inserted in the slot The second output processing is performed based on the data received through the device.

  (7) In an output device including a slot provided in the main body so that a memory medium can be inserted, and output means for performing output processing based on data read from the memory medium inserted in the slot, The wireless communication device is used both as a memory medium and identification means for identifying whether the target inserted in the slot is the wireless communication apparatus or the memory medium, and the output means includes the identification means When it is identified as the memory medium, a first output process is performed based on the data read from the memory medium, and when the identification means is identified as the wireless communication device, the first output processing is performed based on the data received via the wireless communication device. A second output process is performed.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the printer according to the first embodiment. The top view which shows the principal part of an operation panel. The perspective view of CF type | mold communication card (infrared communication card). (A) The top view of a mobile phone, (b) The screen figure which shows an example of the personal information displayed on the mobile phone. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a mobile phone, an infrared communication card, and a printer. The block diagram which shows the functional structure of a mobile telephone, an infrared communication card, and a printer. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a printer sharing structure. FIG. 6 is a data structure diagram in OBEX transfer. The sequence diagram of the data transmission from a mobile telephone to a printer. The flowchart which shows the initial process at the time of card | curd recognition. The sequence diagram which shows the competition avoidance process with infrared communication and electromagnetic wave communication. The perspective view of the printer in 2nd Embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a mobile phone, an infrared communication card, and a printer. The sequence diagram explaining the interference avoidance process of an infrared communication card and a memory card.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Printer as output device and printing device, 2 ... Main body as output device main body, 12 ... Card slot as slot, 13 ... CF card type infrared communication card (infrared communication card) as wireless communication device, 13a ... Infrared ray Light emitting / receiving unit (communication port on the communication card side), 14... Mobile phone as a mobile terminal, 20... Infrared receiving and emitting unit (communication port on the mobile phone side), 41. Constructing CPU, 45e... Identifying means and slot communication section as receiving section and communication section, 45b to 45d... Communication section as other communication section, 46... ASIC configuring output means and print execution means, 46a ... an image processing unit constituting a first output processing unit, 46b ... a print processing unit constituting an output execution means and a print data generation unit, 64 ... The object transmitting / receiving unit, 71... Card driver, 73... Data transfer unit, 74... IrDA profile unit as the second output processing unit, 76... Output unit, printing unit, second output processing unit, and data processing unit Image data raster processing unit as a unit, 85... Output unit, printing unit, text data format conversion unit constituting the second output processing unit and data processing unit, 86... Template storage unit, 87... Output unit, printing unit and data Image data decoding unit constituting processing means, 91... Decompressor constituting first output processing unit, 92... YCbCr / RGB converter constituting first output processing unit, MC... Memory card as memory medium, D. , PZ: Piezoelectric elements as drive means.

Claims (11)

  An output device comprising a main body including a slot into which a wireless communication device can be inserted and a slot into which a memory medium can be inserted.   An output device, characterized in that a main body is provided with a slot used both as a wireless communication device and a memory medium.   3. The output device according to claim 2, further comprising identification means for identifying whether a target inserted in the slot is a wireless communication device or a memory medium. The output device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
Output means for performing output processing based on data received via a wireless communication device inserted in the slot and output processing based on data read from a memory medium inserted in the slot Output device. The output device according to claim 4, wherein
The output means includes: a first output processing unit that performs predetermined processing on data read from the memory medium and converts the data into output data; and the first output processing unit receives data received via the wireless communication device. A second output processing unit that converts the data into processable data, an output execution unit that drives and controls the driving unit based on the output data, and outputs an image;
An output device comprising: The output device according to claim 5, wherein
The first output processing unit is a print data generation unit that performs predetermined processing on data read from the memory medium and converts the data into print data;
The output execution means is a print execution means for driving and controlling a drive means based on the print data to print on a print medium. The output device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
A communication unit in the slot; a communication unit other than the communication unit in the slot; and a communication control unit that controls communication of the plurality of communication units. The communication control unit includes a wireless communication device in the slot. An output device characterized by allowing reception or reading of data via a communication unit other than the communication unit of the slot even in a state where it is recognized that it is inserted. The output device according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
A communication unit in the slot; a communication unit other than the communication unit in the slot; and a communication control unit that controls communication of the plurality of communication units. The communication control unit includes a wireless communication device in the slot. Data reception via the wireless communication device is prohibited during execution of output processing based on data acquired via a communication unit other than the communication unit of the slot even in a state of being recognized as being inserted. Output device. The output device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
A write control unit for writing data received via the wireless communication device to the memory medium in a state where it is recognized that both the wireless communication device and the memory medium are inserted in the slot; Output device. The output device according to claim 9, wherein
Data processing means for performing predetermined processing on the data received via the wireless communication device;
The output device, wherein the write control unit writes data after at least a part of the predetermined processing performed by the data processing means to the memory medium. The output device according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
It is inserted in a slot provided in the main body of the output device so as to be insertable / removable,
An output processing system comprising the wireless communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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