JP4367902B2 - Recording system, image supply device, printing apparatus, and control method therefor - Google Patents

Description

（４）CDPS_Jobのスクリプトの書式

（５）CDPS_Errorのスクリプトの書式
＜?XML version="1.0" encoding="UTF-16"?＞
＜command ( "CDPS_Error")＞
＜!ELEMENT status ( "fatal" | "warning" )＞
＜!ELEMENT reason ( "printer_occupied" | "printer_busy" | "ink_low" | "lever_error" | "load_error" | … )＞
なお、ここで「status」は、このエラーが、ジョブに復帰できるエラーか否かを記載する。例えば、"fatal"は復帰不能、"warning"は復帰可能を示す。また「reason」は、そのエラー原因を記載する。
（６）CDPS_JobData，CDPS_PartialJobDataのスクリプトの書式
＜?XML version="1.0" encoding="UTF-16"?＞
＜！ELEMENT command ( "CDPS_JobData" | "CDPS_PartialJobData" )＞
＜image (#PCDATA )＞
＜offset (#PCDATA )＞
＜size (#PCDATA )＞
尚、ここで「image」はファイルのハンドル名を記載し、「offset」は先頭からのオフセットのバイト数を記載し、「size」は取得する画像データのバイト数を記載する。但し、CDPS_JobDataの場合、オプション機能の部分取得を用いない場合は、これら「offset」及び「size」は無効である。
【００６７】
＜Capabilityのフォーマット＞
CDPS_Service機能およびCDPS_Job機能で用いられる＜capability＞の書式を以下に示す。
【００６８】

但し、「quality」は印刷品位を表し、「速い(draft)」、「普通(normal)」、「綺麗(finw)」を指定する。「paper_size」は用紙サイズ（L,2L,カード、4x6,A4、レターサイズ等）を表し、「paper_type」は用紙種類を表し、「普通紙(plain)」、「写真専用紙(photo)」を指定する。
【００６９】

但し、「image_type」は、サポートしている画像フォーマットを表す。「date」は日付印刷のオン／オフを表わしている。「file_name」は、ファイル名の印刷のオン／オフを表し、「image_ooptimize」は、画像補正のオン／オフを表わしている。「size_per_page」は、読み込み可能な画像データのサイズを表し、「layout」は各種用紙種類に対して可能なレイアウトを表す。
【００７０】

尚、この「option」で囲まれた部分は、各ベンダーに固有のPrinter Capabilityを表し、ここにはベンダー名と共に記載する。
【００７１】
＜Jobフォーマット＞
CDPS_Job機能で用いられる＜job＞の書式を以下に示す。
【００７２】

但し、上記「capability」で囲まれた部分は、以下に続く画像の印刷設定を表している。また、「printlist」で囲まれた部分は、このジョブ内で印刷する画像及び付加情報（日付、ファイル名）などを表わしている。
【００７３】
＜Jobフォーマットの具体例＞
次に、このＪｏｂフォーマットの具体例を説明する。
（Ａ）Ｌ版の写真用紙にHandle1の画像を日付を入れてフチなしで印刷する。
【００７４】

（Ｂ）Ｌ版の写真用紙に２×２のレイアウトでハンドル１〜６の６つの画像を印刷する。
【００７５】

［ＣＤＰＳの「標準」手順の流れの説明］
図１６は、本実施の形態に係るＣＤＰＳの基本的な処理の流れを説明する図で、ここでは上述した機能８００乃至８０３の間で送受信されているＣＤＰＳ機能を上から下方向に時系列的に表記してある。図中、破線上「Ａ」「Ｂ」「Ｃ」「Ｄ」で記述されている場所は、代表的と思われる機能分担の切り分け個所を示している。また前述の図８と共通する部分は同じ記号で示し、それらの説明を省略する。
【００７６】
前述のＣＤＰＳ初期化８００により、ＣＤＰＳモードへの移行がＰＤプリンタ装置１０００からＤＳＣ３０１２に通達されると（８０４）、これに応答してＤＳＣ３０１２から、ＤＳＣ３０１２がサポートしているレベル（「標準」、「拡張」、及びサポートしている機能）がＰＤプリンタ装置１０００に知らされる（８２１）。これに基づいてＰＤプリンタ装置１０００は、上述した機能８００〜８０３のそれぞれをＤＳＣ３０１２或いはＰＤプリンタ装置１０００のいずれで実施するかを決定し、その結果をＤＳＣ３０１２に伝える（８２２）。
【００７７】
８２３は、操作制御８０１から記憶制御８０２に対する、記憶デバイス８１１に記憶されている画像データのデータリストの要求を示しており、８２４はそれに応答して、記憶制御８０２が記憶デバイス８１１から読み出したデータを示している。これにより８０５で、記憶制御８０２から操作制御８０１に対してリストデータが送られ、ユーザ８１２の操作により、８２５で、印刷モードや印刷したい画像が選択されてプリントジョブが作成され、操作制御８０１に知らされる。これにより操作制御８０１からプリント制御８０３に対して、作成されたＵＩメニューを使用して入力されるユーザ８１２の指示に基づいて、出力設定指示書「CDPS_Job」８０８を作成してプリント制御８０３に通達する。そして８２６では、プリント制御８０３から記憶制御８０２に対して、その画像データが要求される。これにより記憶デバイス８１１から画像データ８２７が読み出され、印刷に必要な画像ファイル「Job Data」８０６が記憶制御８０２からプリント制御８０３に送られる。これによりプリント制御８０３において画像処理等が実行されて印刷データが作成され、プリントデバイス８１０に対して、その印刷データ８２８が送られて印刷が実行される。
【００７８】
ここで、もし印刷中にエラーが発生した場合には、エラー情報８２９がプリント制御８０３から操作制御８０１に送られる。このエラーに対してユーザ８１２が「印刷中止」或いは「印刷続行」を指示すると（８３１）、それに対応して、例えば「印刷中止」指令８３０が操作制御８０１からプリント制御８０３に送られる（このコマンドは図１５Ａに示される）。そしてプリント制御８０３から操作制御８０１に対してプリントジョブの終了が通知される（８３２）。
【００７９】
図１７は、ＤＳＣ３０１２が操作制御８０１と記憶制御８０２とを受け持ち、ＰＤプリンタ装置１０００がプリント制御８０３を受け持つ場合を説明する図である。この場合の機能の切り分け位置は、前述した図１６の「Ｃ」で示す位置となる。なお、この例はＰＴＰの場合で示しているが、ＴＣＰ／ＩＰ等の他の接続でも、ＤＳＣ３０１２の操作制御８０１、記憶制御８０２を用いた場合には同様となる。
【００８０】
この場合には、ＰＤプリンタ装置１０００は８２２において、機能８００〜８０３の内、操作制御８０１と記憶制御８０２をＤＳＣ３０１２で実施し、プリント制御８０３をＰＤプリンタ装置１０００で実行するように伝える。これにより、ＤＳＣ３０１２とＰＤプリンタ装置１０００との間での機能分担が図１７のように決定される。
【００８１】
図１８は、ＤＳＣ３０１２の記憶デバイス８１１をMass Storageとして扱い、ＰＤプリンタ装置１０００が操作制御８０１、記憶制御８０２及びプリント制御８０３を受け持つ場合を説明する図である。この場合の機能の切り分け位置は、前述した図１６の「Ａ」で示す位置となる。なお、この例はＰＴＰの場合で示しているが、ＴＣＰ／ＩＰ等の他の接続でも、ＤＳＣ３０１２の操作制御８０１、記憶制御８０２を用いた場合には同様となる。
【００８２】
この場合には、ＰＤプリンタ装置１０００は８２２において、機能８００〜８０３のの全ての機能をＰＤプリンタ装置１０００で実行するように伝える。これにより、ＤＳＣ３０１２とＰＤプリンタ装置１０００との間での機能分担が図１８のように決定される。
【００８３】
尚、ＰＴＰ等の他の接続でも、ＤＳＣ３０１２の有しているリソースを全く用いない場合には同様となる。また、ＤＳＣ３０１２がＣＤＰＳ初期化機能８００（CDPS Initialize）を有していない（ＣＤＰＳに対応していない機種）場合も同様となる。
【００８４】
以下、上述したＣＤＰＳにおけるサービス機能のコマンドをＰＴＰにより実施した場合の例を説明する。
【００８５】
［プリントサービス機能のＰＴＰによる実現例］
＜ＣＤＰＳサービスディスカバリ（CDPS_ServiceDiscovery）機能＞
図１９はＣＤＰＳサービスディスカバリー機能の手順を説明する図である。
【００８６】
ＰＤプリンタ装置１０００とＤＳＣ３０１２とが物理的に接続されてＰＴＰによる通信が可能になると、まず１４００で、ＰＤプリンタ装置１０００からＤＳＣ３０１２に対してGetDeviceInfoが送信され、ＤＳＣ３０１２に対して、その保持しているオブジェクトに関する情報が要求される。これに対してＤＳＣ３０１２は、DeviceInfo Datasetにより、ＤＳＣ３０１２に保持しているオブジェクトに関する情報をＰＤプリンタ装置１０００に送信する。次に１４０２で、OpenSessionにより、ＤＳＣ３０１２をリソースとして割り当て、必要に応じてデータオブジェクトにハンドルをアサインしたり、特別な初期化を行うための手順の開始要求が発行される。これに対してＤＳＣ３０１２から肯定応答（ＯＫ）が返送されるとＰＴＰでの通信が開始される。次に１４０３で、ＤＳＣ３０１２に対してスクリプト形式の全てのハンドルを要求する（Storage ID: FFFFFF, Object Type: Script）と、これに対して１４０４で、ＤＳＣ３０１２に保持されている全てのハンドルリストが返送される。次に１４０５，１４０６において、ＰＤプリンタ装置１０００からｉ番目のオブジェクトハンドルの情報を取得する。ここで、このオブジェクトに、ＤＳＣ３０１２の識別を示すキーワード（例えば「山」）が含まれていると、次に１４０７において、ＰＤプリンタ装置１０００からオブジェクト情報の送信を指示して（SendObjectInfo）、それに対して肯定応答（ＯＫ）を受信すると、SendObjectにより、オブジェクト情報をＰＤプリンタ装置１０００からＤＳＣ３０１２に対して送信する。ここで、このオブジェクトには、前述のキーワードに対する応答キーワード（合言葉）として例えば「川」が含まれている。
【００８７】
このようにして、ＰＤプリンタ装置１０００とＤＳＣ３０１２の双方が互いに接続相手を認識できることになり、これ以降はＣＤＰＳによる手順に移行することができる。このようにファイルの受渡しができるトランスポートレイヤーであればキーワードの受渡しを確実に行うことができる。即ち、本実施の形態のＣＤＰＳにユニークなコマンド等を追加することなく、キーワードを交換することができる。尚、ここでキーワードとしては、上述の例に限定されるものでなく、同じキーワードであっても良い。またこのキーワードによるネゴシエーションを行う時間を短縮するために、スクリプト形式のハンドルの最初（ｉ＝１）にこのキーワードを入れておくことにより、互いの機器を確認するのに要する時間を短縮できる。
【００８８】
図２０は、CDPS_ServiceDiscoveryの手順の続きを説明する図である。
【００８９】
ここではまず１５０１で、ＰＤプリンタ装置１０００がサポートしている手続「標準手順」、「拡張手順」をＤＳＣ３０１２に通知するためにSendObjectInfoにより、ＤＳＣ３０１２に対して送信したいオブジェクト情報があることを伝える。これに対して肯定応答（ＯＫ）がＤＳＣ３０１２から送られてくると、１５０２でSendObjectによりオブジェクトを送信する旨をＤＳＣ３０１２に伝え、次の１５０３のObjectDataで、このＰＤプリンタ装置１０００がサポートしている手続に関する情報（「標準」／「拡張」）を送信する。次に１５０４で、ＤＳＣ３０１２からＰＤプリンタ装置１０００に対して、GetObject動作を起動したい（プッシュモードに移行）旨を伝える。これにより１５０５で、ＰＤプリンタ装置１０００からオブジェクト情報に関する情報を受信する旨が伝えられると（GetObjectInfo）、１５０６で、ObjectInfo Datasetにより、ＤＳＣ３０１２からＰＤプリンタ装置１０００に対してオブジェクトの情報が通知され、１５０７で、そのオブジェクト情報を指定してオブジェクト情報そのものが要求されると、Object Datasetにより、ＤＳＣ３０１２が使用する手続（「標準」、「拡張」等）をＰＤプリンタ装置１０００に知らせる（１５０８）。
【００９０】
これにより、ＤＳＣ３０１２からＰＤプリンタ装置１０００に対して、画像の印刷モードを指定することができる。
【００９１】
＜CDPS_Service （標準）＞
図２１は、本実施の形態に係るＣＤＰＳにおけるプリンタ機能の通知手順を説明する図である。
【００９２】
この手順では、１６００において、ＰＤプリンタ装置１０００からＤＳＣ３０１２に対して送信したいオブジェクト情報があることを伝え、SendObjectとObjectDataにより、ＤＳＣ３０１２に対してプリンタ１０００の機能を通知する。
【００９３】
＜CDPS_JobData （標準）＞
図２２は、本実施の形態に係るＣＤＰＳにおける、ＰＤプリンタ装置１０００がＤＳＣ３０１２に保持されている画像データ（ＪＰＥＧ画像）を取得する場合（CDPS_JobData）の通信手順をＰＴＰアーキテクチャを用いて実現した例を説明する図である。
【００９４】
まず１８００で、ＤＳＣ３０１２（或いはストレージ）が保持しているオブジェクトに関する情報を要求すると、１８０１で、そのオブジェクトに関する情報（Object Dataset）がＤＳＣ３０１２からＰＤプリンタ装置１０００に送られる。次に、１８０２で、そのオブジェクトを指定して取得要求（GetObject）を発行すると、１８０３で、その要求された画像ファイル（Object Dataset）がＤＳＣ３０１２からＰＤプリンタ装置１０００に対して送信される。この様にしてＰＤプリンタ装置１０００は、ＤＳＣ３０１２から所望の画像ファイルを取得することができる。なお、この場合の戻り値は、「Data_Size」と「Image_Data」である。
【００９５】
＜CDPS_PageStart （標準）＞
図２３は、本実施の形態に係るＣＤＰＳにおけるプリント開始通知処理の手順を説明する図である。
【００９６】
この手順では、１７００において、ＰＤプリンタ装置１０００からＤＳＣ３０１２に対して送信したいオブジェクト情報（印刷開始通知）があることを伝え、１７０１で、SendObjectとObjectDataにより、ＤＳＣ３０１２に対してプリント開始を通知する。
【００９７】
＜CDPS PageEnd （標準）＞
図２４は、本実施の形態に係るＣＤＰＳにおける、ＰＤプリンタ装置１０００からＤＳＣ３０１２に対して、１ページのプリント処理を通知する通信手順をＰＴＰアーキテクチャを用いて実現した例を説明する図である。
【００９８】
この手順では、１９１０において、ＰＤプリンタ装置１０００からＤＳＣ３０１２に対して送信したいオブジェクト情報（印刷終了通知）があることを伝え、１９１１で、SendObjectとObjectDataにより、ＤＳＣ３０１２に対して１ページのプリント終了を通知する。
【００９９】
＜CDPS_JobEnd （標準）＞
図２５は、本実施の形態に係るＣＤＰＳにおける、ＰＤプリンタ装置１０００からＤＳＣ３０１２に対して、プリントジョブが終了したことを通知する通信手順をＰＴＰアーキテクチャを用いて実現した例を説明する図である。
【０１００】
１９１０で、ＰＤプリンタ装置１０００からＤＳＣ３０１２に対して１ページ印刷処理が終了したことが通知され、１９１１で、ＰＤプリンタ装置１０００からＤＳＣ３０１２に対して印刷ジョブが終了したことが通知される。
【０１０１】
＜CDPS Error （標準）＞
図２６は、本実施の形態に係るＣＤＰＳにおける、ＰＤプリンタ装置１０００からＤＳＣ３０１２に対してエラー状態などを通知する通信手順をＰＴＰアーキテクチャを用いて実現した例を説明する図である。
【０１０２】
まず１９００で、ＰＤプリンタ装置１０００からＤＳＣ３０１２に対して送信したいオブジェクト情報（エラー情報）がある旨をSendObjectInfoにより通知する。ＤＳＣ３０１２からの肯定応答（ＯＫ）に対して、ＰＤプリンタ装置１０００におけるエラー等のステータス情報をSendObjectおよびObjectDataにより送信する（１９０２）。
【０１０３】
＜CDPS Job （標準）＞
図２７は、本実施の形態に係るＣＤＰＳにおける、ＤＳＣ３０１２（操作制御）からＰＤプリンタ装置１０００に対して、プリントジョブの開始を通知する通信手順をＰＴＰアーキテクチャを用いて実現した例を説明する図である。
【０１０４】
まず２２００において、ＤＳＣ３０１２からＰＤプリンタ装置１０００に対してRequestObjectTransferを送り、ＤＳＣ３０１２が指示書を発行したい旨を通知する。これにより２２０１で、ＰＤプリンタ装置１０００からGetObjectInfoが発行されると、ＤＳＣ３０１２は送信したいオブジェクト情報に関する情報を送信し、これに対してＰＤプリンタ装置１０００からオブジェクト情報が要求されると（GetObject：２２０３）、２２０４で、Object Dataset（プリント指示書）を送信して、ＤＳＣ３０１２からＰＤプリンタ装置１０００に対して印刷命令を発行する。
【０１０５】
＜CDPS_JobAbort （標準）＞
図２８は、本実施の形態に係るＣＤＰＳにおけるＤＳＣ３０１２（操作制御）からＰＤプリンタ装置１０００（印刷制御）に対してプリント中止命令（CDPS_JobAbort）を発行する通信手順をＰＴＰアーキテクチャを用いて実現した例を説明する図である。
【０１０６】
＜CDPS_JobContinue （標準）＞
図２９は、本実施の形態に係るＣＤＰＳにおける、ＤＳＣ３０１２（操作制御）からＰＤプリンタ装置１０００（印刷制御）に対してプリント再開命令（CDPS_JobContinue）を発行する通信手順をＰＴＰアーキテクチャを用いて実現した例を説明する図である。
【０１０７】
図２８及び図２９において、図２７と同様の手順実行後、図２８の２３０１で、ＤＳＣ３０１２からＰＤプリンタ装置１０００に対して印刷中止指示書が発行され、図２９の２４０１では、ＤＳＣ３０１２からＰＤプリンタ装置１０００に対して印刷継続指示書が通知される。
【０１０８】
＜CDPS_PartialJobData （標準）＞
図３０は、本実施の形態に係るＣＤＰＳにおける、ＰＤプリンタ装置１０００（印刷制御）がＤＳＣ３０１２（ストレージ）に保持されている画像データ（ＪＰＥＧ画像）を取得する場合の部分画像の取得通信手順（オプション）をＰＴＰアーキテクチャを用いて実現した例を説明する図である。
【０１０９】
まず１９２０で、ＤＳＣ３０１２が保持しているオブジェクトに関する情報を要求すると、１９２１で、そのオブジェクトに関する情報（Object Dataset）がＤＳＣ３０１２からＰＤプリンタ装置１０００に送られる。次に、１９２２で、そのオブジェクトを指定して取得要求（GetObject）を発行する。尚、この部分画像取得機能は、前述したように、所望の画像データの先頭からバイト数（offset）と、取得したい画像データのバイト数（size）が指示されているので、１９２３では、その要求された画像ファイル（Object Dataset）の部分画像データがＤＳＣ３０１２からＰＤプリンタ装置１０００に対して送信される。この様にしてＰＤプリンタ装置１０００は、ＤＳＣ３０１２から所望の部分画像データを取得することができる。なお、この場合の戻り値は、「Data_Size」と「Image_Data」である。
【０１１０】
図３１は、本実施の形態に係るＣＤＰＳにおける、ＰＤプリンタ装置１０００（印刷制御）がＤＳＣ３０１２（ストレージ）に保持されている画像データ（ＪＰＥＧ画像）を取得する部分画像取得機能を受信した場合のＤＳＣ或いはストレージにおける処理を説明するフローチャートである。
【０１１１】
まずステップＳ２１で、＜image (#PCDATA )＞に含まれる画像ファイルのハンドル名を取得し、次にステップＳ２２に進み、「offset」により、先頭からのオフセットのバイト数を取得し、次にステップＳ２３では、「size」により、取得する画像データのバイト数を取得する。こうしてステップＳ２４に進み、記憶デバイス８１１の、指定された画像ファイルのオフセット位置から、指定されたバイト数の画像データを読込む。そしてステップＳ２５に進み、その読み出した部分画像データを、要求元であるＰＤプリンタ装置１０００或いは印刷制御８０３に送出する。
【０１１２】
以上説明した様に、ＰＴＰアーキテクチャ上でＰＤプリンタ装置１０００がＤＳＣ３０１２の保持する画像の部分画像取得を行う場合には、ＰＤプリンタ装置が「画像ファイルのハンドル」、「先頭からのオフセットバイト数」及び「取得する部分画像データのバイト数」がパラメータとして記述されたＰＴＰオペレーション「GetPartialObject」を発行する。ＤＳＣ３０１２は前記ＰＴＰオペレーションのパラメータに基づいて要求された部分画像データ部分を特定して前記ＰＴＰオペレーションの応答としてＰＤプリンタ装置１０００へと送出する事で部分画像データの転送が実現される。
【０１１３】
以上の説明では、物理層のＵＳＢの上にＰＴＰアーキテクチャを用いた場合で説明したが、以下、それ以外のアーキテクチャを用いた例を説明する。
【０１１４】
［ＭＳＣアーキテクチャ］
ここでは、ＭＳＣ（Mass Storage Class）を用いた例を説明する。ここでは図７に示すMass Storage ClassのＵＳＢインターフェースが使用される。この場合は、ＤＳＣ３０１２のＵＩを使用せずに、ＰＤプリンタ装置１０００のＵＩを使用する。従って、前述の操作制御８０１、記憶制御８０２及び印刷制御８０３は全てＰＤプリンタ装置１０００に配置されていることになる。そして基本的にはＰＤプリンタ装置１０００のファイルシステムを利用して、画像ファイルのOpen、Read、Close及びディレクトリ操作等（ファイル操作）により、前述したGetJobData及びGetPartialJobData、GetDataList（Fileシステムによる）を実行する。
【０１１５】
＜CDPS_ServiceDiscovery（標準／拡張）＞
この場合、ＰＤプリンタ装置１０００からＤＳＣ３０１２に対してCDPS_ServiceDiscoveryが送られるが、ＤＳＣ３０１２は、前述したＣＤＰＳ初期化８００の機能を有していなくても、それに対して応答がない場合には、ＰＤプリンタ装置１０００は自動的に「標準」で受信が確立したことにしてＭＳＣ（バルクオンリー）に移行し、操作制御８０１、記憶制御８０２及び印刷制御８０３をＰＤプリンタ装置１０００側とし、CDPS_GetPartialDataを「サポート済み」とする。
【０１１６】
＜CDPS_JobData（標準）＞
ＰＤプリンタ装置１０００は、プリント命令により指定された画像データを取得する。ここではＰＤプリンタ装置１０００からＤＳＣ３０１２に対して「Receive Command」が発行され、これに応答して画像データ「Image Data」をＤＳＣ３０１２からＰＤプリンタ装置１０００に送信する。実際には、ＰＤプリンタ装置１０００に構築されたファイルシステムを介して記憶デバイス８１１の画像データをＳＣＳＩコマンドを用いて取得する。尚、この時の戻り値は、「Data Size」と「Image Data」である。
【０１１７】
＜CDPS_PartialJobData（オプション）＞
この手順は上述の「CDPS_JobData」の場合と基本的に同じで、部分的に画像データを取得する点のみが異なる。尚、この場合の戻り値も「Data Size」と「Image Data」である。
【０１１８】
以上説明した様に、ＭＳＣアーキテクチャ上でＰＤプリンタ装置１０００がＤＳＣ３０１２の保持する画像の部分画像取得を行う場合には、ＰＤプリンタ装置が「画像ファイルのハンドル」、「先頭からのオフセットバイト数」、「取得する部分画像データのバイト数」及び「ＰＤプリンタ機器１０００のファイルシステム」に基づいて、ＤＳＣ３０１２の保持するストレージ中の「読み取り位置（アドレス）」及び「読み取りバイト数」がパラメータとして記述されたＳＣＳＩコマンド「Receive」を発行する。ＤＳＣ３０１２は前記ＳＣＳＩコマンドのパラメータに基づいて要求されたデータを前記ＳＣＳＩコマンドへの応答としてＰＤプリンタ装置１０００へと送出する事で部分画像データの転送が実現される。この場合、ＰＴＰアーキテクチャの場合と異なり、ＤＳＣ３０１２が受け取るＳＣＳＩコマンドのパラメータには「画像ファイルのハンドル」「先頭からのオフセットバイト数」という情報は含まれていないので、ＤＳＣ３０１２から見ると、送られてきたＳＣＳＩコマンドがCDPS_JobDataに基づいて発行された物なのか、CDPS_PartialJobDataに基づいて発行された物なのかの区別はつかない。
【０１１９】
［Bluetoothアーキテクチャ］
ここでは、ブルーツース（Bluetooth）を用いた例を説明する。ここでは図７の一番右側のインターフェースが使用される。この実施の形態では、物理層の上位の通信層として２つのデバイス間のセッションを確立して、オブジェクトの送受信等を行うことができる、Bluetooth Still Image Profileを用いて上位のアプリケーションレイヤーの取り決めを記述している。
【０１２０】
このBluetooth Still Image Profileの場合には、前述の接続に加えて、ＤＳＣ（Host）→ＰＤプリンタ装置（Slave）の向きの接続をもう一つ形成し、ＤＳＣから通常の「PutImage」コマンドを発行することにより情報の発信を行う。尚、ここでは便宜上、
接続１：ＰＤプリンタ装置（ホスト） → ＤＳＣ（スレーブ）
接続２：ＰＤプリンタ装置（スレーブ） → ＤＳＣ （ホスト）
とする。
【０１２１】
以下、このブルーツースにおいて、各サービス機能のプロトコルを説明する。尚、図３２乃至図４３のサービス機能は、前述の図１９乃至図３０に示すサービス機能に対応しているので、ここでは簡単に説明する。
【０１２２】
＜CDPS_ServiceDicovery （標準／拡張）＞
図３２は、ブルーツースにおいて、ＣＤＰＳへの移行手順のプロトコルを示す。ここでも図１９と同様に、キーワード（"山"、"川"）により接続相手を認識している。またＤＳＣ３０１２は、このキーワードにＤＳＣ３０１２が備えているＵＩのサポートレベルを通知する。これによりＰＤプリンタ装置１０００は、ＤＳＣ或いはＰＤプリンタ装置１０００のいずれのＵＩを使用するかをキーワードに付加してＤＳＣ３０１２に通知する。
【０１２３】
＜CDPS_ServiceDiscovery （標準／拡張）＞
図３３は、ブルーツースにおいて、ＣＤＰＳへの移行手順のプロトコルの続きを示す図で、ＤＳＣ３０１２とＰＤプリンタ装置１０００との間でのＣＤＰＳモードでの通信が確立される。
【０１２４】
＜CDPS_Service （標準）＞
図３４は、ブルーツースにおいて、ＰＤプリンタ装置の機能の通知手順のプロトコルを示す図で、ＰＤプリンタ装置１０００からＤＳＣ３０１２に対して、ＰＤプリンタ装置１０００の機能が通知される。
【０１２５】
＜CDPS_JobData （標準）＞
図３５は、ブルーツースにおいて、ＰＤプリンタ装置１０００がプリント命令によりＤＳＣ３０１２から画像データを取得するプロトコルを示す図で、この場合の戻り値は、「Data Size」と「Image Data」である。
【０１２６】
＜CDPS_PageStart （標準）＞
図３６は、ブルーツースにおいて、ＰＤプリンタ装置１０００からＤＳＣ３０１２にプリント開始を通知するプロトコルを示す図である。
【０１２７】
＜CDPS_PageEnd （標準）＞
図３７は、ブルーツースにおいて、ＰＤプリンタ装置１０００からＤＳＣ３０１２に１ページのプリント終了を通知するプロトコルを示す図である。
【０１２８】
＜CDPS_JobEnd （標準）＞
図３８は、ブルーツースにおいて、ＰＤプリンタ装置１０００からＤＳＣ３０１２にプリントジョブの終了を通知するプロトコルを示す図である。
【０１２９】
＜CDPS_Error （標準）＞
図３９は、ブルーツースにおいて、ＰＤプリンタ装置１０００からＤＳＣ３０１２にプリンタのエラーを通知するプロトコルを示す図である。
【０１３０】
＜CDPS_Job （標準）＞
図４０は、ブルーツースにおいて、ＤＳＣ３０１２からＰＤプリンタ装置１０００にプリント命令を発行するプロトコルを示す図である。
【０１３１】
＜CDPS_JobAbort （標準）＞
図４１は、ブルーツースにおいて、ＤＳＣ３０１２からＰＤプリンタ装置１０００にプリント中止命令を発行するプロトコルを示す図である。
【０１３２】
＜CDPS_JobContinue （標準）＞
図４２は、ブルーツースにおいて、ＤＳＣ３０１２からＰＤプリンタ装置１０００にプリント再開命令を発行するプロトコルを示す図である。
【０１３３】
＜CDPS_PartialJobData （オプション）＞
図４３は、ブルーツースにおいて、ＰＤプリンタ装置１０００がプリント命令によりＤＳＣ３０１２から部分画像データを取得するプロトコルを示す図で、この場合の戻り値は、「Data Size」と「Image Data」である。
【０１３４】
以上説明した様に、ブルーツースアーキテクチャ上でＰＤプリンタ装置１０００がＤＳＣ３０１２の保持する画像の部分画像取得を行う場合には、ＰＤプリンタ装置が「画像ファイルのハンドル」、「先頭からのオフセットバイト数」及び「取得する部分画像データのバイト数」がパラメータとして記述されたブルーツースコマンド「GetParialImage」を発行する。ＤＳＣ３０１２は前記ブルーツースコマンドのパラメータに基づいて要求された部分画像データ部分を特定して前記ブルーツースコマンドの応答としてＰＤプリンタ装置１０００へと送出する事で部分画像データの転送が実現される。この転送方法はＰＴＰアーキテクチャ上での実現方法とほぼ同じである。
【０１３５】
上記のように、ＰＤプリンタ装置１０００は、画像提供装置たるDSC3012との通信で用いている通信プロトコルやインターフェースに応じて、部分画像データの要求コマンドをDSC3012に送信している。
【０１３６】
この際に、画像供給装置から送られる情報は、利用しているインターフェースの種類に関わらず共通にすることが可能になる。つまり、画像供給装置の操作部を操作されて、出力すべき画像及びその出力形態が指示され、その指示された情報（jobデータ）を、出力装置たるＰＤプリンタ１０００が解釈して、インターフェースの種類に応じた部分画像要求コマンドを送信するようにしているからである。
【０１３７】
このような構成によって、電源能力に乏しいことが予想されるDSC3012等の画像供給装置の変換処理負荷を軽減させることが出来る。一方、ＰＤプリンタ１０００等の出力装置においては、自己の出力能力や出力状況に応じて部分画像要求をする為には、出力装置側でjobデータを変換して部分画像要求を発生させる方が、システムの制御がしやすい。
【０１３８】
なお、ブルーツースアーキテクチャ上ではＰＴＰアーキテクチャ及びＭＳＣアーキテクチャと異なり、ＤＳＣ３０１２からＰＤプリンタ機器１０００への方向のデータ転送要求（PutImage）をＤＳＣ３０１２側から発行する事が可能なので、次の様な実現方法を用いる事も出来る。この例を以下に示す。尚、左から右への矢印は、ＰＤプリンタからＤＳＣへのデータの流れを示し、右から左への矢印は、ＤＳＣからＰＤプリンタへのデータの流れを示している。
【０１３９】

【０１４０】
まず、ＰＤプリンタ機器１０００はCDPS_PartialJobDataを、他のCDPSコマンド（例：CDPS_PageStart）の様にスクリプトのまま「PutImage」を発行してＤＳＣ３０１２に送付する。CDPS_PartialJobDataのスクリプトを受け取ったＤＳＣ３０１２はスクリプト中に記載された「画像ファイルのハンドル」、「先頭からのオフセットバイト数」及び「取得する部分画像データのバイト数」に基づいて要求されたデータを特定し、ブルーツースコマンド「PutImage」を発行してＰＤプリンタ装置１０００へと送出する事で部分画像データの転送が実現される。
【０１４１】
ここまで説明したPTP、MSC、ブルーツースの３種類のアーキテクチャそれぞれにおいて、CDPS_JobData及びCDPS_PartialJobDataの処理はそれぞれに応じた好適な実現方法が存在するが、アプリケーション層から見れば、発行するCDPSコマンド、応答として帰ってくる情報、取得するデータは全て同じなのでアプリケーション層は共通で利用する事が可能となる。また、他のアーキテクチャにＣＤＰＳを移植する場合にはそのアーキテクチャの特性に合わせた好適な実現方法がありうる。
【０１４２】
実際に複数のアーキテクチャをサポートしているＰＤプリンタ機器１０００がどのアーキテクチャを利用してＣＤＰＳ処理を行うかは、接続されるＤＳＣ３０１２のサポートしているアーキテクチャによって決まる。また逆に、実際に複数のアーキテクチャをサポートしているＤＳＣ３０１２がどのアーキテクチャを利用してＣＤＰＳ処理を行うかは、接続されるＰＤプリンタ機器１０００のサポートしているアーキテクチャによって決まる。仮にＰＤプリンタ機器１０００及びＤＳＣ３０１２の両方が複数のアーキテクチャをサポートしていた場合には、いずれかの機器のUIを用いてユーザに使用するアーキテクチャを決定する、又はいずれかの機器の実装において使用するアーキテクチャの優先順位を定めておく、などとすれば良い。
【０１４３】
図４４Ａ〜図４４Ｃは、図１１のフローチャートにおいて、上述した各種制御機能（操作制御８０１、記憶制御８０２及びプリント制御８０３）をどのように分担するかを決定するための基準となるＤＳＣ３０１２及びＰＤプリンタ装置１０００それぞれのサポートレベルを説明するための図で、図４４Ａは操作制御８０１のサポートレベルを示し、図４４Ｂは記憶制御８０２のサポートレベル、そして図４４Ｃは、プリント制御８０３のサポートレベルをそれぞれ示している。ここでＤＳＣ３０１２は、レベル「０」〜「４」のサポートレベルの設定が可能であり、ＰＤプリンタ装置１０００は、レベル「１」〜「３」のサポートレベルの設定が可能である。もしここで、ＤＳＣ３０１２とＰＤプリンタ装置１０００とが同じサポートレベルの場合は、いずれの機能を優先するかは、判断する側の裁量に任せるものとする。
【０１４４】
例えば図４４Ａの操作制御８０１のサポートレベルにおいては、レベル「４」はＤＳＣ３０１２の機能を使用するように主張するレベル、レベル「３」はビューワと操作ボタンを備えていることを示している。レベル「２」は操作ボタンのみ、レベル「１」は最小限の機能しか有していないことを示し、レベル「０」は、その機能をサポートしていないことを示している。
【０１４５】
また図４４Ｂの記憶制御８０２のサポートレベルにおいては、レベル「４」はＤＳＣ３０１２の機能を使用するように主張するレベル、レベル「３」はハンドル機能を備えていることを示している。レベル「２」は画像ファイルシステムを有し、レベル「１」は記憶デバイス８１１にアクセスできる機能しか有していないことを示し、レベル「０」は、その機能をサポートしていないことを示している。
【０１４６】
更に図４４Ｃの印刷制御８０３のサポートレベルにおいては、レベル「４」はＤＳＣ３０１２の機能を使用するように主張するレベル、レベル「３」はレンダリング機能を備えていることを示している。レベル「２」は階調処理のみ、レベル「１」はＪＰＥＧの復号機能しか有していないことを示し、レベル「０」は、その機能をサポートしていないことを示している。
【０１４７】
この様にして示されるＰＤプリンタ装置１０００及びＤＳＣ３０１２のそれぞれの機能を比較し、各機能毎に、いずれの機能を使用すると最も効率が良いかを判断して、前述の図１２乃至図１４，及び図１７，図１８に示すような機能分担が実施される。
【０１４８】
なお本発明は、複数の機器（例えばホストコンピュータ、インターフェース機器、リーダ、プリンタなど）から構成されるシステムに適用しても、一つの機器からなる装置（例えば、複写機、ファクシミリ装置など）に適用してもよい。
【０１４９】
また、本発明の目的は、前述した実施形態の機能(カメラ側で行われる処理、プリンタ側で行われる各種印刷処理)を実現するソフトウェアのプログラムコードを記録した記憶媒体（または記録媒体）を、システムあるいは装置に供給し、そのシステムあるいは装置のコンピュータ（またはＣＰＵやＭＰＵ）が記憶媒体に格納されたプログラムコードを読み出し実行することによっても達成される。この場合、記憶媒体から読み出されたプログラムコード自体が前述した実施形態の機能を実現することになり、そのプログラムコードを記憶した記憶媒体は本発明を構成することになる。また、コンピュータが読み出したプログラムコードを実行することにより、前述した実施形態の機能が実現されるだけでなく、そのプログラムコードの指示に基づき、コンピュータ上で稼働しているオペレーティングシステム（ＯＳ）などが実際の処理の一部または全部を行い、その処理によって前述した実施形態の機能が実現される場合も含まれる。
【０１５０】
さらに、記憶媒体から読み出されたプログラムコードが、コンピュータに挿入された機能拡張カードやコンピュータに接続された機能拡張ユニットに備わるメモリに書込まれた後、そのプログラムコードの指示に基づき、その機能拡張カードや機能拡張ユニットに備わるＣＰＵなどが実際の処理の一部または全部を行い、その処理によって前述した実施形態の機能が実現される場合も含まれる。
【０１５１】
以上説明したように本実施の形態によれば、ＰＤプリンタ装置をＵＳＢホストに、ＤＳＣをスレーブに設定し、印刷動作に入る前に、ＰＤプリンタ装置とＤＳＣとの間でフォトダイレクト印刷に必要な機能を分担させ、最適な、或いはＤＳＣ側の所望の印刷モードを決定して印刷を行わせることができる。また、機能分担の際、例えばＤＳＣ３０１２がＣＤＰＳ自体をサポートしていなかった場合、図１１中のステップＳ１１で、ＤＳＣ３０１２における機能８００〜８０３のそれぞれのサポートレベルをＰＤプリンタ装置１０００に通達する事自体が不可能である。その場合であっても、ＤＳＣ３０１２の各機能８００〜８０３のそれぞれのサポートレベルを０と見做し、それら機能８００〜８０３を全てＰＤプリンタ装置１０００側でサポートする様にすれば、ＣＤＰＳ非対応のＤＳＣ３０１２との間でも、実質的にＣＤＰＳのリソースを共通利用してダイレクトプリントを行う事が可能となる。この「サポートレベルを０と見做す」という処理は図７中のいずれの階層で実現しても構わない。
【０１５２】
リソースを共通利用する事により、対応機器及び非対応機器両者とのダイレクトプリント実現において、開発期間短縮・コスト削減・リソース削減・信頼性の向上等の効果が期待できる。
【０１５３】
また、本実施の形態では、ＰＤプリンタ装置をＵＳＢホストに、ＤＳＣをスレーブに設定したが、特にこの組み合わせに拘る必要は無く、本発明の主旨である機能分担が好適に行われるのであればいずれの機器がホスト・スレーブを担当しても構わない。
【０１５４】
また、本発明においてＣＤＰＳでの機能分担処理時にユーザビリティの高い方を判定する行為を行う機器はＰＤプリンタ装置１０００に限るわけではなく、ＤＳＣ３０１２が行っても良い。
【０１５５】
更には、ＣＤＰＳでの機能分担処理は、機能８００〜８０３のそれぞれのユーザビリティの比較という手法に限るわけではなく、機能８００〜８０３内の複数の機能をまとめた機能群毎に行っても良い。
【０１５６】
例えば図１６中の切り分け位置Ａ〜Ｄの内、どの切り分け位置にＰＤプリンタ機器１０００が対応可能かどうかをＤＳＣ３０１２へ伝達し、ＤＳＣ３０１２が最終的にどの切り分け位置で接続するかを決定し、ＰＤプリンタ機器１０００へ伝達しても良い。
【０１５７】
また、所定の切り分け位置決定方法（例：ＰＤプリンタ機器１０００の希望位置が優先される、等）を予めＰＤプリンタ機器１０００及びＤＳＣ３０１２で共有しておき、両機器がそれぞれの機器が対応可能な切り分け位置を相手機器へ伝達し、共有する切り分け位置決定方法に従って決定された切り分け位置を共有する手法を用いても良い。この場合、図１６のＡ〜Ｄのような機能の並び順を、各装置で共有しておく必要がある。
【０１５８】
また、本実施の形態では機能８００〜８０３の4種類で説明したが、この4種類の区切りに限る訳ではなく、機能８００〜８０３の各機能を構成する複数の部分機能毎に部分機能分担処理を行っても良い。例えばプリント制御を構成する部分機能として、画像フォーマットサポート機能、レイアウト印刷機能、日付・ファイル名印刷機能、画像補正機能、サイズ固定印刷機能、画像切りだし印刷機能、印刷ジョブフォーマットサポート機能等がある。
【０１５９】
以下に各部分機能の機能分担の実施の形態を説明する。
【０１６０】
［画像フォーマットサポート機能］
まず、ＰＤプリンタ機器１０００がサポートしている画像フォーマット（例：JPEG、TIFF等）をＤＳＣ３０１２へ伝達する。次に、ＤＳＣ３０１２はＰＤプリンタ機器１０００がサポートしている画像フォーマットについてはＰＤプリンタ機器１０００側が担当し、それ以外の画像フォーマットについてはＤＳＣ３０１２側が担当する旨を決定し、ＰＤプリンタ機器１０００に伝達する。
【０１６１】
ＰＤプリンタ機器１０００が担当する画像フォーマットの写真画像を出力する場合には、ＤＳＣ３０１２は印刷すべき写真画像をＰＤプリンタ機器１０００へ伝達し、ＰＤプリンタ機器１０００は伝達された写真画像を出力する。
【０１６２】
ＤＳＣ３０１２が担当する画像フォーマットの写真画像を出力する場合には、ＤＳＣ３０１２が担当している画像フォーマットの写真画像をＰＤプリンタ機器１０００がサポートしている画像フォーマットへ変換してフォーマット変換済み写真画像を作成し、そのフォーマット変換済み写真画像をＰＤプリンタ機器１０００へ伝達する。ＰＤプリンタ機器１０００は伝達されたフォーマット変換済み写真画像を出力する。
【０１６３】
［レイアウト印刷機能］
まず、ＰＤプリンタ機器１０００がサポートしているレイアウト印刷機能（例：１ページあたり2写真画像、4写真画像、等）をＤＳＣ３０１２へ伝達する。次に、ＤＳＣ３０１２はＰＤプリンタ機器１０００がレイアウト印刷機能をサポートしている場合についてはＰＤプリンタ機器１０００が担当し、それ以外の場合にはＤＳＣ３０１２が担当する旨を決定し、ＰＤプリンタ機器１０００に伝達する。
【０１６４】
ＰＤプリンタ機器１０００がレイアウト印刷機能を担当して出力する場合には、ＤＳＣ３０１２は印刷すべき写真画像とレイアウト印刷情報をＰＤプリンタ機器１０００へ伝達し、ＰＤプリンタ機器１０００は伝達された写真画像とレイアウト印刷情報に基づいて写真画像のレイアウト印刷を出力する。
【０１６５】
ＤＳＣ３０１２がレイアウト印刷機能を担当して出力する場合には、ＤＳＣ３０１２が写真画像とレイアウト印刷情報に基づいて複数の写真画像を含んだ１枚のレイアウト済み写真画像を作成し、そのレイアウト済み写真画像をＰＤプリンタ機器１０００へ伝達する。ＰＤプリンタ機器１０００は伝達されたレイアウト済み写真画像を出力する。
【０１６６】
［日付・ファイル名印刷機能］
まず、ＰＤプリンタ機器１０００がサポートしている日付・ファイル名印刷機能をＤＳＣ３０１２へ伝達する。次に、ＤＳＣ３０１２はＰＤプリンタ機器１０００が日付・ファイル名印刷機能をサポートしている場合についてはＰＤプリンタ機器１０００が担当し、それ以外の場合にはＤＳＣ３０１２が担当する旨を決定し、ＰＤプリンタ機器１０００に伝達する。
【０１６７】
ＰＤプリンタ機器１０００が日付・ファイル名印刷機能を担当して出力する場合には、ＤＳＣ３０１２は印刷すべき写真画像と写真画像に付随する日付・ファイル名情報をＰＤプリンタ機器１０００へ伝達し、ＰＤプリンタ機器１０００は伝達された写真画像と日付・ファイル名情報を出力する。
【０１６８】
ＤＳＣ３０１２が日付・ファイル名印刷機能を担当して出力する場合には、ＤＳＣ３０１２が写真画像に付随する日付・ファイル名情報を印刷情報として生成し、それを写真画像と合成して合成済み写真画像を作成し、その合成済み写真画像をＰＤプリンタ機器１０００へ伝達する。ＰＤプリンタ機器１０００は伝達された合成済み写真画像を出力する。
【０１６９】
［画像補正機能］
まず、ＰＤプリンタ機器１０００がサポートしている画像補正機能をＤＳＣ３０１２へ伝達する。次に、ＤＳＣ３０１２はＰＤプリンタ機器１０００がサポートしている画像補正機能についてはＰＤプリンタ機器１０００側が担当し、それ以外の画像補正機能についてはＤＳＣ３０１２側が担当する旨を決定し、ＰＤプリンタ機器１０００に伝達する。
【０１７０】
ＰＤプリンタ機器１０００が画像補正機能を担当して出力する場合には、ＤＳＣ３０１２は印刷すべき写真画像と写真画像に付随する画像補正情報をＰＤプリンタ機器１０００へ伝達し、ＰＤプリンタ機器１０００は伝達された写真画像と画像補正情報に基づいて写真画像に画像補正を施して出力する。
【０１７１】
ＤＳＣ３０１２が画像補正機能を担当して出力する場合には、ＤＳＣ３０１２が担当している画像補正機能を写真画像へ施し、画像補正済み写真画像を作成し、その画像補正済み写真画像をＰＤプリンタ機器１０００へ伝達する。ＰＤプリンタ機器１０００は伝達された画像補正済み写真画像を出力する。
【０１７２】
［サイズ固定印刷機能］
まず、ＰＤプリンタ機器１０００がサポートしているサイズ固定印刷機能（例：用紙サイズに因らずに写真をＬ判サイズで印刷、２Ｌ判サイズで印刷、等）をＤＳＣ３０１２へ伝達する。次に、ＤＳＣ３０１２はＰＤプリンタ機器１０００がサイズ固定印刷機能をサポートしている場合についてはＰＤプリンタ機器１０００が担当し、それ以外の場合にはＤＳＣ３０１２が担当する旨を決定し、ＰＤプリンタ機器１０００に伝達する。
【０１７３】
ＰＤプリンタ機器１０００がサイズ固定印刷機能を担当して出力する場合には、ＤＳＣ３０１２は印刷すべき写真画像とサイズ固定印刷情報をＰＤプリンタ機器１０００へ伝達し、ＰＤプリンタ機器１０００は伝達された写真画像とサイズ固定印刷情報に基づいて写真画像を固定サイズへ変換し、固定サイズ変換済み写真画像を出力する。
【０１７４】
ＤＳＣ３０１２がサイズ固定印刷機能を担当して出力する場合には、ＤＳＣ３０１２が写真画像とサイズ固定印刷情報に基づいて写真画像を固定サイズへ変換し、固定サイズ変換済み写真画像を作成し、その固定サイズ変換済み写真画像をＰＤプリンタ機器１０００へ伝達する。ＰＤプリンタ機器１０００は伝達された固定サイズ変換済み写真画像を出力する。
【０１７５】
［画像切り出し印刷機能］
まず、ＰＤプリンタ機器１０００がサポートしている画像切りだし印刷機能（例：写真中の1矩形部分を切り出して印刷、円形部分を切り出して印刷、等）をＤＳＣ３０１２へ伝達する。次に、ＤＳＣ３０１２はＰＤプリンタ機器１０００が画像切りだし印刷機能をサポートしている場合についてはＰＤプリンタ機器１０００が担当し、それ以外の場合にはＤＳＣ３０１２が担当する旨を決定し、ＰＤプリンタ機器１０００に伝達する。
【０１７６】
ＰＤプリンタ機器１０００が画像切りだし印刷機能を担当して出力する場合には、ＤＳＣ３０１２は印刷すべき写真画像と画像切りだし印刷情報をＰＤプリンタ機器１０００へ伝達し、ＰＤプリンタ機器１０００は伝達された写真画像と画像切りだし印刷情報に基づいて写真画像を切りだし、画像切りだし印刷を出力する。
【０１７７】
ＤＳＣ３０１２が画像切りだし印刷機能を担当して出力する場合には、ＤＳＣ３０１２が写真画像と画像切りだし印刷情報に基づいて写真画像を切りだし、画像切りだし済み写真画像を作成し、その画像切りだし済み写真画像をＰＤプリンタ機器１０００へ伝達する。ＰＤプリンタ機器１０００は伝達された画像切りだし済み写真画像を出力する。
【０１７８】
［印刷ジョブフォーマットサポート機能］
まずＰＤプリンタ機器１０００がサポートしている印刷ジョブフォーマット（例：DPOF、ＣＤＰＳジョブ、等）をＤＳＣ３０１２へ伝達する。次に、ＤＳＣ３０１２はＰＤプリンタ機器１０００がサポートしている印刷ジョブフォーマットについてはＰＤプリンタ機器１０００側が担当し、それ以外の印刷ジョブフォーマットについてはＤＳＣ３０１２側が担当する旨を決定し、ＰＤプリンタ機器１０００に伝達する。
【０１７９】
ＰＤプリンタ機器１０００が担当する印刷ジョブフォーマットの印刷ジョブを出力する場合には、ＤＳＣ３０１２が印刷ジョブをＰＤプリンタ機器１０００へ伝達する。ＰＤプリンタ機器１０００は伝達された印刷ジョブを出力する。
【０１８０】
ＤＳＣ３０１２が担当する印刷ジョブフォーマットの印刷ジョブを出力する場合には、ＤＳＣ３０１２が担当している印刷ジョブフォーマットの印刷ジョブをＰＤプリンタ機器１０００がサポートしている印刷ジョブフォーマットへ変換して変換済み印刷ジョブを作成し、その変換済み印刷ジョブをＰＤプリンタ機器１０００へ伝達する。ＰＤプリンタ機器１０００は伝達された変換済み印刷ジョブを出力する。
【０１８１】
上記いずれの部分機能についても、ＰＤプリンタ機器１０００がサポートしている部分機能についてはＰＤプリンタ機器１０００側のサポートレベルとＤＳＣ３０１２側のサポートレベルを比較してより高い機能を持つ機器側が担当する様にしても良い。また、場合によっては一方の機器が部分機能の全てを担当しても良い。このような場合としては、例えば一方の機器に分担される機能の数が１つや２つ等、他の機器に分担される機能に比して極端に少ない場合が考えられる。このような場合には、多少処理能力が低下しても、却って１つの機器で全ての機能を分担したほうがシステムとしての効率が向上すると考えられる。
【０１８２】
また実際に使う機能や、ジョブに指定される機能を参照して、機能の分担決定に利用しても良い。なぜなら、利用しない機能については処理レベルが低い機器側に分担させても問題はない。このような場合には、結果的に全ての機能が一方の機器に分担されることが発生する。
【０１８３】
上記説明ではＰＤプリンタ機器１０００の機能をＤＳＣ３０１２へ伝達してＤＳＣ３０１２で分担の決定を行ったが、逆にＤＳＣ３０１２の機能をＰＤプリンタ機器１０００へ伝達してＰＤプリンタ機器１０００で分担の決定を行っても良い。
【０１８４】
またこのCapability情報や各種指示をスクリプトにより行うことにより、他の通信プロトコルへの移植が容易になり、標準化し易くなる。
【０１８５】
また、デバイス間の通信手順は汎用ファイル、汎用フォーマットを用いて行い、その上位レイヤに、本実施の形態に係るアプリケーションの通信手順レイヤを規定することにより、各種インターフェース仕様に依存しない通信手順を規定することができる。
【０１８６】
また、本実施の形態の印刷システムでは、不特定多数の装置同士が接続されるため、それらインターフェースも様々多様である。よって、各種インターフェースで標準にサポートされている仕様で情報をやり取りする必要が生じる。従って、これら装置間での送受信において必須となる機能情報は「ファイル転送」もしくは「オブジェクト転送」で実現させることにより、各種インターフェース仕様に容易に適合できるようにしている。
【０１８７】
尚、画像供給デバイスとしてはデジタルカメラ以外にも、ＰＤＡや携帯電話、テレビジョン、ビデオ機器、画像記憶デバイス等が考えられる。
【０１８８】
同様に、印刷システムとしてはプリンタ以外にも、ブラウン管等の表示素子への表示を行うテレビジョン、大容量記憶メディアへの書き込みを行うビデオ機器、情報記録デバイス等が考えられる。
【０１８９】
また、汎用インターフェースには、上述のＵＳＢやＩＥＥＥ１３９４等に加えてインターネット等のネットワークへの接続も含まれる。
【０１９０】
この様にする事で、例えば１台のＰＤプリンタ装置が複数種類の汎用Ｉ／Ｆを具備し、それぞれの汎用Ｉ／Ｆを用いて複数の異なるＤＳＣとの間でダイレクトプリントを行う場合に、アプリケーションとしては同一ＣＤＰＳのリソースを利用する事が可能となる。
【０１９１】
また逆に１台のＤＳＣが複数種類の汎用Ｉ／Ｆを具備し、それぞれの汎用Ｉ／Ｆを用いて複数の異なるＰＤプリンタとの間でダイレクトプリントを行う場合も同様の事が言える。但し、処理の高速性を要求される画像データの転送（部分転送）については各Ｉ／Ｆ向けに専用のプロトコルを用いた最適化が行われても良い。
【０１９２】
【発明の効果】
以上説明したように本発明によれば、インターフェースに依存しない画像データの転送及び記録指示を行うことにより、各社の画像供給デバイスからの画像データを受信して記録できる。
【０１９３】
また、ＤＳＣ−ＰＤプリンタ間において、最適なダイレクトプリントサービスを提供出来る。
【０１９４】
さらに、ＣＤＰＳ非対応機器との接続においても共通のリソースを用いて効率的にダイレクトプリントサービスを提供出来る。
【０１９５】
また本発明によれば、画像供給デバイスと記録装置との間の標準的な通信規約を規定して、これらデバイスや装置の機種やメーカに拠らない記録処理を実行できるという効果がある。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】 本発明の実施の形態に係るＰＤプリンタ装置の概観斜視図である。
【図２】 本実施の形態に係るＰＤプリンタ装置の操作パネルの概観図である。
【図３】 本実施の形態に係るＰＤプリンタ装置の制御に係る主要部の構成を示すブロック図である。
【図４】 本実施の形態に係るＰＤプリンタ装置のＡＳＩＣの構成を示すブロック図である。
【図５】 本実施の形態に係るデジタルカメラの構成を示すブロック図である。
【図６】 本実施の形態に係るＣＤＰＳ通信手順の概要を説明する図である。
【図７】 本実施の形態に係るＣＤＰＳを実装したＰＤプリンタ装置とデジタルカメラのインターフェース及びソフトウェア構成を説明する概念図である。
【図８】 本実施の形態に係るＣＤＰＳにおけるサービス機能の概念図である。
【図９】 本実施の形態に係るＣＤＰＳにおける印刷までの処理の概要を説明するフローチャートである。
【図１０】 本実施の形態に係るＣＤＰＳにおけるＤＳＣとＰＤプリンタ装置におけるサービス機能の概念図である。
【図１１】 本実施の形態に係るＰＤプリンタ装置とＤＳＣとを接続してからＣＤＰＳが開始されるまでの処理の概要を説明するフローチャートである。
【図１２】 本実施の形態に係るＣＤＰＳにおけるＤＳＣとＰＤプリンタ装置との機能分担例を示す図である。
【図１３】 本実施の形態に係るＣＤＰＳにおけるＤＳＣとＰＤプリンタ装置との機能分担例を示す図である。
【図１４】 本実施の形態に係るＣＤＰＳにおけるＤＳＣとＰＤプリンタ装置との機能分担例を示す図で、ここではＤＳＣをマスストレージとして扱っている。
【図１５】 本実施の形態に係るＣＤＰＳにおける機能コマンドを説明する図である。
【図１６】 本実施の形態に係るＣＤＰＳにおけるＤＳＣとＰＤプリンタ装置との間でのサービス機能と、処理の流れを説明するフロー図である。
【図１７】 本実施の形態に係るＣＤＰＳにおけるＤＳＣとＰＤプリンタ装置との間でのサービス機能の分担（割当て）例と、処理の流れを説明するフロー図である。
【図１８】 本実施の形態に係るＣＤＰＳにおけるＤＳＣとＰＤプリンタ装置との間でのサービス機能の分担（割当て）例と、処理の流れを説明するフロー図である。
【図１９】 ＣＤＰＳのサービスディスカバリ（CDPS_ServiceDiscovery）をＰＴＰアーキテクチャを用いて実現した例を説明する図である。
【図２０】 ＣＤＰＳにおいて、カメラが使用する手続を通知する（CDPS_ServiceDiscovery）手順をＰＴＰアーキテクチャを用いて実現した例を説明する図である。
【図２１】 ＣＤＰＳにおけるプリンタ機能の通知（CDPS_Service）をＰＴＰアーキテクチャを用いて実現した例を説明する図である。
【図２２】 ＣＤＰＳにおいて、ＰＤプリンタ装置が画像ファイルを取得する機能（CDPS_JobData）の手順をＰＴＰアーキテクチャを用いて実現した例を説明する図である。
【図２３】 ＣＤＰＳにおいて、ＰＤプリンタ装置からカメラに対してプリント開始を指示する機能（CDPS_PageStart）をＰＴＰアーキテクチャを用いて実現した例を説明する図である。
【図２４】 ＣＤＰＳにおいて、ＰＤプリンタ装置からカメラに対して１ページのプリント終了を送信する機能（CDPS_PageEnd）の手順をＰＴＰアーキテクチャを用いて実現した例を説明する図である。
【図２５】 ＣＤＰＳにおいて、ＰＤプリンタ装置からカメラに対して印刷ジョブの終了命令（CDPS_JobEnd）を発行する手順をＰＴＰアーキテクチャを用いて実現した例を説明する図である。
【図２６】 ＣＤＰＳにおいて、ＰＤプリンタ装置からカメラに対してエラーステータスを送信する機能（CDPS_Error）の手順をＰＴＰアーキテクチャを用いて実現した例を説明する図である。
【図２７】 ＣＤＰＳにおいて、操作制御から印刷制御に対して印刷命令の発行（CDPS_Job）する手順をＰＴＰアーキテクチャを用いて実現した例を説明する図である。
【図２８】 ＣＤＰＳにおいて、操作制御から印刷制御に対して印刷中止を発行（CDPS_JobAbort）する手順をＰＴＰアーキテクチャを用いて実現した例を説明する図である。
【図２９】 ＣＤＰＳにおいて、操作制御から印刷制御に対して印刷再開を発行（CDPS_JobContinue）する手順をＰＴＰアーキテクチャを用いて実現した例を説明する図である。
【図３０】 ＣＤＰＳにおいて、印刷制御からストレージに対して部分画像の取得を発行（CDPS_PrintJobData）する手順をＰＴＰアーキテクチャを用いて実現した例を説明する図である。
【図３１】 ＣＤＰＳにおける部分画像の取得処理を説明するフローチャートである。
【図３２】 ブルーツースでのＣＤＰＳへの移行コマンドの通信プロトコルを説明する図である。
【図３３】 ブルーツースでのＣＤＰＳへの移行コマンドの通信プロトコルを説明する図である。
【図３４】 ブルーツースでのプリンタ機能の通知処理の通信プロトコルを説明する図である。
【図３５】 ブルーツースでのストレージから画像データを取得する処理の通信プロトコルを説明する図である。
【図３６】 ブルーツースでのプリント開始通知の通信プロトコルを説明する図である。
【図３７】 ブルーツースでのプリント終了通知の通信プロトコルを説明する図である。
【図３８】 ブルーツースでのプリントジョブの終了通知の通信プロトコルを説明する図である。
【図３９】 ブルーツースでのプリンタのエラー通知の通信プロトコルを説明する図である。
【図４０】 ブルーツースでのプリント命令の発行処理の通信プロトコルを説明する図である。
【図４１】 ブルーツースでのプリント中止命令の発行処理の通信プロトコルを説明する図である。
【図４２】 ブルーツースでのプリントジョブの再開命令発行処理の通信プロトコルを説明する図である。
【図４３】 ブルーツースにおける、部分画像の取得処理の通信プロトコルを説明する図である。
【図４４】 各種制御機能（操作制御、記憶制御及びプリント制御）をどのように分担するかを決定するための基準となるＤＳＣ及びＰＤプリンタ装置それぞれのサポートレベルを説明するための図である。[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention relates to a recording system and an image supply device such as a digital camera and a recording apparatus.BisoAnd a printing apparatus, an image supply device, and a control method thereof.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, digital cameras (imaging devices) that can take an image with a simple operation and convert it into digital image data have been widely used. When printing an image taken with such a camera and using it as a photograph, usually, the digital image data of the taken image is once taken into a PC (computer) from the digital camera, and image processing is performed with the PC. In general, the data is output from the PC to a color printer and printed.
[0003]
On the other hand, recently, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example, a color print system capable of directly transmitting digital image data from a digital camera to a color printer for printing without using a PC, and a digital camera are mounted. So-called photo direct (PD) printers, etc., have been developed that can directly mount a memory card storing captured images to a color printer and print the captured images stored in the memory card. ing.
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2003-143520 A
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In particular, when image data is directly transmitted from a digital camera to a printer for printing, the specifications and operation methods of the digital camera differ from manufacturer to manufacturer. The appearance of was desired. In addition to the above-described digital camera, for example, such a photo direct printer apparatus may receive and print image data from various devices other than a mobile phone, a PDA, or the like. Since there are various functions, mutual Capability cannot be predicted, and exchange of each other's function information becomes essential.
[0006]
  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional example, and a feature of the present invention is that a recording system capable of recording image data from image supply devices of various companies by performing image data transfer and recording instructions independent of the interface. as well asprintingApparatus and image supply deviceAnd its control methodIs to provide.
[0007]
  In addition, a feature of the present invention is that a recording system that defines a standard communication protocol between an image supply device and a recording apparatus and can execute a recording process that does not depend on the model or manufacturer, andprintingRecording apparatus and image supply deviceAnd its control methodIs to provide.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to achieve the above object, the recording system of the present invention comprises the following arrangement. That is,
  A recording system in which an image supply device and a recording apparatus communicate directly via a communication interface and transmit and record image data from the image supply device to the recording apparatus,
  Between the recording apparatus and the image supply devicesoThroughBelieveCommunication means
  Function information including at least a support level of an operation control function for controlling a user interface is acquired by the communication unit, and the operation control is performed by comparing a support level of the image supply device with a support level of the recording apparatus.A sharing means for determining the sharing of functions;
  in frontRecording control means for transferring image data and commands between the recording image supply device and the recording apparatus, and recording with the recording apparatus using the image data transmitted from the image supply device;Have,
  Image data to be recorded is selected using the operation control function, and the recording control means performs recording based on the image data selected using the operation control functionIt is characterized by that.
[0009]
  In order to achieve the above object, the recording system of the present invention comprises the following steps. That is,
  A recording system in which an image supply device and a recording apparatus communicate directly via a communication interface and transmit and record image data from the image supply device to the recording apparatus,
  Communication means for communicating between the recording apparatus and the image supply device;
  Capability information including at least a support level of a storage control function for managing image data recorded on a recording medium of the image supply device is acquired by the communication unit, and the support level of the image supply device and the recording device A sharing means for comparing the support level to determine the sharing of the storage control function;
  Recording control means for performing transmission and reception of image data and commands between the image supply device and the recording apparatus, and performing recording with the recording apparatus using image data transmitted from the image supply device;
  The recording control means performs recording using image data of the recording medium managed by the storage control function.
[0010]
  In order to achieve the above object, the printing apparatus of the present invention has the following configuration. That is,
  A printing apparatus that directly connects to an image supply device via a communication interface, receives image data from the image supply device, and prints the image data.
  The image supply deviceAnd communicationCommunication means to
  Function information including at least a support level of an operation control function for controlling a user interface for selecting an image to be printed is received from the image supply device by the communication unit, and according to the received support level of the image supply device Operation controlA sharing means for determining the sharing of functions;
  in frontFrom image supply deviceThe print target selected using the operation control functionPrint control means for receiving image data and performing printing based on the received image data;
It is characterized by having.
[0011]
  In order to achieve the above object, the image supply device of the present invention comprises the following arrangement. That is,
  An image supply device that directly communicates with a printing apparatus via a communication interface and transmits the image data to the printing apparatus for printing.
  The printing apparatusAnd communicationCommunication means to
  Function information including at least a support level of an operation control function for controlling a user interface for selecting an image to be printed is received from the printing apparatus by the communication unit, and the operation is performed according to the received support level of the printing apparatus. controlA sharing means for determining the sharing of functions;
  The image data to be printed selected using the operation control functionThe printing apparatusSent toPrinting control means for causing the printing apparatus to perform printing,
It is characterized by having.
[0012]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0013]
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a photo direct printer apparatus (hereinafter referred to as a PD printer apparatus) 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The PD printer 1000 has a function as a normal PC printer that receives and prints data from a host computer (PC), and directly reads and prints image data stored in a storage medium such as a memory card, Alternatively, it has a function of receiving and printing image data from a digital camera.
[0014]
In FIG. 1, the main body that forms the outer shell of the PD printer 1000 according to the present embodiment includes a case M1001, an upper case 1002, an access cover 1003, and an exterior member of a discharge tray 1004. The lower case 1001 forms a substantially lower half of the PD printer 1000, and the upper case 1002 forms a substantially upper half of the main body. A combination of both cases accommodates the mechanisms described below. A hollow body structure having a space is formed, and openings are formed in the upper surface portion and the front surface portion, respectively. Further, one end of the discharge tray 1004 is rotatably held by the lower case 1001, and an opening formed on the front surface of the lower case 1001 can be opened and closed by the rotation. For this reason, when executing the printing operation, by rotating the discharge tray 1004 to the front side to open the opening, it becomes possible to discharge the recording sheets from here and to sequentially stack the discharged recording sheets. It has come to be able to do. The paper discharge tray 1004 stores two auxiliary trays 1004a and 1004b. By pulling out the respective trays to the front as needed, the sheet support area can be expanded and reduced in three stages. It has become.
[0015]
One end of the access cover 1003 is rotatably held by the upper case 1002 so that an opening formed on the upper surface can be opened and closed. By opening the access cover 1003, the access cover 1003 is accommodated inside the main body. It is possible to replace a print head cartridge (not shown) or an ink tank (not shown). Although not particularly shown here, when the access cover 1003 is opened and closed, the protrusion formed on the back surface rotates the cover opening and closing lever, and the rotation position of the lever is detected by a micro switch or the like. Thus, the open / closed state of the access cover can be detected.
[0016]
A power key 1005 is provided on the upper surface of the upper case 1002. An operation panel 1010 including a liquid crystal display unit 1006 and various key switches is provided on the right side of the upper case 1002. The structure of the operation panel 1010 will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. An automatic feeding unit 1007 automatically feeds the recording sheet into the apparatus main body. Reference numeral 1008 denotes a paper interval selection lever, which is a lever for adjusting the interval between the print head and the recording sheet. Reference numeral 1009 denotes a card slot, into which an adapter capable of mounting a memory card is inserted, through which image data stored in the memory card can be directly captured and printed. Examples of the memory card (PC) include a Compact Flash (registered trademark) memory TM, a smart media TM, and a memory stick. A viewer (liquid crystal display unit) 1011 is detachable from the main body of the PD printer 1000. When searching for an image to be printed from images stored in a PC card, an image for each frame is displayed. Used to display index images. Reference numeral 1012 denotes a USB terminal for connecting a digital camera to be described later. Further, a USB connector for connecting a personal computer (PC) is provided on the rear surface of the PD printer 1000.
[0017]
FIG. 2 is an overview of the operation panel 1010 of the PD printer 1000 according to the present embodiment.
[0018]
In the figure, the liquid crystal display unit 1006 displays menu items for setting various data relating to items printed on the left and right. Items displayed here include, for example, the first photo number of the range to be printed, the designated frame number (start frame designation / print frame designation), the last photo number (end) of the range to be printed, and the number of copies (number of copies). ), The type of paper (recording sheet) used for printing (paper type), setting the number of photos to be printed on one sheet (layout), specifying the print quality (quality), and whether to print the date of shooting Designation (date printing), designation of whether to correct a photo (image correction), display of the number of sheets necessary for printing (number of sheets), and the like. These items are selected or designated using the cursor keys 2001. 2002 is a mode key, and each time this key is pressed, the type of printing (index printing, full-frame printing, single-frame printing, etc.) can be switched, and the corresponding LED of the LED 2003 is lit accordingly. A maintenance key 2004 is a key for performing maintenance of the printer such as cleaning of the print head. Reference numeral 2005 denotes a print start key which is pressed when instructing the start of printing or when establishing maintenance settings. Reference numeral 2006 denotes a print cancel key which is pressed when printing is stopped or when maintenance is instructed.
[0019]
Next, with reference to FIG. 3, the configuration of the main part related to the control of the PD printer 1000 according to the present embodiment will be described. In FIG. 3, the same reference numerals are given to portions common to the above-described drawings, and the description thereof is omitted.
[0020]
In FIG. 3, reference numeral 3000 denotes a control unit (control board). Reference numeral 3001 denotes an ASIC (dedicated custom LSI), the configuration of which will be described later in detail with reference to the block diagram of FIG. Reference numeral 3002 denotes a DSP (digital signal processor) having an internal CPU, and various control processes to be described later and images such as conversion from a luminance signal (RGB) to a density signal (CMYK), scaling, gamma conversion, and error diffusion. I am in charge of processing. A memory 3003 has a program memory 3003a that stores a control program for the CPU of the DSP 3002, a RAM area that stores a program at the time of execution, and a memory area that functions as a work memory that stores image data and the like. Reference numeral 3004 denotes a printer engine. Here, a printer engine of an ink jet printer that prints a color image using a plurality of color inks is installed. Reference numeral 3005 denotes a USB connector as a port for connecting a digital camera (DSC) 3012. Reference numeral 3006 denotes a connector for connecting the viewer 1011. Reference numeral 3008 denotes a USB hub (USB HUB). When the PD printer 1000 performs printing based on image data from the PC 3010, the data from the PC 3010 is directly passed through and output to the printer engine 3004 via the USB 3021. . As a result, the connected PC 3010 can directly perform printing by exchanging data and signals with the printer engine 3004 (functions as a general PC printer). Reference numeral 3009 denotes a power connector which inputs a DC voltage converted from commercial AC by a power source 3019. A PC 3010 is a general personal computer, 3011 is the memory card (PC card) described above, and 3012 is a digital camera (DSC: Digital Still Camera).
[0021]
Note that the exchange of signals between the control unit 3000 and the printer engine 3004 is performed via the USB 3021 or the IEEE 1284 bus 3022 described above.
[0022]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the ASIC 3001. In FIG. 4 as well, portions common to the above-mentioned drawings are given the same symbols, and description thereof is omitted.
[0023]
Reference numeral 4001 denotes a PC card interface unit that reads image data stored in the attached PC card 3011 or writes data to the PC card 3011. Reference numeral 4002 denotes an IEEE 1284 interface unit that exchanges data with the printer engine 3004. The IEEE 1284 interface unit 4002 is a bus used when printing image data stored in the digital camera 3012 or the PC card 3011. A USB interface unit 4003 exchanges data with the PC 3010. A USB host interface unit 4004 exchanges data with the digital camera 3012. Reference numeral 4005 denotes an operation panel / interface unit which inputs various operation signals from the operation panel 1010 and outputs display data to the display unit 1006. A viewer interface unit 4006 controls display of image data on the viewer 1011. Reference numeral 4007 denotes an interface unit that controls an interface between various switches, the LED 4009, and the like. A CPU interface unit 4008 controls data exchange with the DSP 3002. Reference numeral 4010 denotes an internal bus (ASIC bus) that connects these units.
[0024]
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a typical configuration example of the DSC 3012 according to the embodiment of the present invention. However, there is a possibility that a digital camera that can be connected to the PD printer 1000 according to the present embodiment may include a device that does not have a display unit 2700 described later.
[0025]
In the figure, reference numeral 3100 denotes a CPU that controls the entire DSC, and reference numeral 3101 denotes a ROM that stores a processing procedure (program) of the CPU 3100. Reference numeral 3102 denotes a RAM used as a work area of the CPU 3100, and reference numeral 3103 denotes a switch group for performing various operations, including various switches and cursor keys. Reference numeral 2700 denotes a liquid crystal display unit, which is used for confirming a captured image and displaying a menu for performing various settings. Reference numeral 3105 denotes an optical unit mainly composed of a lens and its drive system. Reference numeral 3106 denotes a CCD element, and reference numeral 3107 denotes a driver that drives and controls the optical unit 3105 under the control of the CPU 3100. Reference numeral 3108 denotes a connector for connecting a storage medium 3109 (compact flash (registered trademark) memory card, smart media, etc.). Reference numeral 3110 denotes a USB interface (USB slave side) for connecting to a PC or the PD printer 1000 in the embodiment. ).
[0026]
In this embodiment, an example in which printing is performed by connecting the above-described PD printer apparatus 1000 and DSC 3012 will be mainly described. However, each manufacturer's digital camera, A further object of the present invention is to provide a PD printer that can be connected to a device such as a mobile phone or a memory device (DSPD: Digital Still Photography Devices) and can print based on image data obtained from the device. A communication protocol when printing is performed by connecting the PD printer 1000 and these DSPDs is described. In the present embodiment, communication control between the PD printer and DSPD is performed using a general-purpose file and a general-purpose format, and a new CDPS (Canon Direct Print Service) independent of the interface is proposed.
[0027]
Arranges for various communication protocol architectures such as PTP (Still Image Class) and Mass Storage Class on USB, OBEX on Blue Tooth, and UPnP between DSPD and image output device. For this reason, the concept of the print service function is used here. The print service function is a collection of execution functions in the application layer and does not depend on various interfaces.
[0028]
In addition, since the actual image data and communication control between devices are performed using a general-purpose file and a general-purpose format (for example, described using an XML format), it does not depend on the interface.
[0029]
In such a system in which the DSPD and the image output apparatus are connected, the operation is performed using one of the operation units (for example, a liquid crystal screen of a digital camera or an operation unit on a printer). Considering the whole, when both devices have the same function, it is necessary to determine which device's operation unit is used for execution. Therefore, in the system according to the present embodiment, after the discovery process (migration process), which will be described later, a mechanism for determining how the operation unit and other functions are to be shared among the respective devices is incorporated to provide versatility. It is supposed to be higher.
[0030]
[Overview of communication]
FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an outline of communication between a digital camera (DSC) 3012 that is a typical DSPD apparatus and a PD printer apparatus 1000 according to the present embodiment, which is a typical example of an image output apparatus. is there. Here, the DSC 3012 and the PD printer 1000 are connected by USB, and communication between them uses PTP. In this USB connection, the PD printer 1000 is the host side and the DSC 3012 is the slave side.
[0031]
Hereinafter, this procedure will be described in order. Here, the DSC 3012 has the configuration of FIG. 5 described above, and an example in which a print image and print condition setting and a print start instruction are performed from the DSC 3012 will be described.
(1) First, the DSC 3012 and the PD printer 1000 are physically connected by a USB cable.
(2) Next, the USB host controller (USB task) of the PD printer 1000 recognizes the DSC 3012 and performs connection using the image class / PTP. This is the “communication establishment” state indicated by 600 in FIG.
(3) Next, the process proceeds to the process (601) for shifting from the PD printer 1000 to the communication protocol (CDPS) defined in the present embodiment. At this time, based on the exchange of information between the DSC 3012 and the PD printer 1000, whether or not the CDPS service can be executed between the two, and if the service is executable, “standard” or “ Confirmation and determination as to which procedure of “expansion” is executed (610). In this process 601, it is also determined which of the DSC 3012 or the PD printer apparatus 1000 is in charge of determining a print image, setting print conditions, instructing printing start, and the like.
(4) As a result of the processing 601, when executing the service in the “standard” procedure 602, the PD printer 1000 notifies the DSC 3012 of “services that can be provided on the printer side” (603). Specifically, the paper size, paper type, print quality, combinations that can be laid out, and the like that can be handled by the PD printer 1000.
(5) The DSC 3012 creates a UI menu operated by the user according to the service content sent in 603 and displays it on the display unit 2700. As a result, the user performs setting of a print image, print conditions, and photo selection (collectively referred to as “job”) via the UI menu (611).
(6) When the setting of “job” is completed and a print start instruction is issued from the user in the DSC 3012, the DSC 3012 notifies the PD printer 1000 of “job” (604).
(7) Next, the PD printer 1000 sets the PD printer 1000 according to the contents of the “job” sent in 604, and then acquires the necessary image file from the DSC 3012 (605) prints the photo. (613).
(8) Here, if an error occurs in the PD printer 1000 during execution of the “job”, the DSC 3012 is notified of the details of the error that has occurred and requests the user to respond (606). (In this embodiment, “continue / cancel printing” is selected). When the user determines the response (continuation or cancellation of printing) using the UI of the DSC 3012 in this way (612), the content is sent to the PD printer 1000 and the corresponding error processing 614 is executed.
(9) In this way, image file transfer and printing processing (→ error transmission / reception) are repeated, and when the “job” is completed, the “job” setting state (611) in the DSC 3012 is entered again.
(10) If it is determined in the above-described step 610 that the “expanded procedure” service of the CDPS is to be performed, a procedure unique to each vendor and an “expanded” process indicated by 607 are executed. The processing in this “extended procedure” is defined by each vendor and will not be described here.
[0032]
[Hierarchical structure]
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an overall function in a hierarchical structure when a DSC 3012 that is a representative of DSPD and a PD printer apparatus 1000 that is a representative of an image output apparatus are connected.
[0033]
In the figure, reference numerals 700 and 703 denote application units, and reference numerals 701 and 702 denote physical layers. Here, USB and Bluetooth (Bluetooth) are shown as examples. Each of the DSC 3012 and the PD printer 1000 can construct this CDPS system by incorporating (applications) 700 and 703, respectively. However, as indicated by reference numerals 701 and 702, it is premised on implementation of an architecture such as a file system on PTP, BIP, and MSC (Mass Storage Class) in the protocol layer. In addition, the actual status of this print service function exists in each of the application parts 700 and 703, and the print service function is executed in the part that converts from CDPS to each protocol.
[0034]
In this way, it is possible to realize a direct print service that does not depend on a physical interface.
[0035]
[System-wide functions]
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a functional configuration when the above-mentioned DSPD and image output device are connected, and these are regarded as an integrated system.
[0036]
Following the above-mentioned definition that the interface does not depend on the hierarchical structure, in order to realize the independence of DSPDs and “functions” of the image output apparatus, the definition of elements (objects) at a higher level I do. In the present embodiment, the definition and function of functional components necessary for the entire direct print system will be described without separating and sharing various functions between the DSPD and the image forming apparatus.
[0037]
Here, the functions of the entire system are roughly divided into four functions (800 to 803).
[0038]
<CDPS initialization processing (CDPS Initialize)>
The CDPS initialization process 800 is first activated prior to other CDPS functions. Here, the transition to the CDPS mode (standard / expansion) or the like is determined, and the determination result is “Service Discovery” 804 to notify each function. This corresponds to 601 in FIG.
[0039]
<Operation Controller>
A UI part management (Operation Controller) 801 that interacts with the user 812 receives the “Service Discovery” 804 from the CDPS initialization process 800 and is activated. This operation control 801 obtains a service “Service” 807 that can be printed by the print device 810 (printer engine 3004) from the print control 803, and stores the PC card 3011, etc. from the storage control 802. An image information list “Data List” 805 held by the storage device 811 is acquired. Then, a UI menu is created based on the descriptions of “Service” 807 and “Data List” 805. An output setting instruction “Job” 808 is created based on the user's instruction input via the UI menu thus created, and the print control 803 is notified.
[0040]
<Storage Controller>
A storage control 802 manages a storage medium holding a photographic image, for example, the PC card 3011 described above. This storage control 802 receives “Service Discovery” 804 from the CDPS initialization process 800 and starts up. Further, in accordance with a request from the operation control 801, an image information list “Data List” 805 held in the storage device 811 is created and notified to the operation control 801. Also, in accordance with a request from the print control 803, the image file “Job Data” 806 stored in the storage device 811 is sent to the print control 803.
[0041]
<Print control>
A print controller 803 manages a print device 810 that prints a photographic image. This print control 803 is activated upon receiving “Service Discovery” 804 from the CDPS initialization process 800, and notifies the operation control 801 of a service “Service” 807 that can be printed by the print device 810. Further, when the output setting instruction “Job” 808 is acquired from the operation control 801, the storage device 802 is stored in the storage control 802 by the description method described in the “Data List” 805 based on the description of the “Job” 808. The image file “Job Data” 806 stored in 811 is requested and acquired. Based on this, printing is performed by creating print data that can be processed by the print device 810 and outputting the print data to the print device 810.
[0042]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing by each function of FIG.
[0043]
First, in step S1, it is determined whether or not the CDPS initialization process 800 can shift to the CDPS mode. Based on the determination, “Service Discovery” 804 is notified to each function, and each function is activated. In step S 2, the print control 803 notifies the operation control 801 of a print service “Service” 807 that can be provided by the print device 810. In step S 3, the operation control 801 acquires an image information list “Data List” 805 stored in the storage device 811 from the storage control 802. In step S4, the operation control 801 configures and displays a print setting UI based on the “Service” 807 and the “Data List” 805. Based on the instruction of the user 812 input in accordance with this UI, a print setting instruction “Job” 808 that defines an image to be printed, selection of the print mode, and the like is created, and the created “Job” 808 is operated. The control 801 notifies the print control 803. In step S 5, the print control 803 performs print settings for the print device 810 according to the description of the “Job” 808. Next, the storage control 802 is requested for the image file “Job Data” 806 necessary for printing, which is stored in the storage device 811, using the description method described in the “Data List” 805. get. Then, print data that can be processed by the print device 810 is created. In step S6, the print data is output to the print device 810 and printed. In step S7, it is checked whether or not an instruction to end the printing process has been issued. If no instruction to end is input, the process returns to step S4 and the above-described process is executed. When the end of the printing process is instructed, this process is terminated.
[0044]
As described above, regardless of whether each function described above exists in the DSPD or the image output apparatus, the hierarchical structure described above, the four functions 800 to 803, and the five information exchanged between the four functions. The groups 804 to 808 are the basic configuration of this CDPS.
[0045]
[CDPS configuration by DSC and PD printer]
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a CDPS configuration in a state where the DSC 3012 and the PD printer apparatus 1000 are connected. Here, a case is shown in which both the DSC 3012 and the PD printer apparatus 1000 have the four functions 800 to 804 described above. In this case, the storage device 811 and the print device 810 are logically located outside the CDPS system, and it is not determined which side is connected.
[0046]
In the CDPS of the present embodiment, after the DSC 3012 and the PD printer apparatus 1000 are physically and logically connected, the CDPS initialization (CDPS Initialize) 800 of both the DSC 3012 and the PD printer apparatus 1000 performs a dialog, and the other Each of the three functions 801 to 803 and the processing functions of the storage device 811 and the print device 810 is determined by which one of the DSC 3012 and the PD printer 1000 is responsible for managing.
[0047]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining a function sharing (function assignment) process in CDPS according to the present embodiment.
[0048]
First, in step S <b> 11, the support levels of the functions 800 to 803 in the DSC 3012 are notified from the DSC 3012 to the PD printer 1000. In step S 12, the PD printer 1000 compares the support level of each function received from the DSC 3012 with the support level of the PD printer 1000 itself, and a function with higher usability is provided between the DSC 3012 and the PD printer 1000. Judgment is made on which one is implemented, and it is decided which function is shared. Then, the process proceeds to step S13, and the assigned information and management information of each function are notified to the DSC 3012. Then, the process proceeds to step S14, where each function determined to be assigned to each device is activated in each of the DSC 3012 and the PD printer 1000, and the procedure CDPS is started in step S15.
[0049]
When executing the “extended procedure” here, it is found that the DSC 3012 and the PD printer apparatus 1000 support the extended procedure at the time of step S12, and the subsequent exchanges are specific to each vendor. I will not explain it here.
[0050]
Each function does not necessarily need to be supported by both the DSC 3012 and the PD printer apparatus 1000, but needs to be supported by at least either the DSC 3012 or the PD printer apparatus 1000. In particular, regarding the CDPS initialization 800, even if the DSC 3012 does not support the CDPS initialization 800, the system may shift to the CDPS mode by the CDPS initialization 800 of the PD printer apparatus 1000 depending on the connection status of the interface. Is possible.
[0051]
[CDPS configuration example-1]
FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example 1 of the CDPS when the DSC 3012 and the PD printer apparatus 1000 are connected by PTP (Picture Transfer Protocol) of an image class on USB. Portions in common with FIG. 10 are denoted by the same symbols, and description thereof is omitted. Here, a case where the DSC 3012 provided with the liquid crystal display unit 2700 is connected to the PD printer apparatus 1000 not provided with the liquid crystal viewer 1011 will be described. In other words, in this example, the DSC 3012 includes a CDPS initialization 800, an operation control 801, and a storage control 802, and the PD printer 1000 has a functional configuration as shown in FIG.
[0052]
Here, first, the CDPS initialization 800 of the PD printer 1000 tries to exchange information regarding the sharing and management of each function with the CDPS initialization 800 of the DSC 3012. In response to this, the DSC 3012 informs that the functions of the operation control 801 and the storage control 802 are supported (such as the presence of a liquid crystal display unit 2700). As a result, the CDPS initialization 800 of the PD printer apparatus 1000 compares the support level of the operation control 801 and storage control 802 of the PD printer apparatus 1000 (without the liquid crystal viewer 1011 etc.) and determines the system configuration as follows. In response to the CDPS initialization 800 of the PD printer 1000, “CDPS migration is possible” is returned, and the DSC 3012 is notified of the details of the function sharing determination as follows.
(1) The DSC 3012 takes charge and manages the operation control 801 and the storage control 802.
(2) The PD printer 1000 takes charge and manages the print control 803.
(3) The storage device 811 is in the DSC 3012 and the storage control 802 of the DSC 3012 manages this storage device 811.
(4) The print device 810 (printer engine 3004) is in the PD printer apparatus 1000, and the print control 803 of the PD printer apparatus 1000 manages print processing.
The above-described processing is performed in the same manner even when connected via another interface such as TCP / IP of a wireless LAN (Wireless LAN).
[0053]
[CDPS configuration example-2]
FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example 2 of the CDPS when the DSC 3012 and the PD printer apparatus 1000 are connected by the PTP (Picture Transfer Protocol) of the image class on the USB. Portions in common with FIG. 10 are denoted by the same symbols, and description thereof is omitted. Here, a case where the DSC 3012 without the liquid crystal display unit 2700 is connected to the PD printer apparatus 1000 with the liquid crystal viewer 1011 attached, or an example in which the DSC 3012 does not include the CDPS initialization 800 will be described. . The PD printer 1000 is assumed to have a functional configuration as shown in FIG.
[0054]
Considering the case where the CDPS initialization 800 of the PD printer 1000 attempts to exchange information regarding the CDPS initialization of the DSC 3012 and the sharing and management of each function, the DSC 3012 does not have the CDPS initialization and cannot respond to it. Therefore, the PTP Wrapper layer of the PD printer apparatus 1000 determines the system configuration as described below, and responds “CDPS migration is possible” to the CDPS initialization 800 of the PD printer apparatus 1000.
(1) The PD printer 1000 is responsible for and manages all of the operation control 801, the storage control 802, and the print control 803.
(2) The storage device 811 is in the DSC 3012, and the storage control 802 of the PD printer 1000 manages the image access to the storage device 811 using standard PTP.
(3) The print device 810 is in the PD printer apparatus 1000, and the print control 803 of the PD printer apparatus 1000 manages this.
[0055]
In such a case, not only when the DSC 3012 does not have the CDPS initialization 800, but even when the DSC 3012 has the display 2700, the resolution and operability of the viewer of the PD printer 1000 can be reduced. If the CDPS initialization 800 of the PD printer apparatus 1000 determines that it is inferior to the UI using 1011 or its viewer 1011, the configuration shown in FIG.
[0056]
[CDPS configuration example-3]
FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example 3 of the CDPS at the time of connection with MSC (Mass Storage Class). The parts common to those in FIGS. 8 and 10 are denoted by the same symbols, and the description thereof is omitted. In this example, for example, a DSC 3012 without a liquid crystal display 2700 is connected to a PD printer apparatus 1000 equipped with a liquid crystal viewer 1011 by MSC.
[0057]
In this case, the CDPS initialization 800 of the PD printer 1000 tries to exchange information with the CDPS initialization 800 of the DSC 3012 regarding the sharing and management of each function in each device. However, in the standard bulk-only MSC, bidirectional exchange of information with the DSC 3012 is extremely difficult. Therefore, the Mass Storage Class Wrapper layer 820 of the PD printer apparatus 1000 determines the system configuration as described below, and responds “CDPS migration is possible” to the CDPS initialization 800 of the PD printer apparatus 1000.
(1) The operation control 801, the storage control 802, and the print control 803 are all managed by the PD printer 1000.
(2) The storage device 811 is in the DSC 3012 and is managed by the storage control 802 of the PD printer 1000 with a standard MSC.
(3) The print device 810 is in the PD printer apparatus 1000, and the print control 803 of the PD printer apparatus 1000 manages the print device 810.
[0058]
[CDPS output procedure]
The output procedure in the CDPS according to the present embodiment has the following two types.
[0059]
<Standard procedure>
In the CDPS according to the present embodiment, a procedure according to the following functions and information is defined.
・ CDPS Initialize function
・ Operation Controller function
・ Storage Controller function
・ Print Controller function
・ Service Discover information
・ Service information
・ Job information
・ Job Data information
<Expansion procedure>
Procedures that can support output in various formats based on specifications specific to each vendor are defined for each of the following.
・ XHTML
・ SVG
・ Unique format
[CDPS function description]
In the CDPS according to the present embodiment, an application can be arbitrarily handled in the upper layer of the PTP of both the DSC 3012 and the PD printer apparatus 1000, that is, functions between the DSC 3012 and the PD printer apparatus 1000 (for example, object transfer for printing, etc.) 15A and 15B, a print service function as shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B is provided. In the application layers 700 and 703 in FIG. 7 described above, it is possible to perform direct printing basically by using the print service function shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B. The print service function has an essential function (FIG. 15A) and an optional function (FIG. 15B), and an apparatus that supports CDPS needs to prepare all of the essential functions.
[0060]
15A and 15B are diagrams showing a list of service functions in CDPS according to the present embodiment. Hereinafter, these functions will be described sequentially.
(a) CDPS_ServiceDiscovery (service discovery)
This is a function for performing transition to CDPS. This return value is a script, and the CDPS procedure “standard” or “extended” is instructed, and which procedure is selected is received. Note that only the CDPS_ServiceDiscovery function is used during the “extension” procedure.
(b) CDPS_Service (print control 803 → operation control 801)
A script describing the function of the PD printer is notified as a parameter. The script describing the function of the PD printer is used as an argument, and the return value indicates the communication result, that is, the success or failure of communication (“TRUE” or “FALSE”).
(c) CDPS_PageStart (print control 803 → operation control 801)
Notify the start of printing (every page). The parameter is a script describing the print function, and the return value indicates the communication result, that is, the success or failure of communication (“TRUE” or “FALSE”).
(d) CDPS_PageEnd (print control 803 → operation control 801)
This is a function for notifying the end of printing (when discharging one page at a time). The parameter is a script describing the print function, and the return value indicates the communication result, that is, the success or failure of communication (“TRUE” or “FALSE”).
(e) CDPS_JobEnd (print control 803 → operation control 801)
Notify the end of the print job. The parameter is a script describing the print function, and the return value indicates the communication result, that is, the success or failure of communication (“TRUE” or “FALSE”).
(f) CDPS_Error (printing control 803 → operation control 801)
This is a function to notify an error (Warning / Fatal). The parameter is a script describing the print function, and the return value indicates the communication result, that is, the success or failure of communication (“TRUE” or “FALSE”).
(g) CDPS_JobData (print control 803 → storage control 802)
This is a function for acquiring an image such as JPEG from the storage device 811. The script that describes the handle name of the acquired image data is used as an argument, and the return value is the number of bytes of the acquired image data and the image data itself.
(h) CDPS_DataList (operation control 801 → storage control 802)
This is a function for acquiring a list of image information such as JPEG from the storage device 811. A script that describes the function of the PD printer 1000 is used as an argument, and the return value is a script that describes a list of image data.
(i) CDPS_Job (operation control 801 → print control 803)
This is a function for notifying a print command. The script describing the print command is used as an argument, and the return value indicates the communication result, that is, the success or failure of communication (“TRUE” or “FALSE”).
(j) CDPS_JobAbort (operation control 801 → print control 803)
This function notifies a print stop command. The script describing the function of the printer is used as an argument, and the return value indicates the communication result, that is, the success or failure of communication (“TRUE” or “FALSE”).
(k) CDPS_JobContinue (operation control 801 → print control 803)
This function notifies a print restart command. The script describing the function of the printer is used as an argument, and the return value indicates the communication result, that is, the success or failure of communication (“TRUE” or “FALSE”).
[0061]
The above is the essential function in CDPS.
[0062]
This CDPS further includes a CDPS_PartialJobData function as an optional function, as shown in FIG. 15B.
[0063]
This CDPS_PartialJobData (print control 803 → storage control 802) is a function for acquiring image data such as JPEG from the storage device 811. The script that describes the handle name of the acquired image data is used as an argument, and the return value is the number of bytes of the acquired image data and the image data itself.
[0064]
[Description of script format]
The script content used for the above-described service discovery (CDPS_ServiceDiscovery) and the script format used for other functions will be described below.
[0065]
<Format of various function commands>
(1) Script format for service discovery (CDPS_ServiceDiscovery)
The script contents used for service discovery (CDPS_ServiceDiscovery) (described in Unicode) are used when shifting to the CDPS mode. This recognizes each other's keywords.
[0066]
CanonDirectPrintService (UILevel = X) (Device information, UI level information (X) is 0 to 4)
CanonDirectPrintService (HostUI) (when using the host (PD printer) UI)
Or
CanonDirectPrintService (DeviceUI) (when using the device (DSC) UI)
(2) Script format in CDPS_PageStart, CDPS_PageEnd, CDPS_JobEnd, CDPS_DataList, CDPS_JobAbort, CDPS_JobContinue
<? XML version = "1.0" encoding = "UTF-16"?>
<! ELEMENT command ("CDPS_PageStart" | "CDPS_PageEnd" | "CDPS_JobEnd" | "CDPS_JobAbort" | "CDPS_JobContinue")>
(3) CDPS_Service script format

(4) CDPS_Job script format

(5) CDPS_Error script format
<? XML version = "1.0" encoding = "UTF-16"?>
<Command ("CDPS_Error")>
<! ELEMENT status ("fatal" | "warning")>
<! ELEMENT reason ("printer_occupied" | "printer_busy" | "ink_low" | "lever_error" | "load_error" |…)>
Here, “status” describes whether or not this error can be returned to the job. For example, “fatal” indicates that recovery is not possible, and “warning” indicates that recovery is possible. “Reason” describes the cause of the error.
(6) Script format of CDPS_JobData and CDPS_PartialJobData
<? XML version = "1.0" encoding = "UTF-16"?>
<! ELEMENT command ("CDPS_JobData" | "CDPS_PartialJobData")>
<Image (#PCDATA)>
<Offset (#PCDATA)>
<Size (#PCDATA)>
Here, “image” describes the handle name of the file, “offset” describes the number of bytes offset from the head, and “size” describes the number of bytes of image data to be acquired. However, in the case of CDPS_JobData, these “offset” and “size” are invalid when partial acquisition of optional functions is not used.
[0067]
<Capability format>
The <capability> format used in the CDPS_Service function and CDPS_Job function is shown below.
[0068]

However, “quality” indicates print quality, and “fast” (draft), “normal”, and “finw” are designated. “Paper_size” represents the paper size (L, 2L, card, 4x6, A4, letter size, etc.), “paper_type” represents the paper type, “plain” (plain), “photo paper (photo)” specify.
[0069]

However, “image_type” represents a supported image format. “Date” represents ON / OFF of date printing. “File_name” represents ON / OFF of file name printing, and “image_ooptimize” represents ON / OFF of image correction. “Size_per_page” represents the size of the readable image data, and “layout” represents the layout that is possible for various paper types.
[0070]

The portion surrounded by “option” represents the printer capability unique to each vendor, and is described here together with the vendor name.
[0071]
<Job format>
The <job> format used by the CDPS_Job function is shown below.
[0072]

However, the portion surrounded by the “capability” represents the print setting of the following image. A portion surrounded by “printlist” represents an image to be printed in this job, additional information (date, file name), and the like.
[0073]
<Specific examples of Job format>
Next, a specific example of this Job format will be described.
(A) The image of Handle1 is printed on the L-size photo paper with the date imprinted without a border.
[0074]

(B) Six images of handles 1 to 6 are printed on the L-size photo paper in a 2 × 2 layout.
[0075]

[Explanation of CDPS “standard” procedure flow]
FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining a basic processing flow of CDPS according to the present embodiment. Here, the CDPS functions transmitted and received between the above-described functions 800 to 803 are time-sequentially from top to bottom. It is written in. In the figure, the locations described by “A”, “B”, “C”, and “D” on the broken line indicate the division points of the function sharing that are considered to be representative. Also, parts common to those in FIG. 8 are indicated by the same symbols, and description thereof is omitted.
[0076]
When the transition to the CDPS mode is notified from the PD printer 1000 to the DSC 3012 by the above-described CDPS initialization 800 (804), in response to this, the DSC 3012 responds to a level supported by the DSC 3012 (“standard”, “ (Expanded ”and supported functions) are notified to the PD printer 1000 (821). Based on this, the PD printer 1000 determines whether each of the functions 800 to 803 described above is to be performed by the DSC 3012 or the PD printer 1000, and notifies the DSC 3012 of the result (822).
[0077]
Reference numeral 823 denotes a request for a data list of image data stored in the storage device 811 from the operation control 801 to the storage control 802. Reference numeral 824 denotes data read from the storage device 811 by the storage control 802 in response thereto. Is shown. As a result, the list data is sent from the storage control 802 to the operation control 801 in 805, and the print mode and the image to be printed are selected in 825 by the operation of the user 812, and a print job is created. Be informed. As a result, an output setting instruction “CDPS_Job” 808 is created and notified to the print control 803 based on the instruction of the user 812 input from the operation control 801 to the print control 803 using the created UI menu. To do. In 826, the image data is requested from the print control 803 to the storage control 802. As a result, the image data 827 is read from the storage device 811, and the image file “Job Data” 806 necessary for printing is sent from the storage control 802 to the print control 803. As a result, image processing or the like is executed in the print control 803 to generate print data, and the print data 828 is sent to the print device 810 to execute printing.
[0078]
If an error occurs during printing, error information 829 is sent from the print control 803 to the operation control 801. In response to this error, when the user 812 instructs “print cancel” or “print continue” (831), for example, a “print cancel” command 830 is sent from the operation control 801 to the print control 803 (this command). Is shown in FIG. 15A). Then, the print control 803 notifies the operation control 801 of the end of the print job (832).
[0079]
FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining a case where the DSC 3012 takes charge of the operation control 801 and the storage control 802 and the PD printer apparatus 1000 takes charge of the print control 803. The function dividing position in this case is the position indicated by “C” in FIG. Although this example is shown in the case of PTP, the same applies to other connections such as TCP / IP when the operation control 801 and storage control 802 of the DSC 3012 are used.
[0080]
In this case, the PD printer 1000 informs the user that the operation control 801 and the storage control 802 of the functions 800 to 803 are executed by the DSC 3012 and the print control 803 is executed by the PD printer 1000 at 822. Thereby, the function sharing between the DSC 3012 and the PD printer 1000 is determined as shown in FIG.
[0081]
FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining a case where the storage device 811 of the DSC 3012 is handled as Mass Storage, and the PD printer 1000 is responsible for operation control 801, storage control 802, and print control 803. The function dividing position in this case is the position indicated by “A” in FIG. Although this example is shown in the case of PTP, the same applies to other connections such as TCP / IP when the operation control 801 and storage control 802 of the DSC 3012 are used.
[0082]
In this case, the PD printer apparatus 1000 informs the PD printer apparatus 1000 to execute all the functions 800 to 803 at 822. Thereby, the function sharing between the DSC 3012 and the PD printer 1000 is determined as shown in FIG.
[0083]
The same applies to other connections such as PTP when the resources of the DSC 3012 are not used at all. The same applies when the DSC 3012 does not have the CDPS initialization function 800 (CDPS Initialize) (a model that does not support CDPS).
[0084]
Hereinafter, an example will be described in which the service function command in the CDPS described above is implemented by PTP.
[0085]
[Example of PTP print service function]
<CDPS service discovery (CDPS_ServiceDiscovery) function>
FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining the procedure of the CDPS service discovery function.
[0086]
When the PD printer 1000 and the DSC 3012 are physically connected and communication by PTP becomes possible, first, at 1400, GetDeviceInfo is transmitted from the PD printer 1000 to the DSC 3012, and the DSC 3012 holds it. Information about the object is requested. In response to this, the DSC 3012 transmits information about the object held in the DSC 3012 to the PD printer 1000 by DeviceInfo Dataset. Next, in 1402, DSC 3012 is allocated as a resource by OpenSession, a handle for assigning a handle to a data object as necessary, or a request for starting a procedure for performing special initialization is issued. On the other hand, when an affirmative response (OK) is returned from the DSC 3012, PTP communication is started. Next, in 1403, the DSC 3012 requests all handles in script format (Storage ID: FFFFFF, Object Type: Script). In response to this, in 1404, all handle lists held in the DSC 3012 are returned. Is done. Next, at 1405 and 1406, information on the i-th object handle is acquired from the PD printer 1000. Here, if this object includes a keyword (for example, “mountain”) indicating the identification of the DSC 3012, next, in 1407, the PD printer device 1000 is instructed to transmit object information (SendObjectInfo), If an affirmative response (OK) is received, object information is transmitted from the PD printer 1000 to the DSC 3012 by SendObject. Here, this object includes, for example, “river” as a response keyword (password) for the keyword.
[0087]
In this way, both the PD printer 1000 and the DSC 3012 can recognize each other's connection partner, and thereafter, the procedure can be shifted to the CDPS procedure. In this way, a keyword can be reliably transferred in a transport layer that can transfer a file. That is, keywords can be exchanged without adding a unique command or the like to the CDPS of this embodiment. Here, the keyword is not limited to the above example, and the same keyword may be used. In addition, in order to shorten the time for performing the negotiation with this keyword, by putting this keyword at the beginning (i = 1) of the handle in the script format, the time required for checking each other's devices can be shortened.
[0088]
FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining the continuation of the CDPS_ServiceDiscovery procedure.
[0089]
Here, first, in 1501, the SendObjectInfo is used to notify the DSC 3012 that there is object information to be transmitted in order to notify the DSC 3012 of the procedures “standard procedure” and “extended procedure” supported by the PD printer 1000. In response to this, when an affirmative response (OK) is sent from the DSC 3012, the DSC 3012 is informed that the object is to be sent by SendObject in 1502, and the procedure supported by the PD printer 1000 with the next 1503 ObjectData. Send information about "Standard" / "Extended". Next, in 1504, the DSC 3012 notifies the PD printer 1000 that the GetObject operation is to be started (shift to the push mode). As a result, when it is notified in 1505 that information related to object information is received from the PD printer apparatus 1000 (GetObjectInfo), object information is notified from the DSC 3012 to the PD printer apparatus 1000 by the ObjectInfo Dataset in 1506, and 1507. When the object information itself is requested by designating the object information, the procedure (“standard”, “extended”, etc.) used by the DSC 3012 is notified to the PD printer 1000 by the Object Dataset (1508).
[0090]
As a result, the image printing mode can be designated from the DSC 3012 to the PD printer 1000.
[0091]
<CDPS_Service (standard)>
FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining the printer function notification procedure in the CDPS according to the present embodiment.
[0092]
In this procedure, in 1600, the PD printer 1000 informs the DSC 3012 that there is object information to be transmitted, and notifies the DSC 3012 of the function of the printer 1000 by SendObject and ObjectData.
[0093]
<CDPS_JobData (standard)>
FIG. 22 shows an example in which the communication procedure when the PD printer 1000 acquires image data (JPEG image) held in the DSC 3012 (CDPS_JobData) in the CDPS according to the present embodiment is realized using the PTP architecture. It is a figure explaining.
[0094]
First, in 1800, when information related to an object held by the DSC 3012 (or storage) is requested, in 1801, information related to the object (Object Dataset) is sent from the DSC 3012 to the PD printer 1000. Next, when an acquisition request (GetObject) is issued by specifying the object in 1802, the requested image file (Object Dataset) is transmitted from the DSC 3012 to the PD printer 1000 in 1803. In this way, the PD printer 1000 can acquire a desired image file from the DSC 3012. Note that the return values in this case are “Data_Size” and “Image_Data”.
[0095]
<CDPS_PageStart (standard)>
FIG. 23 is a diagram for explaining the procedure of print start notification processing in CDPS according to the present embodiment.
[0096]
In this procedure, in 1700, it is notified that there is object information (print start notification) to be transmitted from the PD printer 1000 to the DSC 3012. In 1701, the DSC 3012 is notified of print start by SendObject and ObjectData.
[0097]
<CDPS PageEnd (standard)>
FIG. 24 is a diagram for explaining an example in which the communication procedure for notifying the DSC 3012 of the printing process for one page in the CDPS according to the present embodiment is realized using the PTP architecture.
[0098]
In this procedure, in 1910, it is notified that there is object information (print end notification) to be transmitted from the PD printer 1000 to the DSC 3012. In 1911, the end of printing one page is notified to the DSC 3012 by SendObject and ObjectData. To do.
[0099]
<CDPS_JobEnd (standard)>
FIG. 25 is a diagram for explaining an example in which a communication procedure for notifying the DSC 3012 that the print job has been completed is implemented using the PTP architecture in the CDPS according to the present embodiment.
[0100]
In 1910, the PD printer apparatus 1000 notifies the DSC 3012 that the one-page printing process has been completed, and in 1911, the PD printer apparatus 1000 notifies the DSC 3012 that the print job has been completed.
[0101]
<CDPS Error (standard)>
FIG. 26 is a diagram for explaining an example in which a communication procedure for notifying the DSC 3012 of an error state or the like using the PTP architecture in the CDPS according to the present embodiment.
[0102]
First, in 1900, the object information (error information) desired to be transmitted from the PD printer 1000 to the DSC 3012 is notified by SendObjectInfo. In response to an affirmative response (OK) from the DSC 3012, status information such as an error in the PD printer 1000 is transmitted by SendObject and ObjectData (1902).
[0103]
<CDPS Job (standard)>
FIG. 27 is a diagram for explaining an example in which a communication procedure for notifying the start of a print job from the DSC 3012 (operation control) to the PD printer 1000 in the CDPS according to the present embodiment is realized using the PTP architecture. is there.
[0104]
First, in 2200, RequestObjectTransfer is sent from the DSC 3012 to the PD printer 1000 to notify the DSC 3012 that it wants to issue an instruction. As a result, when GetObjectInfo is issued from the PD printer 1000 in 2201, the DSC 3012 transmits information on object information to be transmitted, and when object information is requested from the PD printer 1000 (GetObject: 2203). In 2204, an Object Dataset (print instruction) is transmitted, and a print command is issued from the DSC 3012 to the PD printer 1000.
[0105]
<CDPS_JobAbort (standard)>
FIG. 28 shows an example in which a communication procedure for issuing a print abort command (CDPS_JobAbort) from the DSC 3012 (operation control) in the CDPS according to the present embodiment to the PD printer 1000 (print control) is realized using the PTP architecture. It is a figure explaining.
[0106]
<CDPS_JobContinue (standard)>
FIG. 29 shows an example in which a communication procedure for issuing a print restart command (CDPS_JobContinue) from the DSC 3012 (operation control) to the PD printer 1000 (print control) in the CDPS according to the present embodiment is realized using the PTP architecture. FIG.
[0107]
28 and 29, after executing the same procedure as in FIG. 27, in 2301 of FIG. 28, a print cancel instruction is issued from the DSC 3012 to the PD printer 1000, and in 2401 of FIG. 29, from the DSC 3012 to the PD printer. 1000 is notified of the print continuation instruction.
[0108]
<CDPS_PartialJobData (standard)>
FIG. 30 shows a partial image acquisition communication procedure (option) when the PD printer 1000 (printing control) acquires image data (JPEG image) held in the DSC 3012 (storage) in the CDPS according to the present embodiment. Is a diagram for explaining an example of realizing the above using a PTP architecture.
[0109]
First, in 1920, when information about an object held by the DSC 3012 is requested, information (Object Dataset) about the object is sent from the DSC 3012 to the PD printer 1000 in 1921. Next, at 1922, the object is specified and an acquisition request (GetObject) is issued. As described above, the partial image acquisition function is instructed by the number of bytes (offset) from the beginning of the desired image data and the number of bytes (size) of the image data to be acquired. The partial image data of the image file (Object Dataset) is transmitted from the DSC 3012 to the PD printer 1000. In this way, the PD printer 1000 can acquire desired partial image data from the DSC 3012. Note that the return values in this case are “Data_Size” and “Image_Data”.
[0110]
FIG. 31 shows a DSC when the PD printer apparatus 1000 (printing control) receives a partial image acquisition function for acquiring image data (JPEG image) held in the DSC 3012 (storage) in the CDPS according to the present embodiment. Or it is a flowchart explaining the process in a storage.
[0111]
First, in step S21, the handle name of the image file included in <image (#PCDATA)> is acquired, then the process proceeds to step S22, and the number of offset bytes from the head is acquired by “offset”. In S23, the number of bytes of image data to be acquired is acquired from “size”. Thus, the process proceeds to step S24, and the image data of the designated number of bytes is read from the offset position of the designated image file in the storage device 811. In step S25, the read partial image data is sent to the requesting PD printer 1000 or print control 803.
[0112]
As described above, when the PD printer 1000 acquires a partial image of the image held by the DSC 3012 on the PTP architecture, the PD printer has the “image file handle”, “offset byte count from the beginning”, and A PTP operation “GetPartialObject” in which “number of bytes of partial image data to be acquired” is described as a parameter is issued. The DSC 3012 identifies the requested partial image data portion based on the parameters of the PTP operation, and sends the partial image data to the PD printer 1000 as a response to the PTP operation, thereby realizing the transfer of the partial image data.
[0113]
In the above description, the case where the PTP architecture is used on the physical layer USB has been described, but an example using other architecture will be described below.
[0114]
[MSC architecture]
Here, an example using MSC (Mass Storage Class) will be described. Here, a Mass Storage Class USB interface shown in FIG. 7 is used. In this case, the UI of the PD printer 1000 is used without using the UI of the DSC 3012. Accordingly, the above-described operation control 801, storage control 802, and print control 803 are all arranged in the PD printer 1000. Basically, using the file system of the PD printer 1000, the above-described GetJobData, GetPartialJobData, and GetDataList (by the File system) are executed by image file Open, Read, Close, and directory operations (file operations). .
[0115]
<CDPS_ServiceDiscovery (standard / extended)>
In this case, CDPS_ServiceDiscovery is sent from the PD printer apparatus 1000 to the DSC 3012. If the DSC 3012 does not have a function for the above-described CDPS initialization 800 but does not respond to it, the PD printer apparatus 1000 automatically transitions to MSC (bulk only) on the assumption that reception has been established as “standard”, operation control 801, storage control 802, and print control 803 are set to the PD printer 1000 side, and CDPS_GetPartialData is “supported”. And
[0116]
<CDPS_JobData (standard)>
The PD printer 1000 acquires image data specified by a print command. Here, “Receive Command” is issued from the PD printer 1000 to the DSC 3012, and in response to this, image data “Image Data” is transmitted from the DSC 3012 to the PD printer 1000. Actually, the image data of the storage device 811 is acquired using a SCSI command via the file system constructed in the PD printer 1000. Note that the return values at this time are “Data Size” and “Image Data”.
[0117]
<CDPS_PartialJobData (optional)>
This procedure is basically the same as the case of “CDPS_JobData” described above, except that image data is partially acquired. In this case, the return values are also “Data Size” and “Image Data”.
[0118]
As described above, when the PD printer apparatus 1000 acquires a partial image of the image held by the DSC 3012 on the MSC architecture, the PD printer apparatus displays “handle of image file”, “number of offset bytes from the top”, Based on “number of bytes of partial image data to be acquired” and “file system of PD printer device 1000”, “read position (address)” and “number of read bytes” in the storage held by DSC 3012 are described as parameters. Issue SCSI command “Receive”. The DSC 3012 transmits partial image data by sending the requested data to the PD printer 1000 as a response to the SCSI command based on the parameters of the SCSI command. In this case, unlike the case of the PTP architecture, the SCSI command parameters received by the DSC 3012 do not include information such as “handle of image file” and “number of offset bytes from the beginning”. Whether the SCSI command is issued based on CDPS_JobData or the one issued based on CDPS_PartialJobData cannot be distinguished.
[0119]
[Bluetooth architecture]
Here, an example using Bluetooth will be described. Here, the rightmost interface in FIG. 7 is used. In this embodiment, as a communication layer above the physical layer, a session between two devices can be established and objects can be sent and received. The Bluetooth Still Image Profile is used to describe the agreement of the upper application layer. is doing.
[0120]
In the case of this Bluetooth Still Image Profile, in addition to the above-described connection, another connection in the direction of DSC (Host) → PD printer (Slave) is formed, and a normal “PutImage” command is issued from the DSC. Information is sent out. For convenience, here
Connection 1: PD printer (host) → DSC (slave)
Connection 2: PD printer (slave) → DSC (host)
And
[0121]
Hereinafter, the protocol of each service function in this Bluetooth will be described. The service functions shown in FIGS. 32 to 43 correspond to the service functions shown in FIGS. 19 to 30, and will be described here briefly.
[0122]
<CDPS_ServiceDicovery (standard / extended)>
FIG. 32 shows a protocol of a procedure for transition to CDPS in Bluetooth. Here, as in FIG. 19, the connection partner is recognized by the keywords ("mountain", "river"). In addition, the DSC 3012 notifies the support level of the UI included in the DSC 3012 to this keyword. As a result, the PD printer 1000 adds a keyword indicating which UI of the DSC or the PD printer 1000 is to be used, and notifies the DSC 3012 of it.
[0123]
<CDPS_ServiceDiscovery (standard / extended)>
FIG. 33 is a diagram showing the continuation of the protocol of the procedure for transitioning to CDPS in Bluetooth, and communication in the CDPS mode between the DSC 3012 and the PD printer apparatus 1000 is established.
[0124]
<CDPS_Service (standard)>
FIG. 34 is a diagram showing the protocol of the function notification procedure of the PD printer device in Bluetooth. The PD printer device 1000 notifies the DSC 3012 of the function of the PD printer device 1000.
[0125]
<CDPS_JobData (standard)>
FIG. 35 is a diagram showing a protocol in which the PD printer 1000 acquires image data from the DSC 3012 by a print command in Bluetooth, and the return values in this case are “Data Size” and “Image Data”.
[0126]
<CDPS_PageStart (standard)>
FIG. 36 is a diagram showing a protocol for notifying the DSC 3012 of the start of printing from the PD printer 1000 in Bluetooth.
[0127]
<CDPS_PageEnd (standard)>
FIG. 37 is a diagram showing a protocol for notifying the DSC 3012 of the end of printing of one page from Bluetooth in the Bluetooth.
[0128]
<CDPS_JobEnd (standard)>
FIG. 38 is a diagram showing a protocol for notifying the end of a print job from the PD printer 1000 to the DSC 3012 in Bluetooth.
[0129]
<CDPS_Error (standard)>
FIG. 39 is a diagram illustrating a protocol for notifying a printer error from the PD printer 1000 to the DSC 3012 in Bluetooth.
[0130]
<CDPS_Job (standard)>
FIG. 40 is a diagram illustrating a protocol for issuing a print command from the DSC 3012 to the PD printer 1000 in Bluetooth.
[0131]
<CDPS_JobAbort (standard)>
FIG. 41 is a diagram showing a protocol for issuing a print stop command from the DSC 3012 to the PD printer 1000 in Bluetooth.
[0132]
<CDPS_JobContinue (standard)>
FIG. 42 is a diagram showing a protocol for issuing a print restart command from the DSC 3012 to the PD printer 1000 in Bluetooth.
[0133]
<CDPS_PartialJobData (optional)>
FIG. 43 is a diagram illustrating a protocol in which the PD printer 1000 acquires partial image data from the DSC 3012 by a print command in Bluetooth, and the return values in this case are “Data Size” and “Image Data”.
[0134]
As described above, when the PD printer 1000 acquires a partial image of the image held by the DSC 3012 on the Bluetooth architecture, the PD printer has the “image file handle”, “offset byte count from the top”, and A Bluetooth command “GetParialImage” in which “the number of bytes of partial image data to be acquired” is described as a parameter is issued. The DSC 3012 identifies the requested partial image data portion based on the parameters of the Bluetooth command, and sends the partial image data to the PD printer 1000 as a response to the Bluetooth command, thereby realizing the transfer of the partial image data. This transfer method is almost the same as the implementation method on the PTP architecture.
[0135]
As described above, the PD printer 1000 transmits a request command for partial image data to the DSC 3012 according to the communication protocol and interface used for communication with the DSC 3012 that is the image providing apparatus.
[0136]
At this time, the information sent from the image supply device can be made common regardless of the type of interface used. In other words, the operation unit of the image supply apparatus is operated to instruct an image to be output and its output form, and the instructed information (job data) is interpreted by the PD printer 1000 as the output apparatus, and the type of interface This is because a partial image request command corresponding to the above is transmitted.
[0137]
With such a configuration, it is possible to reduce the conversion processing load of an image supply device such as the DSC 3012 that is expected to have poor power supply capability. On the other hand, in an output device such as the PD printer 1000, in order to make a partial image request in accordance with its output capability and output status, it is preferable to convert job data on the output device side and generate a partial image request. Easy to control the system.
[0138]
In the Bluetooth architecture, unlike the PTP architecture and the MSC architecture, a data transfer request (PutImage) in the direction from the DSC 3012 to the PD printer device 1000 can be issued from the DSC 3012 side, so the following implementation method should be used. You can also. An example of this is shown below. An arrow from left to right indicates a data flow from the PD printer to the DSC, and an arrow from right to left indicates a data flow from the DSC to the PD printer.
[0139]

[0140]
First, the PD printer device 1000 issues “PutImage” as a script like other CDPS commands (eg, CDPS_PageStart) and sends it to the DSC 3012 as CDPS_PartialJobData. Upon receiving the script of CDPS_PartialJobData, the DSC 3012 identifies the requested data based on “handle of image file”, “number of offset bytes from the beginning” and “number of bytes of partial image data to be acquired” described in the script. The partial image data transfer is realized by issuing a Bluetooth command “PutImage” and sending it to the PD printer 1000.
[0141]
There are suitable implementation methods for CDPS_JobData and CDPS_PartialJobData in each of the three types of PTP, MSC, and Bluetooth architectures described so far. Since all information and data to be acquired are the same, the application layer can be used in common. Also, when CDPS is ported to another architecture, there can be a suitable implementation method that matches the characteristics of the architecture.
[0142]
Which architecture is used by the PD printer 1000 that actually supports a plurality of architectures to perform CDPS processing depends on the architecture supported by the connected DSC 3012. Conversely, which architecture the DSC 3012 that actually supports a plurality of architectures uses to perform CDPS processing is determined by the architecture supported by the connected PD printer device 1000. If both the PD printer device 1000 and the DSC 3012 support a plurality of architectures, the architecture used for the user is determined using the UI of any device, or used in the implementation of any device. For example, the priority of the architecture should be set.
[0143]
44A to 44C show a DSC 3012 and a PD printer as a reference for determining how to share the above-described various control functions (operation control 801, storage control 802, and print control 803) in the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 44A shows the support level of operation control 801, FIG. 44B shows the support level of storage control 802, and FIG. 44C shows the support level of print control 803. ing. Here, the DSC 3012 can set support levels of levels “0” to “4”, and the PD printer 1000 can set support levels of levels “1” to “3”. If the DSC 3012 and the PD printer 1000 are at the same support level, it is up to the discretion of the judgment side to decide which function has priority.
[0144]
For example, in the support level of the operation control 801 in FIG. 44A, level “4” indicates that the function of the DSC 3012 is used, and level “3” indicates that a viewer and operation buttons are provided. Level “2” indicates that only an operation button is present, level “1” indicates that only a minimum function is provided, and level “0” indicates that the function is not supported.
[0145]
44B, the level “4” indicates that the function of the DSC 3012 is used, and the level “3” indicates that the handle function is provided. Level “2” has an image file system, level “1” indicates that only a function capable of accessing the storage device 811 is provided, and level “0” indicates that the function is not supported. Yes.
[0146]
Further, in the support level of the print control 803 in FIG. 44C, level “4” indicates that the function of the DSC 3012 is used, and level “3” indicates that the rendering function is provided. Level “2” indicates only gradation processing, level “1” indicates that only a JPEG decoding function is provided, and level “0” indicates that the function is not supported.
[0147]
The functions of the PD printer 1000 and DSC 3012 shown in this way are compared, and for each function, it is determined which function is most efficient, and the above-described FIGS. Function sharing as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 is performed.
[0148]
Note that the present invention can be applied to a system (for example, a copier, a facsimile machine, etc.) composed of a single device even if it is applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, interface device, reader, printer, etc.). May be.
[0149]
In addition, an object of the present invention is to provide a storage medium (or recording medium) that records a program code of software that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments (processing performed on the camera side, various printing processes performed on the printer side), This can also be achieved by supplying to a system or apparatus and reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium by the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an operating system (OS) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. A case where part or all of the actual processing is performed and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing is also included.
[0150]
Furthermore, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion card inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function is determined based on the instruction of the program code. The case where the CPU of the expansion card or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing is also included.
[0151]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the PD printer is set as the USB host, the DSC is set as the slave, and before starting the printing operation, it is necessary for the photo direct printing between the PD printer and the DSC. Functions can be shared, and printing can be performed by determining an optimum or desired print mode on the DSC side. Further, when the functions are shared, for example, when the DSC 3012 does not support the CDPS itself, in step S11 in FIG. 11, the support level of each of the functions 800 to 803 in the DSC 3012 is notified to the PD printer 1000 itself. Impossible. Even in that case, if the support level of each function 800 to 803 of the DSC 3012 is regarded as 0 and all these functions 800 to 803 are supported on the PD printer 1000 side, the CDPS non-compliant Even with the DSC 3012, it is possible to perform direct printing substantially using the CDPS resources in common. The process of “assuming the support level as 0” may be realized in any hierarchy in FIG.
[0152]
By using resources in common, it is possible to expect effects such as shortening the development period, reducing costs, reducing resources, and improving reliability in realizing direct printing with both compatible and non-compatible devices.
[0153]
In this embodiment, the PD printer is set as the USB host and the DSC is set as the slave. However, there is no need to be particularly concerned with this combination, and any function sharing that is the main point of the present invention can be performed. The device may be in charge of the host / slave.
[0154]
Further, in the present invention, the device that performs the act of determining the higher usability during the function sharing process in the CDPS is not limited to the PD printer 1000, and may be performed by the DSC 3012.
[0155]
Furthermore, the function sharing process in the CDPS is not limited to the method of comparing the usability of the functions 800 to 803 but may be performed for each function group in which a plurality of functions in the functions 800 to 803 are collected.
[0156]
For example, among the separation positions A to D in FIG. 16, it is transmitted to the DSC 3012 which separation position the PD printer device 1000 can handle, and the separation position where the DSC 3012 finally connects is determined. You may transmit to the apparatus 1000.
[0157]
In addition, a predetermined separation position determination method (eg, a desired position of the PD printer device 1000 is given priority) is shared in advance by the PD printer device 1000 and the DSC 3012, and both devices can be separated by each device. A method may be used in which the position is transmitted to the counterpart device and the cut position determined according to the shared cut position determination method is shared. In this case, it is necessary to share the arrangement order of functions as shown in FIGS.
[0158]
In this embodiment, the four types of functions 800 to 803 have been described. However, the present invention is not limited to these four types of divisions, and partial function sharing processing is performed for each of the plurality of partial functions constituting each function of the functions 800 to 803. May be performed. For example, the partial functions constituting the print control include an image format support function, a layout printing function, a date / file name printing function, an image correction function, a size fixing printing function, an image cutout printing function, a print job format support function, and the like.
[0159]
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the function sharing of each partial function will be described.
[0160]
[Image format support function]
First, an image format (eg, JPEG, TIFF, etc.) supported by the PD printer device 1000 is transmitted to the DSC 3012. Next, the DSC 3012 determines that the PD printer device 1000 side is in charge of the image formats supported by the PD printer device 1000, and the DSC 3012 side is in charge of other image formats, and transmits them to the PD printer device 1000.
[0161]
When outputting a photographic image of an image format handled by the PD printer device 1000, the DSC 3012 transmits the photographic image to be printed to the PD printer device 1000, and the PD printer device 1000 outputs the transmitted photographic image.
[0162]
When outputting a photographic image in the image format handled by the DSC 3012, the photographic image in the image format handled by the DSC 3012 is converted into an image format supported by the PD printer device 1000 to create a format-converted photographic image. The format-converted photographic image is transmitted to the PD printer device 1000. The PD printer device 1000 outputs the transmitted format-converted photographic image.
[0163]
[Layout Print Function]
First, the layout printing function supported by the PD printer device 1000 (eg, 2 photo images, 4 photo images, etc. per page) is transmitted to the DSC 3012. Next, the DSC 3012 determines that the PD printer device 1000 is in charge of the case where the PD printer device 1000 supports the layout printing function, and otherwise determines that the DSC 3012 is in charge and transmits it to the PD printer device 1000. To do.
[0164]
When the PD printer device 1000 takes charge of the layout printing function and outputs it, the DSC 3012 transmits the photographic image to be printed and the layout print information to the PD printer device 1000, and the PD printer device 1000 transmits the photographic image and layout to be transmitted. Based on the print information, a photographic image layout print is output.
[0165]
When the DSC 3012 takes charge of the layout printing function and outputs it, the DSC 3012 creates one laid-out photographic image including a plurality of photographic images based on the photographic image and the layout print information, and the laid-out photographic image is displayed. This is transmitted to the PD printer device 1000. The PD printer device 1000 outputs the transmitted photographic image.
[0166]
[Date / file name printing function]
First, the date / file name printing function supported by the PD printer 1000 is transmitted to the DSC 3012. Next, the DSC 3012 determines that the PD printer device 1000 is in charge of the case where the PD printer device 1000 supports the date / file name printing function, and otherwise determines that the DSC 3012 is in charge. 1000.
[0167]
When the PD printer device 1000 takes charge of the date / file name printing function and outputs it, the DSC 3012 transmits to the PD printer device 1000 the photographic image to be printed and the date / file name information attached to the photographic image. The device 1000 outputs the transmitted photographic image and date / file name information.
[0168]
When the DSC 3012 is in charge of the date / file name printing function and outputs it, the DSC 3012 generates date / file name information attached to the photographic image as print information, and synthesizes it with the photographic image to generate a combined photographic image. The created photographic image is transmitted to the PD printer device 1000. The PD printer device 1000 outputs the transmitted combined photographic image.
[0169]
[Image correction function]
First, the image correction function supported by the PD printer device 1000 is transmitted to the DSC 3012. Next, the DSC 3012 determines that the PD printer device 1000 side is in charge of the image correction functions supported by the PD printer device 1000, and the DSC 3012 side is in charge of other image correction functions, and transmits them to the PD printer device 1000. To do.
[0170]
When the PD printer device 1000 is in charge of the image correction function and outputs it, the DSC 3012 transmits the photographic image to be printed and the image correction information accompanying the photographic image to the PD printer device 1000, and the PD printer device 1000 is transmitted. Based on the photograph image and the image correction information, the photograph image is subjected to image correction and output.
[0171]
When the DSC 3012 takes charge of the image correction function and outputs it, the image correction function for which the DSC 3012 is in charge is applied to the photographic image, an image-corrected photographic image is created, and the image-corrected photographic image is output to the PD printer device 1000. To communicate. The PD printer device 1000 outputs the transmitted image corrected photographic image.
[0172]
[Fixed size printing function]
First, the fixed size printing function supported by the PD printer device 1000 (eg, printing a photo in L size regardless of the paper size, printing in 2L size, etc.) is transmitted to the DSC 3012. Next, the DSC 3012 determines that the PD printer device 1000 is in charge of the case where the PD printer device 1000 supports the fixed size printing function, and otherwise determines that the DSC 3012 is in charge. introduce.
[0173]
When the PD printer device 1000 takes charge of the fixed size printing function and outputs it, the DSC 3012 transmits the photographic image to be printed and the fixed size printing information to the PD printer device 1000, and the PD printer device 1000 transmits the transmitted photographic image. The photographic image is converted to a fixed size based on the fixed size print information and the fixed size converted photographic image is output.
[0174]
When the DSC 3012 takes charge of the fixed size printing function and outputs it, the DSC 3012 converts the photo image to a fixed size based on the photo image and the fixed size print information, creates a fixed size converted photo image, and the fixed size. The converted photographic image is transmitted to the PD printer device 1000. The PD printer device 1000 outputs the transmitted fixed-size converted photographic image.
[0175]
[Image cutout printing function]
First, the image cutout printing function supported by the PD printer device 1000 (eg, cut out and print one rectangular portion in a photograph, cut out and print a circular portion, etc.) is transmitted to the DSC 3012. Next, the DSC 3012 determines that the PD printer device 1000 is in charge of the case where the PD printer device 1000 supports the image cut-out printing function, and otherwise determines that the DSC 3012 is in charge. To communicate.
[0176]
When the PD printer device 1000 is in charge of the image cutout printing function and outputs it, the DSC 3012 transmits the photographic image to be printed and the image cutout print information to the PD printer device 1000, and the PD printer device 1000 is transferred. A photographic image is cut out based on the photographic image and the image cutout print information, and the image cutout print is output.
[0177]
When the DSC 3012 is in charge of the image cutout printing function and outputs it, the DSC 3012 cuts out the photographic image based on the photographic image and the image cutout print information, creates a cutout photographic image, and cuts out the image. The completed photographic image is transmitted to the PD printer device 1000. The PD printer device 1000 outputs the transmitted photographic image that has been cut out.
[0178]
[Print job format support function]
First, a print job format (for example, DPOF, CDPS job, etc.) supported by the PD printer 1000 is transmitted to the DSC 3012. Next, the DSC 3012 determines that the PD printer device 1000 side is in charge of the print job format supported by the PD printer device 1000, and the DSC 3012 side is in charge of other print job formats, and transmits to the PD printer device 1000. To do.
[0179]
When outputting a print job in a print job format handled by the PD printer device 1000, the DSC 3012 transmits the print job to the PD printer device 1000. The PD printer device 1000 outputs the transmitted print job.
[0180]
When outputting a print job in a print job format handled by the DSC 3012, the print job format handled by the DSC 3012 is converted into a print job format supported by the PD printer 1000 and converted print job. And the converted print job is transmitted to the PD printer device 1000. The PD printer device 1000 outputs the transmitted converted print job.
[0181]
For any of the partial functions described above, for the partial functions supported by the PD printer device 1000, the support level on the PD printer device 1000 side is compared with the support level on the DSC 3012 side so that the device side having a higher function is in charge. May be. In some cases, one device may be responsible for all of the partial functions. As such a case, for example, the number of functions shared by one device may be extremely small as compared to the functions shared by other devices, such as one or two. In such a case, it is considered that the efficiency of the system is improved if all functions are shared by one device even if the processing capability is somewhat reduced.
[0182]
Further, it is possible to refer to a function that is actually used or a function that is specified for a job and to use it for determining the sharing of functions. This is because there is no problem even if the functions that are not used are shared by the devices with lower processing levels. In such a case, as a result, all functions are shared by one device.
[0183]
In the above description, the function of the PD printer device 1000 is transmitted to the DSC 3012 and the assignment is determined by the DSC 3012. Conversely, the function of the DSC 3012 is transmitted to the PD printer device 1000 and the assignment is determined by the PD printer device 1000. Also good.
[0184]
In addition, by performing the Capability information and various instructions using a script, porting to another communication protocol is facilitated and standardization is facilitated.
[0185]
In addition, the communication procedure between devices is performed using a general-purpose file and a general-purpose format, and by defining the communication procedure layer of the application according to this embodiment in the upper layer, the communication procedure independent of various interface specifications is specified. can do.
[0186]
In the printing system according to the present embodiment, since an unspecified number of apparatuses are connected to each other, their interfaces are various. Therefore, it is necessary to exchange information according to specifications that are supported by various interfaces as standard. Therefore, function information essential for transmission / reception between these devices is realized by “file transfer” or “object transfer”, so that it can be easily adapted to various interface specifications.
[0187]
In addition to the digital camera, the image supply device may be a PDA, a mobile phone, a television, a video device, an image storage device, or the like.
[0188]
Similarly, as a printing system, in addition to a printer, a television that performs display on a display element such as a cathode ray tube, a video device that performs writing on a large-capacity storage medium, an information recording device, and the like can be considered.
[0189]
The general-purpose interface includes connection to a network such as the Internet in addition to the above-described USB and IEEE1394.
[0190]
In this way, for example, when one PD printer device has a plurality of types of general-purpose I / F and performs direct printing with a plurality of different DSCs using each general-purpose I / F, As an application, it is possible to use resources of the same CDPS.
[0191]
Conversely, the same can be said when one DSC has a plurality of types of general-purpose I / Fs and performs direct printing with a plurality of different PD printers using the respective general-purpose I / Fs. However, image data transfer (partial transfer) that requires high-speed processing may be optimized using a dedicated protocol for each I / F.
[0192]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to receive and record image data from image supply devices of various companies by performing image data transfer and recording instructions independent of the interface.
[0193]
In addition, an optimal direct print service can be provided between the DSC-PD printers.
[0194]
Furthermore, a direct print service can be efficiently provided using a common resource in connection with a device not supporting CDPS.
[0195]
In addition, according to the present invention, there is an effect that a standard communication protocol between the image supply device and the recording apparatus is defined, and a recording process that does not depend on the type or manufacturer of these devices or apparatuses can be executed.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a PD printer apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an overview diagram of an operation panel of the PD printer according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a main part related to control of the PD printer according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an ASIC of the PD printer apparatus according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a digital camera according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an outline of a CDPS communication procedure according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an interface and software configuration of a PD camera and a digital camera mounted with CDPS according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram of service functions in CDPS according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of processing up to printing in CDPS according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram of a service function in a DSC and PD printer in CDPS according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining an overview of processing from when the PD printer according to the present embodiment and the DSC are connected until CDPS is started.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of function sharing between the DSC and the PD printer in the CDPS according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of function sharing between the DSC and the PD printer in the CDPS according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of function sharing between the DSC and the PD printer in the CDPS according to the present embodiment, and the DSC is handled as mass storage here.
FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining function commands in CDPS according to the present embodiment;
FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a service function and a processing flow between a DSC and a PD printer in the CDPS according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 17 is a flow diagram illustrating an example of service function sharing (allocation) between a DSC and a PD printer in the CDPS according to the present embodiment, and a processing flow;
FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of service function sharing (allocation) between a DSC and a PD printer in the CDPS according to the present embodiment, and a processing flow;
FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example in which CDPS service discovery (CDPS_ServiceDiscovery) is implemented using a PTP architecture;
FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a procedure for notifying a procedure used by a camera (CDPS_ServiceDiscovery) is realized using a PTP architecture in CDPS.
FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example in which notification of a printer function in CDPS (CDPS_Service) is realized using a PTP architecture.
FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a procedure of a function (CDPS_JobData) in which a PD printer device acquires an image file is realized using a PTP architecture in CDPS.
FIG. 23 is a diagram for explaining an example in which a function (CDPS_PageStart) for instructing a camera to start printing from a PD printer apparatus is implemented using a PTP architecture in CDPS.
FIG. 24 is a diagram for explaining an example in which a procedure of a function (CDPS_PageEnd) for transmitting a print end of one page from the PD printer to the camera is realized using the PTP architecture in CDPS.
FIG. 25 is a diagram for explaining an example in which a procedure for issuing a print job end command (CDPS_JobEnd) from a PD printer to a camera is implemented using a PTP architecture in CDPS.
FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a procedure of a function (CDPS_Error) for transmitting an error status from a PD printer to a camera is realized using a PTP architecture in CDPS.
FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a procedure for issuing a print command (CDPS_Job) from operation control to print control is realized using a PTP architecture in CDPS.
FIG. 28 is a diagram for explaining an example in which a procedure for issuing a print abort (CDPS_JobAbort) from the operation control to the print control is realized using the PTP architecture in CDPS.
FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a procedure for issuing a print restart (CDPS_JobContinue) from operation control to print control is realized using the PTP architecture in CDPS.
FIG. 30 is a diagram for explaining an example in which a procedure for issuing partial image acquisition (CDPS_PrintJobData) from the print control to the storage is realized using the PTP architecture in CDPS.
FIG. 31 is a flowchart illustrating partial image acquisition processing in CDPS.
FIG. 32 is a diagram illustrating a communication protocol of a migration command to CDPS in Bluetooth.
FIG. 33 is a diagram for explaining a communication protocol of a migration command to CDPS in Bluetooth.
FIG. 34 is a diagram for explaining a communication protocol for printer function notification processing in Bluetooth.
FIG. 35 is a diagram illustrating a communication protocol for processing to acquire image data from a Bluetooth storage.
FIG. 36 is a diagram illustrating a communication protocol for Bluetooth print start notification.
FIG. 37 is a diagram illustrating a communication protocol for print end notification in Bluetooth.
FIG. 38 is a diagram illustrating a communication protocol for print job end notification in Bluetooth.
FIG. 39 is a diagram illustrating a communication protocol for printer error notification in Bluetooth.
FIG. 40 is a diagram illustrating a communication protocol for print command issuance processing in Bluetooth.
FIG. 41 is a diagram for explaining a communication protocol for issuing a print stop command in Bluetooth.
FIG. 42 is a diagram illustrating a communication protocol for a print job restart command issuance process in Bluetooth.
FIG. 43 is a diagram illustrating a communication protocol for partial image acquisition processing in Bluetooth.
FIG. 44 is a diagram for describing the support levels of the DSC and the PD printer that are the basis for determining how to share various control functions (operation control, storage control, and print control).

Claims (22)

A recording system in which an image supply device and a recording apparatus communicate directly via a communication interface and transmit and record image data from the image supply device to the recording apparatus,
Communication means you communication between the image supply device and the recording device,
Functional information including at least a support level of an operation control function for controlling a user interface is acquired by the communication means, and the support level of the image supply device and the support level of the recording apparatus are compared to share the operation control function. The sharing means to decide,
Performing exchange of image data and commands between the previous SL image supply device said recording apparatus, and a recording control means for recording in the recording apparatus using the image data transmitted from the image supply device ,
A recording system, wherein image data to be recorded is selected using the operation control function, and the recording control means performs recording based on the image data selected using the operation control function . The function information also includes a support level of a storage control function for managing image data recorded on a recording medium of the image supply device, and the sharing means determines the storage control function according to the function information. The recording system according to claim 1, wherein sharing is also determined. A recording system in which an image supply device and a recording apparatus communicate directly via a communication interface and transmit and record image data from the image supply device to the recording apparatus,
Communication means for communicating between the recording apparatus and the image supply device;
Capability information including at least a support level of a storage control function for managing image data recorded on a recording medium of the image supply device is acquired by the communication unit, and the support level of the image supply device and the recording device A sharing means for comparing the support level to determine the sharing of the storage control function;
Recording control means for performing transmission and reception of image data and commands between the image supply device and the recording apparatus, and performing recording with the recording apparatus using image data transmitted from the image supply device;
The recording system according to claim 1, wherein the recording control means performs recording using image data of the recording medium managed by the storage control function. 4. The function information according to claim 3, wherein the function information includes a support level of an operation control function for controlling a user interface, and the sharing means also determines sharing of the operation control function according to the function information. Recording system. 5. The recording system according to claim 1, wherein the support level includes a level that claims to use the function of the own device and a level that does not support the function. In the communication interface, wherein the recording device to the host, setting the image supply device as a slave, the sharing process according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it is executed by the recording device of the recording system. In the communication interface, the recording device to a host, the image supply device is set as a slave, the sharing process to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it is executed in the image supply device recording system described. The function information, an image format support function, a layout print function, a date file name print function, an image correction function, the size fixed print function, an image clipping print function, at least one information of the function of the print job format support function only including the sharing unit, recording system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the determining also share the functions according to the function information. A printing apparatus that directly connects to an image supply device via a communication interface, receives image data from the image supply device, and prints the image data.
Communication means for communicating with the image supply device;
Function information including at least a support level of an operation control function for controlling a user interface for selecting an image to be printed is received from the image supply device by the communication unit, and according to the received support level of the image supply device Sharing means for determining the sharing of the operation control function;
Receiving image data to be printed selected from pre-Symbol image supply device by using the operation control function, a print control means for printing based on the received image data,
A printing apparatus comprising: The function information also includes a support level of a storage control function for managing image data recorded on a recording medium of the image supply device, and the sharing means determines the storage control function according to the function information. The printing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein sharing is also determined. A printing apparatus that directly connects to an image supply device via a communication interface, receives image data from the image supply device, and prints the image data.
Communication means for communicating with the image supply device;
Capability information including at least a support level of a storage control function for managing image data recorded on a recording medium of the image supply device is acquired by the communication unit, and the storage is performed according to the support level of the image supply device. Sharing means for determining the sharing of control functions;
Print control means for acquiring image data of the recording medium managed by the storage control function from the image supply device, and performing printing based on the acquired image data;
A printing apparatus comprising: 12. The function information according to claim 11, wherein the function information also includes a support level of an operation control function for controlling a user interface, and the sharing unit also determines sharing of the operation control function according to the function information. Printing device. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the support level includes a level that claims to use the function of the own device and a level that does not support the function. The sharing means, after establishment of communication with the image supply device, a printing device according to any one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that to receive the pre-Symbol function information. The communication unit can communicate with the image supply device by a plurality of communication methods, and the sharing unit differs in sharing of functions between the image supply device and the printing apparatus according to a communication method to be used. The printing apparatus according to claim 9 , wherein the printing apparatus is a printer. The function information, an image format support function, a layout print function, a date file name print function, an image correction function, the size fixed print function, an image clipping print function, at least one information of the function of the print job format support function printing apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 15, characterized in that it comprises a. An image supply device that directly communicates with a printing apparatus via a communication interface and transmits the image data to the printing apparatus for printing.
Communication means for communicating with the printing apparatus;
Function information including at least a support level of an operation control function for controlling a user interface for selecting an image to be printed is received from the printing apparatus by the communication unit, and the operation is performed according to the received support level of the printing apparatus. Sharing means for determining the sharing of control functions;
And print control means for causing the printing by the printing device to send image data to be printed which is selected by using the operation control function to the printing apparatus,
An image supply device comprising: An image supply device that directly communicates with a printing apparatus via a communication interface and transmits the image data to the printing apparatus for printing.
Communication means for communicating with the printing device;
Capability information including at least a support level of a storage control function for managing image data recorded on a recording medium of the image supply device is acquired from the printing apparatus by the communication unit, and the storage control function of the printing apparatus Sharing means for deciding sharing of the storage control function according to the support level;
Print control means for transmitting image data of the recording medium managed by the storage control function to the printing apparatus and performing printing by the printing apparatus;
An image supply device comprising: A method for controlling a printing apparatus that directly connects to an image supply device via a communication interface, receives image data from the image supply device, and prints the image data.
A communication step of communicating with the image supply device;
Function information including at least a support level of an operation control function for controlling a user interface for selecting an image to be printed is received from the image supply device by the communication unit, and according to the received support level of the image supply device A sharing process for determining the sharing of the operation control function;
Receiving image data to be printed selected from pre-Symbol image supply device by using the operation control function, a print control step of performing printing based on the received image data,
A control method for a printing apparatus, comprising: A method for controlling a printing apparatus that directly connects to an image supply device via a communication interface, receives image data from the image supply device, and prints the image data.
A communication step of communicating with the image supply device;
Capability information including at least a support level of a storage control function for managing image data recorded on a recording medium of the image supply device is acquired by the communication unit, and the storage is performed according to the support level of the image supply device. A sharing process that determines the sharing of control functions;
A print control step of acquiring image data of the recording medium managed by the storage control function from the image supply device, and performing printing based on the acquired image data;
A control method for a printing apparatus, comprising: A method for controlling an image supply device that directly communicates with a printing apparatus via a communication interface and transmits image data to the printing apparatus for printing.
A communication step of communicating with the printing device;
Function information including at least a support level of an operation control function for controlling a user interface for selecting an image to be printed is received from the previous printing apparatus in the communication step, and the operation is performed according to the received support level of the printing apparatus. A sharing process that determines the sharing of control functions;
A print control step to perform printing by said printing device to send image data to be printed which is selected by using the operation control function to the printing apparatus,
A method for controlling an image supply device, comprising: A method for controlling an image supply device that directly communicates with a printing apparatus via a communication interface and transmits image data to the printing apparatus for printing.
A communication step of communicating with the printing device;
At least function information including a support level of a storage control function for managing image data recorded on a recording medium of the image supply device is acquired from the printing apparatus in the communication step, and the storage control function of the printing apparatus is acquired. A sharing process for determining the sharing of the storage control function according to the support level of
A print control step of transmitting image data of the recording medium managed by the storage control function to the printing apparatus and performing printing by the printing apparatus;
An image supply device control method comprising:

Images