JP2007034886A - Image output device, image output method, and network connection apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To integrate communication modes of a plurality of image output systems into a network at low cost while using a configuration of a conventional image output device performing one-to-one communication. <P>SOLUTION: A network communication means 41 establishes a communication channel via the network. A third one-to-one communication means 65 makes one-to-one connection with a first one-to-one communication means 81, while a fourth one-to-one communication means 55 makes one-to-one connection with a second one-to-one communication means 71. In receipt of an image output request in a first image output system via the network, a first relay processing means 64 makes a third one-to-one communication means 65 transmit an image output request for a first control information generation means 83 based on the image output request. In receipt of an image output request in a second image output system via the network, a second relay processing means 54 makes a fourth one-to-one communication means 55 transmit an image output request for a second control information generation means 72 based on the image output request. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image output device, an image output method, and a network connection device.

  Non-Patent Document 1 discloses a direct printing system based on PictBridge. In the direct printing system, a digital still camera and a printer are directly connected without using a personal computer. The digital still camera transmits an image print request to the printer. The printer interprets the image print request and executes image printing. In PictBridge, PTP (Photo Transfer Protocol) and USB (Universal Serial Bus) are used as a lower layer of the DPDP layer part that transmits and receives commands such as image output requests. PTP is a protocol for transferring a file such as an image file, and USB is a standard for establishing communication on a one-to-one basis between a host and a device. In USB, a communication path corresponding to a class is set. The USB class includes a printer class, a mass storage class, a SICD class (Still Image Capture Device), and the SICD class is usually used as a lower layer of the PTP.

  Patent Document 1 discloses an active configuration framework system. This system interconnects services and service users. This framework has a plug and play (PnP) broker. A service user uses a PnP broker to discover, use, and communicate with a networking service. The service user communicates with the service through the PnP broker interface independent of the communication protocol used by the device providing the service. A gateway for registering services with the PnP broker is also provided. As a printing service, PrintEnhanced: 1 (PE1) is proposed by the UPnP forum. In PrintEnhanced, printing is performed by XHTML-Print based on the character, image data designation, and layout designation described in XHTML (extensible Hyper Text Markup Language). Then, control information at that time is transmitted and received as a service on Universal Plug and Play (UPnP: trademark).

“White Paper of CIPA DC-001-2003 Digital Photo Solutions for Imaging Devices (Japan)” Camera & Imaging Products Association, February 3, 2003. JP 2001-290724 A (summary, detailed description of the invention, etc.)

  As a printer in a conventional direct printing system, a printer in which a digital still camera (DSC) is directly connected in a one-to-one correspondence with a USB cable has been put into practical use. Therefore, in a conventional printer for a direct printing system, a physical layer of a communication method corresponding to one-to-one such as USB is adopted. On the other hand, in recent years, as described above, UPnP that provides a service via a network has been proposed, and a printing service has also been proposed as PE: 1. In this case, the physical layer is not one-to-one, but a communication method on a many-to-many network is adopted.

  As described above, the physical layer communication mode differs between the direct printing system and XHTML-Print using PE: 1. From the user's standpoint, the same printer is used for both direct printing and XHTML-Print using PE: 1. It is desirable to be executed in

  Also, when a plurality of different printing methods such as these are unified in a network, it is desired to unify the communication form into the network at low cost while utilizing the configuration of the printer for the existing direct printing system. .

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and unifies the communication form of a plurality of image output methods into a network at low cost while utilizing the configuration of a conventional image output apparatus that performs one-to-one communication. It is an object of the present invention to obtain an image output device, an image output method, and a network connection device that can be used.

  The image output apparatus according to the present invention is specified by a first one-to-one communication means for receiving an image output request by a one-to-one connection and an image output request received by the first one-to-one communication means. A first control information generating means for generating control information for outputting an image based on the image data, a second one-to-one communication means for receiving an image output request by a one-to-one connection, and a second Second control information generating means for generating control information for outputting an image based on the image data designated by the image output request received by the one-to-one communication means, and a network I / F means connected to the network Network communication means for establishing a communication path through which an image output request can be transmitted and received with other devices via the network after the network I / F means is connected to the network, and the first one-to-one communication means Received via the network communication means, the third one-to-one communication means connected one-to-one, the fourth one-to-one communication means connected one-to-one with the second one-to-one communication means When the image output request is an image output request in the first image output method, the image output request for the first control information generating means is transmitted by the third one-to-one communication means based on the image output request. And generating the second control information based on the image output request when the image output request received via the first relay processing means and the network communication means is an image output request in the second image output method. And a second relay processing means for transmitting the image output request for the means by the fourth one-to-one communication means.

  If this configuration is adopted, the configuration of an existing image output device that generates control information that receives an image output request through a one-to-one connection and outputs an image based on the image data specified in the image output request is utilized. However, it is possible to output images using a plurality of image output methods at a low cost by unifying the communication forms of the plurality of image output methods into a network.

  In addition to the image output device described above, the image output device according to the present invention may be configured as follows. That is, in that case, the first one-to-one communication means, the first control information generation means, the second one-to-one communication means and the second control information generation means, the network I / F means, the network communication The means, the third one-to-one communication means, the fourth one-to-one communication means, the first relay processing unit, and the second relay processing unit are implemented as separate processing units.

  If this configuration is adopted, an image output processing portion (first one-to-one communication means, second one-to-one communication means, first control information generation means, and second control unit that can utilize the configuration of the existing image output apparatus. Control information generating means) and a part for network connection to be newly designed (network I / F means, network communication means, third one-to-one communication means, fourth one-to-one communication means, first The relay processing unit and the second relay processing unit) can be separated from each other, and an apparatus in which a plurality of image output method communication forms are unified in a network can be efficiently designed.

  The image output apparatus according to the present invention may be as follows in addition to any of the image output apparatuses described above. That is, in this case, the second relay processing unit interprets the image output request in the second image output method received via the network communication unit, generates an image output request based on the interpretation, and generates the fourth output. To the second control information generation means via the one-to-one communication means and the second one-to-one communication means.

  If this configuration is adopted, even in the case of an image output method such as UPnP PE1 in which an image output command is transmitted and received in a portion closely related to an existing network service, the network communication means and the fourth 1 Since communication for such a network service is once terminated by the second relay processing unit with the one-to-one communication means, the second one-to-one located on the other side beyond the one-to-one communication The configuration on the communication unit and the second control information generation unit side need not be matched with the communication for such a network service, and the implementation is simplified.

  The image output apparatus according to the present invention may be as follows in addition to any of the image output apparatuses described above. In other words, in this case, when the image output request received via the network communication unit is an image output request in the first image output method, the request conversion unit outputs the image output request to the second image. The image data is converted into an image output request in the output method and supplied to the second relay processing unit.

  By adopting this configuration, even when image output by the first image output method cannot be performed due to various factors, an image output request by the second image output method is received and an image is output by the second image output method. Output can be done.

  The image output method according to the present invention is specified by a first one-to-one communication means for receiving an image output request by a one-to-one connection and an image output request received by the first one-to-one communication means. A first control information generating means for generating control information for outputting an image based on the image data, a second one-to-one communication means for receiving an image output request by a one-to-one connection, and a second An image output method in an image output apparatus having second control information generation means for generating control information for outputting an image based on image data specified by an image output request received by the one-to-one communication means. The image output method includes a step of receiving an image output request via a network, and a first image based on the image output request when the received image output request is an image output request in the first image output method. Transmitting the image output request for the control information generating means by the third one-to-one communication means connected one-to-one with the first one-to-one communication means, and the received image output request is the first In the case of an image output request in a second image output method different from the image output method, an image output request for the second control information generating means is sent to the second one-to-one communication means based on the image output request. And transmitting by a fourth one-to-one communication means connected on a one-to-one basis.

  If this method is adopted, the configuration of an existing image output apparatus that generates control information that receives an image output request by a one-to-one connection and outputs an image based on the image data specified by the image output request is utilized. However, it is possible to output images using a plurality of image output methods at a low cost by unifying the communication forms of the plurality of image output methods into a network.

  The network connection device according to the present invention is designated by a first one-to-one communication means for receiving an image output request by a one-to-one connection and an image output request received by the first one-to-one communication means. A first control information generating means for generating control information for outputting an image based on the image data, a second one-to-one communication means for receiving an image output request by a one-to-one connection, and a second A network connection device connected to an image output apparatus having second control information generating means for generating control information for outputting an image based on the image data specified by the image output request received by the one-to-one communication means It is. This network connection device transmits / receives an image output request between the network I / F unit connected to the network and another device via the network after the network I / F unit is connected to the network. Network communication means for establishing a possible communication path, third one-to-one communication means that can be connected to the first one-to-one communication means, and the second one-to-one communication means to one-to-one. When the image output request received via the first one-to-one communication means and the network communication means is an image output request in the first image output method, the A first relay processing means for transmitting an image output request for one control information generating means by a third one-to-one communication means, and an image output request received via the network communication means is a second image output. By method When an image output request has its picture output request for the second control information generating means based on the output request, the second relay processing means for transmitting the fourth one-to-one communication means.

  If this configuration is adopted, the configuration of an existing image output device that generates control information that receives an image output request through a one-to-one connection and outputs an image based on the image data specified in the image output request is utilized. However, by connecting the network connection device to the image output device at a low cost, it is possible to unify the communication forms of the plurality of image output methods into the network and output the images using the plurality of image output methods.

  In addition to the above network connection device, the network connection device according to the present invention may be configured as follows. That is, in this case, the second relay processing unit interprets the image output request in the second image output method received via the network communication unit, generates an image output request based on the interpretation, and generates the fourth 1 The data is transmitted to the second control information generating means via the one-to-one communication means and the second one-to-one communication means.

  If this configuration is adopted, even in the case of an image output method such as UPnP PE1 in which an image output command is transmitted and received in a portion closely related to an existing network service, the network communication means and the fourth 1 Since communication for such a network service is once terminated by the second relay processing unit with the one-to-one communication means, the second one-to-one located on the other side beyond the one-to-one communication The configuration on the communication unit and the second control information generation unit side need not be matched with the communication for such a network service, and the implementation is simplified.

  The network connection device according to the present invention may be as follows in addition to any of the above network connection devices. That is, in this case, the request conversion unit outputs the first image via the network communication unit when the third one-to-one communication unit is not connected to the first one-to-one communication unit. When an image output request in the system is received, the image output request is converted into an image output request in the second image output system and supplied to the second relay processing unit.

  By adopting this configuration, even when image output by the first image output method cannot be performed, an image output request by the first image output method is received and image output by the second image output method is performed. Can do.

  Hereinafter, an image output device, an image output method, and a network connection device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The image output apparatus will be described using a printer as an example. The image output method will be described as the operation of the printer. The network connection device will be described as a modification of the embodiment.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
FIG. 1 is a hardware configuration diagram of a printer 1 as an image output apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The printer 1 has a first microcomputer 11 and a second microcomputer 12.

  The first microcomputer 11 includes a network I / F (interface) unit 21 as a network I / F unit, a USB host I / F unit 22, a USB device I / F unit 23, and a central processing unit (CPU). 24, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 25, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 26, and a system bus 27 for connecting them. The ROM 26 stores a network program 28.

  The second microcomputer 12 includes a USB host I / F unit 31, a USB device I / F unit 32, a central processing unit (CPU) 33, a RAM 34, a ROM 35, and a system bus 36 for connecting them, Have The ROM 35 stores a main program 37. In addition to this, the print engine 14 is connected to the system bus 36 via an input / output port (not shown).

  The network I / F unit 21 is connected to the network connector 13. The network I / F unit 21 sends data to be transmitted from the network connector 13. The network I / F unit 21 receives a signal from the network connector 13 and receives data superimposed on the signal.

  The USB device I / F unit 23 of the first microcomputer 11 is connected to the USB host I / F unit 31 of the second microcomputer 12. The USB host I / F unit 22 of the first microcomputer 11 is connected to the USB device I / F unit 32 of the second microcomputer 12.

  The USB host I / F units 22 and 31 manage USB communication of the USB device I / F units 32 and 23 to which the USB host I / F units 22 and 31 are connected. In addition, when there is a connection request from the USB device I / F units 32 and 23 to be connected, the USB host I / F units 22 and 31 execute a USB connection process. The USB host I / F units 22 and 31 and the USB device I / F units 32 and 23 exchange data with each other.

  The print engine 14 is an apparatus that prints an image or the like on paper. The print engine 14 includes an ink jet type. The inkjet printing engine 14 has a mechanism for transporting paper to a printing position, a mechanism for ejecting ink onto paper at the printing position, and the like.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a network printing system in which the DSC 3 is connected to the printer 1 of FIG. The network printing system is connected to a communication network 2 as a network connected to the printer 1, a DSC 3 as an image output requesting device connected to the communication network 2, and the communication network 2 in addition to the printer 1 in FIG. Media server 4.

  The communication network 2 includes a LAN (Local Area Network) such as Ethernet (registered trademark). A part of the communication network 2 may include a large-scale network such as the Internet, a telecommunication line, an ATM switching network, and a wireless communication network.

  The central processing unit 24 of the first microcomputer 11 of the printer 1 reads the network program 28 stored in the ROM 26 into the RAM 25 and executes it, so that the printer 1 has a TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol). A unit 41, an XHTML network (N / W) unit 42, and a DPDP network (N / W) unit 43 are realized. The USB host I / F unit 22, USB device I / F unit 23, TCP / IP unit 41, XHTML network unit 42, and DPDP network (N / W) unit 43 constitute a network unit 1A.

  The TCP / IP unit 41 generates a TCP / IP packet and transmits / receives the packet to / from another TCP / IP unit (for example, the TCP / IP unit 111 of the DSC 3 described later).

  Among the network units 1A, the XHTML network unit 42 includes an HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol) server unit 51, an HTTP client unit 52, an UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) unit 53, a PE1 (Print Enhanced 1) unit 54, And a USB printer class unit 55.

  The HTTP client unit 52 designates a URI (Uniform Resource Identifier) such as a URL (Uniform Resource Locator), and transmits an HTML (HyperText Markup Language) or XML (Extensible Server TP data). Request (for example, an HTTP server unit 122 of DSC 3 described later).

  The HTTP server unit 51 transmits the page data associated with the URI requested by the HTTP client unit (for example, the HTTP client unit 121 of the DSC 3 described later) to the HTTP client unit. The page data is stored in the HTTP server unit 51 as, for example, one file data.

  The UPnP unit 53 of the printer 1 as a UPnP device functions as a UPnP device architecture, and provides a description of the provided service to other UPnP units (for example, the UPnP unit 123 of the DSC 3 described later) connected to the same communication network 2. Send.

  The description describes information related to a service provided by the printer 1, for example, a service of XHTML printing, a service by “Print Enhanced: 1”, and the like. In the description, information such as the URI of the device (printer 1) is also described. The description is received by another UPnP unit (for example, a UPnP unit 123 of DSC 3 to be described later) as a UPnP controller. Other UPnP units (for example, the UPnP unit 123 of DSC 3 described later) can use the service by designating the URI of the device and transmitting a message to the service provided by the device.

  “Print Enhanced: 1” is a superset of “Print Basic: 1” which is a service defined in XHTML printing. The PE1 unit 54 is, for example, a push type transmission service and a pull type with another HTTP unit (for example, the PE1 unit 124 of the DSC 3 described later) by “HTTP POST” and “HTTP GET” by the lower HTTP layer. Provide a transmission service. In PE1, various actions such as a print request, print job cancellation, acquisition of printer status information, and various parameters indicating control information at the time of printing are defined, and printing processing is appropriately executed by transmitting and receiving them. Is done.

  The USB printer class unit 55 has a configuration based on a USB printer class and has an end point. Endpoints include those for input, output, and control. The USB printer class unit 55 transmits and receives data between endpoints associated in advance.

  Of the network unit 1A, the DPDP network unit 43 includes a PTP / IP unit 61, a PTP conversion unit 64 having a PTP initiator 62 and a PTP responder 63, and an SICD unit 65.

  The PTP / IP unit 61 transmits / receives a PTP command, a PTP response, image data, and the like to / from another PTP / IP unit (for example, a PTP / IP unit 131 of the DSC 3 described later) based on PTP. The PTP / IP unit 61 converts a PTP command or the like into an IP packet and transmits / receives it.

  The PTP initiator 62 transmits a PTP command to a PTP responder (for example, a PTP responder 132 of DSC 3 described later). The PTP responder 63 transmits a PTP response to a PTP initiator (for example, a PTP initiator of the DPDP main unit 48 described later).

  The PTP command includes a get object and a get partial object for acquiring an image file. In the get object and the get partial object, a file ID (identification number) unique to the image file is designated. When the PTP responder receives the get object or the get partial object, the PTP responder transmits a file such as an image file designated by the file ID, an XML script file in the DPDP layer described later, to the PTP initiator.

  The PTP conversion unit 64 includes a PTP initiator 62 and a PTP responder 63, and causes the PTP initiator 62 to send data such as a PTP command received by the PTP responder 63. The PTP conversion unit 64 causes the PTP responder 63 to send data such as a PTP response and image data received by the PTP initiator 62.

  The SICD unit 65 has a configuration based on the USB SICD class and has an end point. The SICD unit 65 transmits and receives data between endpoints associated in advance.

  In this way, the network unit 1A that converts data transmission / reception via the communication network 2 into USB data transmission / reception is realized.

  On the other hand, the central processing unit 33 of the second microcomputer 12 of the printer 1 reads the main program 37 stored in the ROM 35 into the RAM 34 and executes it, so that the printer 1 includes the stand-alone print control unit 46 and the XHTML main. The unit 47 and the DPDP main unit 48 are realized. The USB host I / F unit 31, the USB device I / F unit 32, the stand-alone print control unit 46, the XHTML main unit 47, and the DPDP main unit 48 constitute a main unit 1B that is mounted separately from the network unit 1A. That is, the network unit 1A is realized by the first microcomputer 11, and the main unit 1B is realized by the second microcomputer 12. Of the main unit 1B, the USB host I / F unit 31, the stand-alone printing control unit 46, and the DPDP main unit 48 can utilize the printer configuration in the direct printing system using USB connection such as PictBridge.

  The stand-alone print control unit 46 performs image processing such as color conversion and halftone on the image data, and controls the print engine 14 based on a print instruction. The stand-alone print control unit 46 controls the print engine 14 so that an image having the image quality specified by the print instruction value is printed on the paper specified by the print instruction value with the layout specified by the print instruction value. .

  The XHTML main unit 47 includes a USB printer class unit 71 and an XHTML print unit 72. The USB printer class unit 71 has the same function as that of the XHTML network unit 42 having the same name (55), and a description thereof will be omitted. A communication path is established between the USB printer class unit 55 and the USB printer class unit 71 for transmitting and receiving control information and image data including image output requests between the PE1 unit 54 and the XHTML print unit 72. Is done.

  The XHTML print unit 72 provides a print service for HTML print documents composed of text, images, tables, forms, and the like. When the HTML print document is provided, the XHTML print unit 72 generates a print instruction for printing the HTML print document and supplies the print instruction to the stand-alone print control unit 46. For example, the image data specified in the HTML document is acquired by the XHTML print unit 72, and the image data and a print instruction for printing the image with the layout specified in the HTML document are supplied to the stand-alone print control unit 46. Is done.

  The DPDP main unit 48 includes a SICD unit 81, a PTP initiator 82, and a DPDP layer unit 83. The SICD unit 81 and the PTP initiator 82 have the same functions as those of the DPDP network unit 43 having the same name (65 and 62), and a description thereof will be omitted.

  The DPDP layer unit 83 transmits and receives print processing information based on a prescribed protocol for communication of print control information (request, response, notification, etc.) in a direct image printing system such as PictBridge. In the case of PictBridge, the DPDP layer unit 83 generates an operation script and a response script described in XML (extensible Markup Language), which is a kind of markup language, and generates another DPDP layer unit (for example, the DPDP layer unit of DSC3 described later) 133). The operation script includes, for example, a print job as an image output request for requesting printing of an image based on image data. The DPDP layer unit 83 of the printer 1 generates a print instruction according to the print job and supplies it to the stand-alone print control unit 46. A print job as an image output request is sent and received as a single XML script file in the lower PTP layer.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an XML script of a print job received by the DPDP layer unit 83. In the print job, XML version information is described at the top. After the XML version information, print condition information for specifying the print condition of the image is described. In the example of FIG. 3, high quality (Best) is designated as the print quality (PrintQuality), the L size (L) is designated as the paper size (PaperSize), and the standard (Default) is designated as the paper type (PaperType). “JPEG” is designated as the image file type, “0001” is designated as the number of times of printing (Copy), and “00000001” is designated as the identification number (ImageFileID) of the image file. The plurality of print request values are sandwiched between tags (for example, <PrintQuality> </ PrintQuality>) corresponding to the respective print setting items. A plurality of sets of print request values and tags are further sandwiched between tag groups (<Request> <PrintJob> and </ PrintJob> </ Request>) indicating that the entirety is a print request for an image.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the DSC 3 connected to the communication network 2 includes a network I / F unit 101, a storage device 103 for storing the image file 102, a UI (user interface) unit 104, a central processing unit (not shown), Have Further, the central processing unit (not shown) of the DSC 3 executes a direct printing program (not shown), thereby causing the TCP / IP unit 111, the XHTML print request unit 112, the XHTML print document creator 113, and the DPDP print request unit 114. And an XML creator 115, a file system 116, and an application unit 117.

  The storage device 103 stores image data such as a semiconductor memory or a hard disk drive. The file system 116 manages the storage device 103. The file system 116 manages each image data 102 stored in the storage device 103 as an image file.

  The UI unit 104 includes a liquid crystal device and operation key devices not shown. The liquid crystal device displays an image based on the display data. The operation key device generates input data corresponding to the key operation.

  Based on the input data from the UI unit 104, the application unit 117 selects image data to be printed and an image printing condition based on the image data. The application unit 117 supplies the designation information and printing conditions of the selected image data to the XHTML print document creator 113 and the PE1 unit 124 or the XML creator 115.

  The XHTML print request unit 112 includes an HTTP client unit 121, an HTTP server unit 122, a UPnP unit 123, a PE 1 unit 124, and a media server CP (control point) unit 125. The HTTP client unit 121, the HTTP server unit 122, the UPnP unit 123, and the PE1 unit 124 have the same functions as the components of the same name in the XHTML network unit 42 of the printer 1, and will not be described.

  The media server CP unit 125 manages the file of the image data 102 stored in the storage device 103 of the DSC 3 and the file of the image data 5 stored in the media server 4 connected to the communication network 2 using a URI. When the URI is designated, the media server CP unit 125 acquires image data of the URI from the storage device 103 of the DSC 3 or the media server 4 and provides it to the request source.

  The XHTML print document creator 113 generates an XHTML print document for printing the selected image data under the selected printing conditions based on the printing conditions of the supplied image based on the XHTML-Print standard.

  An XHTML print document includes text to be printed, image data, a table, a form, layout information, and the like. In the XHTML print document, the image data itself may be embedded, or a URI specification may be embedded. Further, when the printer 1 provides the “Print Enhanced: 1” service, the XHTML print document creator 113 in the XHTML print document has an image print position, print size, print box property, EXIF (Exchangeable Image File Format). You can specify file format image data.

  The DPDP print request unit 114 includes a PTP / IP unit 131, a PTP responder 132, and a DPDP layer unit 133 as request side network communication means. The DPDP layer unit 133 of the DSC 3 transmits the print job to the DPDP layer unit 83 of the printer 1. The PTP / IP unit 131 and the PTP responder 132 have the same functions as the components (61 and 63) of the same name in the DPDP network unit 43 of the printer 1, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  The XML creator 115 generates a print job for printing the selected image data under the selected printing conditions based on the supplied image data designation information and printing conditions. The print job is, for example, as shown in FIG.

  Among the components of the DSC 3 connected to the communication network 2, those other than the components described above have the same functions as the components of the same name in the printer 1, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  As described above, the network type direct image output system is configured by the printer 1 and the DSC 3. This network type direct image output system has two print modes. In the first print mode, direct printing by PE1 and XHTML-Print is executed via a communication network. In the second print mode, direct printing by PictBridge is executed via a communication network. In direct printing, the image output requesting device such as DSC 3 transfers original data such as XHTML data and image data to the printer without performing image processing for printing, and performs image processing on the printer side. A printing method for generating print control data.

  Next, the operation of each device in the network type direct image output system having the above configuration will be described. First, communication path establishment processing will be described.

  In DSC3, the network I / F unit 101 is connected to the communication network 2, and the TCP / IP unit 111, the XHTML print request unit 112, and the DPDP print request unit 114 are stacked above the network I / F unit 101 of the DSC3. . In the network unit 1 A of the printer 1, the network I / F unit 21 is connected to the communication network 2, and the TCP / IP unit 41, the XHTML network unit 42, and the DPDP network unit 43 are disposed above the network I / F unit 21. Are stacked. In the main unit 1B of the printer 1, a stand-alone print control unit 46, an XHTML main unit 47, and a DPDP main unit 48 are realized.

  When the DSC 3 and the printer 1 are connected to the communication network 2, the TCP / IP unit 111 of the DSC 3 and the TCP / IP unit 41 of the printer 1 can send and receive TCP / IP packets to each other.

  First, the UPnP unit 53 of the XHTML network unit 42 of the printer 1 acquires an IP address from a DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server (not shown) connected to the communication network 2 or issues an IP address by itself using the auto IP function. To do. After determining its own IP address, the UPnP unit 53 of the printer 1 provides the HTTP server unit 51 with advertisement data such as the IP address and the URL of the description of the provided service. The HTTP server unit 51 provides the provided advertisement data to the network I / F unit 21 via the TCP / IP unit 41. The network I / F unit 21 sends the provided advertisement data to the communication network 2.

  When the network I / F unit 101 of the DSC 3 receives the advertisement data sent from the printer 1 from the communication network 2, it provides the UPnP unit 123 via the TCP / IP unit 111 or the HTTP client unit 121. When the UPnP unit 123 of the DSC 3 acquires the advertisement data transmitted by the UPnP unit 53 of the printer 1, the UPnP unit 123 acquires the description using the description URL of the provided service included in the advertisement data.

  Specifically, the UPnP unit 123 of the DSC 3 sends a transmission request designating the description URL to the HTTP client unit 121, the TCP / IP unit 111, the network I / F unit 101, the communication network 2, and the printer 1 of the DSC 3. The data is transmitted to the UPnP unit 53 of the printer 1 via the network I / F unit 21, the TCP / IP unit 41, and the HTTP server unit 51. The UPnP unit 53 of the printer 1 transmits the description to the UPnP unit 123 of the DSC 3 through the reverse path.

  Thereby, the DSC 3 can know the service provided by the printer 1. A communication path for XHTML printing or the like is established between the XHTML print request unit 112 of the DSC 3 and the XHTML network unit 42 of the printer 1. For example, when the printer 1 provides a print service by “Print Enhanced: 1” or the like, the DSC 3 knows that the printer 1 can use the print service by “Print Enhanced: 1”.

  In the main unit 1B of the printer 1, the USB printer class unit 71 of the XHTML main unit 47 is connected to the USB printer class of the XHTML network unit 42 via the USB device I / F unit 32 and the USB host I / F unit 22. A set interface command is transmitted to the unit 55. After the set interface command is transmitted / received, the USB printer class unit 71 of the XHTML main unit 47 and the USB printer class unit 55 of the XHTML network unit 42 generate endpoints. As a result, the USB printer class unit 71 of the XHTML main unit 47 and the USB printer class unit 55 of the XHTML network unit 42 are connected, and data can be transmitted and received between the end points.

  Through the series of connection processes described above, data communication between the XHTML print request unit 112 of the DSC 3 and the XHTML network unit 42 of the printer 1 and data between the XHTML network unit 42 and the XHTML main unit 47 of the printer 1 are performed. Communication is possible.

  On the other hand, when the DSC 3 and the printer 1 are connected to the communication network 2 and the TCP / IP unit 111 of the DSC 3 and the TCP / IP unit 41 of the printer 1 can send and receive TCP / IP packets to each other, the PTP / IP unit of the DSC 3 131 and the PTP / IP unit 61 of the network unit 1A establish a mutual communication path using PTP, and can send and receive PTP commands, PTP responses, image data, and the like. The PTP initiator 62 of the network unit 1A can transmit a PTP command to the PTP responder 132 of the DSC 3. The PTP responder 132 of the DSC 3 can transmit a PTP response and image data to the PTP initiator 62 of the network unit 1A.

  When the DSC 3 and the printer 1 can communicate with each other via the communication network 2, the SICD unit 65 of the DPDP network unit 43 sends a set interface command via the USB device I / F unit 23 and the USB host I / F unit 31. , And transmitted to the SICD unit 81 of the DPDP main unit 48. Note that the SICD unit 65 of the DPDP network unit 43 may determine that communication with the communication network 2 is possible when, for example, the network I / F unit 21 detects connection of a relay device in the communication network 2. . After the set interface command is transmitted / received, the SICD unit 65 of the DPDP network unit 43 and the SICD unit 81 of the DPDP main unit 48 generate endpoints. As a result, the SICD unit 65 of the DPDP network unit 43 and the SICD unit 81 of the DPDP main unit 48 are connected, and data can be transmitted and received between the end points.

  In addition, a PTP responder 63 of the PTP conversion unit 64 is stacked above the SICD unit 65 of the DPDP network unit 43. A PTP initiator 82 and a DPDP layer unit 83 are stacked above the SICD unit 81 of the DPDP main unit 48. As a result, the PTP initiator 82 of the DPDP main unit 48 can transmit a PTP command to the PTP responder 63 of the DPDP network unit 43. The PTP responder 63 can transmit a PTP response and image data to the PTP initiator 82.

  Through the series of connection processes described above, data communication between the DSC 3 and the DPDP network unit 43 of the printer 1 and data communication between the DPDP network unit 43 of the printer 1 and the DPDP main unit 48 are possible. It becomes.

  The DPDP layer unit 133 of the DSC 3 and the DPDP layer unit 83 of the DPDP main unit 48 start connection processing in the DPDP layer when the lower PTP responder 132 or the PTP initiator 82 becomes communicable. In the connection process, the DPDP layer units 83 and 133 first cause the lower PTP responder 132 or the PTP initiator 82 to transmit detection data for detecting the DPDP layer unit serving as a communication partner.

  For example, in the DSC 3, when the PTP responder 132 becomes communicable, the DPDP layer unit 133 supplies detection data for detecting other DPDP layer units to the PTP responder 132. The detection data supplied to the PTP responder 132 is supplied to the network I / F unit 101 via the PTP / IP unit 131 and the TCP / IP unit 111. The network I / F unit 101 sends a TCP / IP packet of the supplied detection data to the communication network 2.

  The network I / F unit 21 of the printer 1 receives a TCP / IP packet addressed to itself from the communication network 2 and supplies it to the TCP / IP unit 41. The TCP / IP unit 41 extracts communication data, that is, detection data from the TCP / IP packet, and supplies it to the PTP initiator 62 via the PTP / IP unit 61 of the DPDP network unit 43.

  When the detection data is supplied to the PTP initiator 62, the PTP conversion unit 64 of the DPDP network unit 43 supplies this to the PTP responder 63. The PTP responder 63 transmits the detection data to the PTP initiator 82 of the DPDP main unit 48. This detection data is transferred from the SICD unit 65 to the SICD unit 81 via the USB communication path below the PTP responder 63 and the PTP initiator 82. The PTP initiator 82 supplies the detection data to the DPDP layer unit 83.

  Through the series of operations described above, the detection data generated and transmitted by the DPDP layer 133 of the DSC 3 is received by the DPDP layer 83 of the printer 1.

  When the DPDP layer 83 of the printer 1 receives the detection data, it starts connection processing. The DPDP layer unit 83 transmits the response data to the DPDP layer unit 133 of the DSC 3. Thus, the DPDP layer unit 83 of the printer 1 recognizes that the DPDP layer unit 133 of the DSC 3 is connected, and the DPDP layer unit 133 of the DSC 3 recognizes that the DPDP layer unit 83 of the printer 1 is connected. . Control information for image printing in the DPDP layer can be transmitted and received between the DPDP layer unit 83 of the printer 1 and the DPDP layer unit 133 of the DSC 3, so that direct image printing via the communication network 2 is possible. .

  When transmitting and receiving detection data and response data, the PTP layer transmits and receives DPDP layer detection data and response data as a single file, or transmits and receives PTP commands corresponding to the detection data and response data, respectively.

  With the above communication path establishment processing, the DSC 3 and the printer 1 have a communication path for transmitting / receiving, for example, an XHTML print document used for XHTML printing or a print job used for direct image printing via the communication network 2. Established. The XHTML print request unit 112 of the DSC 3 transmits an XHTML print document to the XHTML print unit 72 of the printer 1, and the DPDP layer unit 133 of the DSC 3 can transmit a print job to the DPDP layer unit 83 of the printer 1 It becomes.

  Next, the printing process will be described. First, a case where the DSC 3 requests the printer 1 to print an image or the like using an XHTML print document will be described. Next, a case where the DSC 3 requests the printer 1 to print an image using a print job which is a kind of XML script will be described. .

  When the DSC 3 requests the printer 1 to print an image or the like using an XHTML print document, the application unit 117 of the DSC 3 displays the image of the image data 102 stored in the storage device 103 on the UI unit 104, and The image to be printed is selected based on the input data. In addition, the application unit 117 displays a selection screen such as the type and size of paper to be printed, the size of an image to be printed, the print position on the paper, and the like on the UI unit 104, and based on input data from the UI unit 104. Select the printing conditions.

  Note that the application unit 117 requests an image to be displayed on the UI unit 104 from the HTTP server unit 122 of the DSC 3. The HTTP server unit 122 reads the image data 102 in the storage device 103 from the file system 116 of the DSC 3 and supplies it to the application unit 117. Further, the HTTP server unit 122 of the DSC 3 reads the image data 5 from the media server 4 via the communication network 2 and supplies it to the application unit 117. Thereby, the application unit 117 can select an image stored in the media server 4 as an image to be printed in addition to the image stored in the DSC 3 itself.

  After selecting an image to be printed and its printing conditions, the application unit 117 supplies the selection information to the XHTML print document creator 113. The XHTML print document creator 113 generates an XHTML print document for printing the selected image data under the selected print conditions based on the supplied image print conditions.

  The XHTML print document creator 113 requests the media server CP unit 125 to provide an image to be printed. The media server CP unit 125 causes the HTTP server unit 122 to acquire the image data 102 in the storage device 103 or causes the HTTP client unit 121 to acquire the image data 5 stored in the media server 4. The media server CP unit 125 provides these image data to the XHTML print document creator 113.

  When an XHTML print document is generated from layout information and image data based on printing conditions, the application unit 117 can first provide a print service to the printer 1 before sending the XHTML print document as a print request for an image or the like. Check whether it is in a proper state. The application unit 117 generates an HTTP request for confirming the printer status.

  Note that the application unit 117 may execute the HTTP request generation process in parallel with the XHTML print document generation instruction or prior to the XHTML print document generation instruction.

  The application unit 117 supplies the generated printer status confirmation request to the XHTML print request unit 112. When the PE1 unit 124 of the XHTML print request unit 112 receives the printer status confirmation request, the PE1 unit 124 transmits a predetermined request defined by PE1 (such as “GetPrinterAttributesV2” of PE1) to the PE1 unit 54 in the network unit 1A of the printer 1. To do. This request is transferred via the communication network 2 by the lower UPnP unit 123 and the UPnP unit 53.

  When the PE1 unit 54 of the printer 1 receives a request based on the PE1, the PE1 unit 54 interprets the content, generates communication data for a similar request to the XHTML print unit 72, and transmits the communication data. The communication data is transferred via the USB communication path by the USB printer class units 55 and 71 and supplied to the XHTML print unit 72.

  Through the above series of communication control, the printer status confirmation request generated and transmitted by the application unit 117 of the DSC 3 is once received by the PE 1 unit 54 of the network unit 1A, and the XHTML print of the printer 1 as a request of another form with the same contents. Is transmitted to the unit 72.

  When the printer status confirmation request is received, the XHTML printing unit 72 determines whether or not the printer 1 is ready to accept a new print job, and generates communication data for response including information on the determination result. . This printer status confirmation response is supplied to the PE 1 unit 54 via the USB communication path by the USB printer class units 55 and 71. The PE1 unit 54 generates a response to the predetermined request of PE1 based on the printer status confirmation request received via the USB communication path, and transmits the response to the PE1 unit 124 of DSC3. The response based on PE1 is transferred by the lower UPnP unit 53 and UPnP unit 123. When the PE1 unit 124 of the DSC 3 receives the response, it notifies the application unit 117 of the content of the response.

  If it is determined from the printer status confirmation response that the printer 1 cannot accept a new print job, the application unit 117 periodically transmits a printer status confirmation request until the printer 1 can accept a new print job. A new printer status confirmation response is received.

  When it is determined that the printer 1 can accept a new print job, the application unit 117 causes the PE 1 unit 54 to transmit an image output request specifying the XHTML print document generated by the XHTML print document creator 113. The PE1 unit 54 transmits a predetermined image output request designating the XHTML print document (such as “CreateJobV2” of PE1) to the PE1 unit 54 of the network unit 1A of the printer 1. This request is transferred by the lower UPnP unit 123 and UPnP unit 53.

  The PE1 unit 54 of the printer 1 interprets the PE1 image output request, generates communication data having the same content, and transmits it to the XHTML print unit 72 via the communication path between the USB printer class units 55 and 71. . Further, the PE 1 unit 54 acquires the XHTML print document of the URI designated by the image output request from the DSC 3 and transmits it to the XHTML print unit 72 via the communication path between the USB printer class units 55 and 71. When the XHTML print unit 72 receives an XHTML print document from the DSC 3, the XHTML print unit 72 generates a print instruction corresponding to the document. The XHTML print unit 72 supplies the generated print instruction to the stand-alone print control unit 46.

  When image data is specified by a URI or the like in the XHTML print document, the XHTML print unit 72 acquires the image data of the URI. For example, when the URI of the image data 102 in the storage device 103 of the DSC 3 is designated, the XHTML print unit 72 sends an image acquisition request designating the URI via the USB communication path by the USB printer classes 55 and 71 to the PE1 unit 54. To supply. The PE1 unit 54 causes the UPnP unit 53 to transmit a transmission request for the image data of the URI to the UPnP unit 123 of the DSC 3 to transmit the image data. At that time, below the UPnP units 53 and 123, the HTTP client unit 52 and the HTTP server unit 122 transfer the image data by HTTP. When the image data is acquired, the PE1 unit 54 transmits the image data to the XHTML print unit 72 via the USB communication path. In addition to this, for example, when the URL of an image stored in the media server 4 is designated, the XHTML print unit 72 transmits an image acquisition request designating the URL to the media server 4 to the PE1 unit 54. Thus, the image data 5 is transmitted from the media server 4 to the XHTML print unit 72.

  When the printing instruction is supplied, the stand-alone printing control unit 46 first generates control data of the printing engine 14 corresponding to the supplied printing instruction. Specifically, the stand-alone print control unit 46 generates, for example, a print image for each print ink color of the size of the paper to be printed from the data of the image to be printed, and performs color conversion, binarization on the print image, Control data is generated by processing such as interlace. The stand-alone print control unit 46 controls the print engine 14 using the generated control data. The print engine 14 executes print processing according to the control of the stand-alone print control unit 46. As a result, the printer 1 prints an image requested by the DSC 3 using the XHTML print document at PE1.

  Next, a case where the DSC 3 requests the printer 1 to print an image by a print job which is a kind of XML script will be described. When the application unit 117 selects an image file to be printed and a printing condition by a user operation on the UI unit 104, the application unit 117 supplies the information to the XML creator 115.

  The XML creator 115 generates a print job as exemplified in FIG. 3 based on the information related to the supplied printing. A print job is a text file of one XML script.

  When the XML creator 115 generates a print job, the application unit 117 supplies the generated print job to the DPDP print request unit 114. The DPDP layer unit 133 of the DPDP print request unit 114 transmits the supplied print job to the DPDP layer unit 83 of the printer 1. The print job file is transferred by PTP between the PTP responder 132 and the PTP initiator 62 and between the PTP responder 63 and the PTP initiator 82.

  At this time, the print job file is transferred as an IP packet on the communication network 2 by the PTP / IP units 131 and 61. When the print job file is received by the PTP initiator 62 of the PTP conversion unit 64, it is supplied to the PTP responder 63. Then, the print job file is transferred from the PTP responder 63 to the PTP initiator 82 via the USB communication path by the SICD units 65 and 81.

  Through the series of operations described above, the print job generated by the DPDP layer unit 133 of the DSC 3 is supplied to the DPDP layer unit 83 of the printer 1 via the network unit 1A.

  When a print job is supplied from the DSC 3, the DPDP layer unit 83 of the printer 1 generates a print instruction corresponding to the print job. In the case of the print job of FIG. 3, for example, the DPDP layer unit 83 issues a print instruction to print one copy of the image data (image file) with the identification number “00000001” on the entire surface of the L plate with high quality. Generate. The DPDP layer unit 83 supplies the generated print instruction to the stand-alone print control unit 46.

  In the print job, the image data is designated by an identification number. The print job does not include image data itself. Therefore, the DPDP layer unit 83 acquires the image data of the file ID specified in the print job from the DSC 3. At this time, the PTP initiator 82 of the DPDP main unit 48 transmits an image file transmission request. The transmission request is received by the PTP responder 132 of the DSC 3 via the USB communication path by the lower SICD sections 81 and 65, the communication path on the IP network by the PTP / IP sections 61 and 131, and the like. The PTP responder 132 of the DSC 3 transmits the image file related to the transmission request. The image file is transferred in the reverse direction on the same route, and is received by the PTP initiator 82 of the DPDP main unit 48.

  The stand-alone print control unit 46 first generates control data of the print engine 14 corresponding to the supplied print instruction. The stand-alone print control unit 46 controls the print engine 14 using the generated control data. The print engine 14 executes print processing according to the control of the stand-alone print control unit 46. As a result, the printer 1 prints the image requested by the DSC 3 by the print job.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, in the main unit 1B, the SICD unit 81 as the first one-to-one communication means receives the image output request through the one-to-one connection, and the first The DPDP layer unit 83 serving as control information generation means generates control information for outputting an image based on the image data specified by the image output request received by the SICD unit 81. The USB printer class unit 71 as the second one-to-one communication unit receives an image output request through a one-to-one connection, and the XHTML print unit 72 as the second control information generation unit Control information for generating an image based on the image data specified by the image output request received by the printer class unit 71 is generated. On the other hand, in the network unit 1A, the TCP / IP unit 41 as the network communication unit is connected to another device via the network after the network I / F unit 21 as the network I / F unit is connected to the network. Then, the communication path through which the image output request can be transmitted and received is established, and the SICD unit 65 as the third one-to-one communication unit is connected to the SICD unit 81 on a one-to-one basis as the fourth one-to-one communication unit. The USB printer class unit 55 is connected to the USB printer class unit 71 on a one-to-one basis. Further, in the network unit 1A, the PTP conversion unit 64 serving as the first relay processing unit receives an image output request received via the TCP / IP unit 41 in the first image output method (here, direct in PictBridge). In the case of an image output request in (image printing), the SICD unit 65 transmits an image output request for the DPDP layer unit 83 based on the image output request. Further, in the network unit 1A, the PE1 unit 54 as the second relay processing unit receives an image output request received via the TCP / IP unit 41 in the second image output method (here, the XHTML-Print of the PE1). ), An image output request for the XHTML print unit 72 is transmitted by the USB printer class unit 55 based on the image output request.

  Accordingly, the image output request is received by a one-to-one connection, and the configuration of an existing image output apparatus that generates control information for outputting an image based on the image data specified in the image output request is utilized at low cost. By unifying the communication forms of a plurality of image output methods into a network, it is possible to output images using a plurality of image output methods. The USB host I / F unit 31, the DPDP main unit 48, the USB device I / F unit 32, the XHTML main unit 47, the stand-alone print control unit 46, and the print engine 14 are an existing direct image printing printer and XHTML-Print printer. The technology can be used as it is.

  In the first embodiment, the SICD unit 81, the DPDP layer unit 83, the USB printer class unit 71, and the XHTML print unit 72 are the main unit 1B, and the SICD unit 65, the PTP conversion unit 64, the USB printer class unit 55, and PE1. The unit 54 is implemented as a separate processing unit by the first and second microcomputers 11 and 12 as the network unit 1A. As a result, the image output processing part (DPDP main part 48 and the like) that can utilize the configuration of the image output apparatus for the existing direct image printing system and the network connection part (network part 1A) to be newly designed are separated. Thus, it is possible to efficiently design a device in which a plurality of image output communication modes are unified in a network.

  In the first embodiment, the PE1 unit 54 interprets an image output request in XHTML-Print of PE1 received via the TCP / IP unit 41, generates an image output request based on the interpretation, and generates a USB printer. The data is transmitted to the XHTML print unit 72 via the class units 55 and 71. As a result, even in the case of an image output method in which a command for image output is transmitted and received in a portion closely related to an existing network service, such as UPnP PE1, the TCP / IP unit 41 and the USB printer class unit 55 Since the communication for such a network service is once terminated by the PE1 unit 54, the configurations of the USB printer class unit 71 and the XHTML print unit 72 located beyond the one-to-one communication are There is no need to match the communication for such a network service (that is, there is no need to conform to the specification of PE1), and the implementation becomes simple.

  In the first embodiment, the PTP / IP unit 61 establishes a communication path when the network I / F unit 21 is connected to the communication network 2 or from another device (DSC 3) via the communication network 2. If requested, a communication path through which a print job can be sent and received is established. Therefore, by simply connecting the printer 1 to the communication network 2, it is possible to establish a communication path capable of transmitting and receiving a print job between the printer 1 and another device (DSC 3).

Embodiment 2. FIG.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a network printing system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. When the printer 1 according to the second embodiment receives an image output request from the DPDP print request unit 114 of the DSC 3, the printer 1 can generate a print instruction using the XHTML print unit and can print using XHTML-Print. Is different.

  The network unit 1A of the printer 1 includes a DPDP-UPnP conversion unit 141 as a request conversion unit. The DPDP-UPnP conversion unit 141 is configured so that the central processing unit 24 of the first microcomputer 11 of the printer 1 reads the network program 28 stored in the ROM 26 into the RAM 25 and executes it, thereby executing the TCP / IP unit 41, the XHTML network. This is realized together with other components of the unit 42 and the DPDP network unit 43.

  The DPDP-UPnP conversion unit 141 converts the XML script transmitted / received by the DPDP layer units 1333 and 83 in the DPDP layer into an image output request (such as “CreateJobV2”) by the PE1 and an XHTML print document. The DPDP-UPnP conversion unit 141 includes, for example, a conversion table and conversion unit between these scripts. Further, the DPDP-UPnP conversion unit 141 has a template of an XHMTL print document corresponding to each print layout of a predetermined one or a plurality of XML scripts, specifies image data described in the XML script, and includes in the XML script An XHMTL print document corresponding to the XML script may be generated based on the template corresponding to the print layout selected in step (1). The DPDP-UPnP conversion unit 141 converts control information (response, notification, etc.) in PE1 into an XML script file in DPDP.

  The PTP initiator 142 is the same as the PTP initiator 62 of the PTP conversion unit 64.

  Among the components shown in FIG. 4 of the network printing system according to the second embodiment, components other than the DPDP-UPnP conversion unit 141 described above have the same functions as the components of the same name in the first embodiment. The same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment are given and the description thereof is omitted.

  Next, the operation of each device in the network printing system having the above configuration will be described. The DSC 3 and the printer 1 establish, via the communication network 2, an operation for establishing a communication path for transmitting and receiving, for example, an XHTML print document used for XHTML printing, a print job used for direct image printing, and the DSC 3 to the printer 1. The operation for requesting printing of an image or the like by an XHTML print document is the same as that in the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

  Next, a case where the DSC 3 requests the printer 1 to print an image by a print job will be described. In particular, an operation when the XHTML print unit 72 of the printer 1 generates a print instruction when the DPDP print request unit 114 of the DSC 3 transmits an image output request will be described. This operation is caused by a DPDP main unit 48 failure or busy state in the printer 1, or a DPDP main unit 48 failure due to a communication path between the USB device I / F unit 23 and the USB host I / F unit 31. When it is difficult for the main unit 48 to receive the image output request, the upper layer of the PTP / IP unit 61 is switched from the PTP conversion unit 62 to the PTP initiator 142 and the DPDP-UPnP conversion unit 141 by an output selection unit (not shown). It is done. This output selection unit is realized by the network program 28 being executed by the CPU 24.

  The application unit 117 of the DSC 3 selects an image to be printed and a printing condition based on input data from the UI unit 104. The XML creator 115 generates a print job for printing the selected image under the selected printing condition. The generated print job is supplied from the application unit 117 to the DPDP print request unit 114. The DPDP layer unit 133 of the DPDP print request unit 114 transmits the print job to the printer 1. The print job file is transferred by the PTP responder 132 to the PTP initiator 142 of the network unit 1A of the printer 1 via the PTP / IP unit 131 or the like.

  Then, the print job is supplied from the PTP initiator 142 to the DPDP-UPnP conversion unit 141. The DPDP-UPnP conversion unit 141 interprets the supplied print job and converts it into an image output request of PE1 and an XHTML print document. The DPDP-UPnP conversion unit 141 supplies the PE1 image output request to the PE1 unit 54 via the UPnP unit 53. The PE1 unit 54 interprets the image output request and obtains an XHTML print document (XHTML file) from the DPDP-UPnP conversion unit 141.

  The PE1 unit 54 processes the image output request and the XHTML print document in the same manner as when supplied from the DSC 3, and transmits the processed image output request and XHTML print document to the XHTML print unit 72 via the USB communication path.

  When the XHTML print unit 72 of the printer 1 receives the image output request and the XHTML print document, the XHTML print unit 72 generates a print instruction corresponding to the document. The XHTML print unit 72 supplies the generated print instruction to the stand-alone print control unit 46.

  In the XHTML print document, the image data is designated by the same identification number as that of the print job. Therefore, the XHTML print unit 72 requests acquisition of image data by specifying an identification number. This image data acquisition request is supplied to the DPDP-UPnP conversion unit 141 via the XHTML network unit 42. When there is an image data acquisition request, the DPDP-UPnP conversion unit 141 instructs the PTP initiator 142 to acquire the image. The PTP initiator 142 communicates with the PTP responder 132 of the DSC 3 and acquires the image data 102 designated by the identification number. When the image is acquired by the PTP initiator 142, the image is transferred to the XHTML print unit 72 via the XHTML network unit 42 and the USB communication path. The XHTML print unit 72 supplies a print instruction for printing an image based on the image data to the stand-alone print control unit 46.

  When the print instruction is supplied, the stand-alone print control unit 46 first generates control data for the print engine 14 corresponding to the supplied print instruction, and controls the print engine 14. The print engine 14 executes print processing according to the control of the stand-alone print control unit 46. As a result, the printer 1 prints the image requested by the DSC 3 through the XML script print job.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, the DPDP-UPnP conversion unit 141 serving as a request conversion unit receives an image output request in the XHTML-Print of PE1 as the image output request received via the TCP / IP unit 41. The image output request is converted into an image output request in PictBridge direct image printing and supplied to the PE1 unit 54 via the UPnP unit 53. Thereby, even when image output using the DPDP main unit 48 cannot be performed due to various factors, an image output request in direct image printing can be received and image output can be performed by the XHTML-Print of PE1.

  Note that the output selection unit described above may preferentially select one of the PTP conversion unit 64 and the DPDP-UPnP conversion unit 141. In addition, the output selection unit has only one communication channel established between the communication channel between the XHTML network unit 42 and the XHTML main unit 47 and the communication channel between the DPDP network unit 43 and the DPDP main unit 48. The print request may be processed in the above.

  In the second embodiment, the DPDP network unit 43 of the printer 1 includes the PTP conversion unit 64 and the SICD unit 65 together with the DPDP-UPnP conversion unit 141. In addition, for example, the DPDP network unit 43 may include only the DPDP-UPnP conversion unit 141. In this case, the PTP conversion unit 64 to the DPDP main unit 48 are not necessary. The printer 1 collectively processes print requests by the XML script by the XHTML print unit.

  Each of the above embodiments is an example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. It is.

  For example, in each of the above embodiments, in the printer 1, the network unit 1A main unit 1B is connected by USB. In addition, for example, the network unit 1A and the main unit 1B may be connected by wireless communication or the like. The DPDP network unit 43 and the DPDP main unit 48 communicate with each other using the SICD class. However, depending on the upper layer that implements the direct printing system, the DPDP network unit 43 and the DPDP main unit 48 communicate with other classes such as the USB mass storage class. Also good.

  In the above embodiments, the network unit 1A and the main unit 1B are provided in the printer 1. In addition, for example, only the main unit 1B may be provided in the printer 1, and the network unit 1A may be a separate network connection device. In that case, the USB host I / F units 22 and 31 and the USB device I / F units 23 and 32 are appropriately provided with connectors, and the USB host I / F units 22 and 31 and the USB device I / F unit 23, 32 is electrically connected by a USB cable. Alternatively, the network connection device may be a dongle and directly connected to the printer 1 without using a cable. In this case, the power used by the network connection device may be acquired from the printer 1 by USB bus power.

  When the network connection device is used as described above, the DPDP-UPnP conversion unit 141 operates, for example, when the communication path between the USB host I / F unit 31 and the USB device I / F unit 23 is not established. You may do it. That is, when the communication path between the USB host I / F unit 31 and the USB device I / F unit 23 has not been established, the upper layer of the PTP / IP unit 61 causes the PTP initiator 142 to be connected by the above-described output selection unit. And the DPDP-UPnP converter 141.

  In each of the above embodiments, the printer 1 is used as the image output device, but instead, a projection device such as a projector may be used. In that case, instead of the stand-alone print control unit 46 and the print engine 14, a projection unit having an optical system and a projection unit having a projection control circuit for controlling the projection mechanism are provided.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, DSC 3 is used as a device that transmits an image output request. Instead, a device such as a mobile phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistance), a scanner, or a personal computer is used. It may be. In that case, the same configuration as the DSC 3 described above is built in the apparatus.

  The present invention can be used for a network type direct image output system that prints an image by connecting a digital still camera and a printer via a network, for example.

1 is a hardware configuration diagram of a printer according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. It is a figure which shows the direct printing system which has a printer of FIG. 4 is an example of a print job received by a DPDP layer unit of a printer. It is a figure which shows the direct printing system which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  21 Network I / F unit (network I / F unit), 41 TCP / IP unit (network communication unit), 54 PE1 unit (second relay processing unit), 55 USB printer class unit (fourth one-to-one communication) Means), 64 PTP conversion section (first relay processing means), 65 SICD section (third one-to-one communication means), 71 USB printer class section (second one-to-one communication means), 72 XHTML print section (Second control information generating means), 81 SICD section (first one-to-one communication means), 83 DPDP layer section (first control information generating means)

Claims (8)

A first one-to-one communication means for receiving an image output request by a one-to-one connection;
First control information generating means for generating control information for outputting an image based on the image data specified by the image output request received by the first one-to-one communication means;
A second one-to-one communication means for receiving an image output request by a one-to-one connection;
Second control information generating means for generating control information for outputting an image based on the image data specified by the image output request received by the second one-to-one communication means;
Network I / F means connected to the network;
Network communication means for establishing a communication path capable of transmitting and receiving an image output request to and from other devices via the network after the network I / F means is connected to the network;
A third one-to-one communication means connected one-to-one with the first one-to-one communication means;
A fourth one-to-one communication means connected one-to-one with the second one-to-one communication means;
When the image output request received via the network communication means is an image output request in the first image output method, the image output request for the first control information generating means is based on the image output request. A first relay processing means for transmitting by the third one-to-one communication means;
When the image output request received via the network communication means is an image output request in the second image output method, the image output request for the second control information generating means is based on the image output request. A second relay processing means for transmitting the data by the fourth one-to-one communication means,
An image output apparatus comprising:   The first one-to-one communication means, the first control information generation means, the second one-to-one communication means and the second control information generation means, the network I / F means, and the network communication means The third one-to-one communication unit, the fourth one-to-one communication unit, the first relay processing unit, and the second relay processing unit are implemented as separate processing units. The image output apparatus according to claim 1.   The second relay processing unit interprets an image output request in the second image output method received via the network communication unit, generates an image output request based on the interpretation, and generates the fourth pair. 2. The image output apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image output apparatus transmits the first control information to the second control information generation means via one communication means and the second one-to-one communication means.   When the image output request received via the network communication means is an image output request in the first image output method, the image output request is converted into an image output request in the second image output method. The image output apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a request conversion unit that supplies the second relay processing unit. With a one-to-one connection, a first one-to-one communication unit that receives an image output request and an image based on the image data specified by the image output request received by the first one-to-one communication unit First control information generating means for generating control information to be output, second one-to-one communication means for receiving an image output request through a one-to-one connection, and the second one-to-one communication means An image output method in an image output apparatus comprising: second control information generating means for generating control information for outputting an image based on image data specified by a received image output request,
Receiving an image output request over a network;
When the received image output request is an image output request in the first image output method, the image output request for the first control information generating means is changed to the first one-to-one based on the image output request. Transmitting by a third one-to-one communication means connected one-to-one with the communication means;
If the received image output request is an image output request in a second image output method different from the first image output method, an image output for the second control information generating means is performed based on the image output request. Transmitting the request by a fourth one-to-one communication means connected one-to-one with the second one-to-one communication means;
An image output method comprising: With a one-to-one connection, a first one-to-one communication unit that receives an image output request and an image based on the image data specified by the image output request received by the first one-to-one communication unit First control information generating means for generating control information to be output, second one-to-one communication means for receiving an image output request through a one-to-one connection, and the second one-to-one communication means In a network connection device connected to an image output device having second control information generation means for generating control information for outputting an image based on image data designated by a received image output request,
Network I / F means connected to the network;
Network communication means for establishing a communication path capable of transmitting and receiving an image output request to and from other devices via the network after the network I / F means is connected to the network;
A third one-to-one communication means connectable to the first one-to-one communication means on a one-to-one basis;
A fourth one-to-one communication means connectable to the second one-to-one communication means on a one-to-one basis;
When the image output request received via the network communication means is an image output request in the first image output method, the image output request for the first control information generating means is based on the image output request. A first relay processing means for transmitting by the third one-to-one communication means;
When the image output request received via the network communication means is an image output request in the second image output method, the image output request for the second control information generating means is based on the image output request. A second relay processing means for transmitting the data by the fourth one-to-one communication means,
A network connection device comprising:   The second relay processing unit interprets an image output request in the second image output method received via the network communication unit, generates an image output request based on the interpretation, and generates the fourth pair. 7. The network connection device according to claim 6, wherein the network connection device transmits to the second control information generation unit via one communication unit and the second one-to-one communication unit.   When the third one-to-one communication means is not connected to the first one-to-one communication means on a one-to-one basis, an image output request in the first image output method is sent via the network communication means. 7. The apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising request conversion means for converting the image output request into an image output request in the second image output system and supplying the image output request to the second relay processing unit when received. Network connection equipment.

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