Image print apparatus, direct print system and print setting method

An image print apparatus includes: a receiver that receives a plurality of set values for printing an image on a paper; a deciding unit that decides whether or not the image print apparatus can print the image on the paper according to a combination of the received plurality of set values; a correction unit that replaces, in a case the deciding unit decides that the image print apparatus cannot print the image on the paper according to a combination of the received plurality of set values, at least one of the plurality of set values with another set value to provide a combination of the plurality of set values according to which the image print apparatus can print; and a print unit that prints the image on the paper according to the plurality of set values generated by the correction unit.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an image print apparatus, direct print system and print setting method.

WO2004/021164 discloses a configuration that a computer and a printer are connected together by a USB cable. The computer outputs print conditions for printing a selected image by form print data selected out of plural sets of form print data. Under the print conditions, designation is possible as to paper size, paper type and so on. Meanwhile, the computer takes control of the range of form print data selectable in accordance with the printer's print capability previously acquired. This can prevent the designation of print conditions which are not allowed for printing of the printer.

As described above, in the related print system disclosed in WO2004/021164, the range of computer-selectable form print data is controlled in accordance with the printer's print capability previously acquired, thereby enabling to prevent the designation of print conditions which are not allowed for printing of the printer.

Besides those having a computer and a printer connected by a USB cable, there exists a system that a DSC (digital still camera) and a printer are connected directly by a USB cable so that the printer can print an image selected by the DSC. Such a system is called a direct print system.

Even on the direct print system, the DSC should designate a print setting to the printer in order for the printer to print an image the DSC selected. However, the DSC does not possess sufficient resources as the computer has. The DSC is lower in computer processing capability as compared to the computer. Moreover, it does not have a sufficient storage area. Meanwhile, the DSC merely has a small-sized liquid-crystal monitor and a less number of input devices. Accordingly, there is a difficulty for the DSC in storing a plurality of ones of form print data and taking control of a range of form print data selectable in accordance with printer's print capability, differently from the computer in Patent Document 1.

Consequently, it can be considered in the direct print system that settable values as to set items are transmitted from the printer to the DSC thus prompting to select a set value therefrom so that the DSC can generate a print-setting instruction which is allowed for printing of the printer whereby the printer is allowed to print the DSC-selected image according to the print settings generated.

However, even in case a print-setting instruction is generated by thus sending settable values from the printer to the DSC and prompting to select a set value therefrom, there are cases the printer is not allowed to print on a certain combination of set values in plurality. For example, on a printer compatible with paper sizes of L-size and A4-size but adapted for printing on the L-size paper only at a photographic-image quality, when a print-setting instruction with designations of L-size and plain paper is generated at the DSC, the printer is not allowed to perform a printing according to the print-setting instruction.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an image print apparatus, direct print system and print setting method that, even in case, during printing an image, a combination of a plurality of set values as to the printing is a combination of set values not allowing for printing of an image print apparatus, printing is available for an image as to the print instruction.

In order to solve the aforesaid object, the invention is characterized by having the following arrangement.(1) An image print apparatus comprising:a receiver that receives a plurality of set values for printing an image on a paper;a deciding unit that decides whether or not the image print apparatus can print the image on the paper according to a combination of the received plurality of set values;a correction unit that replaces, in a case the deciding unit decides that the image print apparatus cannot print the image on the paper according to a combination of the received plurality of set values, at least one of the plurality of set values with another set value to provide a combination of the plurality of set values according to which the image print apparatus can print; anda print unit that prints the image on the paper according to the plurality of set values generated by the correction unit.(2) The image print apparatus according to (1), further comprising:storage that stores a combination of a plurality of set values according to which the image print apparatus can print;setting storage that stores the set values currently set in the image print apparatus; anda generator that replaces, when the plurality of set values received by the receiver include a set value meant to obey a predetermined setting of the image print apparatus, the set value meant to obey the predetermined setting of the image print apparatus with the set value stored in the setting storage, and generates a print setting having the plurality of set values,wherein the deciding unit decides whether or not the image print apparatus can print the image according to a combination of the plurality of set values generated by the generator by referring to the combination in the storage.(3) The image print apparatus according to (1), further comprising:storage which stores a combination a plurality of set values according to which the image print apparatus can print;setting storage which stores the set values currently set in the image print apparatus; anda generator that adds, when a number of the plurality of set values received by the receiver are smaller than that of a plurality of set values required in printing by the image print apparatus, the set value stored in the setting storage to the plurality of set values received by the receiver, and generates a print setting having the plurality of set values required for the image print apparatus to print,wherein the deciding unit decides whether or not the image print apparatus can print the image according to a combination of the plurality of set values generated by the generator by referring to the combination stored in the storage.(4) The image print apparatus according to (1) wherein the plurality of set values received by the receiver are a print setting for printing an image to a paper or a print-setting instruction for instructing the printing.(5) The image print apparatus according to (4), wherein the receiver is connected to an image supply apparatus to receive the print-setting instruction together with a designation of an image selected for printing by the image supply apparatus.(6) The image print apparatus according to (1), wherein the correction unit replaces the plurality of set values into a combination of a plurality of set values which is most general set values in a direct print system.(7) The image print apparatus according to (1), whereinthe deciding unit make a decision as to the plurality of set values of including at least paper size, paper type and print layout,the correction unit decides a necessity of replacing the respective set values in an order of paper size, paper type and print layout, and replaces a set value required for replacement.(8) An image print apparatus according to (1), whereinthe correction unit decides a necessity of replacing the set values of paper size, paper type and print layout, and replaces the set value required for replacement, and thereafter replaces a set value as to image quality and/or image correction.(9) The image print apparatus according to (1) further comprising storage that stores a combination of a plurality of set values according to which the image print apparatus can print,wherein the deciding unit decides whether or not the image print apparatus can print the image on the paper according to a combination of the received plurality of set values by referring to the combination stored in the storage.(10) A direct print system comprising:an image supply apparatus for sending a print-setting instruction together with a designation of a selected image to the image print apparatus;an image print apparatus according to any one of (1) to (9) which receives the print-setting instruction including a plurality of set values, and prints the image based on the plurality of set values of the received print-setting instruction in a case the image print apparatus can print the image according to a combination of the plurality of set values of the print-setting instruction.(11) A method of making a print setting of an image print apparatus, the method comprising:receiving a plurality of set values for printing an image on a paper;deciding whether or not the image print apparatus can print the image on the paper according to a combination of the received plurality of set values; andreplacing, in a case the deciding unit decides that the image print apparatus cannot print the image on the paper according to a combination of the received plurality of set values, at least one of the plurality of set values with another set value to provide a combination a plurality of set values according to which the image print apparatus can print.

According to the invention, the image print apparatus, even in case a combination of a plurality of set values concerning image printing is a combination of set values not allowing for printing by the image print apparatus, can print an image as to the print instruction onto a paper.

According to the invention, the image print apparatus, even in case a combination of a plurality of set values based on a print-setting instruction received by the receiver is a combination of set values not allowing for printing by the image print apparatus, can print an image as to the print instruction onto a paper. Furthermore, because of using to a possible extent the other set values than those obeying a predetermined setting of the image print apparatus, user's intention (choice by the user) is reflected in a range printing is allowed.

According to the invention, the image print apparatus, even in case a combination of a plurality of set values based on a print-setting instruction received by the receiver is a combination of set values not allowing for printing by the image print apparatus, can print an image as to the print instruction onto a paper. Furthermore, because of using to a possible extent the other set values than those obeying a predetermined setting of the image print apparatus, user's intention (choice by the user) is reflected in a range printing is allowed.

According to the invention, the image print apparatus can print on a paper an image selected for printing at the image supply apparatus.

According to the invention, the image print apparatus can generate a combination of a plurality of set values allowing for printing at the image print apparatus and wherein the plurality of set values for print setting are a combination of a plurality of set values broadest in application in the direct print system. Moreover, because the set value not to be replaced uses a set value established at the image supply apparatus, it is possible to print an image concerning the print instruction onto a paper while giving a serious consideration to the intent the user established for printing at the image supply apparatus.

According to the invention, the image print apparatus is to use a paper size and paper type the user established for printing on the image supply apparatus more preferentially than a print layout, and a paper size more preferentially than a paper type. Due to this, the image print apparatus is allowed to male a printing approximated to the setting the user intended during print setting.

According to the invention, the paper size, paper type and print layout the user established for printing at the image supply apparatus is to be used more preferentially than other set values. This can make a print approximate to the intention of the user of upon print setting. Moreover, when replacing other set values, the other set values can be replaced into different values in accordance with a combination of paper size, paper type and print layout because paper size, paper type and print layout are already established. As a result, the image print apparatus can make an optimal printing while making use of the setting the user has intended during print setting.

According to the invention, the image print apparatus can print an image selected at the image supply apparatus regardless of whether or not a plurality of set values of a print-setting instruction for the image allow for printing at the image print apparatus.

According to the invention, the image print apparatus, even in case a combination of a plurality of set values concerning image printing is a combination of set values not allowing for printing by the image print apparatus, can print onto a paper an image concerning the print instruction.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

An image print apparatus, direct print system and print setting method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The image print apparatus is described with an exemplification of a printer. The direct print system has an image supply apparatus to be explained by an exemplification of a DSC. The print setting method is explained as a part of printer operation.

FIG. 1is a system perspective view showing a direct print system according to the embodiment of the invention. The direct print system comprises a DSC1as an image supply apparatus and a printer2as an image print apparatus. The direct print system is to print an image selected at the DSC1, on the printer2according to a print-setting instruction made at the DSC1.

The printer2inFIG. 1is to apply ink to a paper rested on a paper tray3according to an inkjet method, and thereby form a full-color image on the paper. The printer2of the inkjet method is smaller in size as compared to the laser printer and moreover capable of printing a full-color image at low price.

The DSC1and the printer2are to be directly connected by a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable4. Incidentally, the DSC1and the printer2may be connected by a wired communication path, e.g. an Ethernet cable (registered trademark). The DSC1and the printer2may be configured for direct communication through a wireless communication path, e.g. Bluetooth.

FIG. 2is a block diagram showing a function to be realized on the direct print system ofFIG. 1.

The DSC1includes a liquid-crystal monitor11capable of displaying an image in full color, an input device12for outputting an input instruction according to an operation, and a USB communicating IF (interface)13to which the USB cable4is to be connected. A semiconductor memory14can be inserted to and removed from the DSC1. The semiconductor memory14inserted in the DSC1is to store a plurality of image files is taken picture of by the DSC1.

In the DSC1, by executing the program stored in a not-shown incorporated memory by a not-shown built-in computer, a print client section16, a PTP (Picture Transfer Protocol) communicating section17and a USB-still-image-class (USB_SIC) communicating section18are realized. Incidentally, the program stored in the memory is a computer-readable program. It may be stored in the memory upon shipment of the DSC1or stored in the memory through a not-shown recording medium or transmission medium after shipment of the DSC1.

A communicating section19of DSC1is constituted by the USB communicating IF13, the USB_SIC communicating section18and the PTP communicating section17. The communicating section19is to exchange data with a communicating section35, referred later, of printer2connected by the USB cable4. The data to be exchanged between the communicating sections19,35includes those of data as to print operation and image files15, referred later.

Incidentally, the USB communication I/F13of DSC1, if the USB cable4is connected, is to function as a USB device and establish a connection for data communication with the USB host. The USB_SIC communicating section18of DSC1is to generate an end point for USB still image class by communication with the USB-SIC communicating section on the USB host side. The PTP communicating section17of DSC1is to communicate a PTP command and file with the PTP communicating section on the USB host side by use of the foregoing end point.

The print client section16is to select an image of the image file15stored in the semiconductor memory14and executes a generation process of print-setting instruction for causing the printer2to print the selected image, to thereby send a print operation including the print-setting instruction to the printer2.

The printer2has a liquid-crystal monitor21capable of displaying a simple character, an input device22for outputting an input instruction according to an operation, a USB communication I/F (interface)23as a receiver to which the USB cable4is connected, and a print section24as a printing device for printing to a paper according to a print job.

In the printer2, by executing a program stored in a not-shown incorporated memory by a not-shown built-in computer, realized are a print server section25, a PTP communicating section26, a USB_SIC communicating section27, a print-operation saving section28, a print-job generating section29as generating means and modification means, and a set-value mismatch deciding section30as a deciding unit. Incidentally, the program stored in the memory is a computer-readable program. It may be stored in the memory upon shipment of the DSC1or stored in the memory through a not-shown recording medium or transmission medium after shipment of the DSC1.

Meanwhile, the built-in memory, not shown, of the printer2is provided with an item-based-set-value storage section31, a combination-of-set-values storage section32as storage, a current-set-value storage section33as setting storage, and a rounded-set-value storage section34.

The item-based-set-value storage section31is to store set values with which the printer2can make a printing for each set item. The set items include, for example, size and kind of a paper to be printed, print layout of an image for print, and correction process of print image quality and images. Paper-size set value includes, for example, A4, B5, A5, 2L size, L size, postcard, and name card, for example. Paper-type set value includes, for example, plain paper, postcard paper, luster paper, inkjet paper, photographic paper and high image-quality paper. Image-print-layout set value includes, for example, 1-up (one image), 2-up (two images), 4-up (four images), thumbnail (e.g. 16 images), and with or without frames. Image-print-quality set value includes, for example, ordinary and high quality. Image-correction-process set value includes, for example, with correction and without correction.

The combination-of-set-values storage section32is to store a combination of set values with which the printer2can make a printing. Incidentally, the combination-of-set-values storage section32may store a combination of set values with which the printer2which is not allowed to make a printing. The set-value combination with which the printer can make a printing, and which is stored in the combination-of-set-values storage section32may be represented by, for example, “A4-plain paper-1-up without a frame-high image quality-without correction”. This example of set-value combination is meant to make a quality printing of one image having no frames onto an A4-size plain paper without applying an image correction. Besides, in the case the combination-of-set-values storage section32stores, for example, “L-size plain paper” as a set-value combination which is not allowed for printing on the printer2, it means that the printer2is not allowed to make an image printing to an L-size plain paper.

The current-set-value storage section33is to store a set value of each set item to be used in the absence of a print-setting instruction of an image for print when the printer2prints an image during direct printing, etc. The set value stored in the current-set-value storage section33is one combination of set values which is allowed for printing and stored in the combination-of-set-values storage section32. Meanwhile, the current-set-value storage section33is in a default value or a value selected by the user through operating the input device22of the printer2. In this embodiment, the current-set-value storage section33stores a set value of “A4-plain paper-one side with no frame”, for example.

The rounded-set-value storage section34is to store a set-value combination for rounding a mismatch print setting into a set-value combination which is allowed for printing of the printer2in the case, when printing an image during direct printing or so, the print setting as to the printing is of a set-value combination which is not allowed for printing on the printer2. The set-value combination stored in the rounded-set-value storage section34is one of set-value combinations which are allowed for printing on the printer2and stored in the combination-of-set-values storage section32. Particularly, in this embodiment, the rounded-set-value storage section34stores a set-value combination of “L-size-photographic paper-one side with no frame”, for example. The set-value combination “L-size-photographic paper-one side with no frame” is a set-value combination which is highly used and is most general set values in application in the direct printing system.

A communicating section35for the printer2is constituted by the USB communicating I/F23, the USB_SIC communicating section27and the PTP communicating section26of the printer2. The USB communicating I/F23of printer2, when connected with the USB cable4, functions as a USB host. Accordingly, in case the communicating section35of printer2and the communicating section19of DSC1are connected together by the USB cable4, the communicating sections19,35are allowed to communicate data with each other.

The print server section25is to be supplied with a print operation, etc. which the print client section16has sent to the printer2. The print server section25, when supplied with such a print operation, etc., executes a processing according to the operation thus supplied. For example, when supplied with a print operation, the print server section25supplies the supplied print operation to the print-operation saving section28, to thereby notify a reception of print operation to the print-job generating section29.

The print-operation saving section28is to store a print operation supplied to the print server section25. The print operation includes a print-setting instruction generated at the DSC1

The print-job generating section29is to generate a print setting by use of a print-setting instruction, etc. stored in the print-operation saving section28, to generate a print job according to a generated print setting and an image of an image file selected by the DSC1, thus supplying a generated print job to the print section24.

The set-value mismatch deciding section30is to decide a mismatch as to a set value combination for use in printing. The set-value mismatch deciding section30operates as follows, for example. Namely, the set-value mismatch deciding section30displays on the liquid-crystal monitor21a set-value combination stored in the current-set value storage section33. The set-value mismatch deciding section30in a state displaying a set value combination stored in the current-set value storage section33, when inputted with a setting-change input instruction from the input device22, refers to the item-based-set-value storage section31reads out all the set values of the set items including the set values related to the change, to display those on the liquid-crystal monitor21. When inputted with an instruction for selecting one out of the set values being displayed from the input device22, the set-value mismatch deciding section30refers to the combination-of-set-values storage section32and confirms whether or not the combination of the set values, whose set items have been replaced with the selected set values, is a combination of set values allowed for printing on the printer2. In the case the combination of the replaced set values is a combination of set values allowed for printing on the printer2, the set-value mismatch deciding section30causes the current-set value storage section33to store the combination of the replaced set values. Due to this, the user is allowed to store in the printer2a combination of set values he/she wishes to use on the printer2. Incidentally, in the case that the combination of the replaced set values is not a combination of set values allowed for printing on the printer2, the set-value mismatch deciding section30satisfactorily allows the user to again select a set value or suspends a set-value change process. Incidentally, when changing the set value at the present time, selectable set values may be displayed on the liquid-crystal monitor21by referring to the combination-of-set-values storage section32in place of displaying all the set values by a reference to the item-based-set-value storage section31.

Now, explanation is made on the operation in direct printing of the direct print system ofFIG. 1having the above configuration.

FIG. 3is a flowchart showing the overall processing flow of the DSC1and printer2in direct printing. The straight-lined boxes depicted beneath the characters “DSC (1)” represent the major processes that the DSC1is to execute in direct printing. The straight-lined boxes depicted beneath the characters “printer (21)” represent the major processes that the printer2is to execute in direct printing. The arrow lines between the two lines represent the major data to be exchanged between the DSC1and the printer2during direct printing.

In the case of performing a direct printing, the DSC1and the printer2are connected together by the USB cable4, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2(step ST1). When the DSC1and the printer2are connected by the USB cable4, predetermined communication is effected between the communicating section19of DSC1and the communicating section35of printer2, thus bringing those into a state that data such as files and commands can be exchanged between those.

When the communicating sections19,35becomes a state for data exchange, a discovery process is executed (step ST2). Specifically, the client section16of DSC1and the print server section25of printer2exchange predetermined files by use of the communicating sections19,35thereof. By exchanging predetermined files mutually, the client section16of DSC1and the print server section25of printer2recognize that the opposite apparatuses of communication connected by the USB cable4are both apparatuses compatible with predetermined direct printing.

Thereafter, the client section16of DSC1starts an image select process. Incidentally, the print client section16satisfactorily starts an image select process according to a direct print start instruction of from the input device12or a fact of recognizing a connection of an apparatus corresponding to direct printing.

The print client section16first displays on the liquid-crystal monitor11an image of image file15stored in the semiconductor memory14. The print client section16in a state displaying an image on the liquid-crystal monitor11, when inputted a select instruction for selecting an image from the input device12, selects the image file15of the image being displayed as an image to be printed (step ST3).

Selecting the image file of an image to be printed, the print client section16starts a print-set-instruction generating process. The print client section16first generates a request printer capability. The request printer capability is text data in a XML (eXtensible Markup Language) form, similarly to print operation, referred later. The request printer capability is an operation command for the printer2to acquire a set value based on a set item allowed for printing. For example, as for the request printer capability, paper size is designated as a set item. The communicating section19of DSC1sends the request printer capability generated by the print client section16to the communicating section35of printer2(step ST4). The communicating section35of printer2receives the request printer capability and supplies it to the printer server section25.

The print server section25of printer2, when supplied with the request printer capability, reads all the set values concerning the request out of the item-based-set-value storage section31. Meanwhile, the print server section25generates a printer capability including a plurality of set values that all the set values read out are added with a set value for using a predetermined setting of the printer2(e.g. “printer standard setting”). For the printer capability, generated is a printer capability including four set values of “A4, L-size, A5, printer standard setting” as paper-size set values. The communicating section35of printer2sends the printer capability generated by the print server section25to the communicating section19of DSC1(step ST5). The communicating section19of DSC1receives the printer capability and supplies it to the print client section16.

The print client section16of DSC1, when supplied with the printer capability, displays on the liquid-crystal monitor11the set values included in the printer capability (step ST6). The print client section16displays on the liquid-crystal monitor11the set values included in the printer capability, in a state to be selected by using the input device12.

FIG. 4is a backside view showing a backside of the DSC1inFIG. 1. In the backside of DSC1, there are arranged a liquid-crystal monitor11and a cross key41as one kind of input device12. In the liquid-crystal monitor11ofFIG. 4, a paper-size select screen is displayed as an example of display screen. Four displayed objects are arranged vertically in a line in the select screen. The displayed objects are assigned with characters corresponding to the respective set values included in the printer capability. Specifically, the uppermost displayed object is assigned with a character of set value “A4”. The second upper displayed object is assigned with a character of set value “L-size”. The third upper displayed object is assigned with a character of set value “A5”. The fourth upper displayed object is assigned with a character of set value “printer standard setting”.

Meanwhile, a displayed object in an arrow form is displayed on the select screen ofFIG. 4, on the left of the set-value display objects in one row thereof. When the user operates the upper portion of the cross key41, the arrow-formed displayed object moves upward within the display screen. When the user operates the lower portion of the cross key41, the arrow-formed displayed object moves downward within the display screen. Due to this, the user is allowed to move the arrow-formed displayed object to the side of a desired one of displayed object assigned with a set value.

In case, for example, the user operates the right portion of the cross key41in a state the arrow-formed displayed object is positioned laterally of the desired set value of displayed object, the print client section16selects, as a set value for print-setting instruction, the set value of the set-value displayed object the arrow-formed displayed object is positioned laterally accoridng to a select instruction outputted by the input device12based on the operation thereof (step ST7). For example, when the right portion of the cross key41is operated in the state of display screen ofFIG. 4, the print client section16selects “L-size” as a paper-size set value for a print-setting instruction.

When selecting the item-based set value for a print-setting instruction, the print client section16decides whether or not a print-set-instruction generation process is completed by the selection (step ST8). When the print-set-instruction generation process is not completed, the print client section16repeats the process of from a request printer capability transmission process as to a predetermined set item (step ST4) to a set-value select process based on display (step ST7).

The criterion as to the decision of whether or not a print-set-instruction generation process is completed is different depending upon the DSC1. A certain DSC1is configured to set up a paper size at the DSC1. In this case, the DSC1is to decide that the print-set-instruction generation process is completed, by a completion of paper size selection. Another DSC1is configured to set, at the DSC1, a paper size and kind, an image print layout and print quality and an image correction process. In this case, the DSC1is to decide that the print-set-instruction generation process is completed by a completion of selecting five item-based set values.

Incidentally, in the explanation ofFIG. 3and the above, the print client section16of DSC1generates a request printer capability for each set item, and displays on the liquid-crystal monitor11set values of the set items as to the request obtained dependent thereupon, thus allowing the user to select a set value. Besides this, the print client section16for example generates a request printer capability as to all the set items to be set up, and displays on the liquid-crystal monitor11set values of set items concerning the request acquired dependent thereupon, thus allowing the user to select a set value.

Completing the print-set-instruction generation process, the print client section16generates a print operation (step ST9).

FIG. 5is a figure showing an example of print operation52generated by the print client section16inFIG. 2. The print operation52is XML-formed text data. The print operation52has a tug representative of an XML version (<?xml version=“1.0”?>) and a pair of tugs representing that the print operation52is a request (<Request>, </Request>). Between the one pair of tugs representative of requests, a pair of tugs are haven representing that the requests are requests for print job (<PrintJob>, </PrintJob>).

Between the one pair of tugs representative of print job requests, there is described a set value as to print-setting instruction sandwiched by a pair of tugs unique to each set item of the set value thereof. In theFIG. 5print operation, print-quality set value “Best” is sandwiched by a pair of tugs (<PrintQuality>, </PrintQuality>) representative of print quality, paper-size set value “L” (L-size) is sandwiched by a pair of tugs (<PaperSize>, C/PaperSize>) representative of paper size, paper-type set value “Default” (meant to obey the current, predetermined setting of the printer) is sandwiched by a pair of tugs (<PaperType>, C/PaperType>) representative of paper type, image-file-15-type set value “Jpeg” is sandwiched by a pair of tugs (<FileType>, </FileType>) representative of image file15type, image-taking-date-printing set value “on” (meant to print) is sandwiched by a pair of tugs (<DatePrint>, </DatePrint>) representative of printing a image-taking-date, image-file-15file-name-printing set value “off” (meant not to print) is sandwiched by a pair of tugs (<FileNamePrint>, </FileNamePrint>), image-processing-print-quality set value “Best” is sandwiched by a pair of tugs (<PrintQuality>, </PrintQuality>) representative of print quality, image-correction-process set value “on” is sandwiched by a pair of tugs (<ImageEnhancement>, </ImageEnhancement>) representative of image correction processing, number-of-copies set value “0030” (meant to print 30 copies) is sandwiched by a pair of tugs (<Copy>, </Copy>) representative of number-of-copies, image-file-15ID (identification number generated corresponding one-to-one to image-file-15name in the semiconductor memory14) set value “00000001” is sandwiched by a pair of tugs (<ImageFileID>, </ImageFileID>) representative of a file ID of the image file15, and date-of-print-set-instruction set value “2002/05/30” is sandwiched by a pair of tugs (<Date>, </Date>) representative of date of print-setting instruction.

In case the print client section16generates a print operation52, the communicating section19of DSC1sends a generated print operation52to the communicating section35of printer2(step ST10). The communicating section35of printer2supplies the received print operation52to the print server section25. The print server section25supplies the supplied print operation52to the print-operation saving section28. The print-operation saving section28stores the supplied print operation52therein. Incidentally, the print-operation saving section28, in print operation52, satisfactorily stores at least the data sandwiched between a pair of tugs representative of a print job request.

When the print-operation saving section28stores the print operation52, the print-job generating section29starts a print-job generation process (step ST11). In the print-job generation process, print setting is first generated.

FIG. 6is a flowchart showing a print-setup generation process of the print-job generating section29inFIG. 2.

The print-job generating section29, in a print-setup generation process, first reads a print-setting instruction generated at DSC1out of the print-operation saving section28, and decides whether or not “Default” (obeying a predetermined setting currently of the printer) is included in the set value of the print-setting instruction. Meanwhile, the print-operation saving section28decides whether or not all the set values required for printing are included in the print-setting instruction (step ST21).

In the case “Default” is included in the set value of the print-setting instruction, the print-job generating section29reads a set value as set to printer2out of the current-set-value storage section33, and replace the set value “Default” with the read set value. Meanwhile, in the case the print-setting instruction does not include a set value of set item required for printing, the print-job generating section29reads the set value of set item out of the current-set-value storage section33and adds the read set value as a set value of deficient item. For example, for a print-setting instruction with a designation of paper size and kind only, the print-job generating section29adds the print-layout set value stored in the current-set-value storage section33as to the set item of print layout (step ST22).

This generates a print setting including all the set values (excepting “Default”) of set items required for printing.

FIG. 7is an explanatory figure explaining an example of a set-value combining process to be executed by the print-job generating section of inFIG. 2.

FIG. 7(A)shows an example of a print-setting instruction to be set in the DSC1. This one example of print-setting instruction as set at the DSC1includes the settings of “L-size” as a paper-size set value, “obeying printer setting (Default)” as a paper-type set value, and “single side with no frame” as a print-layout set value.

FIG. 7(B)shows an example of a set-value combination on printer2stored in the current-set-value storage section33of printer2. This one example of print-setup combination stored in the current-set-value storage section33includes “A4” as a paper-size set value, “plain paper” as a paper-type set value, and “single side with no frame” as a print-layout set value.

FIG. 7(C)shows a combination of the print-setting instruction as set at the DSC1with the predetermined set value ofFIG. 7(B)printer. This one example of combination includes “L-size4” as a paper-size set value, “plain paper” as a paper-type set value, and “single side with no frame” as a print-layout set value.

Generating a print setting by combining the set values stored in the current-set-value storage section33, the print-job generating section29confirms whether or not the print setting is of a combination of set values allowed for printing on the printer2(step ST23). Specifically, the print-job generating section29causes the set-value mismatch deciding section30to decide whether or not there is a mismatch in the set-value combination for the print setting generated. The set-value mismatch deciding section30refers to the combination-of-set-values storage section32and decides whether or not the print setting generated by the print-job generating section29is to be allowed for printing on the printer2.

In the case of the print setting example ofFIG. 7(C), there is no L-size plain paper and hence the printer2is not set for printing to such a paper. Accordingly, the set-value mismatch deciding section30is to decide that the print setting generated by the print-job generating section29is not allowed for printing on the printer2.

In the case the print setting generated by use of the set values in the current-set-value storage section33is not allowed for printing on the printer2, the print-job generating section29starts a round process (steps ST24-ST33) in order to generate a print setting with which printing is allowed on the printer2.

Specifically, the print-job generating section29first decides whether or not the received print-setting instruction stored in the print-operation saving section28has a paper-size set value “Default” (obeying a printer setting) (step ST24). In the case the received print-setting instruction has a paper-size set value “Default”, the print-job generating section29generates a print setting that the paper-size set value is replaced with a paper-size set value (e.g. “L-size”) stored in the set-value storage section34(step ST25). Thereafter, the print-job generating section29causes the set-value mismatch deciding section30to decide whether or not the generated print setting is a combination of set values allowed for printing on the printer2(step ST26).

In the case the received print-setting instruction has a paper-size set value of other than “Default” and in the case the replacement of the paper-size set value of the received print-setting instruction from “Default” to a rounding-off set value (e.g. “L-size”) is not allowed for printing on the printer2, the print-job generating section29then decides whether or not the received print-setting instruction stored in the print-operation saving section28has a paper-type set value of “Default” (obeying the printer setting) (step ST27). When the received print-setting instruction has a paper-type set value of “Default”, the print-job generating section29generates a print setting that the paper-type set value is replaced with a paper-type set value (e.g. “photographic paper”) stored in the rounded-set-value storage section34(step ST28). Thereafter, the print-job generating section29causes the set-value mismatch deciding section30to decide whether or not the generated print setting is a combination of set values with which the printer2can make a print (step ST29).

In the case the received print-setting instruction has a paper-size set value of other than “Default” and in the case the replacement of the paper-size set value of the received print-setting instruction from “Default” to a rounding-off set value (e.g. “photographic paper”) is not allowed for printing on the printer2, the print-job generating section29then decides whether or not the received print-setting instruction stored in the print-operation saving section28has a print-layout set value of “Default” (obeying the printer setting) (step ST30). When the received print-setting instruction has a print-layout set value of “Default”, the print-job generating section29generates a print setting that the print-layout set value is replaced with a print-layout set value (e.g. “single side with no frame”) stored in the rounded-set-value storage section34(step ST31). Thereafter, the print-job generating section29causes the set-value mismatch deciding section30to decide whether or not the generated print setting is a combination of set values with which the printer2can make a print (step ST32).

In the case the received print-setting instruction has a print-layout set value of other than “Default” and in the case the replacement of the print-layout set value of the received print-setting instruction from “Default” to a rounding-off set value (e.g. “single side with no frame”) is not allowed for printing on the printer2, the print-job generating section29then generates, as a print setting, a combination of set values (e.g. “L-size-photographic paper-single side with no frame”) stored in the rounded-set-value storage section34(step ST33).

Incidentally, in the step of deciding whether or not a generated print setting is to be allowed for printing on the printer2(step ST23, ST26, ST29, ST32) in theFIG. 6flowchart, when the generated print setting is to be allowed for printing on the printer2, the rounding-off process is ended.

By completing the rounding-off process in the above, the print-job generating section29, even when the print-setting instruction received from the DSC1is not allowed for printing as it is on the printer2, generates a print setting allowed for printing on the printer2.

In the case of theFIG. 7(A)print-setting instruction example, the paper-type is round to “photographic paper” by a paper-type rounding process. By the round print setting allowed for printing on the printer2, the rounding-off process is completed. As a result, print setting is given by a paper-size set value of “L-size”, a paper-type set value of “photographic paper” and a print-layout set value of “single side with no frame”, as shown inFIG. 7(D).

Incidentally, in the rounding-off process in theFIG. 6flowchart, only in the case the print-setting instruction has a set value of “Default” (obeying the printer setting), the steps ST24to ST32are executed in a manner rounding the set values. Besides this, in the case of adding a set value of deficient set item in the print-setting instruction, the added set value may be round. Meanwhile, the steps ST24to ST32may be executed in a manner rounding all the setup instructions. Besides, the steps ST24to ST32may be executed for all the set values of a print setting the print-job generating section29has generated at the step ST22.

After ending the print-setup generation process, the print-job generating section29generates a transmission request for an image file including a file ID stored in the print-operation saving section28, as a second-stage process of the print-job generation process (step ST11inFIG. 3). The communicating section35of printer2sends the transmission request for a generated image file to the communicating section19of DSC1(step ST12). The communicating section19of DSC1reads the corresponding image file15to the requested file ID out of the semiconductor memory14and sends it to the communicating section35of printer2(step ST13).

Then, the print-job generating section29generates a print job for printing the image of image file15according to a generated print setting, by use of the generated print setting and received image file15. The print section24put ink to a paper rested in the paper tray3, according to the print job generated by the print-job generating section29, thus printing the image of image file15onto the paper (step ST14).

As described above, the direct print system of this embodiment can print on the printer2an image selected at the DSC1, according to a print-setting instruction given at the DSC1.

Moreover, the print-job generating section29of printer2does not change to a possible extent the set value (paper-size set value inFIG. 4) established at the DSC1by user's operation but rounds off the print setting by use of the set value stored in the rounded-set-value storage section34in the case, for example, the print-setting instruction sent from the DSC1is imperfect as a print setting or in the case the print setting the imperfect-print-setting instruction is complemented by the set value of printer2. Due to this, the intension of the user operating the DSC1is reflected upon print conditions by the printer2set value. Meanwhile, the print section24of printer2is to make a printing based on the print setting that rounding-off is done to the print setting allowed for printing on the printer2.

Accordingly, the direct print system of this embodiment is allowed for printing an image selected at the DSC1regardless of whether or not a plurality of set values included in a print operation of the image thereof are allowed for printing on the printer2. As a result, without requiring a troublesome operation of the user who instructed for printing of an image by use of the DSC1, the direct print system of this embodiment can make a printing of the image even in case the print-setting instruction by the user is not allowed for printing on the printer2.

Meanwhile, in the direct print system of this embodiment, in the case a combination of a plurality of set values generated based on a print-setting instruction is a combination not allowed for printing on the printer2, at least one of the plurality of set values generated is corrected to a set value highest in the market use ratio of direct printing and broadest in application. Accordingly, it is possible to round a plurality of set values into a plurality of set values higher in the possibility the user is to utilize. Moreover, because the set value not to be replaced uses a set value established at the DSC, it is possible to print a print-instructed image onto a paper while giving a serious consideration to the intent the user established for printing at the DSC1.

Meanwhile, in the direct print system of this embodiment, the printer2is to use the paper size and type the user at the DSC1established for printing more preferentially than print layout and to use the paper size more preferentially than paper type. This allows the printer2to make a printing approximated to the settings the user intended upon setting up for printing by use of the DSC1.

Meanwhile, in the direct print system of this embodiment, the paper size, paper type and print layout the user at the DSC established for printing is to be used more preferentially than the other set values. This allows for printing approximated to the intention the user made upon print setting up. Moreover, when replacing the other set values, paper size, paper type and print layout are already established. Depending upon a combination of paper size, paper type and print layout, the other set values can be changed to different values. As a result, the printer2can make an optimal printings while making use of the setting the user intended during the print setting using the DSC1.

Although the embodiment is a preferred example of embodiment of the invention, the invention is not limited to this but can be changed and modified in various ways.

In the embodiment, the communicating section19of DSC1and the communicating section35of printer2utilize the configuration of the PTP communicating section17,26, the USB_SIC communicating section18,27and the USB communicating I/F13,23. Besides this, the communicating section19of DSC1and the communicating section35of printer2may utilize a configuration of a USB mass storage class communicating section designating a SCSI command as a sub-class, and a USB communicating I/F.

In the embodiment, item-based-based set-values for the printer2are sent from the print server section25of printer2to the print client section16of DSC1so that the display objects of set values thus sent can be displayed for selection on the liquid-crystal monitor11of DSC1. Besides this, for example, the print client section16of DSC1may selectably display on the liquid-crystal monitor11the display objects assigned with the set values previously stored in itself. In this modification, there is a possibility that the set values themselves the user is to select based on the displaying on the liquid-crystal monitor11are not set values allowed for printing on the printer2. However, even in the event of occurrence of such a situation, i.e. even where such set values that the printer2is not compatible with be sent from the DSC1to the printer2, the printer2utilizing the invention is allowed to round the setting into a predetermined rounding-off set value and thereby to make a printing.

In the embodiment, the print-job generating section29of printer2, in the case, for example, the received print-setting instruction had a combination of set values not allowed for printing on the printer2, the set-value combination of print-setting instruction was round into a set-value combination stored in the rounded-set-value storage section34. Besides this, the print-job generating section29, in the case, for example, the received print-setting instruction is not allowed for printing on the printer2, the print-setting instruction may be round into a predetermined set-value combination as to the printer2, a set-value combination high in user's use frequency, a set-value combination frequent for the user to utilize (namely, combination being utilized most frequent on the printer2) or the like. Meanwhile, using the set-value mismatch deciding section30, the set-value combination stored in the rounded-set-value storage section34may be updated by the user. Due to this, owing to the set-value combination established at the DSC1by the user, rounding off is possible to a set-value combination preferentially making use of a set-value combination the user previously established to the printer2.

In the embodiment, the rounded-set-value storage section34stored one combination of set values. Besides this, the rounded-set-value storage section34may store a plurality of combinations of set values. The rounded-set-value storage section34may store combinations of set values to be round on a paper-size basis, for example. In the case the rounded-set-value-storage section34stores a plurality of combinations of set values in this manner, the print-job generating section29may select, for example, a combination most approximate to a combination of set values of the print-setting instruction received from the DSC1out of the rounded-set-value storage section34, and perform a rounding process on the selected combination of set values.

In the embodiment, the print-job generating section29round the combination of set values in the order of paper size, paper type and print layout. Besides this, the print-job generating section29may round the set values in another order.

In the embodiment, the print-job generating section29referred to the rounded-set-value storage section34and round, for example, the set-value combination of a received print-setting instruction. Besides this, in the case of a printer2capable of deciding a size and type of the paper in the paper tray3, the print-job generating section29may round the paper-size-and-type set values of a received print-setting instruction into a size and type of the paper set in the paper tray3thereof and the set values of other set items into a typical set value allowed for printing with the paper.

In the embodiment, the print-job generating section29round a combination of set values of paper size and type and print layout. Besides this, the print-job generating section29may round the set values of other set items than paper size and type and print layout. Such set items include image-quality set values (e.g. high quality, ordinary) and image correction (image optimization) set values (e.g. with correction, without correction).

The image-quality set values, etc. were optimized on each product of printer2in accordance with paper types and sizes. Namely, for example, for a certain printer, settings are done such that the image-quality set value is at ordinary for A4 plain paper and the image-quality set value is at high quality for L-size photographic paper. Meanwhile, as for image correction, optimization is done such that correction is to be made for an A4 plain paper while correction is not to be made for a A4 luster paper.

Accordingly, in the case of rounding the set values of other set items than paper size and type and print layout, the print-job generating section29preferably executes first a rounding process in two or more stages so as to make a rounding as to paper size and type and print layout and establishes these three set values and then makes a rounding of other set values than the three in two or more stages.

In the embodiment, the print-job generating section29, in the case a print-setting instruction received or its interpolated print setting by means of set value for printer setting was not a combination of set values not allowed for printing on the printer2, performed a rounding processing. Following the rounding process, the print section24was caused to make a print processing.

Besides this, the print-job generating section29may send a display message to the DSC1or display it on the printer2after a decision the print-setting instruction or print setting is not a combination of set values not allowed for printing on the printer2or a generation of round print settings. Furthermore, after approval of displayed message content, the process subsequent may be continued.

However, in the event of sudden display of a display message such as “print unavailable” on the DSC1, some users possibly are not aware of how to cope therewith. Particularly, because the printer2has a low display ability by its liquid-crystal monitor11, there is possibly a difficulty in displaying information for the user to fully understand the situation of printing. Accordingly, in the direct print system, it is preferred to make a configuration such that, when receiving a print operation52, rounding process and print process are automatically executed subsequent thereto without displaying such a message, as in the embodiment.

The present invention can be utilized on a direct print system that, for example, a digital still camera and a printer are directly connected together so that the image selected on the digital still camera can be printed at the printer.