U.S. patent application number 14/263685 was filed with the patent office on 2014-08-21 for printing method and apparatus, print control method, and multimedia apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.. The applicant listed for this patent is SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Myoung-soon CHOI, Yu-seong JEON, Hee-chul YUN.
Application Number | 20140233063 14/263685 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36218636 |
Filed Date | 2014-08-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140233063 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
CHOI; Myoung-soon ; et
al. |
August 21, 2014 |
PRINTING METHOD AND APPARATUS, PRINT CONTROL METHOD, AND MULTIMEDIA
APPARATUS
Abstract
A printing method and apparatus, a print control method, and a
multimedia apparatus are provided. The printing method includes
receiving a multimedia file or additional information of the
multimedia file from a multimedia apparatus; interpreting the
multimedia file or the additional information of the multimedia and
obtaining at least one item included in the additional information;
and printing the obtained at least one item.
Inventors: |
CHOI; Myoung-soon;
(Suwon-si, KR) ; JEON; Yu-seong; (Suwon-si,
KR) ; YUN; Hee-chul; (Lawrence, KS) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD. |
Suwon-si |
|
KR |
|
|
Assignee: |
SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO.,
LTD.
Suwon-si
KR
|
Family ID: |
36218636 |
Appl. No.: |
14/263685 |
Filed: |
April 28, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11332587 |
Jan 17, 2006 |
8732144 |
|
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14263685 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
358/1.15 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 1/00318 20130101;
G06F 3/128 20130101; H04N 2201/3264 20130101; G06F 3/1204 20130101;
H04N 1/32128 20130101; H04N 1/32133 20130101; H04N 2201/3225
20130101; H04N 1/00127 20130101; G06F 3/1268 20130101; H04N
2201/3271 20130101; H04N 2201/0084 20130101; H04N 1/00278
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
358/1.15 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/12 20060101
G06F003/12 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 21, 2005 |
KR |
10-2005-0005860 |
Claims
1. A printing method in a printer, comprising: receiving, by the
printer and from a multimedia apparatus, additional information
which is extracted from a digital multimedia file; interpreting, by
the printer, the additional information which is received and
obtaining at least one item which is included in the additional
information; and printing, by the printer, the at least one item
which is obtained, wherein the additional information of the
digital multimedia file is stored within the digital multimedia
file, wherein the receiving the additional information of the
digital multimedia file comprises receiving, by the printer and
from the multimedia apparatus, a print request which requests
printing of the additional information of the digital multimedia
file, and wherein the printer receives the extracted additional
information, separately from the digital multimedia file.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the receiving the additional
information of the digital multimedia file further comprises:
requesting the additional information of the digital multimedia
file from the multimedia apparatus, in response to the print
request which is received; and receiving the additional information
of the digital multimedia file from the multimedia apparatus, in
response to the request for the additional information.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one item which is
included in the additional information includes at least one of a
title, an artist, a genre, lyrics, or thumbnail image data.
4. A printing method in a printer comprising: receiving, by the
printer and from a multimedia apparatus, a print request to print
additional information of a digital multimedia file; requesting, by
the printer and from the multimedia apparatus, at least one item
which is included in the additional information which is extracted
from the digital multimedia file, in response to the received print
request; receiving, by the printer, the at least one item which is
requested; and printing, by the printer, the at least one item
which is received, wherein the additional information of the
digital multimedia file is stored within the digital multimedia
file, and wherein the printer receives the at least one item
separately from the digital multimedia file.
5. A method controlling a printing apparatus by a multimedia
apparatus, the method comprising: transmitting, from the multimedia
apparatus, a print request which requests printing of a digital
multimedia file to a printing apparatus; receiving a request to
provide additional information of the digital multimedia file from
the printing apparatus, in response to the print request; and
transmitting the additional information which is extracted from the
digital multimedia file to the printing apparatus such that the
additional information is printed, in response to the request to
provide the additional information which is received, wherein the
additional information of the digital multimedia file is stored
within the digital multimedia file, and wherein the multimedia
apparatus transmits the extracted additional information to the
printing apparatus, separately from the digital multimedia
file.
6. The print control method of claim 5, wherein the transmitting of
the additional information comprises interpreting the additional
information of the digital multimedia file, obtaining at least one
item which is included in the additional information, and
transmitting the additional information to the printing apparatus
in units of items.
7. A printing apparatus comprising: a control unit which interprets
additional information which is extracted from a digital multimedia
file which is received from a multimedia apparatus and extracts at
least one item which is included in the additional information; and
a print control unit which prints the at least one item which is
extracted, wherein the additional information of the digital
multimedia file is stored within the digital multimedia file,
wherein the control unit receives a request to print the additional
information of the digital multimedia file from the multimedia
apparatus, and wherein the control unit receives the extracted
additional information, separately from the digital multimedia
file.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the control unit requests the
multimedia apparatus to provide the additional information of the
digital multimedia file, in response to the request, and the
control unit receives the additional information of the digital
multimedia file from the multimedia apparatus.
9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the at least one item includes
at least one of a title, an artist, a genre, lyrics, or thumbnail
image data.
10. A printing apparatus comprising: a control unit which requests
a multimedia apparatus to provide at least one item which is
included in additional information which is extracted from a
digital multimedia file in response to a print request, from the
multimedia apparatus, which requests printing of the additional
information of the digital multimedia file, receives the at least
one item which is requested, and provides the at least one item
which is received to a print control unit; and a print control unit
which prints the at least one item which is received, wherein the
additional information of the digital multimedia file is stored
within the digital multimedia file, and wherein the control unit
receives the at least one item, separately from the digital
multimedia file.
11. A multimedia apparatus comprising: a control unit which
transmits a print request which requests printing of a digital
multimedia file to a printing apparatus, receives a request to
provide additional information which is extracted from the digital
multimedia file from the printing apparatus, in response to the
print request, and transmits the additional information of the
digital multimedia file to the printing apparatus such that the
additional information is printed, in response to the request to
provide the additional information; and a storing unit which stores
the digital multimedia file, wherein the additional information of
the digital multimedia file is stored within the digital multimedia
file, and wherein the control unit transmits the extracted
additional information, separately from the digital multimedia
file.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the control unit interprets
the additional information of the digital multimedia file, obtains
at least one item which is included in the additional information,
and transmits the additional information to the printing apparatus
in units of items.
13. A tangible computer-readable recording medium on which a
program which executes a printing method is recorded, the method
comprising: interpreting additional information which is extracted
from a digital multimedia file which is received from a multimedia
apparatus and obtaining at least one item which is included in the
additional information; and controlling a printing engine to print
the at least one item which is obtained, wherein the additional
information of the digital multimedia file is stored within the
digital multimedia file, wherein the interpreting comprises
receiving a print request which requests printing of the additional
information of the digital multimedia file from the multimedia
apparatus, and wherein the extracted additional information is
received separately from the digital multimedia file.
14. A tangible computer-readable recording medium on which a
program which executes a print control method used by a multimedia
apparatus is recorded, the method comprising: transmitting a print
request which requests printing of a digital multimedia file to the
printing apparatus; receiving a request to provide additional
information which is extracted from the digital multimedia file
from the printing apparatus, in response to the print request; and
transmitting the additional information of the digital multimedia
file to the printing apparatus such that the additional information
is printed, in response to the request to provide the additional
information, wherein the additional information of the digital
multimedia file is stored within the digital multimedia file, and
wherein the extracted additional information is transmitted to the
printing apparatus, separately from the digital multimedia
file.
15. The method of claim 1, wherein the additional information of
the digital multimedia file is metadata.
16. The method of claim 1, wherein multimedia apparatus is a
digital still camera, a digital video camcorder, or a portable
media player.
17. The method of claim 1, wherein the digital multimedia file is
an audio file comprising audio meta information and audio data.
18. The method of claim 1, wherein the digital multimedia file is a
video file comprising video meta information and video data.
19. The method of claim 1, wherein the digital multimedia file is a
file for language study purposes comprising meta information of
data for language study purposes and the data for language study
purposes.
20. The method of claim 1, wherein the printer does not receive the
digital multimedia file.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 11/332,587, filed Jan. 17, 2006, which claims priority from
Korean Patent Application No. 10-2005-0005860, filed on Jan. 21,
2005, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of
which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a printing method and
apparatus, a print control method, a multimedia apparatus, and a
computer-readable recording medium on which programs for executing
the methods are recorded.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] MPEG Audio Layer 3 (MP3) and Windows Media Audio (WMA) files
recently sold or used over the Internet contain various metadata
using a tagging format, such as ID3 tags. If data is not contained
in an MP3 or WMA file, a user can add the data. While listening to
an audio/music file, such as MP3 or WMA audio/music files, a user
can view lyrics of the audio/music file displayed on an LCD
display. Sometimes, a user may wish to print the lyrics. In
particular, if a user studies English using an MP3 or WMA audio
file, the user may wish to extract the contents of the audio file
and read the extracted contents while listening to the audio
file.
[0006] Portable multimedia products recently released not only play
music but also provide the capability to reproduce moving images,
offer image viewers, and print images or texts. If images or texts
can be printed, it is also possible to print multimedia meta
information of an audio file.
[0007] A method of printing metadata contained in an audio file,
which is a type of multimedia file, will now be described by way of
example. There are several methods of printing lyrics of, for
example, an audio file. One typical method involves searching for
the lyrics on the internet. In this typical method, if a music file
does not contain lyrics, a user searches for the lyrics on the
Internet using a personal computer (PC), downloads the lyrics, and
prints the lyrics using a printer.
[0008] FIG. 1A is a flowchart illustrating a conventional method of
printing lyrics of an MP3 music file. Referring to FIG. 1A, lyrics
of an MP3 music file are searched for on the Internet using a PC
(operation 11). A lyrics file found is downloaded to the PC
(operation 12). The lyrics file is read using a text editor that
supports a print function (operation 13). The read lyrics file is
printed using a printer connected to the PC (operation 14).
[0009] Another method can be used for a music file that contains
lyrics as metadata. In this case, the music file is downloaded from
an editor that supports parsing of the metadata and the music file
is printed using a printer.
[0010] FIG. 1B is a flowchart illustrating another conventional
method of printing lyrics of a music file. Referring to FIG. 1B, an
audio file is read using an editor that can parse audio metadata
(operation 21) and printed using a printer connected to a PC
(operation 22).
[0011] As described above, to print lyrics of a song while
listening to the song, a user has to search the Internet for data
containing the lyrics of the song and print the data.
Alternatively, if a music file includes metadata, the music file
must be transferred to the PC, loaded to an editor on the PC, which
can parse metadata, and printed.
[0012] However, such methods require a lot of processes. Those who
are PC savvy may easily handle such processes. However, it is
inconvenient and difficult for those who are not PC savvy to carry
out such processes. Also, for printing, a printer driver must be
installed in a PC.
[0013] Recently, the contents of audio files, such as MP3 and WMA
files, have increasingly become fee-based content. When sold, these
audio files already contain metadata containing basic information,
such as title, artist, album, genre, year and lyrics. Therefore,
there is no need for a user to input such information, and such
fee-based contents are becoming more popular.
[0014] As cameras become more versatile, it is possible to print
images or text pictures using a direct print function of a camera
as well as manage image files. However, it is not possible to print
other multimedia meta information.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] The present invention provides a printing method and
apparatus, a print control method, a multimedia apparatus, and a
computer-readable recording medium on which programs for executing
the methods are recorded, which enable a user to easily print
metadata of an audio file by reading the metadata directly from a
memory card, or using a USB or Bluetooth transmission method.
[0016] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a printing method including: receiving additional
information of a multimedia file from a multimedia apparatus,
interpreting the additional information of the multimedia file and
obtaining at least one item included in the additional information,
and printing the obtained at least one item.
[0017] The receiving of the additional information of the
multimedia file may include receiving a print request which
requests printing of the additional information of the multimedia
file from the multimedia apparatus, requesting the additional
information of the multimedia file from the multimedia apparatus,
in response to the print request which is received, and receiving
the additional information of the multimedia file from the
multimedia apparatus, in response to the request for the additional
information.
[0018] The at least one item may include at least one of title,
artist, genre, lyrics, and thumbnail image data.
[0019] According to another aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a printing method including receiving a request to
print additional information of a multimedia file from a multimedia
apparatus, requesting at least one item which is included in the
additional information from the multimedia apparatus, in response
to the request, receiving the at least one item which is requested,
and printing the at least one item which is received.
[0020] According to another aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a printing method including reading a multimedia file
from a removable memory device that stores the multimedia file,
interpreting additional information of the multimedia file and
obtaining at least one item included in the additional information,
and printing the obtained at least one item.
[0021] The at least one item may include items selected by a user
though a user interface.
[0022] According to another aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a print control method used by a multimedia apparatus.
The control method includes transmitting a print request which
requests printing of a multimedia file to a printing apparatus,
receiving a request to provide additional information of the
multimedia file from the printing apparatus, in response to the
print request, and transmitting the additional information of the
multimedia file to the printing apparatus such that the additional
information is printed, in response to the request to provide the
additional information.
[0023] The transmitting of the additional information includes
interpreting the additional information of the multimedia file,
obtaining at least one item included in the additional information,
and transmitting the additional information to the printing
apparatus in units of items.
[0024] According to another aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a printing apparatus including a control unit which
interprets additional information of a multimedia file received
from a multimedia apparatus and extracts at least one item included
in the additional information, and a print control unit which
prints the extracted at least one item.
[0025] According to another aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a printing apparatus including a control unit which
requests a multimedia apparatus to provide at least one item
included in additional information of a multimedia file in response
to a print request which requests printing of the additional
information of the multimedia file from the multimedia apparatus,
receiving the at least one item which is requested, and providing
the at least one item to a print control unit, and a print control
unit which prints the received at least one item.
[0026] According to another aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a printing apparatus including a control unit which
reads a multimedia file from a removable memory device that stores
the multimedia file, interprets additional information of the
multimedia, and extracts at least one item included in the
additional information, and a print control unit printing the
extracted at least one item.
[0027] According to another aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a multimedia apparatus including a control unit which
transmits a print request which requests printing of a multimedia
file to a printing apparatus, receiving a request for additional
information of the multimedia file from the printing apparatus, in
response to the print request, and transmits the additional
information of the multimedia file to the printing apparatus such
that the additional information is printed, in response to the
request to provide the additional information, and a storing unit
storing the multimedia file.
[0028] A computer-readable recording medium on which a program
which executes a printing method is recorded, the method including
interpreting additional information of a multimedia file received
from a multimedia apparatus and obtaining at least one item
included in the additional information, and controlling a printing
engine to print the obtained at least one item.
[0029] According to another aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a computer-readable recording medium on which a program
which executes a print control method used by a multimedia
apparatus is recorded, the method including transmitting a print
request which requests printing of a multimedia file to the
printing apparatus, receiving a request to provide additional
information of the multimedia file from the printing apparatus, in
response to the print request, and transmitting the additional
information of the multimedia file to the printing apparatus such
that the additional information is printed, in response to the
request to provide the additional information.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] The above and other aspects of the present invention will
become more apparent by describing in detail exemplary embodiments
thereof with reference to the attached drawings in which:
[0031] FIG. 1A is a flowchart illustrating a conventional method of
printing lyrics of a music file;
[0032] FIG. 1B is a flowchart illustrating another conventional
method of printing lyrics of a music file;
[0033] FIG. 2 illustrates a system configuration for printing meta
information of a multimedia file according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention;
[0034] FIGS. 3A through 3C illustrate the configuration of an audio
file used in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0035] FIG. 4 illustrates a process of printing meta information of
a multimedia file according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention;
[0036] FIG. 5 illustrates a process of printing meta information of
a multimedia file according to another exemplary embodiment of the
present invention;
[0037] FIG. 6 illustrates the configuration of a print host
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0038] FIG. 7 illustrates the configuration of a print host
according to another exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0039] FIG. 8 illustrates the configuration of a print client
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
and
[0040] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of meta information of a
multimedia file printed according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE
INVENTION
[0041] The present invention will now be described more fully with
reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary
embodiments of the invention are shown. The invention may, however,
be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as
being limited to the exemplary embodiments set forth therein;
rather, these exemplary embodiments are provided so that this
disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the
concept of the invention to those skilled in the art.
[0042] FIG. 2 illustrates a system for printing meta information of
a multimedia file according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention. Referring to FIG. 2, the system includes a print
client 200, a print host 400, and a Universal Serial Bus (USB)
interface 300 connecting the print client 200 to the print host 400
such that the print client 200 and the print host 400 can
communicate with each other.
[0043] In FIG. 2, a digital camera is shown as the print client 200
by way of example. However, the print client 200 according to the
present invention is not limited to the digital camera. The print
client 200 may be any apparatus that provides video, audio, still
image, or other multimedia functions. For example, the print client
200 may be a digital still camera (DSC), a digital video camcorder
(DVC), a portable media player (PMP), a portable communications
terminal, or a PC application.
[0044] In addition, In FIG. 2, a general printer is shown as the
print host 400 by way of example. However, the print host 400
according to the present invention is not limited to the printer.
Any apparatus that provides a print function may be used as the
print host 400.
[0045] A USB interface enables an apparatus, such as a PC or a
digital camera, to be connected to a printer. Hence, the printer
can receive image data from a digital camera via the USB interface
and print the image data. However, in the system according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the printer, i.e.,
the print host 400, may not always be connected to the digital
camera, i.e., the print client 200, by the USB interface 300. A
plurality of interfaces for wireless communications and other types
of interfaces for wired communications may also be used. For
example, a plurality of interfaces, such as infrared communication
interfaces and Bluetooth wireless communication interfaces, may be
provided as the USB interface 300.
[0046] In this system, if the print client 200, which is a
multimedia provider, generates a print command to print meta
information of a multimedia file and sends the print command to the
print host 400 via the USB interface 300, the print host 400 may
receive and parse the multimedia file or the meta information of
the multimedia file, and print the parsed multimedia file or the
parsed meta information of the multimedia file in response to the
print command. Alternatively, the print host 400 may request the
print client 200 for items included in the meta information of the
multimedia file. Then, the print client 200 may obtain the items by
parsing the meta information and transmit the items to the print
host 400 one by one.
[0047] A multimedia file used in an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention includes an audio file, a video file, and a file
for language study purposes. Each multimedia file contains data and
additional information regarding the data. Such additional
information is also called meta information.
[0048] FIG. 3A illustrates the configuration of an audio file used
in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The audio file
is a multimedia file whose metadata can be printed. The format of
the audio file is shown in FIG. 3A. The audio file is composed of
audio meta information and audio data. The audio meta information
is information regarding the audio data. For example, the audio
meta information includes title, artist, album, genre, year,
lyrics, and thumbnail image data.
[0049] FIG. 3B illustrates the configuration of a video file used
in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The video file
is composed of video meta information and video data. The video
meta information is information regarding the video data. For
example, the video meta information includes title, genre, year,
subtitle, and thumbnail image data.
[0050] FIG. 3C illustrates the configuration of a file for language
study purposes used in an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention. The file for language study purposes is composed of meta
information of data for language study purposes and the data for
language study purposes. The meta information of the data for
language study purposes is information regarding the data for
language study purposes. For example, the meta information includes
title, text, and thumbnail image data.
[0051] FIG. 4 illustrates a process of printing meta information of
a multimedia file according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention. Referring to FIG. 4, a multimedia device
includes the print client 200, and a print device includes the
print host 400. The print client 200 is included in the multimedia
device to support a print function according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention. The print host 400 is included
in a print device to the print device to support the print function
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0052] A printing operation according to an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention will now be described with reference to FIG.
4. The print client 200 transmits a print request command to the
print host 400 (operation 41). Such a print request command
transmitted from the print client 200 to the print host 400 may
include meta information of a multimedia file to be printed and
identification information of the multimedia file.
[0053] The print host 400, which receives the print request
command, transmits a data request command for requesting data of
the multimedia file to be printed to the print client 200
(operation 42).
[0054] The print client 200 receives the data request command and
provides the requested multimedia file or the meta information
included in the multimedia file to the print host 400.
[0055] The print host 400 receives the multimedia file or the meta
information included in the multimedia file. When receiving the
multimedia file, the print host 400 extracts the meta information
from the multimedia file, obtains one or more items included in the
meta information by parsing the meta information, and prints the
one or more items. Items refer to elements included in meta
information. For example, if the multimedia file is an audio file,
items of the multimedia file may include title, artist, album,
genre, year, lyrics, and thumbnail image data. When receiving the
meta information of the multimedia file, the print host 400 obtains
one or more items by parsing the meta information and prints the
one or more items.
[0056] FIG. 5 illustrates a process of printing meta information of
a multimedia file according to another exemplary embodiment of the
present invention. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG.
4, the print host 400 parses meta information of a multimedia file.
However, in the exemplary embodiment illustrated FIG. 5, print
client 200 parses meta information of a multimedia file.
[0057] Referring to FIG. 5, the print client 200 transmits a print
request command to a print host 400 (operation 51). Such a print
request command transmitted from the print client 200 to the print
host 400 may include meta information of a multimedia file to be
printed, identification information of the multimedia file, and
information regarding one or more items included in the meta
information. If the multimedia file is an audio file, the
information regarding the items of the multimedia file may include
title, artist, album, genre, year, lyrics, and thumbnail image
data.
[0058] The print host 400, which receives the print request
command, transmits a data request command for requesting the items
included in the meta information of the multimedia file to be
printed to the print client 200. For example, the print host 400
may request title data, which is one of the items (operation
52).
[0059] The print client 200, which receives the data request
command, obtains, for example, the title data by parsing the meta
information included in the requested multimedia file and provides
the title data to the print host 400. The print host 400 receives
the title data from the print client 200 and stores the title data.
The print host 400 may also obtain data for other items included in
the meta information by performing operations 51 and 52.
[0060] The print host 400 finally requests lyrics data, which is
also one of the items (operation 54). The print client 200, which
receives the lyrics data request command, obtains the requested
lyrics data from the parsed meta information and provides the
lyrics data to the print host 400 (operation 55).
[0061] The print host 400 receives the lyrics data and prints item
data, which was received from the print client 200 so far,
according to a predetermined format.
[0062] FIG. 6 illustrates the configuration of a print host 600
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 6, the print host 600 includes a control unit
610, a communication unit 620, and a print control unit 630.
[0063] The control unit 610 controls each element and processing
operation of the print host 600. In other words, the control unit
610 of the print host 600 controls the operation of a printer. The
control unit 610 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 611, a
read-only memory (ROM) storing programs executed by the CPU 611, a
random-access memory (RAM) used as a work area of the CPU 611 and
to temporarily store various data, and other related devices.
[0064] The communication unit 620 provides a communication function
between a print client and the print host 600. In other words, the
communication unit 620 transmits and receives data between the
print client and the print host 600.
[0065] Under the control of the control unit 610, the print control
unit 630 controls a print engine to print meta information of a
multimedia file. The print control unit 630 may include the print
engine.
[0066] The control unit 610 includes the CPU 611, a storing unit
612, and a parsing unit 613. The CPU 611 interprets a command
transmitted from the print client and transmits a response to the
interpreted command to the print client. The CPU 611 also controls
the storing unit 612, the communication unit 620, and the parsing
unit 613.
[0067] The storing unit 612 stores a multimedia file, meta
information of the multimedia file or item data of the meta
information transmitted from the print client via the communication
unit 620.
[0068] The parsing unit 613 reads the multimedia file or the meta
information of the multimedia file and obtains one or more item
data contained in the meta information by parsing the meta
information.
[0069] The operation of the print host 600 of FIG. 6 will now be
described. When receiving a print request command from the print
client 200 via the communication unit 620, the CPU 611 transmits a
data request command to the print client via the communication unit
620. If the print host 600 supports parsing of meta information
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the
CPU 611 transmits a data request command for requesting a
multimedia file or meta information of the multimedia file. If the
print client parses meta information according to another exemplary
embodiment of the present invention, the CPU 611 transmits a data
request command for requesting each of items included in the meta
information.
[0070] The multimedia file, the meta information of the multimedia
file, or item data received via the communication unit 620 as a
result of such data requests are stored in the storing unit 612. If
the item data is stored in the storing unit 612, the item data is
transmitted to the print control unit 630, which then controls a
printing unit (not shown) to print the item data. If the multimedia
file or the meta information of the multimedia file is stored in
the storing unit 612, the parsing unit 613 retrieves the multimedia
file or the meta information of the multimedia file from the
storing unit 612, parses the meta information of the multimedia
file, and obtains item data contained in the meta information. The
item data obtained by the parsing unit 613 is transmitted to the
print control unit 630, which then controls the printing unit to
print the item data.
[0071] FIG. 7 illustrates the configuration of a print host 700
according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 7, the print host 700 includes a control unit
710, a communication unit 720, a memory card 730, and a print
control unit 740.
[0072] The control unit 710 controls each element and processing
operation of the print host 700. In other words, the control unit
710 of the print host 700 controls the operation of a printer. The
control unit 710 includes a CPU 711, a ROM storing programs
executed by the CPU 711, a RAM used as a work area of the CPU 711
and temporarily storing various data, and other related
devices.
[0073] The communication unit 720 provides a communication function
between a print client and the print host 700. In other words, the
communication unit 720 transmits and receives data between the
print client and the print host 700.
[0074] The memory card 730 is a removable memory card and can be
inserted into a slot of the print host 700. The memory card 730,
which is used in a multimedia device such as a digital camera, may
also be loaded into the print host 800.
[0075] Under the control of the control unit 710, the print control
unit 740 controls a print engine to print meta information of a
multimedia file. The print control unit 740 may include the print
engine.
[0076] The control unit 710 includes the CPU 711, a user interface
712, and a parsing unit 713. The CPU 711 interprets a command
transmitted from the print client and transmits a response to the
print client, based on the interpretation of the command. The CPU
711 also controls the user interface 712, the communication unit
720, the parsing unit 713, and the memory card 730.
[0077] The user interface 712 outputs information regarding the
multimedia file stored in the memory card 730 and the composition
of each item of the meta information of the multimedia file to
provide such information to a user. Also, the user interface 712
receives information regarding a selection by the user and provides
the information to the CPU 711. An LCD display or a touch screen
may be used as the user interface 712.
[0078] The parsing unit 713 reads the multimedia file or the meta
information of the multimedia file from the memory card 730, parses
the meta information, and obtains one or more item data contained
in the meta information.
[0079] The operation of the print host 700 will now be described.
When detecting that the memory card 730 is inserted into the slot
of the print host 700, the CPU 711 provides information regarding
multimedia files or information regarding items included in meta
information of the multimedia files to the user interface 712 such
that the user interface 712 outputs the information. Then, a user
selects a multimedia file that the user desires to print or an item
included in the meta information. Accordingly, the user interface
712 provides information regarding the selection by the user to the
CPU 711. The CPU 711 provides the information to the parsing unit
713, which then parses the information.
[0080] When receiving the information regarding a multimedia file
or an item selected by the user, the parsing unit 713 reads the
selected multimedia file and parses meta information included in
the selected multimedia file. If the user selects all multimedia
files, the parsing unit 713 provides all of the item data that is
obtained by parsing meta information of all multimedia files to the
print control unit 740 such that all of the item data can be
output. If the user selects some of the multimedia files, the
parsing unit 713 provides only the selected items to the print
control unit 740 such that the selected items can be output.
[0081] FIG. 8 illustrates the configuration of a print client 800
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 8, the print client 800 includes a control unit
810, a storing unit 820, and a communication unit 830.
[0082] The control unit 810 controls the entire operation of the
print client 800. In particular, the control unit 810 transmits a
print request command to a print host via the communication unit
830 or interprets a command transmitted from the print host and
provides a response or data to the print host based on the
interpretation of the command.
[0083] The storing unit 820 stores multimedia files. The
communication unit 830 provides a communication function between
the print client 800 and the print host. In other words, the
communication unit 830 transmits and receives data between the
print client 800 and the print host.
[0084] If the print host parses meta information of a multimedia
file, the print client 800 provides only a multimedia file or meta
information of the multimedia file to the print host. If the print
client 800 parses meta information of a multimedia file and
provides each item to the print host, the print client 800 must
include a parser that can parse meta information of a multimedia
file. In FIG. 8, such a parser is not shown.
[0085] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of meta information of a
multimedia file printed according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention. For example, if meta information of an audio
file is printed, thumbnail image, title, artist, genre, year, and
lyrics data may be printed as illustrated in FIG. 9.
[0086] As described above, exemplary embodiments of the present
invention provide a method of easily printing metadata information
of a multimedia file without using a PC. Therefore, a user can
easily print metadata information of a multimedia file without
going through complicated processes.
[0087] Since image or texts can be transmitted using a conventional
USB or Bluetooth transmission method, no hardware change is
required. Thus, a software module can be added to current protocol
without significantly increasing costs.
[0088] In addition, memory media can be directly inserted into a
print device, and the same level of printing performance as when
using the USB or Bluetooth data transmission method can be
achieved.
[0089] In the case of an audio file for language study purposes,
printed outputs of synchronized audio data can be easily obtained
without requiring a user to read from a textbook.
[0090] Further, aspects of the present invention can be applied to
DSCs, DVCs, PMPs, cell phones, PC applications, printers, and all
printing related devices.
[0091] The exemplary embodiments of the present invention can also
be implemented as computer-readable code on a computer-readable
recording medium. The computer-readable recording medium is any
data storage device that can store data which can be thereafter
read by a computer system. Examples of the computer-readable
recording medium include read-only memory (ROM), random-access
memory (RAM), CD-ROMs, magnetic tapes, floppy disks, and optical
data storage devices.
[0092] The computer-readable recording medium can also be
distributed over network-coupled computer systems so that the
computer-readable code is stored and executed in a distributed
fashion. Also, functional programs, codes, and code segments for
accomplishing aspects of present invention can be easily construed
by programmers skilled in the art to which the present invention
pertains.
[0093] While aspects of the present invention have been
particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary
embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those of ordinary
skill in the art that various changes in form and details may be
made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the
present invention as defined by the following claims.
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