A USB cable can allow a compatible digital camera to print photos directly from a printer without needing additional intervention from a computer system. The USB standard of communication has permitted plug and play facility in all devices allowing for easy compatibility. It has removed all barriers and allows for simple access by plugging in equipment. Everything is done for the users automatically and this reduces learning curve increasing use of products like high quality digital cameras and printers.
How does the USB work? USB or Universal Serial Bus Includes a host controller in a device such as a computer or printer. A unit like a digital camera need only be plugged in to be controlled by the host system. For example, when you plug in a digital camera into a compatible printer it gives you choices of unloading the images on to a personal computer or print them directly. Another advantage of USB is that the device draws power from its host not needing extra power supply.
So how is direct communication between the camera and printer really possible? Camera and printers today connect using a new standard of communication known as pict bridge. Developed by the camera and printer association (CIPA) it allows for all manufacturers of digital photo equipment to provide support between their models. The pict bridge standard allows any camera to be simply plugged into the printer using an USB cable to print high quality photographs. One touch printing removes the barriers of computer know how and other technicalities before an enthusiast can enjoy his or her images.
The main objectives that CIPA brought forward through PICT Bridge were simple. They wanted the following to be the new standard:
- All venders to have one standard of communication.
- A specification which is independent of the physical interface or transport layer protocol.
- To have wide interoperability.
- Flexibility so that the standard could be changed in the future.
When we look at the PICT bridge today, its popularity and wide acceptance shows how CIPA has succeeded and done a great job.
There are several tips that one must follow to get the most out of his or her USB powered pict bridged compatible camera. Care needs to be taken that the cable is not twisted. Too much of twisting can lead to breakage reducing productivity or disabling the cable altogether. If a cable goes bad, then it is best to go to the manufacturer for help in stead of patching the cable up.
The USB cable of a camera is very crucial. Without this, the unit can not send data to the printer for printing nor can it send it to the computer for backup. If any damage occurs to the cable, then a quick replacement is advisable as the images are at risk since they can not be backed up more printed. A battery failure at this time could corrupt and destroy those valuable photographs. This is why, it is so important to keep the cable supplied by the manufacturer safe and protected.