JP2008102786A - Communication method, terminal device using the same, and communication system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To share image data without increasing a burden on a server managing a network. <P>SOLUTION: A communication system 100 has a plurality of terminals 10 connected respectively through the network. Each of the plurality of terminals 10 participates in the network by a terminal device 10 to be a server. Participation in the network is managed by an arbitrary terminal device 10 designated by a user. In the network, terminal devices share mutual image data autonomously. When image data recorded in one arbitrary terminal device 10 is changed, the other terminal devices 10 are informed of the change of image data to synchronize image data to be shared. The other terminal devices 10 recognize the change of image data and acquire changed image data autonomously to update image data stored in their own memories. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a network technology, and more particularly to a communication method in a wireless network, a terminal device using the same, and a communication system.

In general, when distributing image data taken with a digital camera to another person, once the image data is transferred to a personal computer, it is distributed using e-mail, or the image data is recorded on a recording medium. Means such as distribution of recording media were necessary. Also, when distributing image data acquired using a mobile phone with a built-in camera, it is necessary to use e-mail, an infrared function, or the like. However, in these methods, the operation for distributing the image data becomes complicated as the number of distribution destinations increases. For this reason, devices having communication functions form a network, and autonomously acquire image data stored in other devices (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 10-149308 A

  Generally, when a communication device participates in a network, it is necessary to first access and register a server that manages the network. However, as the number of communication devices participating in the network increases, the load on the server becomes heavier and may affect other processes in the server.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a communication technique for sharing content data such as image data on a network without increasing the burden on a server that manages the network. There is.

  In order to solve the above problems, a terminal device according to an aspect of the present invention includes a communication unit that performs wireless communication with another terminal device via a wireless network, and a control that controls operations of the communication unit. A section. When the control unit executes an operation for managing the registration of participation of other terminal devices in the wireless network prior to the start of wireless communication with the other terminal devices, the control unit transmits from the other terminal devices via the communication unit. Means for acquiring a request signal indicating a request for participation registration, means for registering information on the other terminal device if participation registration is permitted, means for informing the registered information via the communication unit, And a means for causing the communication unit to execute a data signal transmission / reception process with another terminal device while referring to the registered information after the operation for managing the participation registration is completed.

  Here, “notification” includes broadcast transmission that is transmitted without specifying a transmission destination, and also includes multicast transmission that is transmitted to one or more terminal devices participating in a specific wireless network. According to this aspect, since the terminal device specified by the user only needs to operate as a server only when registering another terminal device, the load on the terminal device is reduced.

  The control unit obtains a request signal from a new terminal device after participation registration is completed, and if the control unit recognizes participation registration of the new terminal device, the terminal connected to the wireless network via the communication unit You may alert | report the information regarding a new terminal device toward an apparatus.

  According to this aspect, when a new terminal device is additionally registered after participation registration is completed, since any terminal device can operate as a server, a new terminal device can be installed without concentrating the load on a specific terminal device. Additional registration is possible.

  When accepting participation registration, the control unit is configured to set a time for permitting participation registration while associating with other terminal devices accepting participation registration, and to set the set time to a terminal device connected to the wireless network. And a means for causing the communication unit to stop data signal transmission / reception processing when the set time has elapsed. In this case, the data sharing process can be easily ended by stopping the data signal transmission / reception process after the set time has elapsed.

  You may further provide the memory | storage part which memorize | stores the data memorize | stored in the other terminal device. The control unit allocates a dedicated storage area for each terminal device to the storage area of the storage unit when admitting participation registration of another terminal device, and assigns the one storage device to the dedicated storage area corresponding to one terminal device. Data acquired from the terminal device may be stored. In this case, by allocating a dedicated storage area for each terminal device, data of other terminal devices can be managed without confusion with data of other terminal devices.

  Another aspect of the present invention is also a terminal device. This device is a terminal device that obtains data stored in another terminal device via a wireless network, and is a sequence number corresponding to the number of updates of data stored in the other terminal device, In addition, a receiving unit that receives a sequence number assigned by another terminal device from another terminal device, a storage unit that stores a sequence number previously received from another terminal device by the receiving unit, and a reception unit that receives the sequence number. If the sequence number stored in the storage unit is different from the sequence number stored in the storage unit, the updated sequence number stored in the storage unit is updated with the received sequence number, And an update unit acquired from the terminal device.

  According to this aspect, by managing the sequence numbers assigned by other terminal devices, the terminal device can easily recognize the update status of data in the other terminal devices.

  The storage unit stores data acquired from another terminal device, and the update unit stores the updated data in the storage unit when the updated data is to be acquired in the other terminal device. If the capacity required for this is larger than the remaining capacity in the storage unit, a flag indicating that the updated data is not acquired may be stored in the storage unit instead of acquiring the updated data. . In this way, even a terminal device with a small storage capacity can recognize the data update status in other terminal devices.

  When at least part of the data stored in the storage unit is deleted, the update unit does not acquire the data from another terminal device. In addition, when at least a part of the data stored in the storage unit is deleted, the update unit stores a deletion flag indicating that the data has been deleted in the storage unit, and in subsequent data update processing The deleted data associated with the deletion flag may not be acquired from another terminal device. In this case, when the terminal device itself erases data previously acquired from another terminal device, it is possible to avoid acquiring again in the subsequent update processing.

  The terminal device may further include an imaging unit that captures an image, and a setting unit that sets whether or not to allow another terminal device to acquire an image captured by the imaging unit. When permitting image acquisition according to the setting in the setting unit, the updating unit may update the sequence number of the terminal device and may notify the other terminal device of the updated sequence number of the terminal device. . By doing in this way, a terminal device can notify easily that the data which can be acquired increased to other terminal devices.

  Yet another embodiment of the present invention is a communication system. This communication system is a communication system including a plurality of terminal devices that perform wireless communication with other terminal devices via a wireless network, and the terminal devices are wireless with other terminal devices. Prior to the start of communication, when managing participation registration of other terminal devices to the wireless network, a request signal for requesting participation registration to the wireless network is acquired from the other terminal device that should register to participate in the wireless network. The registration unit for registering information on the other terminal device, the notification unit for notifying the information registered by the registration unit, and participation registration after participation registration is completed. A communication execution unit that executes data signal transmission / reception processing with another terminal device while referring to information on the other terminal device.

  Yet another embodiment of the present invention is a communication method. This method is a communication method in a terminal device that performs wireless communication with another terminal device via a wireless network, and before the start of wireless communication with another terminal device, When a request signal for requesting participation registration to the wireless network is obtained from another terminal device to be registered for participation, and registration is permitted, information on the other terminal device is registered and the registered information is notified. Then, after the participation registration is completed, a data signal transmission / reception process is executed with another terminal device while referring to the registered information.

  Yet another embodiment of the present invention is also a communication method. This method is a communication method in a terminal device that acquires data stored in another terminal device via a wireless network, and is a sequence number corresponding to the number of updates of data stored in the other terminal device. If the sequence number assigned by another terminal device is received from another terminal device, and the received sequence number is different from the sequence number previously received from the other terminal device, the sequence number The data updated in the other terminal device is acquired from the other terminal device.

  It should be noted that any combination of the above-described constituent elements and a conversion of the expression of the present invention between a method, an apparatus, a system, a recording medium, a computer program, etc. are also effective as an aspect of the present invention.

  According to the present invention, content data can be shared without increasing the burden on a server that manages the network.

  Before describing embodiments of the present invention specifically, an outline will be described first. A communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of terminal devices connected via a wireless network. Each of the plurality of terminal devices acquires data and stores the acquired data. The data acquired by each terminal device is shared among a plurality of terminal devices participating in the wireless network.

  Conventionally, when a terminal device participates in a wireless network, it is first necessary to access and register a server that manages the wireless network. However, as the number of terminal devices participating in the wireless network increases, the load on the server becomes heavier and may affect other communication processes in the server. In addition, communication may be interrupted when the distance between the transmission source and the transmission destination terminal device increases. In such a case, when wireless communication between the terminal devices is established, it is necessary to perform data synchronization processing, but each time, instructing the user whether to synchronize, This is unnecessary for the user. In addition, when a change occurs in the image data stored in the recording medium of a certain terminal device, autonomously without waiting for a user's instruction with another terminal device with which wireless communication is established, It is desired that the changed image data is synchronized.

  Therefore, in the embodiment of the present invention, a configuration is adopted in which data in a wireless network is shared without concentrating the load on a specific terminal device. Although details will be described later, the user first selects a terminal device to be operated as a temporary server from a plurality of terminal devices. When a wireless network is formed and communication is started, the terminal device operating as a temporary server terminates its role and communicates with other terminal devices from the same standpoint as other terminal devices. Execute. By these aspects, data can be easily shared without concentrating the load on a specific terminal device or a specific user in the wireless network. Further, when a change occurs in the data recorded in an arbitrary terminal device, the wireless network is notified that the change has occurred, thereby prompting synchronization of data to be shared. Other terminal devices that have recognized the data change autonomously acquire the changed data and update the data stored in their own memory.

  FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of a communication system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The communication system 100 includes a first terminal device 10a, a second terminal device 10b, a third terminal device 10c, and a fourth terminal device 10d typified by the terminal device 10. The terminal devices 10 can wirelessly communicate with each other, and each stores data. For convenience of explanation, four terminal apparatuses 10 are illustrated, but the number of terminal apparatuses 10 different from the four terminal apparatuses 10 may be included in the communication system 100.

  The terminal device 10 has a storage function such as a communication function and a hard disk. The terminal device 10 may further have an imaging function such as a digital camera. For example, the terminal device 10 may be a mobile phone provided with a digital camera, a portable player that stores and reproduces music information, or a storage that stores images, sounds, and the like and has a communication function.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the first terminal device 10a of FIG. The first terminal device 10 a includes a reception unit 12, a central control unit 14, a communication execution unit 16, a storage unit 18, a display unit 20, an imaging unit 22, and first buses 32 a to 32 represented by a bus 32. A sixth bus 32f. The terminal devices 10 other than the first terminal device 10a have the same configuration as the first terminal device 10a. The central control unit 14 is connected to the reception unit 12, the communication execution unit 16, the storage unit 18, the display unit 20, and the imaging unit 22 via the bus 32.

  The receiving unit 12 receives a user instruction and notifies the central control unit 14 of the received content. The content received by the receiving unit 12 includes content related to setting processing to be described later, an imaging command for the imaging unit 22, content selected according to a message displayed on the display unit 20, and the like. The central control unit 14 controls the communication execution unit 16, the storage unit 18, the display unit 20, and the imaging unit 22 according to the received contents. When the receiving unit 12 receives an instruction to operate as a temporary server from the user, the central control unit 14 manages registration of other terminal devices 10 in the wireless network. The central control unit 14 registers information related to the other terminal devices 10 participating in the wireless network in the storage unit 18 in order to share data with the other terminal devices 10.

  The imaging unit 22 captures an image in accordance with instructions from the central control unit 14. Further, the imaging unit 22 displays the captured image on the display unit 20 and transfers data of the image (hereinafter also referred to as “image data”) to the central control unit 14. The display unit 20 displays information to be displayed in accordance with instructions from the central control unit 14 and the imaging unit 22. Information to be displayed includes a list of image data, captured images, and a message to the user. The communication execution unit 16 executes wireless transmission / reception processing with another terminal device 10 in accordance with an instruction from the central control unit 14. When image data or a list is received from another terminal device 10, the communication execution unit 16 notifies the central control unit 14 of the received image data or the like. In the following, for convenience of explanation, the sharing process for image data will be described, but it goes without saying that the present invention can also be applied to data other than image data.

  The storage unit 18 stores data of an image captured by the imaging unit 22, “information acquired from another terminal device 10”, and the like according to control by the central control unit 14. Here, “information acquired from another terminal device 10” is referred to as image data stored in the other terminal device 10, a flag relating to access control for the image data (hereinafter referred to as “information relating to data”). .), Meta information associated with the image data, a list in which the information is collected, and information on the other terminal devices 10. The information related to the other terminal device 10 includes identification information for identifying the other terminal device 10 and the like. In addition, the storage unit 18 transfers the designated image data to the central control unit 14. Details will be described later.

  3A to 3D show examples of information stored in the storage unit 18 shown in FIG. 2 or examples of folders assigned to the storage unit 18. FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating an example of information related to another terminal device 10 stored in the storage unit 18 of FIG. The information regarding the other terminal device 10 illustrated in FIG. 3A includes a device ID column 310, a nickname column 312, and a sequence number column 314. In the device ID column 310, identification information for identifying each terminal device 10 is registered. In the nickname column 312, identification information indicating a user is registered in association with each piece of identification information indicated in the device ID column 310. In the sequence number column 314, each sequence number is registered in association with each identification information shown in the device ID column 310.

  FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating an example of information related to image data stored in the storage unit 18 of the first terminal device 10a. The image data stored in the storage unit 18 includes image data acquired by the imaging unit 22 and image data acquired from another terminal device 10. The information shown in FIG. 3B includes a file name field 316, a date field 318, a shooting time field 320, a sharing flag field 322, a deletion flag field 324, an acquisition flag field 326, and an original owner field 328. And a metadata file column 330.

  In the file name column 316, the file name of the stored image data is registered. In the date column 318, the date when the file indicated in the file name column 316 is acquired is registered. In addition, the date when the image data was taken may be used instead of the acquired date. In the shooting time column 320, the shooting time of the image data is registered.

  In the share flag column 322, the delete flag column 324, and the acquisition flag column 326, the file sharing flag, the deletion flag, and the acquisition flag shown in the file name column 316 are registered, respectively. Details of the sharing flag, the deletion flag, and the acquisition flag will be described later. In the original owner column 328, identification information indicating the terminal device 10 that has captured the file indicated in the file name column 316 is registered. In the metadata file column 330, the name of a file in which information associated with the file indicated in the file name column 316 is recorded is registered.

  FIG. 3C is a diagram illustrating an example of meta information stored in the storage unit 18 of FIG. The meta information is information stored along with the image data, and includes a file name field 316, a metadata file field 330, a comment field 332, a shooting location field 334, and a photographer field 336.

  In the comment column 332, a comment is registered by the user for the file indicated in the file name column 316. A plurality of comment fields 332 may be set according to the user's specification. In the shooting location column 334, the location where the image shown in the file name column 316 was shot is registered. In the photographer column 336, information indicating a photographer who has photographed the image shown in the file name column 316 is registered.

  FIG.3 (d) is a figure which shows typically the folder allocated to the memory | storage part 18 of the 1st terminal device 10a. The storage unit 18 has a storage area 34. The storage area 34 includes a first folder 36, a second folder 38, and a third folder 40. The first folder 36 is a dedicated folder associated with the first terminal device 10 a itself, and stores image data acquired by the imaging unit 22. The second folder 38 is a dedicated folder associated with the second terminal device 10b, and stores image data acquired from the second terminal device 10b. The third folder 40 is a dedicated folder associated with the third terminal device 10c, and stores image data acquired from the third terminal device 10c.

  Here, the processing of the central control unit 14 will be specifically described. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the central control unit 14 of FIG. The central control unit 14 includes a setting control unit 24, a registration control unit 26, an update control unit 28, and an operation control unit 30. Each of the setting control unit 24, the registration control unit 26, the update control unit 28, and the operation control unit 30 is connected to the receiving unit 12 shown in FIG.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 1, four users A to D (hereinafter collectively referred to as “users”) carry the first terminal device 10a to the fourth terminal device 10d, respectively. Shall. In the initial state, the first terminal device 10 a carried by the user A becomes a temporary server (hereinafter referred to as “temporary server”) and forms a wireless network with the other terminal devices 10. It shall be.

In the situation as described above, the central control unit 14 performs processing for registering participation in the wireless network, setting processing regarding image data acquired by the imaging unit 22, and update of image data between other terminal devices 10. A process and an end process are executed. The process for registering participation in the wireless network is classified into a setting process at the temporary server, a registration process at the temporary server, and a registration process at the client. These processes are summarized as follows.
(1) Setting process by setting control unit 24 in temporary server (2) Registration process by registration control unit 26 in temporary server (3) Registration process by registration control unit 26 in client (4) Image data acquired by itself Setting process by setting control unit 24 (5) Update process by update control unit 28 when acquiring image data from other terminal apparatus 10 (6) Termination process by operation control unit 30

Hereinafter, description will be made in the order of (1) to (6).
(1) Setting processing by the setting control unit 24 as a temporary server will be described. First, prior to the formation of the wireless network, the user A operates his / her first terminal device 10a to start an operation as a temporary server. In accordance with a user operation, the setting control unit 24 sets a sharing ID and a period for continuing sharing (hereinafter referred to as “sharing period” or “sharing time”). The sharing period and the sharing ID are multicast-transmitted from the first terminal device 10a serving as a temporary server to the terminal device 10 that is permitted to register in a registration process described later. The setting control unit 24 may automatically generate the shared ID value to be set. The sharing time is set by the user.

  (2) Registration processing by the registration control unit 26 as a temporary server will be described. The 1st terminal device 10a which implemented the above-mentioned setting process becomes a temporary server, and performs the registration process of the other terminal device 10. FIG. Specifically, when the user A operates the first terminal device 10a, an instruction to operate as a temporary server is given to the reception unit 12. The accepting unit 12 transfers the accepted instruction to the registration control unit 26, and the registration control unit 26 starts operation as a temporary server.

  Here, the registration control unit 26 requests a registration request for participation in the wireless network from all the other terminal devices 10 that request registration in the wireless network, that is, the terminal devices 10 that are to become clients (hereinafter referred to as a registration request). , Written as “request signal” or “participation request”) via the communication execution unit 16. The received request signal may include identification information for identifying another terminal device 10. Next, the registration control unit 26 acquires identification information from the received request signal, and displays the acquired identification information on the display unit 20. User A selects identification information corresponding to the terminal device 10 that permits registration from the displayed identification information, and gives an instruction to the reception unit 12 to permit registration. For the terminal device 10 that does not permit registration, the reception unit 12 is instructed to reject registration. Here, a nickname may be used instead of the identification information.

  When the instruction to permit registration is received by the receiving unit 12, the registration control unit 26 registers identification information for identifying another terminal device 10 as illustrated in FIG. Furthermore, the registration control unit 26 transmits a signal (hereinafter, referred to as “permission signal”) to permit registration of participation in the wireless network to the other terminal device 10 via the communication execution unit 16. . The permission signal is transmitted to all of the other terminal devices 10 that have permitted registration after the completion of the registration process of all the other terminal devices 10 that have transmitted the request signal.

  Further, the registration control unit 26 multicasts the identification information related to the other terminal device 10 as illustrated in FIG. 3A with the transmission of the permission signal. By multicast transmission of the identification information related to the other terminal devices 10, the respective terminal devices 10 can know each other's information of the other terminal devices 10 already registered in the wireless network. Further, the registration control unit 26 multicasts the sharing period and the sharing ID set in the setting process via the communication execution unit 16. As a result, the image data can be shared between the terminal devices 10 to which the same sharing ID is set. Moreover, the registration control part 26 may transmit the known signal for synchronizing each terminal device 10 after the above-mentioned registration process is complete | finished. Thereby, each terminal device 10 can perform a synchronization process reliably. Note that the above-described permission signal may include identification information regarding another terminal device 10, a sharing period, and a sharing ID. In this case, by multicast transmission of the permission signal, the identification information regarding the other terminal device 10, the sharing period, and the sharing ID are simultaneously multicast.

  Further, as illustrated in the first folder 36 of FIG. 3D, the registration control unit 26 creates a dedicated folder for managing the image data created by itself. Further, as illustrated in the second folder 38 of FIG. 3D, a dedicated folder for storing the image data acquired from the second terminal device 10b is created. Similarly, the registration control unit 26 creates a dedicated folder for each other registered terminal device 10. Even if the same file name is given to the image data stored in each terminal device 10 by creating a dedicated folder, the image data of any terminal device 10 is used. Can be identified.

  On the other hand, when the registration unit 12 accepts that the registration is rejected, the registration control unit 26 rejects the second terminal apparatus 10b from the registration to join the wireless network via the communication execution unit 16. A signal (hereinafter referred to as “rejection signal”) is transmitted. Prior to the transmission of the rejection signal, the registration control unit 26 displays a message such as “Do you want to allow the second terminal device 10b to participate?” On the display unit 20 provided in the first terminal device 10a. The user may be given an opportunity to make a selection.

  (3) Registration processing as a client will be described. The second terminal device 10b, which is a client, transmits the request signal described above to the first terminal device 10a, which is a temporary server. When the rejection signal is received from the first terminal device 10a, the registration control unit 26 of the second terminal device 10b ends the process. The registration control unit 26 of the second terminal device 10b may transmit a request signal to another terminal device 10, for example, the third terminal device 10c, without ending the process, or the first terminal The request signal may be transmitted again to the registration control unit 26 of the device 10a.

  On the other hand, when the permission signal is received from the first terminal device 10a, the registration control unit 26 of the second terminal device 10b is similar to the first terminal device 10a in other terminal devices as illustrated in FIG. Ten pieces of identification information are stored in the storage unit 18. Furthermore, the registration control unit 26 of the second terminal device 10b creates a dedicated folder in the storage unit 18 for each terminal device 10 corresponding to the identification information. In addition, the registration control unit 26 of the second terminal device 10b stores the sharing ID and the sharing period transmitted from the first terminal device 10a in the storage unit 18.

  Similarly, the registration control unit 26 of the client's third terminal device 10c also executes the same processing as the registration control unit 26 of the second terminal device 10b. Here, when the second terminal device 10b and the third terminal device 10c are registered, sharing of image data is started among the first terminal device 10a, the second terminal device 10b, and the third terminal device 10c. The Rukoto.

  As described above, the registration process is completed by the processes (1) to (3), and a network is formed. After the wireless network is formed, the first terminal device 10a that has been operating as a temporary server ends its role, and thereafter, from the same position as the other terminal devices 10, Communication processing such as updating of image data is executed between. Here, after the wireless network is formed, when a new terminal device 10, for example, the fourth terminal device 10d, participates in the wireless network and wants to start sharing image data, the registration control of the fourth terminal device 10d is performed. The unit 26 may transmit a request signal to any terminal device 10. That is, when the fourth terminal device 10d newly participating in the wireless network transmits a request signal to the terminal device 10 already participating in the wireless network, for example, the third terminal device 10c, the third terminal The device 10c serves as a server, registers the fourth terminal device 10d, and notifies the identification information related to the fourth terminal device 10d. Since other processes are the same as (1) to (3) described above, description thereof will be omitted.

  (4) A setting process by the setting control unit 24 of the image data acquired by itself will be described. This setting process is performed in the setting control unit 24. As illustrated in FIG. 3B and FIG. 3C, the setting control unit 24 acquires when image data is acquired by the imaging unit 22 or when new image data is acquired from another terminal device 10. For each piece of image data, a user comment on the image data, a title indicating the image data, or a flag for managing access to the image data, such as a sharing flag, an acquisition flag, or a deletion flag is recorded. . Note that information accompanying these image data may be managed as a list together with information accompanying other image data. This list is displayed on a display or the like by the setting control unit 24 in accordance with a user instruction. Further, the setting control unit 24 may transmit the list according to a request from another terminal device 10 participating in the wireless network.

  Here, the sharing flag, the acquisition flag, and the deletion flag will be described. The sharing flag shown in the sharing flag column 322 indicates whether or not the image data acquired by the imaging unit 22 is shared with other terminal devices 10. For example, when information indicating validity is set for a sharing flag associated with predetermined image data, the predetermined image data is shared with other terminal devices 10. In addition, when information indicating invalidity is set, the predetermined image data is not shared with other terminal devices 10. This setting is performed by the user of the terminal device 10 that has generated the image data.

  For example, when image data A and image data B exist as image data stored in the first terminal device 10a, the image data A is shared with all other terminal devices 10 participating in the wireless network. However, a sharing flag may be set so that the image data B is shared only with a specific terminal device 10, for example, the third terminal device 10c. As a result, only the image data for which the sharing flag is set valid can be shared among the terminal devices 10 participating in the wireless network.

  The deletion flag shown in the deletion flag column 324 is set for each image data acquired from another terminal device 10. When its own terminal device 10 acquires image data from another terminal device 10, the deletion flag for the acquired image data is set to information indicating invalidity. Thereafter, when the acquired image data is deleted, the deletion flag for the image data to be deleted is set to information indicating validity. Image data for which the deletion flag is set to be valid is not acquired again from another terminal device 10 by subsequent data update processing. As a result, the amount of traffic in the network can be reduced.

  The acquisition flag shown in the acquisition flag column 326 indicates whether image data has been acquired. When the acquisition flag indicates “valid”, it means that the image data associated with the acquisition flag has been acquired. When the acquisition flag indicates invalidity, it means that the image data associated with the acquisition flag has not been acquired. Here, “the acquisition flag is invalid” means that the central control unit 14 recognizes the presence of the image data stored in the other terminal device 10 as a result of communication with the other terminal device 10, but This includes a case where the central control unit 14 cannot acquire image data due to a lack of capacity or the like. In the above-described sharing flag, deletion flag, or acquisition flag, “1” may be set as information indicating validity, and “0” may be set as information indicating invalidity.

  (5) The update process by the update control unit 28 will be described. The update process is executed between the terminal devices 10 participating in the wireless network. The update process includes (5-1) a case where the terminal device 10 performs data synchronization independently and (5-2) a case where data synchronization is performed according to a notification from another terminal device 10. With these processes, data synchronization among a plurality of terminal devices 10 participating in a wireless network can be easily realized. Here, the data synchronization includes updating the image data stored in each terminal device 10 to the latest image data. Hereinafter, a state in which such an update process is performed is referred to as a “shared mode”.

  (5-1) Here, for convenience of explanation, the terminal device 10 that is the main body that executes data synchronization will be described as the first terminal device 10a. Further, the terminal device 10 from which the first terminal device 10a requests data synchronization will be described as the second terminal device 10b. A terminal device 10 other than the second terminal device 10b may exist. In addition, a terminal device 10 other than the first terminal device 10a, for example, the second terminal device 10b may be a main body that performs data synchronization and requests the first terminal device 10a to perform data synchronization. In that case, the second terminal device 10b may perform the same processing as the first terminal device 10a as a subject that executes data synchronization as described later, and the first terminal device 10a will be described later. What is necessary is just to perform the process similar to the 2nd terminal device 10b from which data synchronization was requested | required.

  First, the update control unit 28 of the first terminal device 10a autonomously or by user designation, the image data stored in the storage unit 18 and the second terminal device 10b already participating in the wireless network. Data synchronization with the image data stored in the.

  Specifically, the update control unit 28 of the first terminal device 10a transmits a signal requesting data synchronization (hereinafter referred to as “synchronization request”) to the second terminal device 10b to be data synchronized. . This synchronization request includes a shared ID. The update control unit 28 of the second terminal device 10b that has received this signal first compares it with the shared ID stored in the storage unit 18 of the second terminal device 10b, and on the condition that it matches, the following Allow data synchronization. When the data synchronization is not permitted, the second terminal device 10b transmits a synchronization impossible notification to the first terminal device 10a. When data synchronization is permitted, a synchronization permission notification is transmitted. The update control unit 28 of the second terminal apparatus 10b that has transmitted the synchronization permission notification transmits a signal including the sequence number of the second terminal apparatus 10b to the first terminal apparatus 10a.

  Receiving this sequence number, the update control unit 28 of the first terminal device 10a compares the sequence number registered in the sequence number column 314 in FIG. 3A with the transmitted sequence number. When these sequence numbers are different, the update control unit 28 of the first terminal device 10a requests a list of image data stored in the second terminal device 10b. Thus, the 1st terminal device 10a can recognize the update condition of the image data in the 2nd terminal device 10b easily by memorize | storing the sequence number of the 2nd terminal device 10b. Note that the update control unit 28 of the first terminal apparatus 10a displays the acquired list on the display unit 20, and causes the user to select image data to be acquired from the image data included in the list via the reception unit 12. . In this case, the update control unit 28 of the first terminal device 10a sets an acquisition flag for image data that has not been selected to information indicating invalidity.

  Next, the update control unit 28 of the first terminal device 10a requests the second terminal device 10b for the image data selected via the receiving unit 12. The second terminal device 10b transmits the requested image data to the first terminal device 10a. Here, the update control unit 28 of the first terminal device 10a receives the image data via the communication execution unit 16, and is a dedicated folder associated with the second terminal device 10b shown in FIG. The received image data is stored in the second folder 38. In response to the transmission of the synchronization request, the second terminal device 10b may also transmit the synchronization request to the first terminal device 10a that has transmitted the synchronization request. Data synchronization in this case is the same as described above.

  (5-2) When the stored image data changes in an arbitrary terminal device 10, for example, the first terminal device 10a, the update control unit 28 of the first terminal device 10a increments the sequence number. In addition, the update control unit 28 of the first terminal device 10a multicasts a data change notification via the communication execution unit 16 every time the sequence number is incremented. By this multicast transmission, the other terminal device 10 is made to recognize that the image data has changed in the first terminal device 10a. Note that the data change notification includes an incremented sequence number. Further, “when the image data changes” is, for example, a case where image data is newly acquired by the imaging unit 22 mounted on the first terminal device 10a.

  The update control unit 28 of the other terminal device 10 registers the notified sequence number in the control information of the notification source terminal device 10. When the sequence number of the terminal device 10 that is the notification source has already been registered, the update control unit 28 of the other terminal device 10 compares the notified sequence number with the registered sequence number. If they are different, the new sequence number is preferentially registered.

  Moreover, the update control part 28 of the other terminal device 10 determines with the image data memorize | stored in the 1st terminal device 10a of notification origin having changed, when both sequence numbers differ. Here, the update control unit 28 of the other terminal device 10 displays information indicating the terminal device 10 whose image data has changed and the fact that the image data has changed on the display unit 20, and acquires a list for the user. Let them choose whether or not. When the user selects to acquire the list, the update control unit 28 of the other terminal device 10 requests the list from the first terminal device 10a. The first terminal device 10 a requested for the list creates the list and transmits the created list to the other terminal devices 10. Next, the update control unit 28 of the other terminal device 10 registers the received list, displays the contents of the list on the display unit 20, and determines whether or not to perform data synchronization on the changed image data. Let the user choose. When data synchronization is selected, the changed image data is requested and acquired as described above.

  In (5-1) and (5-2) described above, if both sequence numbers are different, data synchronization may be performed autonomously without user selection. In this case, the update control unit 28 of one terminal device 10 compares the list of the other terminal device 10 stored in the storage unit 18 with the list acquired from the other terminal device 10, and is different. What is necessary is just to request transmission of image data. List comparison may be performed by comparing information associated with image data included in the list. Thereby, data synchronization can be easily realized.

  (6) The termination process by the operation control unit 30 will be described. When the set sharing period has elapsed, the operation control unit 30 of each terminal device 10 stops data communication with other terminal devices 10 and stops sharing image data. In addition, sharing of image data may be forcibly stopped by user designation regardless of the sharing period.

  Here, the control of the central control unit 14 in a specific scene will be described. First, the control of the setting control unit 24 when the imaging unit 22 captures an image in accordance with a user instruction will be described. When the imaging unit 22 captures an image in accordance with a user instruction, the setting control unit 24 displays a message on the display unit 20 in order to make the user determine whether to share the image data. Here, when the user instructs the reception unit 12 not to share, the setting control unit 24 sets the sharing flag of the image data acquired by the imaging unit 22 to information indicating invalidity. The image data is stored in the storage unit 18. In this case, since the image data is not shared, the setting control unit 24 does not update the sequence number. On the other hand, when instructed to share, the setting control unit 24 sets the image data sharing flag to information indicating validity, and increments the sequence number by one. Further, the setting control unit 24 multicasts the sequence number to the terminal device 10 connected to the wireless network via the communication execution unit 16.

  Although it has been described that the user determines whether to share the acquired image data every time shooting is performed, the setting control unit 24 determines whether or not to share according to the condition in advance. It may be determined automatically. For example, even within the sharing period, a condition may be set such that a photograph taken at a specified time is not shared, or a photograph taken at a place other than a set place is not shared. Also, instead of setting each time, initial conditions may be set, and only when it is desired to change the initial conditions, for example, it may be set within a certain time after shooting.

  Next, the setting control unit 24 when deleting image data captured by the image capturing unit 22 of the terminal device 10 will be described. When the receiving unit 12 receives an instruction to delete the image data captured by the imaging unit 22 of the terminal device 10 by the user's operation, the setting control unit 24 stores the image data stored in the storage unit 18. And the deletion flag of the image data stored in the storage unit 18 is set to information indicating validity. Further, the setting control unit 24 updates the sequence number and performs multicast transmission to the other terminal devices 10 participating in the wireless network via the communication execution unit 16. Note that the setting control unit 24 may perform control so as to transmit a signal indicating a deletion request to the terminal device 10 sharing the deleted image data, along with transmission of the sequence number.

  Next, the control of the update control unit 28 when the first terminal apparatus 10a acquires from another terminal apparatus 10, deletes the image data, and acquires the deleted image data again will be specifically described. In the first terminal device 10a, when the image data deleted by the user is acquired again, for example, when the image data that should not be deleted is accidentally deleted, the update control unit 28 of the first terminal device 10a In accordance with a user instruction, control for acquiring the image data is executed from another terminal device 10 that has acquired the image data before being deleted. In this case, the central control unit 14 of the first terminal device 10a sets the deleted flag to invalid, and sets the acquired flag to invalid. Thereafter, the update control unit 28 of the first terminal device 10a performs data synchronization with another terminal device 10 that holds the image data, and acquires again the deleted image data. Note that the update control unit 28 of the first terminal device 10a displays a list of image data in which the deleted flag is set valid on the display unit 20 to prompt the user to select a necessary image according to the selection. Only data may be acquired from another terminal device 10.

  Next, the control of the update control unit 28 when acquiring image data from another terminal device 10 participating in the wireless network will be described. The update control unit 28 determines whether or not the capacity necessary for acquiring the image data selected by the user exceeds the capacity of the storage unit 18. When it is determined that the capacity is exceeded, the update control unit 28 sets the acquisition flag to information indicating invalidity.

  The update control unit 28 may display a list on the display unit 20 together with the setting of the acquisition flag to prompt the user to select other image data. When it is determined that it is within the capacity range, the update control unit 28 requests the other terminal device 10 to transfer the selected image data. The communication execution unit 16 receives the image data transmitted from the other terminal device 10 in response to the request, and transfers it to the update control unit 28.

  Here, the update control unit 28 stores the transferred image data in the storage unit 18 and sets the acquisition flag of the stored image data to information indicating validity. Thereafter, the update control unit 28 displays on the display unit 20 that new image data has been added to the user, and ends the process. The user selects the image data to be acquired. However, the image data is received as much as the capacity permits, and the transfer is stopped when the capacity is insufficient. It may be notified that there is image data. In this case, it is possible to save the user from selecting image data.

  Next, the control of the update control unit 28 of the second terminal device 10b when another terminal device 10, for example, the second terminal device 10b receives a signal from the first terminal device 10a to request a list of image data. Will be described. The update control unit 28 of the second terminal device 10b includes image data in which the sharing flag is valid, the deletion flag is invalid, and the acquisition flag is valid among the image data stored in the storage unit 18. A list is generated and transmitted to the first terminal apparatus 10a that requested the list. When the image data is requested from the first terminal device 10a in response to the transmission of the list, the update control unit 28 of the second terminal device 10b sends the requested image data to the first terminal via the communication execution unit 16. It transmits to the apparatus 10a.

  These configurations described above can be realized in hardware by a CPU, memory, or other LSI of an arbitrary computer, and in terms of software, it is realized by a program loaded in the memory. Describes functional blocks realized through collaboration. Accordingly, those skilled in the art will understand that these functional blocks can be realized in various forms by hardware only, software only, or a combination thereof.

  Next, the operation of the terminal device 10 in the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an outline of an operation example of the terminal device 10 of FIG. This operation example includes the entire processing from registration of the terminal device 10 to the end of the sharing mode. First, the terminal device 10 determines whether or not the instruction received from the user via the receiving unit 12 is an instruction to operate as a temporary server (S10). When the instruction is to operate as a temporary server (Y in S10), as described above in (1), setting processing such as a sharing period and a sharing ID is executed (S12). Next, the terminal device 10 performs registration processing of another terminal device 10 as a temporary server according to (2) described above (S14). The registration process as a temporary server includes transmitting a permission signal or the like when a request signal is received from the terminal device 10 as a temporary client.

  On the other hand, if it is not an instruction to operate as a temporary server (N in S10), the terminal device 10 executes a registration process as a temporary client according to (3) described above (S16). If the registration process in S14 or S16 is successful (Y in S17), the terminal device 10 executes the sharing mode (5) described above (S18). On the other hand, if the registration process has failed (N in S17), the process ends. When image data is acquired by the imaging unit 22, the setting process according to (4) described above may be performed at an arbitrary timing.

  FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing an operation example of registration processing by the first terminal apparatus 10a of FIG. Here, a case will be described in which the first terminal device 10a serves as a temporary server and the second terminal device 10b and the third terminal device 10c are registered in the wireless network. Through this registration process, the first terminal device 10a, the second terminal device 10b, and the third terminal device 10c are set as the terminal devices 10 that should share image data. Further, it is assumed that there is no terminal device 10 to be registered other than the second terminal device 10b and the third terminal device 10c.

  First, the first terminal device 10a starts accepting a request from the terminal device 10 participating in the wireless network in accordance with an instruction from the user (S150). Here, when a request signal is transmitted from the second terminal apparatus 10b (S152), the first terminal apparatus 10a authenticates whether or not the second terminal apparatus 10b is allowed to participate in the wireless network (S154). After authenticating the participation, the first terminal device 10a registers the identification information of the second terminal device 10b (S156). Similarly, when a request signal is transmitted from the third terminal device 10c (S157), the first terminal device 10a authenticates whether or not the third terminal device 10c is allowed to participate in the wireless network (S158), and participates. Is authenticated, the identification information of the third terminal device 10c is registered (S160).

  After the registration of all the terminal devices 10 is completed, the first terminal device 10a identifies the permission signal, the sharing period, the sharing ID, and the identification for the second terminal device 10b and the third terminal device 10c that have authenticated participation. Information is transmitted (S162, S164). The transmitted identification information includes identification information of the first terminal device 10a participating in the wireless network, identification information of the second terminal device 10b, and identification information of the third terminal device 10c. Further, the first terminal device 10a creates its own dedicated folder and dedicated folders for the second terminal device 10b and the third terminal device 10c (S170).

  Here, the second terminal device 10b registers the identification information of the first terminal device 10a and the third terminal device 10c (S166). The second terminal device 10b creates its own dedicated folder and dedicated folders for the first terminal device 10a and the third terminal device 10c (S172). Similarly, the third terminal device 10c registers the identification information of the first terminal device 10a and the second terminal device 10b (S168), and has its own dedicated folder and the dedicated information of the first terminal device 10a and the second terminal device 10b. A folder is created (S174). As described above, image data can be shared among the first terminal device 10a, the second terminal device 10b, and the third terminal device 10c. Thereafter, the first terminal device 10a finishes the operation as a temporary server, and is in an equivalent position with the second terminal device 10b and the third terminal device 10c. Then, update processing as described in (5) above is appropriately performed among the first terminal device 10a, the second terminal device 10b, and the third terminal device 10c (S176).

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the registration process (temporary server) of FIG. First, the first terminal device 10a serving as a temporary server receives an instruction from the user to manage registration of participation of other terminal devices 10 in the wireless network (S1150). Thereafter, the first terminal apparatus 10a determines whether or not a request signal has been received from another terminal apparatus 10 (S1152). If not received (N in S1152), the process proceeds to S1154.

  When the request signal is received (Y in S1152), the first terminal device 10a determines whether or not to permit registration of another terminal device 10 that has transmitted the request signal (S1158). When registration is permitted (Y in S1158), the process proceeds to S1154. When registration is not permitted (N in S1158), a rejection signal is transmitted to another terminal device 10 (S1160), and the process proceeds to S1154. In the process of S1154, when the user gives an instruction to end acceptance of participation registration (Y in S1154), the process proceeds to S1162. If there is no instruction to end (N in S1154), the process returns to S1152.

  Here, when there is another terminal device 10 to be registered (Y in S1162), the first terminal device 10a creates a device database by registering identification information for identifying the other terminal device 10 or the like. In addition, a dedicated folder for the other registered terminal device 10 is created (S1166). Next, the first terminal apparatus 10a transmits a registration completion notification to the other terminal apparatus 10 together with the sharing ID, the sharing time, and the device database (S1168). If there is no other terminal device 10 to be registered (N in S1162), the process is terminated.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the registration process (temporary client) of FIG. The temporary client is the terminal device 10 registered in the wireless network in FIG. Here, an operation of a terminal device 10 other than the terminal device 10 operating as a server (hereinafter referred to as “temporary client”) in the registration process will be described. In the following, a case will be described in which the first terminal device 10a is a temporary server and the second terminal device 10b is a temporary client in the terminal device 10 illustrated in FIG.

  First, the second terminal device 10b gives the first terminal device 10a, which is a temporary server, identification information for identifying itself, for example, its own device ID or nickname column 312 shown in the device ID column 310 of FIG. A request signal including the nickname shown in FIG. 2 is transmitted to apply for registration (S1101). Thereafter, the second terminal device 10b waits for a response from the first terminal device 10a, which is a temporary server (S1102). When the response from the first terminal device 10a is received (Y in S1102), the second terminal device 10b determines whether or not the response is a registration completion notification (S1103). If the response is a rejection signal (N in S1103), the process ends.

  On the other hand, when the response from the first terminal device 10a is a registration completion notification (Y in S1103), the second terminal device 10b performs the process shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C based on the received registration completion notification. The device database shown is constructed and the sharing ID and sharing period are stored (S1104). Further, the second terminal device 10b creates a dedicated folder for storing the image data acquired from the first terminal device 10a as shown in FIG. 3D (S1105). Thereafter, the image data sharing mode is started. As described above, the temporary server and the temporary client are not distinguished when the sharing mode is set.

  FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing an operation example of the registration process of the second terminal device 10b when additionally registering the fourth terminal device 10d of FIG. In the additional registration process, any terminal device 10 can be a temporary server. Here, a case will be described in which the second terminal device 10b is a temporary server and the fourth terminal device 10d is additionally registered in the wireless network. It is assumed that a wireless network has already been formed between the first terminal device 10a and the second terminal device 10b. By this additional registration processing, the first terminal device 10a, the second terminal device 10b, and the fourth terminal device 10d are set as the terminal devices 10 that should share image data.

  First, when the 4th terminal device 10d which desires additional registration transmits with respect to the 2nd terminal device 10b which has participated in the wireless network (S78), the 2nd terminal device 10b becomes a temporary server as a temporary server. A process of authenticating whether or not the four terminal device 10d is allowed to participate in the wireless network is executed (S80). After authenticating the additional registration, the second terminal device 10b registers the identification information of the fourth terminal device 10d (S82).

  Next, the second terminal device 10b notifies the identification information of the fourth terminal device 10d to the first terminal device 10a already participating in the wireless network (S84). The second terminal device 10b transmits a permission signal and a list showing all of the terminal devices 10 that should share image data to the fourth terminal device 10d (S86).

  Here, the 4th terminal device 10d registers the identification number of the terminal device 10 which should share image data mutually, for example, the 1st terminal device 10a and the 2nd terminal device 10b (S88). The second terminal device 10b creates a dedicated folder for the fourth terminal device 10d (S90). The fourth terminal apparatus 10d creates its own dedicated folder and all dedicated folders of the terminal apparatus 10 that should share image data with each other (S92).

  On the other hand, in order to share image data with the fourth terminal device 10d, the first terminal device 10a, based on the identification information of the fourth terminal device 10d notified in S84, Identification information is registered (S96). The first terminal device 10a creates a dedicated folder for the fourth terminal device 10d (S102). As described above, image data can be shared among the first terminal device 10a, the second terminal device 10b, and the fourth terminal device 10d. Thereafter, the update process described in (5) above is appropriately performed among the first terminal device 10a, the second terminal device 10b, and the fourth terminal device 10d (S106).

  In addition, when the process of S84 is not normally executed, after the fourth terminal apparatus 10d is additionally registered by the second terminal apparatus 10b, the update process between the first terminal apparatus 10a and the fourth terminal apparatus 10d is performed. At the time of authentication, the first terminal device 10a may execute a process of registering the fourth terminal device 10d. Specifically, the device ID indicating the fourth terminal device 10d and the like are registered in the device ID column 310 shown in FIG. 3A, and further stored in the storage area 34 shown in FIG. A dedicated folder for the four-terminal device 10d may be created.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the registration process of the second terminal device 10b when additionally registering the fourth terminal device 10d of FIG. First, the second terminal device 10b confirms a registration request from the fourth terminal device 10d that wishes to newly register (S2301). Next, the second terminal apparatus 10b displays information on the fourth terminal apparatus 10d on the display unit 20 in order to make the user determine whether or not to permit the registration (S2302). Here, the user confirms the display and determines whether or not to permit registration (S2303).

  When the user permits registration (Y in S2303), the identification information of the fourth terminal device 10d is registered in the device database, and a dedicated folder for the fourth terminal device 10d is created (S2304). The second terminal device 10b transmits a registration permission notification to the fourth terminal device 10d (S2305). Furthermore, the second terminal apparatus 10b increments its sequence number by 1 (S2306), and ends the process. On the other hand, when the user does not permit registration (N in S2303), the second terminal apparatus 10b transmits a rejection signal to the fourth terminal apparatus 10d (S2307), and the process ends.

  FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation example of update processing in the wireless network configured by the plurality of terminal devices 10 of FIG. Here, it is assumed that the first terminal device 10a, the second terminal device 10b, and the third terminal device 10c have already joined the wireless network and share image data among them.

  First, when an image is captured by the imaging unit 22 including the first terminal device 10a (S120), its own sequence number is updated (S122). Further, the first terminal device 10a notifies the updated sequence number to the second terminal device 10b and the third terminal device 10c (S124, S126). Here, the second terminal apparatus 10b compares the notified sequence number with the stored sequence number of the first terminal apparatus 10a (S128). Here, when both differ, the 2nd terminal device 10b requests | requires a list | wrist with respect to the 1st terminal device 10a, and also requests | requires an image (S136). The first terminal device 10a transmits the requested image to the second terminal device 10b (S140). The second terminal device 10b updates the transmitted image and database (S144). Furthermore, the second terminal device 10b updates the stored sequence number of the first terminal device 10a (S147).

  Similarly, the third terminal apparatus 10c compares the sequence number notified from the first terminal apparatus 10a with the stored sequence number of the first terminal apparatus 10a (S130). Here, when both are different, the 3rd terminal device 10c requests | requires a list with respect to the 1st terminal device 10a, and also requests | requires an image (S138). The first terminal device 10a transmits the requested image to the third terminal device 10c (S142). The third terminal device 10c updates the transmitted image and database (S146). Furthermore, the third terminal apparatus 10c updates the stored sequence number of the first terminal apparatus 10a (S148).

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example related to the update process of the terminal device 10 of FIG. Here, an outline of the operation of the terminal device 10 after entering the sharing mode will be described. This process may be started when the first terminal apparatus 10a enters an environment in which the first terminal apparatus 10a can be connected to the wireless network and the connection process with the wireless network is executed. At that time, the registration control unit 26 may confirm that they are in the same group using the shared ID set in the setting process of the setting control unit 24. When connected to the wireless network, the registration control unit 26 of the first terminal apparatus 10a stores its own sequence number as X (S1202).

  Next, the registration control unit 26 of the first terminal device 10a determines whether or not the second terminal device 10b is connected to the wireless network (S1203). Next, the update control unit 28 of the first terminal device 10a executes the synchronization process A for all the other terminal devices 10 determined to be connected to the wireless network (S1204 to S1206). Details of the synchronization processing A will be described later with reference to FIG. After performing the synchronization process A on all other connected terminal devices 10, the current sequence number is compared with the sequence number X stored in advance (S1207). If the sequence number X stored in advance is smaller (Y in S1207), the process proceeds to S1202. On the other hand, if both sequence numbers match or if the stored sequence number X is larger (N in S1207), the process ends.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the synchronization processing A according to the present embodiment. Here, the operation of the first terminal device 10a when the first terminal device 10a executes the synchronization process A for the second terminal device 10b will be described. First, the update control unit 28 of the first terminal device 10a transmits a synchronization request to the second terminal device 10b (S1300) and waits for a response from the second terminal device 10b (S1301). When receiving the response from the second terminal apparatus 10b (Y in S1301), the update control unit 28 determines whether or not the synchronization request is permitted based on the response. When the synchronization disapproval notification is received (N in S1302), the synchronization process A is terminated. On the other hand, when the synchronization permission notification is received (Y in S1302), the update control unit 28 transmits its own sequence number (S1303), and receives the sequence number transmitted from the second terminal device 10b (S1304).

  Further, the update control unit 28 compares the received sequence number of the second terminal device 10b with the sequence number of the second terminal device 10b held in the storage unit 18 (S1305). When the sequence number of the received second terminal device 10b is larger (Y in S1305), after the previous synchronization process performed with the second terminal device 10b, the second terminal device 10b stores the sequence number in the storage unit 18 of the second terminal device 10b. It can be determined that the stored image data has been updated. In such a case, the update control unit 28 of the first terminal device 10a executes a content acquisition process for the second terminal device 10b (S1307), and the process proceeds to S1311. Details of the content acquisition processing will be described later with reference to FIG.

  On the other hand, when the received sequence number of the second terminal device 10b is equal to or less than the sequence number of the held second terminal device 10b in S1305 (N in S1305), the update control unit 28 A signal indicating that data acquisition has ended (hereinafter referred to as “data acquisition end notification”) is transmitted to 10b (S1306), and the process proceeds to S1311. The update control unit 28 executes content transfer processing (S1311). Details of the content transfer processing will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The update control unit 28 updates the sequence number corresponding to the held second terminal device 10b based on the received sequence number of the second terminal device 10b (S1314). Thereafter, the update control unit 28 transmits its own sequence number to the second terminal device 10b (S1315). Further, if the sequence number increases, a data change notification is multicast (S1316), and the process is terminated.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the terminal device 10 that has received the synchronization request in FIG. 13. Here, the operation of the second terminal device 10b when the first terminal device 10a executes the synchronization process A for the second terminal device 10b will be described. First, the update control unit 28 of the second terminal apparatus 10b performs a synchronization request reception process (S1400). Details of the synchronization request reception process will be described later with reference to FIG. If the synchronization request is not permitted (N in S1401), the update control unit 28 ends the process. When the synchronization request is permitted (Y in S1401), the update control unit 28 receives the sequence number transmitted by the first terminal device 10a (S1402). In addition, the update control unit 28 transmits its own sequence number managed by the second terminal device 10b to the first terminal device 10a (S1403).

  Thereafter, the update control unit 28 executes content transfer processing (S1406). Details of the content transfer processing will be described later with reference to FIG. Thereafter, the update control unit 28 compares the sequence number received in S1402 with the held sequence number of the first terminal device 10a (S1407). If the held sequence number is smaller (Y in S1407), the update control unit 28 moves the process to S1408 and performs content acquisition processing (S1408). Details of the content acquisition processing will be described later with reference to FIG.

  On the other hand, if the held sequence number is the same as the sequence number received in S1403, or if the held sequence number is larger (N in S1407), the process proceeds to S1410. In S1410, the update control unit 28 transmits its own sequence number to the first terminal device 10a. Thereafter, the sequence number is received from the first terminal device 10a (S1411), and the held sequence number is updated based on the received sequence number (S1412). Further, when the sequence number of the second terminal device 10b itself increases, the update control unit 28 transmits a data change notification by multicast (S1413) and ends the process.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the synchronization request reception process of FIG. First, the update control unit 28 of the second terminal device 10b verifies the shared ID included in the received synchronization request (S1602). Specifically, the received shared ID is compared with the held shared ID, and the validity of the received shared ID is verified. When the received shared ID is not valid (N in S1602), the update control unit 28 of the second terminal device 10b performs a process of disconnecting the connection with the first terminal device 10a (S1603), and processing is performed so that synchronization is impossible. Exit. On the other hand, if the shared ID is valid (Y in S1602), whether or not the device ID of the first terminal device 10a is registered in the storage unit 18, that is, the terminal device for which the first terminal device 10a is known. It is determined whether or not 10 (S1604).

  If not registered (N in S1604), the update control unit 28 of the second terminal apparatus 10b updates the device database, creates a folder (S1605), and shifts the processing to S1606. If registered (Y in S1604), the process proceeds to S1606. In S1606, the update control unit 28 of the second terminal apparatus 10b determines whether or not synchronization is possible. When the synchronization is possible (Y in S1606), the update control unit 28 of the second terminal device 10b transmits a synchronization permission notification to the first terminal device 10a (S1607), and ends the process. On the other hand, when the synchronization is not possible (N in S1606), a synchronization impossible notification is transmitted to the first terminal apparatus 10a (S1608), and the process is terminated.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the content acquisition processing of FIG. 13 or FIG. First, the terminal device 10 transmits a list request signal for requesting a list of contents (S1801). Next, the terminal device 10 waits to receive the requested list (S1802). When the list is received (Y of S1802), it is determined whether or not to acquire the image data shown in the list (S1803). When image data is not acquired (N in S1803), the process proceeds to S1809. When acquiring image data (Y in S1803), the terminal device 10 updates the database (S1804). Specifically, the terminal device 10 adds information as shown in FIG. 3B to the database. At this time, the acquisition flag for the image data to be acquired in S1803 is set to invalid.

  Next, the terminal device 10 determines whether or not there is a free space necessary for acquiring data (S1805). If there is no free space (N in S1805), the process proceeds to S1809. If there is free space (Y in S1805), a request signal for requesting image data is transmitted (S1806). The terminal device 10 waits to receive image data (S1807). When the image data is received (Y in S1807), the terminal device 10 stores the received image data, sets the acquisition flag of the image data to be valid, and increments the sequence number (S1808). Next, the terminal device 10 transmits a data acquisition end notification (S1809).

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the content transfer processing of FIG. 13 or FIG. First, the terminal device 10 determines whether or not a data acquisition end notification has been received from another terminal device 10 (S2400). If the terminal device 10 has received a data acquisition end notification (Y in S2400), the process ends. On the other hand, if not received (N in S2400), the terminal device 10 determines whether a list of contents is requested (S2402). When the list request has been received (Y in S2402), the terminal device 10 transmits a list of contents to the other terminal device 10 (S2404). On the other hand, if not received (N in S2402), the process proceeds to S2406.

  Next, the terminal device 10 determines whether image data is requested from another terminal device 10 (S2406). When requested (Y of S2406), the terminal device 10 transmits image data to the other terminal devices 10 (S2408). On the other hand, if it is not requested (N in S2406), the process returns to S2400.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an operation example when a change occurs in the image data stored in the terminal device 10 of FIG. Here, a description will be given assuming that there is a change in the image data held by the first terminal device 10a and that the content is transmitted to the second terminal device 10b. When a change occurs in the stored image data, the update control unit 28 transmits a data change notification by multicast (S1901). Thereafter, when a synchronization request is received from the second terminal device 10b, synchronization processing B is executed (1902). The details of the synchronization processing B are the same as those in the flowchart described in FIG.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the terminal device 10 that has received the data change notification in FIG. 13 and the like. When the second terminal device 10b receives the data change notification transmitted from the first terminal device 10a (S2001), the update control unit 28 of the second terminal device 10b performs the synchronization process A on the first terminal device 10a. Perform (S2002). The details of the synchronization process A have been described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example when the terminal device 10 of FIG. 1 captures an image. When an image is captured by the imaging unit 22 (S2101), the central control unit 14 prompts the user to determine whether to share the image via the display unit 20 (S2102). If the content instructed by the user via the accepting unit 12 is an instruction not to share (N in S2102), the update control unit 28 invalidates the sharing flag of the file corresponding to the image. Then, the storage unit 18 is updated so that the image file is recorded in the storage unit 18 (S2104), and the process ends.

  On the other hand, if the instruction is for sharing (Y in S2102), the update control unit 28 updates the storage unit 18 so that the sharing flag of the image file becomes valid, and further stores the image file in the storage unit 18. Recording is performed (S2103). Thereafter, the update control unit 28 increments its own sequence number by 1 (S2105). Then, it is determined whether or not the wireless network is being connected (S2106). If the connection is being made (Y in S2106), a data change notification is multicast (S2107), and the process is terminated. On the other hand, if not connected to the wireless network (N in S2106), the process is terminated as it is.

  According to the embodiment of the present invention, prior to the start of wireless communication with another terminal device 10, by receiving an instruction to manage registration of participation of another terminal device 10 in the wireless network, the user can A terminal device 10 to be a server can be selected. Further, since there are a plurality of terminal devices 10 that can be servers on the network, the load on the terminal device 10 operating as a server can be reduced. Moreover, by allocating a dedicated storage area for the other terminal device 10, the image data of the other terminal device 10 and the image data of the other terminal device 10 can be managed without confusion. In addition, by managing the sequence numbers assigned by other terminal devices 10, it is possible to easily recognize the update status in other terminal devices 10 without being affected by the storage capacity of the storage unit or the traffic state in the wireless network. it can.

  In addition, when the capacity necessary for acquiring the updated image data is larger than the capacity remaining in the storage unit, the updated image data is not acquired instead of acquiring the updated image data. Is stored in the storage unit, it is possible to configure a wireless network system capable of sharing each other's image data even in the terminal device 10 having a small storage capacity. Further, when the terminal device itself erases image data that has been previously acquired from another terminal device, it can be avoided that it is acquired again in subsequent update processing. Thereby, the amount of traffic in the system can be reduced. In addition, when permitting access to a captured image, the sequence number of the terminal device 10 is updated, and the other terminal device 10 is notified of the updated sequence number of the terminal device 10, whereby another terminal The apparatus 10 can be easily notified that the accessible image data has increased.

  In the embodiment, the setting control unit 24 has been described as setting a common sharing period. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the setting control unit 24 may set the sharing period for each image data. Moreover, you may set for every terminal device 10. FIG. The terminal device 10 includes the imaging unit 22 and has been described as acquiring image data by capturing an image. However, the terminal device 10 includes another media acquisition unit, for example, an acquisition unit that acquires voice and text files. Also good. Even in this case, the update control unit 28 can perform sharing processing for voice and text files, and it is needless to say that the same effect as described above can be obtained.

  The present invention has been described based on the embodiments. This embodiment is an exemplification, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made to the combination of each component and each processing process, and such modifications are also within the scope of the present invention. .

It is a figure which shows the structural example of the communication system concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the 1st terminal device of FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of the information regarding the other terminal device memorize | stored in the memory | storage part of FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of the information regarding the image data memorize | stored in the memory | storage part of the 1st terminal device. It is a figure which shows the example of the meta information memorize | stored in the memory | storage part of FIG. It is a figure which shows typically the folder allocated to the memory | storage part of the 1st terminal device. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the central control part of FIG. It is a figure which shows the outline of the operation example of the terminal device of FIG. It is a sequence diagram which shows the operation example of the registration process by the 1st terminal device of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the operation example of the registration process (temporary server) of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the operation example of the registration process (temporary client) of FIG. It is a sequence diagram which shows the operation example of the registration process of the 2nd terminal device at the time of additionally registering the 4th terminal device of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the operation example of the registration process of the 2nd terminal device at the time of additionally registering the 4th terminal device of FIG. It is a sequence diagram which shows the operation example of the update process in the radio | wireless network comprised by the some terminal device of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the operation example regarding the update process of the terminal device of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the operation example of the synchronous process A concerning this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the operation example of the terminal device which received the synchronous request | requirement in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the operation example of the synchronous request reception process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the operation example of the content acquisition process of FIG. 13 or FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the operation example of the content transfer process of FIG. 13 or FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example when a change occurs in image data stored in the terminal device of FIG. 1. It is a flowchart which shows the operation example of the terminal device which received the data change notification in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the operation example in case the terminal device of FIG. 1 image | photographed the image.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Terminal device, 12 Reception part, 14 Central control part, 16 Communication execution part, 18 Storage part, 20 Display part, 22 Imaging part, 24 Setting control part, 26 Registration control part, 28 Update control part, 30 Operation control part, 32 buses, 34 storage areas, 36 first folder, 38 second folder, 40 third folder, 100 communication system, 200 wireless network, 210 first wireless network, 220 second wireless network, 310 device ID column, 312 nickname column , 314 Sequence number field, 316 File name field, 318 Date field, 320 Shooting time field, 322 Shared flag field, 324 Delete flag field, 326 Acquisition flag field, 328 Original owner field, 330 Metadata file field, 332 Comment , 334 shooting location field, 336 photographer column.

Claims (12)

A communication unit that performs wireless communication with another terminal device via a wireless network;
A control unit that controls the operation of the communication unit;
With
When the control unit executes an operation of managing participation registration of another terminal device to the wireless network prior to the start of wireless communication with another terminal device, A means for acquiring a request signal indicating a request for participation registration from the terminal device, a means for registering information regarding the other terminal device when the participation registration is permitted, and the registered information via the communication unit. Means for notifying, and means for executing transmission / reception processing of a data signal with another terminal device while referring to the registered information to the communication unit after the operation for managing participation registration is completed. The terminal device characterized by including.   After the participation registration is completed, the control unit obtains a request signal from a new terminal device, and if the registration of the new terminal device is permitted, connects to the wireless network via the communication unit. The terminal device according to claim 1, wherein information on a new terminal device is notified to a terminal device that is being operated.   The control unit, when accepting participation registration, means for setting a time for permitting participation registration while associating with other terminal devices accepting participation registration, and a terminal device connected to the wireless network for the set time The terminal device according to claim 1, further comprising: means for informing the communication device; and means for causing the communication unit to stop data signal transmission / reception processing when the set time has elapsed. A storage unit for storing data stored in another terminal device;
When the control unit recognizes participation registration of another terminal device, the control unit allocates a dedicated storage region for each terminal device to the storage region of the storage unit, and the dedicated storage region corresponding to one terminal device 4. The terminal device according to claim 1, wherein data acquired from one terminal device is stored. A terminal device that acquires data stored in another terminal device via a wireless network,
A receiver that receives a sequence number assigned by the other terminal device from the other terminal device, which is a sequence number corresponding to the number of updates of data stored in the other terminal device;
A storage unit for storing a sequence number received in the past from the other terminal device by the receiving unit;
When the sequence number received in the receiving unit is different from the sequence number stored in the storage unit, the other terminal device updates the sequence number stored in the storage unit with the received sequence number. An update unit that acquires the updated data from the other terminal device;
A terminal device comprising: The storage unit also stores data acquired from the other terminal device,
The update unit is a case where updated data is to be acquired in the other terminal device, and a capacity necessary for storing the updated data in the storage unit remains in the storage unit 6. The terminal device according to claim 5, wherein if the capacity is larger than the capacity, a flag indicating that the updated data is not acquired is stored in the storage unit instead of acquiring the updated data.   The terminal device according to claim 5, wherein the update unit does not acquire the data from another terminal device when at least a part of the data stored in the storage unit is deleted. An imaging unit that captures an image;
A setting unit for setting whether or not to allow the other terminal device to acquire an image captured by the imaging unit;
Further comprising
The update unit updates the sequence number of the terminal device and notifies the updated sequence number of the terminal device to the other terminal device when the acquisition of the image is permitted according to the setting in the setting unit. The terminal device according to claim 5, wherein:   6. The storage unit stores data acquired from one terminal device in a dedicated storage region corresponding to one terminal device while allocating a dedicated storage region for each terminal device. The terminal device described in 1. A communication system including a plurality of terminal devices that perform wireless communication with other terminal devices via a wireless network, wherein the terminal device includes:
Prior to the start of wireless communication with another terminal device, when managing the participation registration of another terminal device to the wireless network, from the other terminal device to be registered to join the wireless network to the wireless network An acquisition unit for acquiring a request signal for requesting participation registration,
When accepting participation registration, a registration unit for registering information on the other terminal device,
An informing unit for informing information registered by the registration unit;
A communication system comprising: a communication execution unit that executes transmission / reception processing of a data signal with another terminal device while referring to registered information after participation registration is completed.   A communication method in a terminal device that performs wireless communication with another terminal device via a wireless network, wherein the wireless device is registered to participate in the wireless network prior to the start of wireless communication with the other terminal device. If a request signal for requesting participation registration in the wireless network is obtained from another terminal device to be registered, and if registration is permitted, information regarding the other terminal device is registered, and the registered information is notified, A communication method comprising: performing data signal transmission / reception processing with another terminal device with reference to registered information after participation registration is completed.   A communication method in a terminal device that acquires data stored in another terminal device via a wireless network, the sequence number corresponding to the number of updates of data stored in the other terminal device, And when the sequence number assigned by the other terminal device is received from the other terminal device, and the received sequence number is different from the sequence number previously received from the other terminal device, the sequence number The communication method is characterized in that the data updated in the other terminal device is acquired from the other terminal device while updating.

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