JP6041619B2 - COMMUNICATION DEVICE, DATA PROCESSING DEVICE, ITS CONTROL METHOD, PROGRAM - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to technology for communicating with other devices via a network.

A technique for mounting a wireless communication function in a data processing device such as a digital camera and transmitting image data held by the data processing device to an external device is known (Patent Document 1). By using this function, image data can be transmitted to an external device more easily.
In recent years, digital cameras equipped with a simple access point function are also known. When the digital camera activates a simple access point function, another device detects the digital camera as an access point and participates in the network formed by the digital camera. By doing in this way, it becomes possible to make a digital camera and another apparatus communicate easily.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-166577

  A commonly used relay device such as an access point has a line connected to a public network or the like, and can perform communication via the Internet. On the other hand, devices such as digital cameras generally do not have a line connected to a public network or the like. Therefore, there may be a case where communication with an external network such as the Internet is not possible even if the network is formed with a simple access point function.

  As described above, a network formed by a simple access point function has a different character from a network formed by a normal access point. However, when viewed from a device participating in the network, it is difficult to distinguish between a network formed by a normal access point and a network formed by a simple access point function.

The communication device of the present invention is a communication device that can participate in a network formed by an access point, establishes communication with the data processing device via the first network, and performs data communication with the data processing device. Communication between the data processing means, a receiving means for receiving from the data processing apparatus a notification indicating whether the data processing apparatus has formed the first network as the access point, and communication with the data processing apparatus A detection unit that detects that an application for performing transition to the background and a control unit that controls transmission or reception of data via a network, and communicates with the data processing apparatus by the detection unit. After detecting that the application for performing transition to the background, the control means receives the reception. Depending on the received notification of the results by means, wherein the communication device and controls whether to leave the first network currently participating.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to easily identify the type of network to which the own device is connected, and it is possible to perform appropriate communication control according to the result.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the digital camera in 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the mobile telephone in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the network structure in 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the digital camera in 1st Embodiment. It is an example of the display screen in 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the mobile telephone in 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the mobile telephone in 1st Embodiment. It is an example of the display screen in 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the mobile telephone in 1st Embodiment. It is the figure which showed the outline | summary of the operation | movement in 1st Embodiment. It is the figure which showed the outline | summary of the operation | movement in 1st Embodiment. It is an example of the display screen in 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the mobile telephone in 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the mobile telephone in 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the digital camera in 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the mobile telephone in 1st Embodiment.

  EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Below, the form for implementing this invention is demonstrated in detail using attached drawing.

  The embodiment described below is an example as means for realizing the present invention, and may be appropriately modified or changed depending on the configuration of the apparatus to which the present invention is applied and various conditions. Moreover, it is also possible to combine each embodiment suitably.

[First Embodiment]
<Configuration of digital camera>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a digital camera 100 that is an example of a data processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. Although a digital camera is described here as an example of the data processing device, the data processing device is not limited to this. For example, the data processing apparatus may be an information processing apparatus such as a portable media player, a so-called tablet device, or a personal computer.

  The control unit 101 controls each unit of the digital camera 100 according to an input signal and a program described later. Note that instead of the control unit 101 controlling the entire apparatus, a plurality of hardware may share the processing to control the entire apparatus.

  The imaging unit 102 converts subject light imaged by a lens included in the imaging unit 102 into an electrical signal, performs noise reduction processing, and outputs digital data as image data. The captured image data is stored in the buffer memory, and then a predetermined calculation is performed by the control unit 101 and recorded on the recording medium 110.

  The non-volatile memory 103 is an electrically erasable / recordable non-volatile memory, and stores a program to be described later executed by the control unit 101.

  The work memory 104 is used as a buffer memory that temporarily holds image data picked up by the image pickup unit 102, an image display memory of the display unit 106, a work area of the control unit 101, and the like.

  The operation unit 105 is used for the user to accept an instruction for the digital camera 100 from the user. The operation unit 105 includes, for example, operation members such as a power button for instructing the user to turn on / off the power of the digital camera 100, a release switch for instructing photographing, and a reproduction button for instructing reproduction of image data. including. A touch panel formed on the display unit 106 described later is also included in the operation unit 105. The release switch has SW1 and SW2. When the release switch is in a so-called half-pressed state, SW1 is turned on. As a result, an instruction for making preparations for shooting such as AF (autofocus) processing, AE (automatic exposure) processing, AWB (auto white balance) processing, and EF (flash pre-emission) processing is accepted. Further, when the release switch is in a fully-pressed state, SW2 is turned on. As a result, an instruction for photographing is received.

  The display unit 106 displays a viewfinder image at the time of shooting, displays shot image data, and displays characters for interactive operation. Note that the display unit 106 is not necessarily built in the digital camera 100. The digital camera 100 can be connected to an internal or external display unit 106 and only needs to have at least a display control function for controlling display on the display unit 106.

  The recording medium 110 can record the image data output from the imaging unit 102. The recording medium 110 may be configured to be detachable from the digital camera 100 or may be built in the digital camera 100. That is, the digital camera 100 only needs to have a means for accessing at least the recording medium 110.

  The connection unit 111 is an interface for connecting to an external device. The digital camera 100 of this embodiment can exchange data with an external device via the connection unit 111. In the present embodiment, the connection unit 111 includes an interface for communicating with an external device via a wireless LAN. The control unit 101 realizes wireless communication with an external device by controlling the connection unit 111. The communication method is not limited to the wireless LAN.

  Note that the digital camera 100 in the present embodiment can operate as a slave device in the infrastructure mode. When operating as a slave device, it is possible to join a network formed by an AP by connecting to a peripheral access point (hereinafter referred to as AP). In addition, the digital camera 100 according to the present embodiment is a kind of AP, but can also operate as a simple AP with a limited function (hereinafter referred to as a simple AP). The AP in this embodiment is an example of a relay device. When the digital camera 100 operates as a simple AP, the digital camera 100 forms a network by itself. Devices around the digital camera 100 can recognize the digital camera 100 as an AP and participate in a network formed by the digital camera 100. It is assumed that a program for operating the digital camera 100 is held in the nonvolatile memory 103 as described above.

  Although the digital camera 100 according to the present embodiment is a kind of AP, it is a simple AP that does not have a gateway function for transferring data received from a slave device to an Internet provider or the like. Therefore, even if data is received from another device participating in the network formed by the own device, it cannot be transferred to a network such as the Internet.

  The above is the description of the digital camera 100. Next, a mobile phone 200 that is an example of an external device will be described.

<Configuration of mobile phone>
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the mobile phone 200 that is an example of the communication apparatus according to the present embodiment. Although a mobile phone is described here as an example of a communication device, the communication device is not limited to this. For example, the communication device may be an information processing device such as a digital camera with a wireless function, a portable media player, a so-called tablet device, a personal computer, or a smartphone.

  The control unit 201 controls each unit of the mobile phone 200 according to an input signal and a program described later. Note that instead of the control unit 201 controlling the entire apparatus, the entire apparatus may be controlled by a plurality of pieces of hardware sharing the processing.

  The imaging unit 202 converts subject light imaged by a lens included in the imaging unit 202 into an electrical signal, performs noise reduction processing, and outputs digital data as image data. The captured image data is stored in the buffer memory, and then a predetermined calculation is performed by the control unit 201 and recorded on the recording medium 210.

  The nonvolatile memory 203 is an electrically erasable / recordable nonvolatile memory, and stores various programs executed by the control unit 201. It is assumed that a program for communicating with the digital camera 100 is also stored in the nonvolatile memory 203 and installed as a camera communication application. Note that the processing of the mobile phone 200 in the present embodiment is realized by reading a program provided by a camera communication application. It is assumed that the camera communication application has a program for using the basic functions of the OS installed in the mobile phone 200. Note that the OS of the mobile phone 200 may have a program for realizing the processing in the present embodiment.

  The work memory 204 is used as a buffer memory for temporarily storing image data generated by the imaging unit 202, an image display memory for the display unit 206, a work area for the control unit 201, and the like.

  The operation unit 205 is used to receive an instruction for the mobile phone 200 from the user. The operation unit 205 includes, for example, operation members such as a power button for the user to instruct ON / OFF of the power supply of the mobile phone 200 and a touch panel formed on the display unit 206.

  The display unit 206 displays image data, characters for interactive operation, and the like. Note that the display unit 206 is not necessarily built in the mobile phone 200. The mobile phone 200 can be connected to the display unit 206 and need only have at least a display control function for controlling the display F of the display unit 206.

  The recording medium 210 can record image data output from the imaging unit 202. The recording medium 210 may be configured to be detachable from the mobile phone 200 or may be built in the mobile phone 200. That is, the mobile phone 200 only needs to have at least a means for accessing the recording medium 210.

  The connection unit 211 is an interface for connecting to an external device. The cellular phone 200 of this embodiment can exchange data with an external device via the connection unit 211. In the present embodiment, the connection unit 211 includes an interface for communicating with an external device via a wireless LAN. The control unit 201 realizes wireless communication with an external device by controlling the connection unit 211. Note that the digital camera 100 in this embodiment can operate as at least a slave device in the infrastructure mode, and can participate in a network formed by neighboring APs.

  The public network connection unit 212 is an interface used when performing public wireless communication. The mobile phone 200 can make a call with another device or perform data communication via the public network connection unit 212. During a call, the control unit 201 inputs and outputs an audio signal via the microphone 213 and the speaker 214. In this embodiment, the public network connection unit 212 includes an interface for performing communication using 3G. Not only 3G but other communication methods such as LTE, WiMAX, ADSL, FTTH, so-called 4G may be used. Further, the connection unit 211 and the public network connection unit 212 do not necessarily need to be configured by independent hardware, and may be shared by, for example, one antenna. The above is the description of the mobile phone 200.

<Overview of connection configuration>
FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing a connection form between the digital camera 100 and the mobile phone 200 in the present embodiment. When the digital camera 100 and the mobile phone 200 transmit and receive data wirelessly, two connection forms shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B are possible.

  FIG. 3A shows a form in which the digital camera 100 and the mobile phone 200 participate in a wireless LAN network formed by an external AP 300 that is an example of an external relay device. The digital camera 100 and the mobile phone 200 detect a beacon signal periodically transmitted by the external AP 300 and participate in a wireless LAN network formed by the external AP 300. After the digital camera 100 and the mobile phone 200 participate in the same wireless LAN network, they can transmit and receive data via the wireless LAN through mutual device discovery and device capability acquisition (establish communication between devices). .

  In addition, the external AP 300 in this embodiment can be connected to an external network such as the Internet using a public network or the like. Therefore, the mobile phone 200 can transmit data over the Internet via the external AP 300.

  FIG. 3B illustrates a form in which the digital camera 100 and the mobile phone 200 are directly connected without using the external AP 300. In this case, the digital camera 100 operates as a simple AP to form a wireless LAN network. When the digital camera 100 operates as a simple AP, the digital camera 100 starts to periodically transmit a beacon signal. The mobile phone 200 detects the beacon signal and participates in the wireless LAN network formed by the digital camera 100. As in the case of FIG. 3A, communication is established through mutual device discovery, device capability acquisition, and the like, and data can be transmitted and received.

  As described above, the digital camera 100 in the present embodiment does not have a function of communicating with an external network such as the Internet. Therefore, the mobile phone 200 participating in the wireless LAN network formed by the digital camera 100 cannot transmit data to the Internet or the like via the simple AP.

  As described above, the digital camera 100 and the mobile phone 200 have two connection forms. In this embodiment, an example in which appropriate control is performed according to these connection modes will be described.

<Connection process>
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing processing of the digital camera 100 when connecting to the mobile phone 200. Note that the processing shown in this flowchart is realized by the control unit 101 of the digital camera 100 controlling each unit of the digital camera 100 in accordance with an input signal or a program. The same applies to other flowcharts showing the processing of the digital camera 100 unless otherwise specified. This flowchart is started in response to a user of the digital camera 100 instructing connection with another apparatus through a menu operation or the like.

  In step S400, the control unit 101 displays on the display unit 106 a screen for selecting whether to participate in the wireless LAN network formed by the external AP or to operate the own device as a simple AP. An example of the screen displayed in this step is shown in FIG.

  If it is determined in step S401 that the button 501 has been selected by a user operation, the control unit 101 determines that formation of a wireless LAN wireless network has been selected, and the process proceeds to step S402. If it is determined that the button 502 has been selected by a user operation, the control unit 101 determines that it has been selected to participate in the wireless LAN network formed by the external AP, and the process proceeds to step S407.

  In step S402, the control unit 101 forms a wireless LAN network. Specifically, the control unit 101 generates an ESSID, BSSID, authentication method, encryption type, and encryption key necessary for forming a network. Further, the control unit 101 displays at least an ESSID and an encryption key on the display unit 106 as information necessary for the connected device to participate in the network. An example of this display is shown in FIG. 5A (b). In the example of FIG. 5A (b), as shown in the dialog 503, the ESSID is determined to be “CAMERA-123”, and the encryption key is determined to be “12345678”. Note that the encryption key and ESSID may be generated for each connection and each connected device, or may be always the same. Furthermore, in this step, in order to enable communication with other devices, an IP address is assigned and a subnet is set, and the process proceeds to step S403.

  On the other hand, when the process proceeds to step S407, the control unit 101 scans the surrounding wireless LAN network and displays a list of ESSIDs included in the detected beacon signals on the display unit 106. An example of the screen at this time is shown in FIG. 5A (c). In the example of FIG. 5A (c), ESSIDs “NETWORK-100” and “NETWORK-101” are detected. When a wireless LAN network is selected from the list 506 in FIG. 5A (c) by a user operation, the control unit 101 performs participation in the selected wireless LAN network, that is, connection processing to the AP. Furthermore, in order to enable communication with other devices, an IP address is assigned and a subnet is set, and the process proceeds to step S403.

  In step S403, the control unit 101 searches for connectable devices in the same network. Here, in order to make the mobile phone 200 searchable by the digital camera 100, an operation on the mobile phone 200 side is required. Hereinafter, the operation on the mobile phone 200 side will be described with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B. FIG. 5B is a flowchart showing processing of the mobile phone 200 in the present embodiment. Note that the processing shown in this flowchart is realized by the control unit 201 of the mobile phone 200 controlling each unit of the mobile phone 200 in accordance with an input signal or a program. The same applies to other flowcharts showing the processing of the mobile phone 200 unless otherwise specified.

  First, in response to a predetermined operation performed by the user of the mobile phone 200, the control unit 201 causes the display unit 206 to display a screen for selecting a wireless LAN network to participate in in step S551. When transitioning to this screen, the control unit 201 scans the surrounding wireless LAN network and displays a list 510 of ESSIDs detected as a result. An example of the screen is shown in FIG. 5A (e). In the present embodiment, these processes are performed by the OS function of the mobile phone 200 before the camera communication application is activated. However, the camera communication application activated in advance may perform the process in cooperation with the OS function. Here, when the digital camera 100 is operating as a simple AP, the mobile phone 200 detects the ESSID of the digital camera 100 and displays it on the list 510. In FIG. 5A (e), “CAMERA-123” is displayed as the ESSID of the digital camera 100.

  In step S552, the control unit 201 waits for any ESSID in the list 510 to be selected. When any ESSID is selected from the list 510 by a user operation, the control unit 201 performs a process of joining the corresponding wireless LAN network in step S553. This completes participation in the network.

  After joining the network, the user of the mobile phone 200 activates the camera communication application installed on the mobile phone 200. The processing of the mobile phone 200 after starting the camera communication application will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The main functions of the camera communication application are the function to establish communication with digital cameras that exist in the same network, the function to send and receive content data such as image data, and the processing to send the content data of its own device to the server There is a function to do.

  When the camera communication application is activated based on a user operation, a standby screen as shown in FIG. 5A (f) is displayed on the display unit 206 in step S571. The dialog 511 displays the SSID of the currently participating network. The example of FIG. 5A (f) shows a case where “CAMERA-123” is selected on the screen of FIG. 5A (e). In addition, after starting the camera communication application, the service of the device itself is notified via the wireless LAN network so that the digital camera 100 can detect the mobile phone 200. The digital camera 100 can detect the mobile phone 200 based on the notification of this service. Note that this service notification includes the device name and UUID of the mobile phone 200. In step S572, the control unit 201 waits for a connection request from the digital camera 100. If it is determined that a connection request has been made, communication with the digital camera 100 is established in step S573.

  Returning to the description of FIG. In step S403, the control unit 101 searches for connectable devices that exist in the same network. As described above, the digital camera 100 can detect the mobile phone 200 if the service notification is made on the mobile phone 200 side. When a connectable device is detected as a result of the search, the control unit 101 displays a list of device names included in the service notification on the display unit 106. An example of the list display is shown in FIG. Similarly, the UUID and device name included in the service notification are stored in the work memory 104 in association with each other.

  In the present embodiment, the device notification and the UUID are included in the service notification. However, the digital camera 100 that has received the service notification may inquire the mobile phone 200 for the device name and the UUID.

  In step S404, the control unit 101 receives a user operation for selecting one of the device names displayed in the list in step S403.

  In step S405, the control unit 101 transmits a connection request to the mobile phone 200 using the UUID of the device selected in step S404, and starts processing for establishing communication with the selected device. In the present embodiment, the connection is executed using the UUID of the counterpart device. However, the IP address may be obtained by specifying the IP address or port number from the UUID or performing a search. After communication is established, the process proceeds to step S406.

  In step S406, the control unit 101 notifies the mobile phone 200 that has established communication in step S405 whether the currently participating wireless LAN network is formed by a simple AP. Specifically, when the own device operates as a simple AP and the mobile phone 200 participates in the own wireless LAN network, the digital camera 100 indicates that the wireless LAN network is formed by the own device. Notify the mobile phone 200. When participating in a wireless LAN network formed by another AP, the digital camera 100 notifies the mobile phone 200 that the wireless LAN network is not formed by the own device. By this notification, the mobile phone 200 can determine whether it participates in the network formed by the digital camera 100 or is formed by another AP. Based on this notification, the mobile phone 200 can determine whether communication from the wireless LAN network in which the mobile phone 200 is participating to the external network is possible.

<Operation after connection>
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the mobile phone 200 after establishing communication with the digital camera 100.

  When communication with the digital camera 100 is established, the control unit 201 of the mobile phone displays a menu screen of the camera communication application shown in FIG. A setting button 701 and a browse button 702 are displayed on the menu screen. A setting button 701 is a button for setting a device name of the mobile phone 200 and various settings in uploading. A browse button 702 is a button for causing the display unit 206 to display image data stored in the digital camera 100 with which communication has been established.

  In step S601, the control unit 101 determines whether the browse button 702 has been selected. If it is determined that the browse button 702 has been selected, the process proceeds to step S602. If it is determined that it is not selected, the process is repeated.

  In step S <b> 602, the control unit 201 requests the digital camera 100 for thumbnails of image data included in the digital camera 100. In response to this request, the digital camera 100 transmits the requested thumbnail to the mobile phone 200. It should be noted that the thumbnails may be requested one by one or a command for requesting a plurality of thumbnails may be transmitted.

  In step S <b> 603, the mobile phone 200 receives the thumbnail transmitted from the digital camera 100 via the connection unit 211.

  In step S604, the control unit 201 displays the received thumbnails as a list on the display unit 206. FIG. 7B shows an example of the display screen. In the example of FIG. 7B, thumbnails are displayed in four columns, and further image data can be displayed by scrolling up and down.

  In step S605, the control unit 201 determines whether any thumbnail is selected from the thumbnails displayed as a list. If it is determined that it has been selected, the process proceeds to step S606. Otherwise, the process returns to step S604.

  In step S606, the control unit 201 displays the selected thumbnail in a large size. An example of display is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7C, the selected thumbnail is displayed in a larger size compared to FIG. 7B. In step S606, the selected thumbnail is displayed in a large size as it is. However, in view of displaying in a large size, a larger thumbnail or main image data may be requested to the digital camera 100 again.

  Further, the screen shown in FIG. 7C includes a reception button 705. The reception button 705 is a button for receiving main image data corresponding to the displayed thumbnail from the digital camera and performing predetermined processing on the received image data. This will be specifically described below.

  When the button 705 is selected by a user operation, the control unit 201 displays the menu shown in FIG. Hereinafter, buttons included in the menu will be described.

  A button 706 is a button for uploading the main image data received from the digital camera 100 to the SNS (social network service) via the Internet. When the user of the mobile phone 200 sets an SNS as an upload destination in advance and the button 706 is selected, a process of transmitting the main image data to a server provided by the SNS is started. Note that the processing for setting the upload destination SNS may be started in response to selection of the button 706.

  A button 707 is a button for uploading the main image data received from the digital camera 100 to the content server. When the user of the mobile phone 200 sets an upload destination content server in advance and the button 707 is selected, a process of transmitting the main image data to the content server via the Internet is started. Note that the process of setting the upload destination content server may be started in response to selection of the button 707.

  A button 708 is a button for transmitting the main image data received from the digital camera 100 by attaching it to an e-mail. When the button 708 is selected, the control unit 201 activates a mail application, and provides a mail template with the received main image data attached thereto. The user of the mobile phone 200 can send a mail to an arbitrary address via the Internet after inputting a desired text.

  A button 709 is a button for recording the main image data received from the digital camera 100 on the recording medium 210. When the button 707 is selected, the main image data received from the digital camera 100 is recorded on the recording medium 210.

  A button 710 is a cancel button. When selected, the menu shown in FIG. 7D is deleted, and the display returns to the state shown in FIG. 7C.

  Subsequently, in step S607, the control unit 201 determines whether any of the buttons 706 to 709 is selected from the buttons illustrated in FIG. If it is determined that any of the buttons 706 to 709 has been selected, the process proceeds to step S608. If it is determined that the button 710 has been selected, the process returns to step S606.

  In step S608, the control unit 201 requests the mobile phone 200 for image data corresponding to the thumbnail selected in step S605. When the mobile phone 200 transmits image data to the digital camera 100 in response to the request, the mobile phone 200 receives the image data and holds the image data in the work memory 204. While the image data is being received, the screen shown in FIG. Note that the user of the mobile phone 200 can cancel the reception by selecting the button 712 in FIG.

  When the reception of the image data is completed, the process proceeds to step S609, and the control unit 201 determines what process is selected in step S607. If it is determined that any of the buttons 706, 707, and 708 has been selected, that is, the operation of transmitting the received image data to the outside has been selected, the process proceeds to step S611. On the other hand, if it is determined that the button 709 is selected, that is, if it is determined that the operation of saving the received image data to the recording medium 210 without transmitting it to the outside is selected, the process proceeds to step S610.

  First, the case where it progresses to step S610 is demonstrated. In step S610, the control unit 201 saves the image data received in step S608 from the work memory 204 to the recording medium 210, and ends the process.

  Next, the case where it progresses to step S611 is demonstrated. In step S <b> 611, the control unit 201 determines whether the currently participating network is formed with the simple AP function of the digital camera 100. The control unit 201 makes a determination in this step by referring to the notification received from the digital camera in step S406 in FIG. If it is determined that the network is not formed by the simple AP function of the digital camera 100, the process advances to step S612. If it is determined that the network is formed by the simple AP function of the digital camera 100, the process advances to step S613.

  First, the case where the process proceeds from step S611 to step S612 will be described. In this case, the control unit 201 determines that the network in which the own device is currently participating is not formed by the simple AP function but by the external AP. That is, it is determined that the connection form is as shown in FIG. In this case, the mobile phone 200 can transmit image data via the external AP. Therefore, the control unit 201 transmits predetermined transmission destination information (URL and mail address) via the Internet and the image data received in step S608 to the external AP. As a result, the image data is transmitted from the external AP to a predetermined transmission destination.

  Next, a case where the process proceeds from step S611 to step S613 will be described. In this case, the control unit 201 determines that the current connection form is as shown in FIG. In this case, the mobile phone 200 is connected to a network formed by the AP, but cannot transmit image data to an external network via the AP. Therefore, in this step, the mobile phone 200 leaves the currently participating network and disconnects from the AP (here, the digital camera 100).

  In step S614, the control unit 201 transmits image data to the outside using a communication method that does not pass through the digital camera 100. In this embodiment, image data is transmitted by communication via a 3G network using the public network connection unit 212.

  As another embodiment, a connection unit 211 may be used to connect to a network formed by an AP other than the digital camera 100, and transmission of image data via the AP may be attempted. If data transmission by the public network connection unit 212 and data transmission by the connection unit 212 can be performed in parallel, the data transmission by the public network connection unit 212 may be performed without leaving the network in step S613. Good.

  FIG. 7F shows a screen displayed on the display unit 206 during the processing in steps S613 and S614. On the screen of FIG. 7F, the dialog 713 notifies the user that the digital camera 100 that has participated so far has been disconnected from the network. Further, a dialog 714 notifies the user that image data is being transmitted by another communication method. The reason for this is as follows. If only the dialog 713 is displayed, the user may think that image data cannot be transmitted as it is. Therefore, in this embodiment, a dialog indicating that transmission is being performed is displayed together with a dialog indicating disconnection from the network.

  Note that a method of leaving the network when the transmission is not possible for a certain time or a certain number of times in step S612 without performing the determination in step S611 is also conceivable. However, in this case, there is a high possibility that it will take time to leave the network, and the amount of communication may increase. Therefore, it is more preferable to notify the digital camera 100 to the mobile phone 200 in advance whether or not the network is a simple AP.

  Further, before transmitting the image data in steps S613 and S614, a screen for adding a comment or title to the image data or setting an SNS (for example, selection of a disclosure range or album) may be displayed.

  Also, here, an example in which one image data is received from the digital camera 100 and transmitted from the mobile phone 200 has been described, but a plurality of pieces of image data are selected and received by the mobile phone 200, and these are sequentially received by an external network. May be sent to. Further, once image data is received, which image data is to be transmitted from the mobile phone 200 may be selected.

  The above is the operation of the mobile phone 200 after connecting to the digital camera 100. Next, detailed operation on the digital camera 100 side will be described below. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the digital camera 100 after connection with the mobile phone 200.

  In step S <b> 801, the control unit 101 of the digital camera 100 determines whether a request from the mobile phone 200 is received via the connection unit 111. If a request is received, the process proceeds to step S801. If not received, the process proceeds to step S802. The request that may be received here is either a thumbnail request transmitted in step S602 or an image data request transmitted in steps S607 to S608.

  A case where the process proceeds to step S804 will be described. In step S804, the control unit 101 determines whether the request received in step S801 is a thumbnail request (request transmitted in step S602). If it is determined that the request is for a thumbnail, the process proceeds to step S805. If it is determined that the request is not a thumbnail request, the process advances to step S807.

  First, the case where it progresses to step S805 is demonstrated. In step S805, the control unit 101 retrieves image data requested from the mobile phone 200 from the image data stored in the recording medium 110, and displays a thumbnail corresponding to the retrieved image data in the work memory 104. Read in. Of course, it is also possible to read a plurality of thumbnails. At this time, the thumbnail already associated with the image data may be used, or a new thumbnail may be generated separately.

  In step S806, the control unit 101 transmits the thumbnail held in the work memory 104 to the requested mobile phone 200, and the process returns to step S801. As a result of this processing, the thumbnail reception processing in step S603 is executed on the mobile phone 200 side. The processing for transmitting thumbnails from the digital camera 100 to the mobile phone 200 has been described above.

  Next, the case where it progresses to step S807 is demonstrated. In step S807, the control unit 101 determines whether the request received in step S801 is a request for image data corresponding to a thumbnail (request transmitted in step S617). If it is determined that the request is for image data, the process proceeds to step S808. If it is determined that the request is not for image data, the process advances to step S810.

  First, the case where the process proceeds to step S808 will be described. In step S <b> 808, the control unit 101 retrieves requested image data from the image data stored in the recording medium 110 and reads the retrieved image data into the work memory 104.

  In step S809, the control unit 101 transmits the image data held in the work memory 104 to the mobile phone 200, and the process returns to step S801. As a result of this processing, the image data reception processing in step S608 is executed on the mobile phone 200 side.

  On the other hand, when the processing proceeds to step S810, the control unit 101 determines that the received request cannot be appropriately responded by itself, and transmits an error notification indicating that fact to the digital camera 100.

  Next, a case where the process proceeds from step S801 to step S802 will be described. In step S802, the control unit 101 determines whether the connection is disconnected. Examples of cases in which it is determined that the connection has been disconnected in this step include the following. For example, when the communication established with the mobile phone 200 is disconnected, the mobile phone 200 no longer exists on the network, the own device cannot receive the beacon signal from the AP, and the network is lost. Note that when the own device operates as a simple AP, the network is not lost. If it is determined that the connection has been disconnected, the process proceeds to step S803. If it is determined that it has not been disconnected, the process returns to step S801.

  In step S803, the control unit 101 determines whether or not the own device is operating as a simple AP. If it is determined that the AP is not operating as a simple AP, the process advances to step S811. If it is determined that it is operating as a simple AP, the process proceeds to step S812.

  In step S811, the control unit 101 performs detachment processing from the currently participating network. On the other hand, in step S812, the control unit 101 extinguishes the network currently formed by itself. Specifically, the transmission of the beacon signal is stopped, and a notification to the effect that the network is extinguished is broadcast to the network.

  The above is the process of transmitting image data from the digital camera 100 to the mobile phone 200.

<Outline of operation>
The outline of the processing shown in FIGS. 6 and 8 will be described below with reference to FIGS. FIGS. 9 and 10 are schematic diagrams when the mobile phone 200 receives the image data of the digital camera 100 and transmits the received image data to the Internet 904.

  First, a case where the digital camera 100 operates as an AP (step S402 in FIG. 4) will be described with reference to FIG. In this case, at timing 901, the digital camera 100 and the mobile phone 200 participate in the network formed by the digital camera 100 and establish communication. At this time, the digital camera 100 notifies the mobile phone 200 whether or not the current network is a network formed by itself (step S406 in FIG. 4).

  At timing 902, the digital camera 100 transmits the image data held by the digital camera 100 to the mobile phone 200 via the wireless LAN network formed by the digital camera 100. Here, the mobile phone 200 performs processing for transmitting the received image data to the Internet 904, but the mobile phone 200 recognizes in advance notification that the current network is formed by the digital camera 100. ing. Therefore, the mobile phone 200 leaves the network formed by the digital camera 100 at timing 903 and transmits image data to the Internet 904 via the public network using 3G. This is an outline of the operation when the digital camera 100 operates as an AP.

  As an operation when the digital camera 100 operates as an AP, the form shown in FIG. In the form of FIG. 9B, after the mobile phone 200 leaves the network at timing 903, if there is an external AP 300 in the vicinity, the mobile phone 200 joins the network formed by the external AP 300 at timing 913. At timing 914, the image data is transmitted to the Internet 904 via the external AP 300. Note that the connection to the external AP 300 at this time may be performed by a user operation. The advantages of operating as shown in FIG. 9B are as follows. That is, when communication is performed between the digital camera 100 and the mobile phone 200, the communication speed is often higher when the digital camera 100 and the mobile phone 200 communicate directly than when communicating via an external AP. Therefore, data communication between the digital camera 100 and the mobile phone 200 communicates directly using the network formed by the digital camera 100, and when data communication via the Internet becomes necessary Participates in the network formed by the external AP It is efficient to do. In this manner, data transmission to the Internet can be performed by changing the network participating in the second network from the first network.

  Next, a case where a network formed by the external AP 300 is used (step S407 in FIG. 4) will be described with reference to FIG. First, at timing 1001, the digital camera 100 and the mobile phone 200 join a network formed by the external AP 300. Communication between the digital camera 100 and the mobile phone 200 is established via the external AP 300. At timing 1002, image data is transmitted from the digital camera 100 to the mobile phone 200 via the external AP 300, and the mobile phone 200 receives the image data. The mobile phone 200 performs processing for transmitting the received image data to the Internet 904, but the mobile phone 200 recognizes from a prior notification that the current network is not formed by the digital camera 100. Therefore, the mobile phone 200 transmits the image data to the external AP 300 so that the image data is transmitted to the Internet 904 at timing 1003. This is an outline of the operation when the external AP 300 is used.

  As described above, the digital camera 100 according to the present embodiment notifies the mobile phone 200 whether or not the currently participating network is formed using its own simple AP function. With this configuration, the mobile phone can execute appropriate processing according to the characteristics of the network.

  In the present embodiment, the user operates the mobile phone 200 to instruct transmission of image data from the digital camera 100 to the mobile phone 200 and transmission of image data to the Internet. On the other hand, the user may operate the digital camera 100 to transmit image data to the mobile phone 200 or to instruct transmission of image data from the mobile phone 200 to the Internet.

  In this embodiment, the digital camera 100 forms a network and communicates directly with the mobile phone 200. On the other hand, the present invention can be applied to a connection form in which devices communicate with each other in advance and which becomes an AP, such as Wi-Fi Direct.

  In the present embodiment, the network switching control is described as an example when the mobile phone 200 transmits image data received from the digital camera 100 via the Internet. However, the scope of application of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when it is determined that the participating network is formed by the digital camera 100, the mobile phone 200 performs the same control when using an application using the Internet, such as its own Web browser or e-mail. You may go.

<Operation when the mobile phone application is switched>
So far, the system in which the mobile phone 200 communicates with the digital camera 100 using the camera communication application has been described. Here, the mobile phone 200 according to the present embodiment can store not only the camera communication application but also programs having various functions in the nonvolatile memory 203 and can be used as a plurality of applications. These applications can be switched based on a user operation or the like. Hereinafter, a process when the camera communication application and another application are switched will be described.

  FIG. 11 shows an outline of application switching in the mobile phone 200 of the present embodiment.

  FIG. 11A is an external view example of the mobile phone 200 in a state where the camera communication application is activated. Note that the screen shown in FIG. 11A is an example of a display screen. As described above, when the camera communication application is activated, the screens shown in FIGS. 7A to 7F are displayed. FIG. 11A further shows the appearance of the mobile phone 200. The display unit 206 also includes a touch panel as an example of the operation unit 205. The mobile phone 200 includes buttons such as a “home” button 221, a “menu” button 222, and a “return” button 223 as an example of the operation unit 205.

  The mobile phone 200 in this embodiment manages applications based on the concept of foreground and background. The application in the foreground refers to an application in a state displayed on the display unit 206. An application in the background refers to an application that is not displayed on the display unit 206 but is activated.

  Even when a predetermined application is being executed in the foreground, the mobile phone 200 according to the present embodiment can transition the screen of the application being executed to the background by pressing the “home” button 221. In this case, a screen called a home screen is displayed in the foreground. FIG. 11B shows a screen example of the home screen. On the home screen, a list of buttons indicating each application is displayed. When a button is selected by a user operation, each application can be activated or an activated application can be called. For example, the button 231 is a camera communication application button, and the button 232 is a web browser application button for Internet browsing.

  When the user selects the Web browser application button 232 on the home screen of FIG. 12B, the Web browser application is activated and the Web browser application screen 231 is displayed as shown in FIG. If the web browser application has not been activated yet, the web browser application is newly activated and shifted to the foreground, and the screen is displayed. On the other hand, if the Web browser application has already been activated, the Web browser application screen is redisplayed by changing the screen of the Web browser application in the background to the foreground.

  In addition, the mobile phone 200 according to the present embodiment can call the application displayed in the foreground immediately before performing the current operation using the “return” button 223. In that case, the screen of the application that was in the background is transitioned to the foreground, and the screen of the application that was being displayed is transitioned to the background. In this way, in the mobile phone 200, a plurality of applications can be switched at any time.

  Here, a case where the camera communication application of the present embodiment transitions from the foreground to the background will be described. The mobile phone 200 according to the present embodiment changes processing at the time of application switching based on whether or not the network that is currently participating is formed by the digital camera 100 as a simple AP.

  First, when it is determined that the mobile phone 200 is participating in a network formed by the simple AP, the mobile phone 200 shifts the camera communication application to the background. Furthermore, the mobile phone 200 leaves the participating network and connects to other peripheral networks. The reason for this is as follows. That is, many of the applications installed on the mobile phone 200 use the Internet. This is because if the mobile phone 200 continues to join the network formed by the simple AP when the application is switched to such an application, the Internet cannot be used, which is inconvenient. Note that the process of joining a new network after leaving the network may be executed automatically after leaving or may be executed in response to a user operation after leaving.

  In the camera communication application according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11D, a message 231 indicating that the connection with the digital camera has been disconnected is displayed at the timing when the simple AP leaves the network formed after the application is switched. . In addition, when automatically joining a new network after leaving the network, a notification to that effect is also sent.

  If it is determined that the user is participating in the network formed by the normal AP, the user continues to participate in the network as it is.

  When the mobile phone 200 receives an application switching instruction while receiving image data from the digital camera 100, the image data may be continuously received without immediately leaving the network. In this case, the message shown in FIG. 11 (e) is displayed to inform that the connection with the digital camera 100 is continued, and to inform that other applications cannot use the Internet during that time.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating processing of the mobile phone 200 when switching from the camera communication application to another application is executed. In the following description, each application may be described as an operation subject. However, in actuality, the process is realized by the control unit 201 controlling each unit of the mobile phone 200 according to the program of each application.

  In step S1201, the camera communication application waits for notification of transition to the background. The OS that has detected that the user has operated the home button 221 is notified of the transition to the background to the camera communication application. If it is determined that a notification has been received, the process proceeds to step S1202.

  In step S <b> 1202, the camera communication application that has transitioned to the background determines whether the currently participating network is formed with the simple AP function of the digital camera 100. The control unit 201 makes a determination in this step by referring to the notification received from the digital camera in step S406 in FIG. If it is determined that the network is not formed by the simple AP function of the digital camera 100, the process advances to step S1212. If it is determined that the network is formed by the simple AP function of the digital camera 100, the process advances to step S1203.

  First, a case where the process proceeds from step S1202 to step S1212 will be described. In this case, it is determined that the network in which the own device is currently participating is not formed by the simple AP function but by the external AP. That is, it is determined that the connection form is as shown in FIG. In this case, it remains connected to the participating network (step S1212). As a result, the Internet can be used by other applications.

  Next, a case where the process proceeds from step S1202 to step S1203 will be described. In step S1203, the camera communication application determines whether image data is currently being received from the digital camera 100. If it is being received, the process proceeds to step S1204. If the reception process is not in progress, the process advances to step S1207.

  If it is being received, in step S1204, a message as shown in FIG. 11E is displayed to inform that the connection with the digital camera is to be continued. Since the operation for receiving an image from the digital camera is originally instructed by the user, this message need not be displayed if it is obvious that the image receiving process is in progress. After that, in step S1205, the process of receiving image data from the camera is continued. If it is determined in step S1206 that the reception of image data has been completed, the process proceeds to step S1207.

  Here, after transitioning to the background, the camera communication application waits for a predetermined time in step S1207. This takes into account the possibility that the user has accidentally connected to another application. If the camera communication application is immediately returned to the foreground, the connection with the digital camera is maintained. Because. This fixed time is preferably 10 seconds, which is sufficient to determine that the application switching is not an erroneous operation. Note that step S1207 is not necessarily executed, and it may be possible to use the switching destination application immediately by omitting step S1207.

  Subsequently, in step S1208, the camera communication application determines whether it is still in the background. If it is determined that the user is in the background, the network is disconnected in step S1209, and a new network is connected in step S1210. In step S1211, as shown in FIG. 11D, a message 231 indicating that the connection with the camera has been disconnected is displayed at the timing when the camera is disconnected from the network formed after the application is switched.

  Although omitted here, before displaying a message in step S1211, it may be determined whether or not the Internet can be used in a new network, and a message indicating whether or not the Internet can be used is displayed.

[Second Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, a mode has been described in which the mobile phone 200 switches the participating network as necessary. However, a system that cannot easily perform control to switch networks is also conceivable. In particular, in the case of a mobile phone called a so-called smartphone, the division of roles between the OS and the applications operating on the OS has been clarified to some extent. For example, network switching is a function of the OS, and there is a case where control of switching the network cannot be performed from an application. In the present embodiment, even in the above case, it is possible to execute appropriate processing according to the characteristics of the network. In addition, since this embodiment has many parts in common with the first embodiment, description of the common parts will be omitted, and description will be made focusing on parts unique to the present embodiment. In the following, there are places where the OS or camera communication application is the main subject of processing, but in reality, the control unit 201 reads one of the programs of the OS or camera communication application to implement various processes. Needless to say.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of the mobile phone 200 in the present embodiment. This flowchart shows processing after connection with the digital camera 100, and the same step numbers are assigned to the same processing as in FIG. Steps S1101 to S1104 are different from the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S <b> 1101, the camera communication application issues a request to delete the formed network to the connected digital camera 100. Upon receiving this request, the digital camera 100 extinguishes the network formed by its own simple AP function. As described above, as the network disappearance process, the digital camera 100 stops transmitting the beacon signal and notifies the network that the network disappears.

  In step S1102, it is determined whether the connected network has disappeared. If it is determined that the network has disappeared, the process proceeds to step S612. If it is determined that it has not disappeared, the process is repeated.

  When the OS in the present embodiment detects that the network that has participated so far has disappeared, the OS switches the network. First, a peripheral wireless LAN network is searched, and if a wireless LAN network that has been connected before is detected, it joins that network. If a wireless LAN network that has been connected before is not detected, switching to 3G communication is performed. As described above, although the camera communication application cannot directly switch the network in which the mobile phone 200 participates, the network can be indirectly switched by controlling the network formed by the digital camera 100 to disappear. .

  In step S1103, the camera communication application requests the OS to transmit image data to the Internet. Specifically, the address of the transmission destination, information for specifying the image data to be transmitted, and the like are notified to the OS. This is the end of the communication application processing.

  In step S1104, the OS transmits image data to the Internet via the currently participating network.

  The above is the operation of the mobile phone 200 in the present embodiment. Next, the operation of the digital camera 100 will be described. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the operation of the digital camera 100 in the present embodiment. This flowchart shows processing after connection with the mobile phone 200, and the same step numbers are assigned to the same processing as in FIG. What is different from the flowchart of FIG. 6 is steps S1201 and S1202. If the control unit 101 determines in step S807 that the request is not an acquisition request for main image data, the process advances to step S1201.

  In step S1201, the control unit 101 determines whether or not the request from the mobile phone 200 is a network extinction request. If it is an extinction request, the process proceeds to step S1202. If it is not an extinction request, the process proceeds to step S810, and an error is transmitted.

  In step S1202, the control unit 101 performs a process for deleting the network formed by the simple AP function of the own device, and the process ends.

  In this embodiment, the annihilation process is performed when a request for erasure of the network is received. However, the network annihilation process may be executed after returning to the mobile phone 200 that the process has been accepted and waiting for a predetermined time. . By doing so, the mobile phone 200 can know that the request has been accepted.

  Similarly, FIG. 15 shows a flowchart as processing of the camera communication application in the present embodiment when switching of the mobile phone application is executed. The same step numbers are assigned to processes similar to those in FIG. Steps S1601 to S1602 are different from the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S1601, the camera communication application issues a request to delete the formed network to the connected digital camera 100. Upon receiving this request, the digital camera 100 extinguishes the network formed by its own simple AP function. As described above, as the network disappearance process, the digital camera 100 stops transmitting the beacon signal and notifies the network that the network disappears.

  In step S1602, it is determined whether the connected network has disappeared. If it is determined that the network has disappeared, the process proceeds to step S612. If it is determined that it has not disappeared, the process is repeated.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, even when a network disconnection such as a mobile phone application cannot be performed, the user uploads image data through an optimal network without being aware of the network connection state. It becomes possible.

  The object of the present invention can also be achieved as follows. First, a storage medium (or recording medium) that records a program code of software that implements the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus. Then, the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus reads and executes the program code stored in the storage medium. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also the following can be achieved. That is, when the operating system (OS) running on the computer performs part or all of the actual processing based on the instruction of the read program code, the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing. It is. Examples of the storage medium for storing the program code include a flexible disk, hard disk, ROM, RAM, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, CD-ROM, CD-R, DVD, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, MO, and the like. Can be considered. Also, a computer network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network) can be used to supply the program code.

Claims (15)

A communication device capable of joining a network formed by an access point ,
Data communication means for establishing communication with the data processing device via the first network and performing data communication with the data processing device;
Receiving means for receiving from the data processing device a notification indicating whether or not the data processing device has formed the first network as the access point ;
Detecting means for detecting that the application for communicating with the data processing apparatus is transitioned to the background,
Control means for controlling transmission or reception of data via the network ,
After detecting that the application for performing communication with the data processing device has transitioned to the background by the detecting means, the control means determines the communication according to the result of the notification received by the receiving means. A communication apparatus for controlling whether or not the apparatus leaves the first network to which it currently participates. When the receiving means receives a notification indicating that the data processing apparatus has formed the first network as the access point, the control means communicates with the data processing apparatus by the detecting means. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the communication apparatus controls the communication apparatus to leave the first network to which the communication apparatus currently participates after detecting that an application for performing transition to the background. When the reception unit receives a notification indicating that the data processing apparatus does not form the first network as the access point , an application for communicating with the data processing apparatus is set in the background. even after the transition was is detected, the control means, and controlling so dividing line through the access point transmission or reception of data via the Internet will continue to form the first network according Item 3. The communication device according to Item 1 or 2 . When the notification indicating that the data processing apparatus has formed the first network as the access point is received by the reception means, the control means communicates with the data processing apparatus by the detection means 4. The control apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: controlling the communication apparatus to participate in a second network different from the first network after detecting that the application for transferring to the background is detected . Item 1. The communication device according to item 1 . When the receiving means receives a notification indicating that the data processing apparatus has formed the first network as the access point, the control means communicates with the data processing apparatus by the detecting means. 4. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the communication device is controlled to leave the first network to which the communication device currently participates after a predetermined time has elapsed after detecting that the application to be performed has shifted to the background. The communication device according to any one of the above. The second network is a public network;
The communication apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the control unit controls transmission or reception of data via the Internet via the second network. The communication apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein the public network is a network based on 3G or LTE. The second network is a network formed by an access point different from the access point forming the first network,
The communication apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the control unit controls transmission or reception of data via the Internet via the second network. Wherein the data processing device, a communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that no means for connecting to a public network. Wherein the data processing device, a communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that no gateway function. The data communication means can establish communication with a data processing device via a first network formed by an access point having means for connecting to a public network, and can perform data communication with the data processing device. communication apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that there. The data communication means is capable of establishing communication with a data processing apparatus via a first network formed by an access point having a gateway function and performing data communication with the data processing apparatus. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 11 .   The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the communication device is a mobile phone. A method of controlling a communication device capable of joining a network formed by an access point ,
A data communication step of establishing communication with the data processing device via the first network and performing data communication with the data processing device;
Receiving from the data processing device a notification indicating whether the data processing device has formed the first network as the access point ;
A detection step of detecting that the application for communicating with the data processing apparatus is transitioned to the background
In the detection step, after detecting that the application for performing communication with the data processing device has transitioned to the background, the network that is currently participating according to the result of the notification received in the reception step And a step of controlling whether or not to leave the communication apparatus.   A computer-executable program that causes a computer to function as each unit of the communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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