JP2003298796A - Image communication system, image transmission device, and image reception device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image communication system, an image transmission device, and an image reception device capable of displaying the progress of the image data communication in a easily understandable way when the image data is transferred via a network. <P>SOLUTION: The image communication system carries out transmission/ reception of image data between a digital camera (an image transmission device) and a personal computer (an image reception device). The digital camera on the transmission side displays an image based on the image data on a liquid crystal monitor during the transmission thereof, and partially changes the displaying state in accordance with the degree of completion of the transmission. The personal computer on the reception side displays an image based on the image data on a display thereof during the reception of the image data, and partially changes the displaying state in accordance with the degree of completion of the reception. The displaying state of each image is partially changed with respect to the presence or absence of the image display, the level of contrast, and the color of the display. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image communication system for transmitting / receiving image data and a technique related thereto.

[0002]

BACKGROUND ART Various devices have come to be connected to a network, and various data are transferred between these devices. In such transfer, not only document data but also image data (still image data and moving image data) is transferred. For example, image data taken by a digital camera or the like is transferred via a network.

[0003]

With the recent increase in the number of pixels of digital cameras, the data size of still image data is increasing. Therefore, transfer of large-sized image data is becoming more common. The same applies to moving image data, and the size of the transfer target data tends to further increase due to requests for image quality improvement and the like.

In view of the fact that a network environment that is fast enough to transmit such a large amount of data is not complete, it generally takes a long time to transfer image data of such a large size. It will cost you.

In such a case, the operator of the device on the data transmission side cannot grasp the progress of the data transmission, which makes it difficult to use. Similarly, the operator of the device on the data receiving side does not know the progress state during the data reception, and thus is in a situation where it is difficult to use. As described above, there is a problem that the operability of the operator of each device is deteriorated due to the unknown progress of the communication of the image data.

In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides an image communication system, an image transmitting device, and an image receiving device which, when communicating image data via a network, display the progress of the image data communication in an easy-to-understand manner. The purpose is to do.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, the invention of claim 1 is an image communication system for transmitting and receiving image data via a network, and an image transmitting device for transmitting image data, An image receiving device that receives the image data transmitted from the image transmitting device via a network, the image transmitting device comprising:
A first acquisition means for acquiring a transmission completion degree indicating the progress of the transmission of the image data, and during the transmission of the image data,
First display control means for controlling display output so as to display the image on the first display unit while partially changing the display state of the image based on the image data according to the transmission completion degree; The image receiving apparatus obtains a reception completion degree indicating a degree of progress of reception of image data, and a display state of an image based on the image data according to the reception completion degree during reception of the image data. Second display control means for controlling the display output so that the image is displayed on the second display part while partially changing.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image transmitting apparatus for transmitting image data via a network, wherein the progress status acquiring means for acquiring a progress degree of the transmission of the image data, and A display control unit that controls display output so that the image is displayed on a predetermined display unit while partially changing the display state of the image based on the image data according to the degree of progress. Characterize.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image transmitting apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention, there is further provided a type information acquisition means for obtaining the type information of the image data, and the display control means stores the type information. An image based on the image data is displayed using a corresponding display format.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, in the image transmitting apparatus according to the second aspect of the invention, there is further provided a number information obtaining means for obtaining number information indicating the number of a series of image data transmitted collectively. The display control means may display an image based on the image data by using a display format according to the number information.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image receiving apparatus for receiving image data via a network, wherein a progress status obtaining means for obtaining a progress degree of the reception of the image data, and a progress status obtaining means for receiving the image data. A display control unit that controls display output so that the image is displayed on a predetermined display unit while partially changing the display state of the image based on the image data according to the degree of progress. Characterize.

[0012]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

<A. First Embodiment><A1. System Configuration> FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram including an image communication system according to the present invention, and shows a situation in which each device that functions as an image transmitting device and / or an image receiving device is connected to a network NW. here,
A digital camera, a mobile phone having a photographing function, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a set top box (STB), a DVD-RAM device, and a personal computer (PC1) are shown. Each of these devices may be configured to function as an image transmitting device or may be configured to function as an image receiving device. Further, it may be configured to function as both the image transmitting device and the image receiving device.

Each of these devices is connected to the network NW. Here, the “network” is a communication line network that performs data communication, and specifically, the Internet, LAN, WAN, CATV, ICN (Inter-Comm).
unity Network, etc., is a network of various communication lines composed of telecommunication lines (including optical communication lines). The connection form to the network may be a constant connection using a dedicated line or a temporary connection such as a dial-up connection using a telephone line such as an analog line or a digital line (ISDN). Good. Moreover, the transmission method may be either a wireless method or a wired method.

Each device transmits / receives various data including image data via the network NW. In particular,
A certain device (for example, a digital camera) functions as an image transmitting device, and transfers (transmits) image data to another device functioning as an image receiving device via a network.
On the other hand, the image receiving device receives the image data transmitted from the image transmitting device via the network. In such image data transmission / reception, the image transmission device and the image reception device make up an image communication system. The image data may be still image data or moving image data.

In the following, a case where the digital camera 1 is used as an image transmitting device and the personal computer PC1 is used as an image receiving device will be exemplified.

<A2. Digital Camera> FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the digital camera 1. FIG. 3 is a rear view of the digital camera 1.

The digital camera 1 has a photographic lens 11 for forming an image of a subject on a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) 13 (broken line portion), a finder window 7a for the user to visually recognize the subject, and a flash FL. And are provided. The CCD 13 converts the optical image formed by the taking lens 11 into an electric signal to generate image data of the subject.

The digital camera 1 is provided with a release button 3 for the user to instruct shooting, two shooting mode setting keys 4, a liquid crystal panel 5 for displaying a shooting operation, and a zoom key 6 on the upper surface thereof. On its side surface, a network connection interface 8 and an insertion slot 90 for inserting a memory card 9 functioning as a recording medium are provided. In addition, the digital camera 1 has a finder window 7b on the back surface corresponding to the finder window 7a on the front surface, and a liquid crystal monitor 17 for displaying image data and the like.
And a cursor key 19 for moving the cursor displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 17 up and down.

The digital camera 1 records a photographed image on the memory card 9, displays the image recorded on the memory card 9 on the liquid crystal monitor 17, etc., and displays the image recorded on the memory card 9 in another device. It is possible to send it to the network via the network.

Further, the liquid crystal monitor 17 can perform live view display at the time of shooting, and can also display images stored in the memory card 9 at the time of reproduction. Further, the liquid crystal monitor 17 can display a transmission target image, as described later, when transmitting image data. The image to be transmitted is displayed based on the image data read from the memory card 9.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing functional blocks of the digital camera 1.

The digital camera 1 has a CCD 13, an A / D
The conversion unit 14, the image processing unit 15, the compression unit 16, the liquid crystal monitor 17, the memory card (image recording medium) 9, the network connection interface 8, and the CPU 30 are provided.

The light passing through the taking lens 11 is CC
An image is formed at D13. The CCD 13 converts an optical image into an electric signal by a photoelectric conversion function. The electric signal is converted from an analog signal to a digital signal by the A / D conversion unit 14, and then subjected to predetermined image processing by the image processing unit 15 to be generated as image data. Based on this image data, the live view creation unit 21
Create a live view image. This live view image is continuously displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 17 until the release button 3 is pressed during shooting.

When the release button 3 is pressed,
The main photographing operation is started, and the image data at the time of pressing is acquired as a photographed image. The acquired image data is stored in the memory card 9 after being compressed in a predetermined format by the compression unit 16.

Further, the digital camera 1 can also send the photographed image data stored in the memory card 9 to another device via the network connection interface 8 via the network.

Specifically, as described above, the digital camera 1 has the network connection interface 8. This network connection interface 8
The digital camera 1 can be connected to the LAN by connecting a predetermined network cable to the. The digital camera 1 can also be connected to the Internet via this LAN. Therefore, the digital camera 1 can transmit the image data not only to the devices in the LAN but also to various devices connected to the Internet via the network.

The liquid crystal monitor 17 of the digital camera 1 can display an image based on the captured image data. As will be described later, this LCD monitor 1
In 7, the image being transmitted is displayed. More specifically, during transmission of image data, an image based on the image data being transmitted is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 17. The display is performed while partially changing the display state of the image according to the “transmission completion degree”. Here, the “transmission completion degree” is an index indicating the degree of progress of the transmission of the image data, and for example, for the total data amount ST of the image data,
It can be expressed as a ratio of the amount SC of data that has already been transmitted. That is, the transmission completion degree SR is SR = S
It can be expressed as C / ST. This transmission completion degree SR is
It is calculated by the CPU 30. Also, the LCD monitor 17
The control of the display output in the above is performed by the CPU 30.

As described above, the CPU 30 has a function of acquiring the transmission completion degree SR indicating the progress of transmission of image data,
And a function of partially changing the display of the image according to the transmission completion degree SR.

<A3. Personal computer> Figure 5
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a personal computer PC1. Personal computer PC
1 is a CPU in terms of hardware as shown in FIG.
A storage unit 6 having a main storage unit 62 including a semiconductor memory such as RAM (and / or ROM) and an auxiliary storage unit such as a hard disk drive (HDD).
3, a media drive 64, a display unit 65 such as a display, and an input unit 6 such as a keyboard and a mouse.
6. A computer system (hereinafter, also simply referred to as “computer”) including a communication unit 67 such as a network card.

The personal computer PC1 is configured to be capable of exchanging data with the digital camera 1 via a network by wireless or wired data communication via the communication section 67. Further, the image data received in such data communication is stored in the storage unit 6
3 etc. are stored.

The media drive 64 is a CD-R.
Portable recording medium 69 such as OM, DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), flexible disk, and memory card
To read the information recorded therein.

This personal computer PC1 functions as an image receiving device by reading a software program (hereinafter also simply referred to as "program") recorded in the recording medium 69 and executing the program using the CPU 62 or the like. To do. Specifically, this image receiving device has (1) a function of receiving image data,
(2) A function of acquiring the reception completion degree indicating the progress of the reception of the image data, and (3) partially changing the display state of the image based on the image data during the reception of the image data according to the reception completion degree. At the same time, it has a function of controlling display output so that the image is displayed on the display unit (display) 65. Here, the “reception completion degree” is an index indicating the degree of progress of the reception of the image data, and is expressed, for example, as a ratio of the data amount DC of which the reception is already completed to the total data amount (data size) ST of the image data. can do. That is, the reception completion degree DR is DR = DC / S
It can be expressed as T.

The program having each function is not limited to being supplied (or distributed) via the recording medium 69, but supplied (or distributed) to this computer via a network such as a LAN and the Internet. ) May be done.

<A4. Operation> FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 are flowcharts showing the operation according to the first embodiment. Figure 6
Is a flowchart showing the operation of the digital camera 1 on the transmitting side, and FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of a part (step SP10) of them. Also,
In FIG. 7, the receiving personal computer PC
The operation in 1 is also shown. Furthermore, FIG.
FIG. 11 shows the LCD monitor 17 of the digital camera 1 on the transmission side.
Is a diagram showing a display screen in FIG.
It is a figure which shows the display screen in the display 65 of the personal computer PC1 of a receiving side.

In step SP1 (FIG. 6), the digital camera 1 displays the image selection screen on the liquid crystal monitor 17. Then, when the operator of the digital camera 1 selects one image as a transmission target (transfer target) from the plurality of images displayed on the selection screen, the digital camera 1 selects the selected image. Is specified as the image to be transmitted.

In step SP2, the digital camera 1 displays a screen on the liquid crystal monitor 17 asking whether or not to start the transfer, and is ready to receive an instruction from the operator. When the operator inputs a transfer start instruction, the process proceeds to step SP10 to start the image data transfer process (image data transmission process). When the operator wants to change the transmission target image, the operator can return to step SP1 and perform the transmission target image selection operation again.

The operation of step SP10 will be described below.

When the transfer operation in step SP10 is completed, the process proceeds to step SP4. In step SP4, when the digital camera 1 receives a transfer operation completion instruction input from the operator, the digital camera 1 ends the transfer operation in response to the completion instruction input. On the other hand, when accepting a continuation instruction input of the transfer operation from the operator, in response to the continuation instruction input, the process returns to step SP1 again, and the same transfer operation is repeated.

Next, the operation of step SP10 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

First, in step SP11, the digital camera 1 calculates the data size (data amount) ST of the image data of the transfer target image. This data size ST
Is not the size of thumbnail image data in which the number of pixels is smaller than that of the original image, but the data size of image data (full size image data) having the original number of pixels (pixel size) of the image. The information on the calculated data size ST is used for the calculation of the transmission completion degree SR described later and the like.

Next, in step SP12, the digital camera 1 receives the personal computer PC1 on the receiving side.
Is inquired as to whether or not the reception preparation is completed. On the other hand, the personal computer PC1
The result of the inquiry is returned to the digital camera 1 (step SP31).

When the digital camera 1 receives the result indicating that the preparation of the personal computer PC1 is not completed, the digital camera 1 displays on the liquid crystal monitor 17 that transfer is not possible (step SP13). Step SP
4 (FIG. 6). On the other hand, when the digital camera 1 receives the result indicating that the preparation of the personal computer PC1 is completed, the process proceeds to the next step SP14.

Further, the personal computer PC1 is
When the reception preparation is completed, the information regarding the remaining amount of the image data storage area in the personal computer PC1 is also transmitted to the digital camera 1 (step SP32).

Then, the digital camera 1 executes step S
In P14, it is determined whether or not an area sufficient to store the transferred image data remains in the personal computer PC1. Specifically, the "remaining amount" included in the information from the personal computer PC1,
The calculated “image data size ST” is compared. For example, when the remaining amount is larger than the value obtained by adding a predetermined margin value to the image data size ST, it is determined that there is a sufficient remaining amount.

As a result, when it is determined that the sufficient capacity does not remain, a display indicating that the capacity is insufficient (insufficient capacity display) is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 17 (step S).
P15), and proceeds to step SP4. On the other hand, if it is determined that sufficient capacity remains, the next step SP
Proceed to 16.

In step SP16, the digital camera 1 transmits the above-mentioned data size ST and the thumbnail image data before transmitting the image data of the original image size (step SP18). Since the thumbnail image data has a very small data amount compared with the image data of the original image size, the time required for the above transmission is very short. As the thumbnail image data, if previously created data exists, it may be used, and if previously created data does not exist, newly created data may be used at this point.

On the other hand, the personal computer PC1
The transmitted data size ST and thumbnail image data are received (step SP33). Note that in a later step, the personal computer PC1 calculates the reception completion degree DR based on the received data size ST, and displays on the display 65 based on the received thumbnail image data.

Next, the digital camera 1 includes the liquid crystal monitor 1
The character "Transmitting" (see FIG. 8 and the like) is displayed on 7 (step SP17), and a predetermined amount of image data is transmitted to the personal computer PC1 (step SP18). Then, the digital camera 1 changes the screen display based on the transmission completion degree SR (step SP1).
9). Then, until it is determined in step SP20 that the transfer of all the image data is completed, step SP
The operations of 17, SP18 and SP19 are repeated. Then, in step SP20, the digital camera 1
If it is determined that the transfer of all the image data has been completed, a display indicating that the transfer has been completed (transfer completed display) is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 17 (step SP21), and a series of image data transfer processing ends, and step SP4 follows. move on.

Here, as shown in FIGS. 8 to 11, the digital camera 1 displays an image based on the image data to be transmitted on the liquid crystal monitor 17 during transmission of the image. Specifically, the digital camera 1 uses an image based on the thumbnail image data of the image data to be transmitted as the image based on the image data to be transmitted.
It is supposed to be displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 17. In this case, since the transmission target image itself is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 17,
The operator can easily confirm which image is being transmitted. Further, since the thumbnail image data has a smaller number of pixels than the full-size image data, it is possible to reduce the load on the hardware processing.

As shown in FIG. 8, initially, all (entire) images to be transmitted are displayed. After that, as the transmission completion degree SR increases with the lapse of time, the presence or absence of image display is partially changed according to the transmission completion degree SR at each time point. In other words, the liquid crystal monitor 17 displays such that the portion corresponding to the ratio of the completed transmission gradually disappears from the screen.

Specifically, when the transmission completion degree SR reaches 50%, the upper half of the image is erased and only the lower half of the image is displayed, as shown in FIG. afterwards,
The transmission completion degree SR further increases, and the transmission completion degree SR becomes 75.
%, As shown in FIG. 10, the upper three quarters of the image
Is erased, and only the lower quarter of the image is displayed. Then, when the transmission completion degree SR reaches 100% and the image transfer is completed, as shown in FIG. 11, on the liquid crystal monitor 17, a character such as “Image transfer is completed” is displayed as a transfer completed display. It is displayed (step SP21). At this time, the character "transmitting" is erased.

As described above, since the display state of the image being transmitted is partially changed according to the transmission completion degree SR, the operator can easily grasp the progress of the transmission.
In particular, the display on the liquid crystal monitor 17 is intuitively easy to understand because the portion corresponding to the ratio of completed transmission gradually disappears from the screen.

The transmission completion degree SR is determined in step SP1.
It is recalculated for each predetermined amount of data transfer in 8, but in order to calculate a more accurate numerical value, the transmission completion data amount is not determined based on the time point when the predetermined amount of image data is simply transmitted. , The receiving personal computer P
It is preferable to consider that the transmission of the transmission data is completed with reference to the time point when the reception confirmation notification (reception confirmation packet or the like) from C1 is received.

Next, the receiving personal computer P
The display operation in C1 will be described.

When the personal computer PC1 receives the image data from the digital camera 1, the personal computer PC1 displays the character "received" (see FIG. 12 and the like) on the display 65 (step SP34). After that, when the personal computer PC1 receives a predetermined amount of image data from the digital camera 1 (step SP35), the reception completion degree D
R is calculated, and the screen display is changed based on the calculated reception completion degree DR (step SP36). Then, in step SP37, until it is determined that the transfer of the image data is all completed, steps SP34, SP35, SP3.
The operation of 6 is repeated. When the personal computer PC1 determines in step SP37 that the transfer of the image data has been completed, it displays a display indicating that the transfer is completed (transfer completed display) on the display 65 (step SP38), and a series of image data is displayed. The reception process ends.

Here, as shown in FIGS. 12 to 15, the personal computer PC1 displays an image based on the image data to be received on the display 65 while the image is being received. Specifically, the personal computer PC1 displays the image based on the thumbnail image data received in step SP33 as an image based on the image data to be received. In this case, since the image to be received itself is displayed on the display 65, the operator can easily confirm which image is being received. Further, since the thumbnail image data has a smaller number of pixels than the full-size image data, it is possible to reduce the load on the hardware processing.

Further, as shown in FIG. 12, at first, only the character "received" is displayed, and no image is displayed at all. After that, with the passage of time, the reception completion degree D
As R increases, the presence or absence of image display is partially changed according to the reception completion degree DR at each time point. In other words, the display 65 displays such that the portion corresponding to the ratio of the completed reception gradually appears on the screen.

Specifically, when the reception completion degree DR reaches 50%, the upper half of the image is displayed as shown in FIG.
Only the bottom half of the image is not displayed. After that, when the reception completion degree DR further increases and the reception completion degree DR reaches 75%, as shown in FIG. 14, the upper third quarter of the image is displayed and the lower quarter of the image is displayed. Not in a state. Then, when the reception completion degree DR reaches 100% and the transfer of the image is completely completed, as shown in FIG. 15, the entire image is displayed on the display 65, and " Characters such as "Image transfer is completed" are displayed as a transfer completed display (step SP38). At this time, the character "received" is erased.

As described above, since the display state of the image being received is partially changed according to the reception completion degree DR, the operator can easily grasp the progress of the reception.
In particular, the display on the display 65 is intuitively easy to understand because the portion corresponding to the ratio of the completed reception gradually appears on the screen.

<B. Second Preferred Embodiment> The second preferred embodiment is a modification of the first preferred embodiment, in which the digital camera 1 on the transmission side is used.
The display mode in and the display mode in the receiving-side personal computer PC1 are different from those in the first embodiment. Below, it demonstrates centering around difference.

16 to 23 are diagrams showing display states in the transmitting side device and the receiving side device according to the second embodiment. More specifically, FIGS. 16 to 19 are views showing a display screen on the liquid crystal monitor 17 of the digital camera 1 on the transmitting side, and FIGS. 20 to 23 are display screens on the display 65 of the personal computer PC 1 on the receiving side. FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 16 to 19, the digital camera 1 displays an image based on the thumbnail image data on the liquid crystal monitor 17 during image transmission. The thumbnail image data is image data expressing the same image as the full-size image being transmitted. Therefore, the image to be transmitted is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 17. This allows the operator to easily confirm which image is being transmitted. Further, since the thumbnail image data has a smaller number of pixels than the full-size image data, it is possible to reduce the load on the hardware processing.

Further, as shown in FIG. 16, initially, the entire image is displayed in a normal display mode. Thereafter, as the transmission completion degree SR increases with the passage of time, the contrast of the image is partially changed according to the transmission completion degree SR at each time point. More specifically, the display is performed such that the contrast of the portion corresponding to the ratio of the completed transmission becomes lower.

Specifically, when the transmission completion degree SR reaches 30%, as shown in FIG. 17, the contrast is reduced in the upper portion of the image corresponding to 30% (hatched portion in the figure). Is displayed in the lower part of the image
The portion corresponding to the percentage is displayed with normal contrast. After that, when the transmission completion degree SR further increases and the transmission completion degree SR reaches 60%, as shown in FIG. 18, low contrast display is performed in the portion corresponding to the upper 60% of the image, and the lower half of the image is displayed. In, the contrast is usually displayed. Then, when the transmission completion degree SR reaches 100% and the image transfer is completely completed, as shown in FIG.
Characters such as "Image transfer completed" are displayed as the transferred display. At this time, the character "transmitting" is erased.

As described above, since the display state of the image being transmitted is partially changed according to the transmission completion degree SR, the operator can easily grasp the progress of the transmission.
In particular, in the display on the liquid crystal monitor 17, the contrast of the portion corresponding to the ratio of the completed transmission is changed from the normal contrast to the low contrast (in short, the display image gradually becomes the low contrast. The operator can intuitively understand that the image data is being transmitted. Also, during transmission, although the contrast has been changed,
Since the image being transmitted continues to be displayed, the operator can intuitively understand which image is being transmitted.

Next, the receiving personal computer P
The display operation in C1 will be described.

As shown in FIGS. 20 to 23, the personal computer PC1 displays an image based on the thumbnail image data on the display 65 during image reception. This thumbnail image data is image data expressing the same image as the full size image being received. By looking at the display contents of the display 65, the operator
It is possible to easily recognize which image is being received.

Further, as shown in FIG. 20, on the display 65, an image having a low contrast is displayed at the beginning together with the character "received". afterwards,
As the reception completion degree DR increases with the passage of time,
The image contrast is partially changed according to the reception completion degree DR at each time point. More specifically, the portion corresponding to the ratio of the completed reception is changed from the low contrast display to the normal contrast display. As a result, the display image on the display 65 is gradually and partially changed from the low contrast display to the normal contrast display.

Specifically, when the reception completion degree DR reaches 30%, as shown in FIG. 21, the portion corresponding to the upper 30% of the image returns to the normal contrast and the lower 70% of the image.
The portion corresponding to (the shaded portion in the figure) is displayed in the low contrast state. After that, when the reception completion degree DR further increases and the reception completion degree DR becomes 60%, as shown in FIG. 22, the portion corresponding to the upper side 60% of the image returns to the normal contrast, and the lower side 40% of the image. The portion corresponding to is displayed in the low contrast state. Then, when the reception completion degree DR reaches 100% and the image transfer is completely completed, as shown in FIG. 15, the entire display image is displayed in normal contrast on the display 65, and The characters such as “Image transfer is completed” are displayed on the screen as the transferred display. On the other hand, the character “receiving” is deleted.

As described above, since the display state of the image being received is partially changed according to the reception completion degree DR, the operator can easily grasp the progress of the reception.
In particular, in the display on the display 65, the contrast of the portion corresponding to the ratio of the completed reception is gradually changed from the low contrast to the normal contrast (in short, the display image is gradually “clear”). It is easy to intuitively understand that the image data is being received. Also,
Although the contrast is changed during reception, the image being received continues to be displayed, so that the operator can intuitively grasp which image is being transmitted.

In the second embodiment, the case where the contrast of the image is partially changed according to the progress of transmission and reception has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the display color of the image may be partially changed according to the progress of transmission and reception. Specifically, the shaded portions in FIGS. 16 to 23 may be displayed in a predetermined display color (more preferably, a color with low saturation). Alternatively, the shaded area in FIGS. 16 to 23 may be displayed in monochrome.

<C. Third Embodiment> The third embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment. In the first and second embodiments, the case of transmitting one image has been described, but in the third embodiment, the case of transmitting a plurality of images will be described. Below, it demonstrates centering around difference with 1st Embodiment.

24 and 25 are flowcharts showing the operation according to the third embodiment. FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the operation of the digital camera 1 on the transmission side, and FIG. 25 shows part of the operation (step S
It is a flowchart showing P110). In addition, FIG.
In the figure, the operation in the receiving-side personal computer PC1 is also shown. Furthermore, FIGS.
Is a diagram showing a display screen on the liquid crystal monitor 17 of the digital camera 1, and FIGS. 30 to 33 are diagrams showing a display screen on the display 65 of the personal computer PC1.

As shown in FIG. 24, the digital camera 1
In step SP101, the counter N is set to an initial value (N = 1), and in step SP102, a request to select the Nth image is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 17. On the other hand, when the operator of the digital camera 1 selects one image from the plurality of images displayed on the selection screen as a transmission target (transfer target), the digital camera 1 receives the selection input. Is accepted and the selected image is specified as the transmission target image (step SP103).

After that, in step SP104, when the operator gives an operation input for selecting the next image, the digital camera 1 increments the value of the counter N by one, and returns to step SP102 again, and step SP102.
The processing of 102, SP103, and S104 is repeated.

Then, in step SP104, when the digital camera 1 receives an input indicating the end of the selection process, the process proceeds to step SP106.

In step SP106, the digital camera 1 displays on the liquid crystal monitor 17 a screen for inquiring whether or not the transfer can be started, and is ready to receive a transfer start instruction from the operator. When the operator inputs a transfer start instruction, the process proceeds to step SP110 to start the image data transfer process (image data transmission process). When the operator wants to add a transmission target image, the operator can return to step SP104 and perform the operation of selecting the transmission target image again.

When the transfer operation in step SP110 is completed, the process proceeds to step SP107. When the digital camera 1 receives a transfer operation completion instruction input from the operator in step SP107, the digital camera 1 ends the transfer operation in response to the completion instruction input. On the other hand, when accepting the instruction to continue the transfer operation from the operator, in response to the instruction to continue the operation, the process returns to step SP101 again, and the same transfer operation is repeated.

Next, FIG. 25 is a diagram showing the detailed operation of step SP110. Note that, in FIG. 25, the same operation as the detailed operation in step SP10 (FIG. 7) is shown by adding the same step numbers as those in FIG. 7 to the last two digits.

As can be seen by comparing FIGS. 25 and 7, the operation in step SP110 is performed in step SP110.
The operation is substantially the same as that in 10 (FIG. 7), except that the display of "transmitting" (step SP17) and the display of "receiving" (step SP34) are not performed. Further, the transmission completion degree SR is calculated (step SP11
9) and calculation of reception completion degree DR (step SP13)
The total data amount ST in 6) is also different in that it is the total value of N pieces of image data.

Here, a case will be described in which nine images are selected as transmission target images (when N = 9).

As shown in FIGS. 26 to 29, the digital camera 1 displays nine images based on the corresponding thumbnail image data on the liquid crystal monitor 17 during transmission of these nine images. Each thumbnail image data is image data expressing the same image as the full size image being transmitted. In this way, the LCD monitor 17 displays nine images to be transmitted. Therefore, the operator can easily recognize which image the image being transmitted is. Further, since the thumbnail image data has a smaller number of pixels than the full-size image data, it is possible to reduce the load on the hardware processing.

As shown in FIG. 26, initially, all of the nine images G1 to G9 are displayed in the normal display mode. After that, as time passes, the transmission completion degree S
As R increases, the presence or absence of image display is partially changed according to the transmission completion degree SR at each time point. More specifically, the display is such that the display of the portion corresponding to the rate of completion of transmission disappears.

For example, when the transmission completion degree SR is about 25% and the transmission up to about half of the third image G3 among the nine images G1 to G9 is completed, as shown in FIG. With respect to the two images G1 and G2 that have been completed, the respective image displays are erased, and the character "transfer completed" is displayed at that position. Regarding the third image G3, the presence / absence of image display is partially changed according to the progress of the transmission. Here, a state is shown in which the upper half of the third image G3 is erased and the lower half of the third image G3 is displayed. Note that the fourth and subsequent images are still displayed because they have not been transferred yet.

After that, the transmission completion degree SR further increases and the transmission completion degree SR becomes about 90%, and the nine images G1 to G
When the transmission of the eight images G1 to G8 out of nine is completed, as shown in FIG. 28, the image display of each of the eight images G1 to G8 that have been transmitted is erased, and "Transfer" is performed. The character "end" is shown in that position.
The ninth image G9 remains displayed because it has not been transferred yet.

When the transmission completion degree SR reaches 100% and the image transfer is completely completed, as shown in FIG. 29, the characters "transfer completed" are displayed on all nine images on the liquid crystal monitor 17. Is displayed, and the characters "Image transfer is completed" are displayed as the transferred display on the entire screen.

As described above, since the display state of the image being transmitted is partially changed according to the transmission completion degree SR, the operator can easily grasp the progress of the transmission. In particular, the display on the liquid crystal monitor 17 is intuitively easy to understand because the portion corresponding to the ratio of completed transmission gradually disappears from the screen. Further, since the image that is actually the transfer target (transmission target) is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 17, it is possible to easily recognize which image is being transferred. Moreover,
Of the multiple images, the image that has actually been transmitted is erased, so you can determine which image has completed the transfer operation (for example, up to which image data transfer has completed). Can be easily recognized. Also,
Here, even when one of the plurality of images is being transmitted, the display state of the one image is partially changed to reflect the progress of the transmission, so It is also possible to easily grasp the progress of image data transmission.

Next, the receiving personal computer P
The display operation in C1 will be described.

As shown in FIGS. 30 to 33, the personal computer PC1 displays an image based on the thumbnail image data on the display 65 during image reception. This thumbnail image data is image data expressing the same image as the full size image being received. By looking at the display contents of the display 65, the operator
It is possible to easily recognize which image the currently received image is.

When the personal computer PC1 recognizes that there are nine images to be received based on the received contents in step SP133, it secures nine image display areas as shown in FIG. The character "transferring" (or a character such as "receiving") may be displayed in each image display area. In this state, the image itself has not been displayed yet.

After that, the reception completion degree D with the passage of time
As R increases, the presence or absence of image display is partially changed according to the reception completion degree DR at each time point. Specifically, a portion corresponding to the rate of completion of reception gradually appears on the display 65.

For example, the reception completion degree DR is about 25%, and the third image G3 of the nine images G1 to G9 is displayed.
When the reception up to about half of the above is completed, as shown in FIG. 31, each of the two images G1 and G2 for which the reception is completed is displayed. Regarding the third image G3, the presence / absence of image display is partially changed according to the progress of the reception. Here, the upper half of the third image G3 is displayed, and the lower half of the third image G3 is not displayed yet. In addition, since the 4th and subsequent images have not been received,
The corresponding image is not displayed.

After that, the reception completion degree DR further increases and the reception completion degree DR becomes about 95%, and the nine images G1 to G
When the reception of eight images G1 to G8 out of nine and the reception of up to about half of the ninth image G9 have been completed, as shown in FIG. For G1 to G8, respective images are displayed. In addition, the upper half of the ninth image G9 is displayed, and the lower half thereof is not displayed yet.

When the reception completion degree DR reaches 100% and the transfer of the images is completely completed, all nine images G1 to G1 are displayed on the display 65 as shown in FIG.
G9 is displayed, and the characters "all receptions are completed" are displayed as a transferred display on the entire screen.

As described above, since the display state of the image being received is partially changed according to the reception completion degree DR, the operator can easily grasp the progress of the reception. In particular, the display on the display 65 is intuitively easy to understand because the image of the portion corresponding to the ratio of completion of reception gradually disappears. Further, since the image to be actually received is displayed on the display 65, it is possible to easily recognize which image is being received. Furthermore, since the display of the portion of the plurality of images that has been actually received is erased, which portion of the receiving operation has ended (for example, how many image data have been received, etc.) ) Can be easily recognized. Also here
Even while receiving one of the multiple images,
Since the display state of the one image is partially changed by reflecting the progress of the reception, it is possible to easily grasp the progress of the reception of the one image data.

In the third embodiment, the case where the display state is updated each time the transfer of the predetermined amount of data is completed during the communication (transmission or reception) of a plurality of images has been described. , But is not limited to this. For example, while sending (or receiving) multiple images,
The display state on each display unit (the liquid crystal monitor 17 or the display 65) may be updated every time communication (transmission or reception) of one image is completed. According to this, display control can be simplified.

<D. Fourth Embodiment> In each of the above embodiments, the transmission and reception of still image data has been described, but the present invention can also be applied to the transmission and reception of moving image data.

In the fourth embodiment, the case of transmitting / receiving moving image data will be described.

Specifically, a plurality of still images are extracted from the moving image data based on a predetermined method, and the still images are used to express the progress of communication.

34 to 36 are views showing a display screen on the liquid crystal monitor 17 of the digital camera 1 on the transmitting side, and FIGS. 37 to 39 are display screens on the display 65 of the personal computer PC1 on the receiving side. It is a figure.

The digital camera 1 extracts a plurality of still images from the moving image data. These still images are specifically representative images of each scene extracted by a predetermined scene discrimination technique. Alternatively, a plurality of still images may be extracted at a predetermined time interval (for example, every minute).

Here, a case where four still images are extracted will be exemplified. Each still image is used to represent 25% of the total data amount.

As shown in FIG. 34, on the liquid crystal monitor 17 of the digital camera 1 on the transmission side, four still images are
It is displayed in a state in which it is slightly shifted and overlapped.
Then, initially, all four still images are displayed.

After that, the transmission completion degree S with the passage of time
As R increases, the display state of the image is partially changed according to the transmission completion degree SR at each time point. here,
It is assumed that the image display of the portion corresponding to the rate of completion of transmission disappears.

For example, when the transmission completion degree SR progresses to about 1/8, the image display of the upper half of the uppermost still image is erased, and the area where the image is erased is predetermined. Is filled with the color (here, gray).

When the transmission completion degree SR reaches about 50%, as shown in FIG. 35, the two still images of the first and second still images among the four still images are not displayed. The erased area where the image was displayed is filled with gray. The image display of each of the two still images of the third and fourth sheets is maintained.

Then, when the transmission completion degree SR reaches 100% and the image transfer is completely completed, as shown in FIG. 36, each image display is erased on the liquid crystal monitor 17 for all four still images, The area where the image was displayed is filled with gray, and the characters "all transfers are completed" are displayed as the transferred display.

As described above, since the display state of the image being transmitted is partially changed according to the transmission completion degree SR of the moving image data, the operator can easily grasp the progress of the transmission operation. It is possible.

Next, the receiving personal computer PC
The display 65 of No. 1 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 37, on the display 65, the four still images are displayed in a state of being slightly shifted and overlapped. At first, for the four still images, the image frames corresponding to the respective still images are shown, but none of the still images themselves are displayed. In addition, here, it is assumed that the area within the image frame is filled with a predetermined color (for example, gray).

Thereafter, the degree of completion of reception D with the passage of time
As R increases, the display state of the image is partially changed according to the reception completion degree DR at each time point. here,
It is assumed that the image display of the portion corresponding to the ratio of the completed reception is gradually displayed.

For example, when the reception completion degree DR progresses to about ⅛, the image is displayed in the upper half of the uppermost first still image.

When the reception completion degree DR reaches about 50%, as shown in FIG. 38, of the four still images, the first and second still images are displayed. In addition, the respective three images of the third and fourth still images are not displayed yet.

Then, when the reception completion degree DR reaches 100% and the image transfer is completely completed, as shown in FIG. 39, the message "all the reception is completed" is displayed on the display 65. Is displayed as.

As described above, since the display state of the image being received is partially changed according to the reception completion degree DR of the moving image data, the operator can easily grasp the progress of the receiving operation. It is possible.

In the fourth embodiment, the case where a plurality of typical still images extracted from the moving image data are displayed in an overlapping manner is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the plurality of still images may be displayed in the third embodiment (FIG. 2).
6 to 33), the liquid crystal monitor 17 and / or the display 65 may be arranged and displayed so as not to overlap each other.

<E. Fifth Embodiment> In the above, 1
When transmitting / receiving one still image data (first and second embodiments), when transmitting / receiving plural image data (third embodiment), when transmitting / receiving one moving image data (fourth embodiment) Each of the forms has been described. In the fifth embodiment, an image communication system capable of transmitting and receiving all these types of image data will be described.

Specifically, the image transmitting apparatus (digital camera 1), prior to transmission, has information regarding whether the image data to be transmitted is still image data or moving image data, that is, the image data. Acquires information about the type (type information). At the same time, regarding the number of a series of image data collectively transmitted and received between the image transmitting device and the image receiving device (in other words, the number of image data included in the “image data group” to be transmitted and received) Information (quantity information) is also acquired.

Then, the digital camera 1 determines the display format to be used for display on the liquid crystal monitor 17 in accordance with such information (specifically, information about the type of image data and the number of image data). It is selected and determined, and the image is displayed based on the determined display format. For example, when one piece of still image data is recognized as a transfer target, the liquid crystal is displayed using the display format as in the first embodiment, more specifically, the display formats as shown in FIGS. The display on the monitor 17 is performed. Alternatively, when a plurality of pieces of still image data are recognized as transfer targets, the display format as in the third embodiment, more specifically,
Display on the liquid crystal monitor 17 is performed using a display format as shown in FIGS. Further, when one moving image data is recognized as a transfer target, the liquid crystal monitor 17 is displayed using the display format as in the fourth embodiment, more specifically, the display formats as shown in FIGS. Is displayed. Further, when it is recognized that a plurality of moving image data is to be transferred, for example, a display as shown in FIG. 34 is arranged in the horizontal direction (and / or the vertical direction) by the number corresponding to the number of moving image data to be transferred. Display on the liquid crystal monitor 17 is performed using the selected display format.

The same operation is performed in the receiving side device. Specifically, the image receiving device (personal computer PC1) receives information about whether the image data to be received is still image data or moving image data, that is, the type of image data, prior to reception. Get information (type information). At the same time,
Information (number information) about the number of a series of image data that is collectively transmitted and received between the image transmitting device and the image receiving device is also acquired.

Then, the personal computer PC1
Determines the display format to be used for display on the display 65 in accordance with such information (specifically, information about the type of image data and the number of image data), and sets the determined display format. Display the image based on. For example, when it is recognized that one piece of still image data is to be transferred, the display format as in the first embodiment, more specifically, the display format as shown in FIGS. Display at 65. Alternatively, when a plurality of still image data is recognized as a transfer target, the display format as in the third embodiment, more specifically, the display format as shown in FIGS. Display at 65. Also, 1
When one moving image data is recognized as a transfer target, the display format as in the fourth embodiment, more specifically,
Display on the display 65 is performed using a display format as shown in FIGS. 37 to 39. Further, when it is recognized that a plurality of moving image data is a transfer target, for example,
The display as shown in FIG. 37 is displayed on the display 65 by using a display format in which the display is arranged in the horizontal direction (and / or the vertical direction) by the number corresponding to the number of moving image data to be transferred.

FIG. 40 is a flow chart showing an example of such an operation.

The digital camera 1 selects the display format in step SP22. For example, when it is recognized that one piece of still image data is a transfer target,
~ Select a display format as shown in FIG. After that, in step SP19, the digital camera 1 displays on the liquid crystal monitor 17 using the display format. In addition, the digital camera 1, in step SP22,
Information for determining the display format (specifically, image data type information and number information) is sent to the personal computer P.
Send to C1.

On the other hand, the personal computer PC1
Information received (image data type information and number information)
The display format is selected based on (step SP3
9). For example, when one piece of still image data is recognized as a transfer target, the display format as shown in FIGS. 12 to 15 is selected. Then, in step SP36, the display on the display 65 is performed using the display format.

It is not always necessary to perform the "transmitting" display in step SP17 and the "receiving" display in step SP34. For example, when a plurality of pieces of still image data are to be transferred, and when moving image data is to be transferred, the "sending" display in step SP17 and the "receiving" display in step SP34 are not performed, thereby 26 to 39 can be displayed.

According to the fifth embodiment, the display format on each display unit (the liquid crystal monitor 17 to the display 65) is selected and determined according to the type of image data to be transmitted / received. Has an advantage that it is easy to intuitively grasp what kind of data the image data is, and the number thereof. Furthermore, since the display format on each display unit (the liquid crystal monitor 17 to the display 65) is selected and determined according to the number of image data to be transmitted / received, the number of image data to be transmitted / received can be intuitively determined. It has the advantage of being easy to grasp.

<F. Sixth Embodiment> The sixth embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment, and a case where the display mode is switched according to the total transfer time of image data will be described.

In the sixth embodiment, the operation of FIG. 41 is performed instead of the operation of FIG. 7 in the first embodiment.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 41, prior to the transmission operation after step SP17 and the like, in step SP23 immediately after step SP16, an operation of selecting a display mode according to the total transfer time of image data is performed.

FIG. 42 is a flow chart showing the detailed operation in step SP23. First, step SP
In 51, the digital camera 1 as an image transmitting apparatus
Acquires transfer rate information in the transfer with the receiving side device (personal computer PC1) via the network. As the transfer rate, it is possible to use a theoretical value in the transfer path, and it is also possible to use an actual transfer rate in the transfer path. For example, as the latter, a measurement file of a relatively small size is transferred from the digital camera 1 to the personal computer PC.
It is sufficient to actually transfer the data to No. 1 and measure the actual transfer rate (effective transfer rate) on the transfer path based on the time required for the transfer.

Thereafter, in step SP52, the digital camera 1 estimates the total transfer time required to transmit the full size image data based on the transfer rate.
Specifically, the total transfer time can be calculated by dividing the data size of the full-size image data calculated in step SP11 by the transfer rate calculated in step SP51.

Then, the digital camera 1 performs a branching process (steps SP53, SP54,
The display mode is determined by performing SP55).
Here, the display mode corresponding to the transfer time (total transfer time) is selected from the four display modes M1, M2, M3, M4.

Specifically, if the transfer time is within 10 seconds, the process proceeds to step SP61 and the display mode M1 is selected. If the transfer time is longer than 10 seconds and less than 1 minute, the process proceeds to step SP62 and the display mode M2 is selected. Further, if the transfer time is longer than 1 minute and within 5 minutes, the process proceeds to step SP63 to select the display mode M3, and if the transfer time is longer than 5 minutes, proceeds to step SP64 to display. Mode M
4 is selected.

The display modes M2, M3, M4 are modes for performing partial display changes as described in detail in the first embodiment, but the display mode M1 is for performing such partial display changes. There is no mode.

In the display mode M2, the display frame F
(See Fig. 8 etc.) color is set to blue, display mode M
3, the color of the display frame F is set to yellow, and in the display mode M4, the color of the display frame F is set to red. In this way, the color of the display frame F is selectively determined from a plurality of colors according to the length of the total transfer time.

Then, the processing from step SP17 onward is performed according to the setting of the display mode.

However, when the display mode M1 is selected, the display screen is not changed in step SP19. More specifically, the thumbnail image data corresponding to the transfer target image is always displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 17. This is because when the transfer time is short enough to select the display mode M1, it is determined that it is not necessary to grasp the transfer status. Moreover, since the load required for the display change can be reduced by not changing the display, the transfer operation can be completed more quickly.

On the other hand, when the display mode M2, M3, M4 is selected, the display is changed in step SP19. In this case, the transfer time is relatively long, so
This is because it is determined that it is highly necessary to understand the transfer status. Specifically, as described above, the display state of the image being transmitted is partially changed according to the transmission completion degree SR (see FIGS. 8 to 11 and the like).

In the display modes M2, M3 and M4, the color of the display frame differs depending on the total transfer time.
Therefore, the operator can know the time required to transfer the image data by looking at the color of the display frame F. For example, when the color of the display frame is red, it can be easily understood that it takes a long time to transfer an image. In this case, the operator can decide a subsequent action such as performing another work in another place or stopping the transmission operation itself.

Further, the receiving personal computer P
The same operation is performed in C1. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 41, prior to the receiving operation after step SP34, etc., step SP4 immediately after step SP33.
At 0, the operation of selecting the display mode according to the total transfer time of the image data is performed. The operation of step SP40 is
The operation is the same as that of step SP23. However, the personal computer PC1 calculates the total transfer time by dividing the data size ST received in step SP33 by the transfer rate obtained in step SP40. As a result, the same effect can be obtained in the personal computer PC1 on the receiving side.

In the sixth embodiment, description has been made of the case where the marking is performed in the display mode according to the total transfer time, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the display may be performed in the display mode according to the remaining transfer time.

Specifically, in step SP19 of FIG. 41, the remaining transfer time (= untransferred data size / transfer rate) is calculated, and one of the display modes M1 to M4 is selected according to the remaining transfer time. The display may be performed according to the selected display mode. Further, as the transfer rate for calculating the remaining transfer time, the value of the transfer rate obtained in step SP51 in step SP23 may be used as in the above, but as the value which changes momentarily in step SP19 and the like. You may make it utilize the value of the calculated transfer rate.

The same applies to the receiving side device. Figure 4
In step SP36 of No. 1, the remaining transfer time may be calculated and the display based on the display mode corresponding to the remaining transfer time may be performed. As a result, the display is performed in the display mode according to the remaining time, so that the operator can more intuitively understand the remaining transfer time.

In the sixth embodiment, the case where the color of the display frame F is changed according to the transfer time has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and various displays can be adopted. For example, a color bar may be provided below the image based on the image data.

<G. Others> In each of the above embodiments, the case where the digital camera 1 is used as the transmission side device (image transmission device) and the personal computer PC1 is used as the reception side device (image reception device) has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, on the contrary, the personal computer PC1
May be the transmission side device and the digital camera 1 may be the reception side device. Further, as described above, the transmission side device and the reception side device are not limited to the digital camera 1 and the personal computer PC1 and may be devices of various types.

Further, the display unit in the receiving side device need not be integrally provided in the device. For example, a set top box STB as a receiving side device
May generate a display output signal for performing the above-described display operation, and output the generated display output signal to a TV monitor provided separately from the main body.

The specific embodiments described above include inventions having the following configurations.

(1) The image transmitting apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4, further comprising means for acquiring transfer rate information in transfer with the image receiving apparatus via the network. The image transmission device, wherein the display control means performs display according to the total transfer time estimated based on the transfer rate information.

(2) The image transmitting apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4, further comprising means for acquiring transfer rate information in transfer with the image receiving apparatus via the network. The image transmission device, wherein the display control means performs display according to the remaining transfer time estimated based on the transfer rate information.

(3) Claim 2, Claim 3, Claim 4,
In the image transmission device according to any one of (1) and (2), the display control unit displays an image based on thumbnail image data of the image data as an image based on the image data. , An image transmitting apparatus characterized by controlling display output.

(4) Claim 2, Claim 3, Claim 4,
In the image transmission device according to any one of (1) and (2), the image data is moving image data, and the display control unit extracts an image based on the image data from the moving image data. Displaying a plurality of extracted still images on the predetermined display unit, and controlling display output so as to partially change the display state of the plurality of still images according to the progress degree. Image transmission device.

(5) In the image transmission device according to any one of claims 2 to 4 and (1) to (4), the display control means displays the image according to the progress degree. An image transmitting apparatus characterized in that the presence or absence of the image is partially changed.

(6) In the image transmitting apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4 and (1) to (4), the display control means displays the image according to the progress degree. An image transmitting apparatus characterized by partially changing a color.

(7) In the image transmitting apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4 and (1) to (4), the display control means sets the contrast of the image according to the progress degree. An image transmitting apparatus characterized by partially changing the.

[0155]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to easily display the progress of communication of image data via the network.

According to the second aspect of the invention, during the transmission of the image data, the display state of the image based on the image data is partially changed according to the progress of the data transmission, and the image is predetermined. Since it can be displayed on the display unit, the progress of image transmission can be displayed in an easy-to-understand manner.

Further, according to the invention of claim 3,
The display control means uses a display format according to the type information,
Since the image based on the image data is displayed, the operator can intuitively understand what type of data is being transmitted.

Further, according to the invention described in claim 4, the display control means displays the image based on the image data by using the display format according to the number information. It is easy to intuitively understand whether the data of is transmitted.

Further, according to the invention of claim 5,
While the image data is being received, the display state of the image based on the image data can be partially changed according to the progress of data reception, and the image can be displayed on a predetermined display unit. It is possible to clearly display the progress status of reception of.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram including an image communication system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the digital camera 1.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the digital camera 1.

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the digital camera 1.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a personal computer PC1.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation in the digital camera 1 on the transmitting side.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a transmitting / receiving operation of a transmitting side device and a receiving side device.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a display screen on a liquid crystal monitor 17 of the digital camera 1.

9 is a diagram showing a display screen on the liquid crystal monitor 17. FIG.

10 is a diagram showing a display screen on the liquid crystal monitor 17. FIG.

11 is a diagram showing a display screen on the liquid crystal monitor 17. FIG.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a display screen on a display 65 of the personal computer PC1.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a display screen on a display 65.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a display screen on a display 65.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a display screen on a display 65.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a display state in the transmission device according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a display state in the transmission device according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a display state in the transmission device according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a display state in the transmission device according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a display state in the receiving device according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a display state in the receiving device according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a display state in the receiving device according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a display state in the receiving device according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing an operation according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing transmission / reception operations of a transmission device and a reception device.

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a display state in the transmission device according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a display state in the transmission device.

FIG. 28 is a diagram showing a display state in the transmission device.

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a display state in the transmission device.

FIG. 30 is a diagram showing a display state in the receiving device according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 31 is a diagram showing a display state in the receiving device.

FIG. 32 is a diagram showing a display state on the receiving device.

FIG. 33 is a diagram showing a display state on the receiving device.

FIG. 34 is a diagram showing a display state in the transmission device according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 35 is a diagram showing a display state in the transmission device.

FIG. 36 is a diagram showing a display state in the transmission device.

FIG. 37 is a diagram showing a display state in the reception device according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 38 is a diagram showing a display state in the receiving device.

FIG. 39 is a diagram showing a display state in the receiving device.

FIG. 40 is a flowchart showing a transmitting / receiving operation according to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing a transmitting / receiving operation according to the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 42 is a flowchart showing a part of the operation according to the sixth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 digital camera 3 Release button 8 Network connection interface 9 memory card 11 Shooting lens 17 LCD monitor G1-G9 images NW network PC1 Personal computer

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) H04N 5/44 H04N 5/44 Z 5/445 5/445 Z 7/173 610 7/173 610Z F term ( (Reference) 5C022 AA11 AC03 AC13 AC42 AC69 5C025 AA30 CA02 CA09 CB10 DA10 5C062 AA01 AA14 AA29 AA35 AB23 AB38 AB42 AC05 AC22 AC34 AE01 AF00 5C064 BA07 BB05 BC10 BC18 BC23 FA25 AB14 FA23 AB02 AB02 FA25 A03 AB02 A02 A04 A02 AB02 A04 A02 AB14 A02 A02 A04 A02 AB02 A04 A03 AB02 A25 FB45 FB46

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. An image communication system for transmitting and receiving image data via a network, comprising: an image transmitting device transmitting image data; and receiving the image data transmitted from the image transmitting device via the network. And an image receiving device for performing image transmission based on the image data during transmission of the image data, the image transmitting device including a first acquisition unit that acquires a transmission completion degree indicating a progress degree of transmission of the image data. So as to display the image on the first display unit while partially changing the display state according to the transmission completion degree.
A first display control means for controlling display output; the image receiving apparatus, a second acquisition means for acquiring a reception completion degree indicating the progress of the reception of the image data; and the image data during reception of the image data. To display the image on the second display unit while partially changing the display state of the image based on the reception completion degree.
A second display control means for controlling display output. 2. An image transmitting apparatus for transmitting image data via a network, comprising: a progress status acquiring unit for acquiring a progress degree of the transmission of the image data; An image transmission, comprising: a display control unit that controls a display output so as to display the image on a predetermined display unit while partially changing the display state of the image based on the progress degree. apparatus. 3. The image transmission device according to claim 2, further comprising a type information acquisition unit that acquires type information of the image data, wherein the display control unit uses a display format according to the type information. And an image based on the image data is displayed. 4. The image transmitting apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: number information acquisition means for acquiring number information indicating the number of a series of image data that are collectively transmitted, wherein the display control means includes: An image transmitting apparatus, which displays an image based on the image data using a display format corresponding to the number information. 5. An image receiving device for receiving image data via a network, comprising: a progress status acquisition means for acquiring a progress degree of the reception of the image data; An image receiving device comprising: a display control unit that controls a display output so that the image is displayed on a predetermined display unit while partially changing the display state of the image based on the degree of progress. apparatus.