JP2004040370A - Image processor, its control method, program, and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To switch the relation of a master camera and a slave camera, after the establishment of connection, even when a physical layer having the relation of a master and a slave is used and a protocol succeeding the relation of the physical layer is used. <P>SOLUTION: The image processor has the function of communicating with other external image processors and it is provided with a first communication part 101, having the communication function of operating the other image processors, a second communication part 102 having the communication function of receiving operations from the other image processors, a switching part 113 to switch from the first communication part to the second communication part and vice versa, and a control part 107 to control switching operations at the switching part. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image processing technique in an image processing apparatus such as a digital camera having a function of transmitting and receiving an image file by connecting to another apparatus.
[0002]
[Prior art]
At present, some proposals have been made regarding a mechanism for connecting digital cameras with each other by communication means and transferring an image file, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-134527.
[0003]
By the way, communication interface standards such as USB (Universal Serial Bus) and IEEE1394 are generally used as communication means of a digital camera.
[0004]
Some of these interfaces have a physical layer that defines the relationship between two devices, as represented by USB. When digital cameras are connected to each other using USB, one is a host and the other is a device. In this case, even in a protocol built on the physical layer, it is common to inherit the relationship of the physical layer, so that the digital camera on the host side is the master camera having control authority. On the other hand, the device-side digital camera is a slave camera that operates according to an instruction from the host-side digital camera.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in some cases, depending on the user's selection, there is a case where one of the arbitrary digital cameras is desired to be a master camera and the other digital camera is desired to be a slave camera.
[0006]
However, in the specific communication interface standard as described above, even in a protocol built on the physical layer, it is general that the relationship of the physical layer is inherited. It was impossible to change the role of the master and slave cameras.
[0007]
Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, the purpose is to use a physical layer having a master-slave relationship, and even when using a protocol that inherits the physical layer relationship, The purpose is to enable the relationship between the master camera and the slave camera to be switched after the connection is established.
[0008]
It is another object of the present invention to be able to switch the relationship between a master camera and a slave camera according to a user's selection.
[0009]
In particular, still another object of the present invention is to perform a transfer of an image file between digital cameras connected via a communication interface, and it is possible to switch a relationship between a master camera and a slave camera after a connection is established, Another object of the present invention is to enable the relationship between the master camera and the slave camera to be switched in accordance with a user selection.
[0010]
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a digital camera connected via a communication interface, which can switch an appropriate one to a master camera based on information about the digital camera, which is convenient for transferring image files. It is to provide a high digital camera.
[0011]
Still another object of the present invention is to make it possible to switch the relationship between a master camera and a slave camera after a connection is established when a communication interface conforming to the USB standard is used.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an image processing apparatus according to the present invention is an image processing apparatus having a function of communicating with another external image processing apparatus. A first communication unit having a function of performing communication for operating; a second communication unit having a function of performing communication for receiving an operation from the another image processing apparatus; the first communication unit; Switching means for switching between the second communication means, control means for controlling a switching operation of the switching means,
It is characterized by having.
[0013]
Further, in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, the first communication means controls the image processing apparatus to transmit and receive an image file to and from the other image processing apparatus, with the image processing apparatus being the main operation unit. The second communication means has a function of transmitting / receiving an image file to / from another image processing apparatus, with the other image processing apparatus acting as a subject of operation. .
[0014]
Further, in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, the switching means is operable by a user.
[0015]
Further, in the image processing device according to the present invention, the control unit acquires information on the other image processing device, compares the acquired information with information on its own image processing device, and determines whether the switching unit has The operation is controlled.
[0016]
Further, in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, the information compared by the control means is a version of a specific function provided in the image processing apparatus.
[0017]
Further, in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, the information compared by the control means is a size or a resolution of a display device provided in the image processing apparatus.
[0018]
Further, in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, the information compared by the control means is a power consumption of the image processing apparatus.
[0019]
Further, in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, the information compared by the control means is a remaining battery capacity of the image processing apparatus.
[0020]
Further, in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, the information compared by the control means is information on whether or not the image processing apparatus has a capability of supplying power to another image processing apparatus.
[0021]
Further, in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, the control unit prohibits a switching operation of the switching unit during transfer of the image file.
[0022]
Further, in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, the first and second communication means include a communication interface conforming to a USB standard.
[0023]
Further, a control method of an image processing apparatus according to the present invention is a control method of an image processing apparatus for controlling an image processing apparatus having a function of communicating with another external image processing apparatus, A first communication unit having a function of performing communication for operating the image processing apparatus and a second communication unit having a function of performing communication for receiving an operation from the other image processing apparatus are provided under predetermined conditions. Therefore, it is characterized by having a switching step.
[0024]
Further, in the control method of the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, information on the other image processing apparatus is obtained and compared with information on its own image processing apparatus, and the first communication unit is operated in accordance with the comparison result. And a step of switching between the first communication means and the second communication means.
[0025]
In the method for controlling an image processing apparatus according to the present invention, the information to be compared is a version of a specific function included in the image processing apparatus.
[0026]
In the method for controlling an image processing apparatus according to the present invention, the information to be compared is a size or a resolution of a display device provided in the image processing apparatus.
[0027]
In the method for controlling an image processing apparatus according to the present invention, the information to be compared is power consumption of the image processing apparatus.
[0028]
Further, in the control method of the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, the information to be compared is a remaining battery capacity of the image processing apparatus.
[0029]
Further, in the control method of the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, the information to be compared is information on whether or not the image processing apparatus has an ability to supply power to another image processing apparatus.
[0030]
Further, in the control method of the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, the switching operation between the first communication unit and the second communication unit is prohibited during the transfer of the image file.
[0031]
Further, a program according to the present invention causes a computer to execute the above control method.
[0032]
Further, a storage medium according to the present invention is characterized in that the above-mentioned program is stored in a computer-readable manner.
[0033]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0034]
(1st Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a first embodiment of the present invention, and is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a digital camera 11 and a digital camera 12 are connected by a detachable cable or wireless communication means. The configuration of the digital camera 12 is the same as that of the digital camera 11. Hereinafter, each configuration will be described in detail.
[0035]
First, the digital camera 11 includes a photographing lens, a CCD that receives an object light incident through the photographing lens, and generates an image signal by performing photoelectric conversion, and a subsequent analog / digital (A / D) conversion circuit and the like. Is provided with the imaging unit 105 having the configuration. The imaging unit 105 outputs a digital image signal under the control of the CPU 107, performs signal processing in the signal processing unit 103, and temporarily stores the digital image signal in the RAM 104. The digital image signal created thereafter is finally stored in the CompactFlash (registered trademark) memory 106 as an image file.
[0036]
The signal processing unit 103 performs a reduction process on the digitally converted photographing signal, performs a compression process on the signal-processed digital image signal, and performs a reverse It also has a function of decompressing the obtained digital image signal.
[0037]
The RAM 104 is also a program execution area.
[0038]
The CPU 107 further includes a ROM 110 in which programs and the like are recorded, a SW control unit 111 for controlling inputs from various operation members 112, a VRAM 108 for holding display data of digital image signals and display data of various user interfaces. A USB host interface 101 and a USB device interface 102 for transferring image files and exchanging various information by communicating with another digital camera or printer are connected.
[0039]
Various operation members 112 include a release switch (not shown) for instructing shooting (not shown), a SW (not shown) for instructing display of a digital image signal on the LCD monitor 109, and a menu for displaying a menu on the LCD monitor 109. SW (not shown), cross key SW (not shown), which can be used to send and return image frames, change the selection state of a menu, and can select left, right, up and down with one operation member, liquid crystal A touch panel (not shown) for giving an instruction directly on the touch panel is included.
[0040]
The contents of the display data held in the VRAM 108 are displayed on the LCD monitor 109.
[0041]
One of the USB host interface 101 and the USB device interface 102 is connected to another digital camera by the operation of the connection control unit 113. Specifically, the connection control unit 113 includes a USB connector terminal therein, and upon receiving an instruction from the CPU 107, connects the USB signal line included in the USB host interface 101 to the USB connector terminal, or It controls whether the USB signal line of the interface 102 is connected to the USB connector terminal.
[0042]
In the present embodiment, when the digital camera 11 is connected to the digital camera 12 via the USB host interface 101, an application A for transmitting and receiving image files between the digital cameras is activated on the digital camera 11. . The application A has a function of receiving an input from a user via various operation members 112, a function of displaying an image file and a menu on the LCD monitor 109, a function of controlling transmission and reception of an image file, reading of an image file from the CF 106, It has the function of writing to CF.
[0043]
When the digital camera 11 is connected to the digital camera 12 via the USB host interface 101, the digital camera 12 is connected to the digital camera 11 via the USB device interface.
[0044]
When the digital camera 11 is connected to another digital camera 12 via the USB device interface 102, another application B for transmitting and receiving image files between the digital cameras is activated on the digital camera 11. At this time, the digital camera 12 is connected to the digital camera 11 via the USB host interface, and an application A for transmitting and receiving image files between the digital cameras is activated. The application B has a function of transmitting / receiving an image file and a function of reading / writing an image file from / to the CF 106 in accordance with an instruction from the application A running on another digital camera 12.
[0045]
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a case where the application A is operated on the digital camera 11. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 11 denotes a digital camera, 109 denotes an LCD monitor, 203 denotes an optical finder, 204 denotes a cross key for selecting up, down, left and right, 205 denotes a menu button, and 206 denotes a set button. The operation member 112 is configured by the cross key 204, the menu button 205, and the set button 206.
[0046]
The application A can display an image stored in the CF of the digital camera 11 and an image stored in the CF of the connected digital camera 12 on the LCD monitor 109 of the digital camera 11. The user can display the image of the digital camera 11 by operating the up and down keys of the cross key 204 and selecting “LOCAL CAMERA” displayed in the upper area of the LCD monitor, and displaying the image of the digital camera 11. ", The image of the digital camera 12 can be displayed.
[0047]
In addition, the user can operate the left and right keys of the cross key 204 to sequentially display the images stored in the CF at the center of the LCD monitor in a frame-by-frame manner.
[0048]
Further, the user can display the screen shown in FIG. 3 by selecting the menu button 205 in the display screen state of FIG. In FIG. 3, the transfer of the display image can be selected, or the digital camera that starts the application A can be switched from the digital camera 11 to the digital camera 12. The user selects “MOVE” displayed in the upper area of the LCD monitor in FIG. 3 by operating the up and down arrow keys, and then selects the set button to connect the selected image file to the digital connection destination. Can be moved to the camera. That is, when an image in the CF of the digital camera 11 is displayed, the image file of the displayed image can be moved to the CF of the digital camera 12. When the image in the CF of the digital camera 12 is displayed, the image file of the displayed image can be moved to the CF of the digital camera 11.
[0049]
Similarly, after selecting "COPY" displayed in the upper area of the LCD monitor in FIG. 3 by operating the up and down arrow keys, the selected image file is selected by selecting the set button. Can be copied to a digital camera. That is, when the image in the CF of the digital camera 11 is displayed, the image file of the displayed image can be copied to the CF of the digital camera 12. When the image in the CF of the digital camera 12 is displayed, the image file of the displayed image can be copied to the CF of the digital camera 11.
[0050]
Similarly, by selecting the “CHANGE MASTER” displayed in the upper area of the LCD monitor in FIG. 3 by operating the up and down arrow keys, and selecting the set button, a digital signal for starting the application A is displayed. The camera can be switched from the digital camera 11 to the digital camera 12.
[0051]
After the switching, nothing is displayed on the LCD monitor of the digital camera 11, and the operation members are invalidated. At the same time, the communication interface of the digital camera 11 is switched from the USB host interface 101 to the USB device interface 102.
[0052]
FIG. 4 shows a case where the digital cameras shown in FIG. 1 are connected to each other, and one of the digital cameras operates as an application A to serve as a master camera for controlling transmission and reception of image files, and the other digital camera operates as an application B. Is a flowchart showing an operation of switching from a master camera to a slave camera by a user's operation in a state where is operated and a slave camera operates according to an instruction of the master camera. At this time, it is assumed that the master camera can execute the processing operation on the image of the slave camera, but cannot execute the processing operation on the image of the master camera from the slave camera.
[0053]
First, in step S11, the user selects "CHANGEMASTER" by the operation shown in FIG. Next, in step S12, it is checked whether a communication operation such as file transfer is currently being performed. If the communication operation is being performed, the process proceeds to step S19, and the switching operation is failed. If the communication operation is not being performed, a change notification is sent to the slave camera, which is the connection destination digital camera, so as to become the master camera in step S13. Thereafter, the application A is terminated in step S14, and at the same time, the USB interface is switched from the USB host interface to the USB device interface in step S15. Next, in step S16, it is monitored whether there is a new connection on the USB device interface. In the case of the interface conforming to the USB standard, the USB device monitors the V-Bus signal line, detects that this signal line is asserted, and starts a connection procedure. If there is a new connection, the application B is started in step S17, and the switching to the slave camera ends in step S18.
[0054]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of switching from the slave camera to the master camera.
[0055]
First, in step S21, the slave camera receives an instruction to change to the master camera. Next, the application B is terminated in step S22, and at the same time, the USB interface is switched from the USB device interface to the USB host interface in step S23. Next, a connection operation is started in step S24. In the case of the interface conforming to the USB standard, the connection procedure is started when the USB host asserts the V-Bus signal line. When a new connection is established with the connection destination digital camera in step S25, the application A is started in step S26, and the switching to the master camera is completed in step S27. As described above, when a protocol is used that allows the master camera to execute the processing operation on the image of the slave camera but does not allow the slave camera to execute the processing operation on the image of the master camera, By switching the relationship between the master and the slave by the operation, the camera on the slave side can operate the image of the other camera.
[0056]
The above-described flowchart shows an operation in a case where the relationship between the master camera and the slave camera is switched after the connection is once established between the two digital cameras.
[0057]
By the way, when the connection is established, the master camera that automatically starts the application A and the slave camera that starts the application B can be determined by the following operation.
[0058]
The On-The-Go standard, which is currently being formulated as part of the USB standard, has a Mini-A plug and a Mini-B plug at both ends as a cable for connecting devices having a USB interface. Is defined. When this cable is used, the device to which the Mini-A plug is connected becomes a USB host interface. Therefore, when the connection is established, the application A is started by the digital camera whose USB host interface is selected.
[0059]
In the device to which the Mini-B plug is connected, the USB host asserts the V-Bus signal line to detect the connection, so that the device is connected to the other digital camera via the USB device interface. Therefore, when the connection is established, the application B is started by the digital camera whose USB device interface is selected.
[0060]
In the present embodiment, the method of switching the USB interface and the method of detecting the connection after the switching of the USB interface are not described in detail, but, for example, On-The, which is currently being developed as part of the USB standard, is not described. -Can be easily realized by using a procedure defined in the Go standard.
[0061]
(Second embodiment)
In the first embodiment, the master camera that starts the application A and the slave camera that starts the application B are switched according to an instruction from the user. In addition, the communication interface used to connect to another digital camera is switched accordingly.
[0062]
In the present embodiment, after the connection is once established, the digital camera with the newer application version for transmitting and receiving the image files of the two connected digital cameras is switched to the master camera. Further, the communication interface used for connection with another digital camera is switched accordingly.
[0063]
FIG. 6 shows a case where the digital cameras of FIG. 1 are connected to each other, and one of the digital cameras operates as an application A to serve as a master camera for controlling transmission and reception of image files. The master camera checks the application version of the slave camera while the slave camera operates according to the instructions of the master camera, and if the slave camera application version is newer, the master camera switches to the slave camera. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of switching.
[0064]
First, in step S31, information about the version of the application is acquired from the connection destination digital camera. Next, in step S32, the version is compared with the version of the own application. If the connection destination application is older in step S33, the process ends without switching to the slave camera in step S40. If it is new, in step S34, a change notification is sent to the slave camera which is the connection destination digital camera so as to become the master camera. Thereafter, the application A is terminated in step S35, and at the same time, the USB interface is switched from the USB host interface to the USB device interface in step S36. Next, in step S37, it is monitored whether there is a new connection on the USB device interface. In the case of the interface conforming to the USB standard, the USB device starts the connection procedure by monitoring the V-Bus signal line and detecting that this signal line is asserted. If there is a new connection, the application B is started in step S38, and the switching to the slave camera ends in step S39.
[0065]
At this time, the operation on the slave camera side is the same as that shown in FIG.
[0066]
(Third embodiment)
In the second embodiment, after the connection is once established, the version of the application for transmitting and receiving the image files of the two connected digital cameras switches the newer digital camera to the master camera.
[0067]
Instead of using the new application version as a criterion, the digital camera has a large LCD or high resolution, the digital camera has low power consumption, and the battery has a large remaining capacity. It can be easily conceived that the judgment is made based on the fact that there is an ability to supply power through the communication interface.
[0068]
By using a digital camera having a large LCD or a high resolution as a master camera, there is an advantage that the user can easily recognize an image in an image file transfer application.
[0069]
Further, it is conceivable that the master camera consumes extra power for turning on the LCD. Therefore, there is an advantage that the risk of running out of the battery during the transfer of the image file can be reduced by using, as the master camera, the one with the lowest possible power consumption or the one with the largest remaining battery capacity.
[0070]
According to the USB standard, a USB host interface can supply power to a USB device interface using a V-Bus signal line. Therefore, a digital camera that is supplied with AC power must be used as a master camera. Accordingly, even when the slave camera does not have sufficient power, the image file transfer operation can be performed without any problem.
[0071]
[Other embodiments]
The present invention can be applied to a system including a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, etc.), but can be applied to a device including one device (for example, a copier, a facsimile machine, etc.). May be applied.
[0072]
Further, an object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium (or a recording medium) in which a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is recorded to a system or an apparatus, and a computer (or a CPU or a CPU) of the system or the apparatus. Needless to say, the present invention can also be achieved by an MPU) reading and executing a program code stored in a storage medium. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the function of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an operating system (OS) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a part or all of the actual processing is performed and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.
[0073]
Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion card inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function is executed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the CPU included in the expansion card or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.
[0074]
When the present invention is applied to the storage medium, the storage medium stores program codes corresponding to the flowcharts described above.
[0075]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, a digital camera connected via a communication interface uses a physical layer having a master-slave relationship like the USB standard, and inherits the physical layer relationship. Even when using the protocol, if you want to switch the digital camera that runs the application with the function to control the transmission and reception of image files, the connection between the master camera and the slave camera was established by switching the communication method. You can switch later.
[0076]
Also, when the user wants to switch a digital camera that operates an application having a function of controlling transmission and reception of image files, the communication means is switched to connect the relationship between the master camera and the slave camera according to the user's selection. Can be switched after is established.
[0077]
In addition, the digital camera has a newer version of a specific function, the digital camera has a larger display device, the display device has a higher resolution, the digital camera has lower power consumption, or Switch the appropriate of the two digital cameras to the master camera by switching the camera that has more battery power or the ability to supply power to other digital cameras to the master camera Thus, a highly convenient digital camera can be provided in transferring image files between digital cameras.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a digital camera according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a display example of an image file transfer application according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a display example of an image file transfer application according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure for switching from a master camera to a slave camera in the first embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure for switching from a slave camera to a master camera in the first embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for switching from a master camera to a slave camera according to the second embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
11,12 Digital camera
101 USB Host Interface
102 USB device interface
103 signal processing unit
104 RAM
105 Imaging unit
106 Compact Flash (registered trademark) (CF)
107 CPU
108 VRAM
109 LCD monitor
110 ROM
111 SW control unit
112 operation members
113 Connection control unit
201 Digital Camera
202 LCD monitor
203 Optical Finder
204 Four-way controller
205 Menu button
206 Set button

Claims (21)

An image processing apparatus having a function of communicating with another external image processing apparatus,
A first communication unit having a function of performing communication for operating the other image processing apparatus;
A second communication unit having a function of performing communication for receiving an operation from the other image processing apparatus;
Switching means for switching between the first communication means and the second communication means;
Control means for controlling the switching operation of the switching means,
An image processing apparatus comprising: The first communication unit has a function of performing control for transmitting and receiving an image file to and from the other image processing device, with the image processing device of the first communication device serving as a main body of the operation. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the means has a function of transmitting and receiving an image file to and from the other image processing apparatus, with the other image processing apparatus acting as a main body of operation. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the switching unit is operable by a user. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit acquires information on the other image processing device, compares the acquired information with information on its own image processing device, and controls the operation of the switching unit according to a result of the comparison. 2. The image processing device according to 1. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the information compared by the control unit is a version of a specific function included in the image processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the information compared by the control unit is a size or a resolution of a display device provided in the image processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the information compared by the control unit is a power consumption of the image processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the information compared by the control unit is a remaining battery capacity of the image processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the information compared by the control unit is information regarding whether the image processing apparatus has a capability of supplying power to another image processing apparatus. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit prohibits a switching operation of the switching unit during transfer of the image file. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first and second communication units include a communication interface conforming to a USB standard. A method of controlling an image processing apparatus for controlling an image processing apparatus having a function of communicating with another external image processing apparatus,
A first communication unit having a function of performing communication for operating the another image processing apparatus and a second communication unit having a function of performing communication for receiving an operation from the other image processing apparatus are provided. A control method for an image processing apparatus, the method comprising: switching according to the following conditions: Acquiring information on the other image processing apparatus, comparing the acquired information with information on its own image processing apparatus, and switching between the first communication unit and the second communication unit according to the comparison result. The method for controlling an image processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein: 14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the information to be compared is a version of a specific function included in the image processing apparatus. 14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the information to be compared is a size or a resolution of a display device provided in the image processing device. 14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the information to be compared is power consumption of the image processing apparatus. 14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the information to be compared is a remaining battery capacity of the image processing apparatus. 14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the information to be compared is information on whether or not the image processing apparatus has a capability of supplying power to another image processing apparatus. 13. The method according to claim 12, wherein a switching operation between the first communication unit and the second communication unit is prohibited during the transfer of the image file. A program for causing a computer to execute the control method according to any one of claims 12 to 19. A storage medium storing the program according to claim 20 in a computer-readable manner.

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