JP2004193692A - Photographing initializing method, and imaging apparatus and image server usable for the method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging apparatus and an image server for relieving a processing load imposed on a network storage type camera, reducing a required communication volume and simplifying or increasing the processing speed of initializing processing at start. <P>SOLUTION: The imaging apparatus 20 in a network photographing system 10 stores a photographed image to a storage area of the image server 14 through an access point 18 by wireless communication. In the case of interrupting power, the imaging apparatus 20 writes current information denoting a directory configuration and a free capacity or the like with respect to the storage area of the image server 14 and a hash value summarizing the information to a flash memory. When the imaging apparatus 20 is started next, the imaging apparatus 20 receives the hash value from the image server 14, compares the hash value with a hash value on the flash memory and utilizes the current information on the flash memory when they are coincident or retries the reception of the hash value from the image server 14 when they are dissident. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a photographing initialization method, an imaging device, and an image server. The present invention particularly relates to a technique for storing captured images via wireless communication.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A digital still camera currently on the market executes a predetermined initialization process when the power is turned on and started. The initialization processing includes a step of setting a position on the recording medium and a file name to be used for writing an image to be captured next. The initialization process is mainly a process of restoring the state at the time of the previous end, and is indispensable for all information devices. Particularly in a computer, the initialization process is complicated, and the length of the process time may hinder the work efficiency. 2. Description of the Related Art In order to shorten the initialization process in a computer, there is known a technique in which a configuration of a peripheral device and a network configuration are stored in advance (for example, see Patent Document 1).
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-5-333962 (full text)
[Patent Document 2]
JP-A-10-276391 (full text)
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Here, the recording medium that is the storage destination of the image captured by the digital still camera is usually a removable medium such as a memory card. Therefore, the same recording medium as the previous recording medium is not always mounted at the time of startup, and the initialization processing of simply restoring the state at the time of termination is not suitable. For this reason, information about the storage area of the recording medium is detected every time it is started. On the other hand, in the case of a network-storing digital still camera that saves images on a file server via the network immediately after shooting, acquiring a variety of information about the storage area on the file server every time it is started requires a large download load. Then, a delay occurs in the initialization processing. Also, since the files on the file server can be accessed from information devices other than the digital still camera, for example, a PC (personal computer), the file structure may be changed artificially. Initialization processing for restoring is not suitable.
[0005]
The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and an object of the present invention is to reduce a processing load on a network storage type camera. Another object of the present invention is to reduce the amount of communication required for a network storage type camera. Still another object is to simplify or speed up the initialization process at the time of startup in a network storage type camera.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
One embodiment of the present invention relates to an imaging initialization method. This method stores the current information of a storage destination to be referred to when designating the storage destination when an image to be captured is stored via communication, and obtains a hash value generated by summarizing the current information. When the power is turned off, the information is acquired and stored via communication, and the hash value that summarizes the current information at the time of starting the next imaging device is compared with the stored hash value. When the hash values match, the current information is stored. Instead of avoiding a new acquisition via communication, the storage destination is specified by referring to the stored current information.
[0007]
“Communication” mainly assumes wireless communication, but is not limited to this. Wired communication such as an IP network via a cable may be used. Examples of wireless communication include wireless LAN communication such as IEEE802.11a / b and communication methods such as Bluetooth (trademark). The “storage destination” mainly assumes a storage area in the image server on the network. The “current information” is information necessary for determining a storage destination of a captured image and a file path indicating a storage file name, and includes, for example, a free space of the storage destination at the present time, a directory configuration of the storage destination, and a latest image number. Such information is included. For example, whether or not storage is possible is determined according to the free space, and the file path is determined by the directory structure and the image number.
[0008]
The “hash value” is a value generated by a predetermined hash function, and may be, for example, a value of a fixed number of bytes obtained by adding the file names and entries of all the files in the user's directory by a predetermined number of bytes.
[0009]
According to the above method, the state of the file server can be grasped only by obtaining a hash value having a relatively small data amount, and the number of times of data transmission / reception via communication and the data amount can be reduced. Further, by reducing the communication fee, simplification of initialization processing and time reduction at the time of starting the imaging device can be realized.
[0010]
Another embodiment of the present invention relates to an imaging device. The apparatus includes: an imaging unit that acquires an image of a subject; a management unit that stores, in a memory, current information of a storage destination to be referred to when designating the storage destination when the image is stored via communication; And a transfer processing unit for designating a storage destination by referring to, and transferring the acquired image to the specified storage destination via communication. The transfer processing unit acquires a hash value summarizing current information via communication at the time of termination of the imaging apparatus, and stores the hash value in a memory. When the hash value summarizing the current information at the time of starting the imaging apparatus next time matches the hash value at the time of termination, the management unit refers to the stored current information and specifies a storage destination.
[0011]
This imaging device is mainly assumed to be a digital still camera, but may be a device capable of recording not only a still image but also a moving image or sound, or may be a PDA with a camera or a mobile phone with a camera. In this specification, these recording targets are generically referred to as “images”. “Memory” includes both a main memory that is a volatile memory and a flash memory that is a nonvolatile memory. For example, data such as an image temporarily held while the power of the imaging apparatus is on may be stored in the main memory, and current information or a hash value to be held even when the power of the imaging apparatus is off. Data may be stored in flash memory. Also in this device, the number of times of data transmission / reception via communication and the amount of data can be reduced, and the initialization process at the time of starting the imaging device can be simplified and the time can be reduced.
[0012]
The hash value at the time of activation and the hash value at the time of termination may be compared by the management unit, or may be compared by the server which is the storage destination of the image. When the comparison is performed by the management unit, the transfer processing unit may newly acquire the hash value at that time from the server when the imaging device is activated. When performing the comparison on the server side, the transfer processing unit may transfer the stored hash value to the server when the imaging device is activated.
[0013]
The management unit may store, as the current information, at least one of the free space of the storage destination, the directory configuration of the storage destination, and the latest image number. The transfer processing unit may acquire a hash value generated in a form in which at least one of the free space of the storage destination, the directory configuration of the storage destination, and the latest image number is reflected. The management unit may store, as a part of the current information, information to be referred to when specifying an image to be reproduced in the imaging device. The transfer processing unit may acquire, via communication, the specified image based on the stored current information when the hash values match.
[0014]
Still another embodiment of the present invention relates to an image server. The image server includes a storage area for holding an image transferred from the imaging device via communication at a position specified by the imaging device, and a state of the storage area to be referred to by the imaging device for specifying the position. And a response processing unit that transfers one of the current information and the hash value to the imaging device in response to a request. The summarization processing unit may generate the hash value by reflecting at least one of the free space of the storage area, the directory configuration of the storage area, and the latest image number.
[0015]
This image server may be realized by a file server installed on a network, and may be connectable via communication means such as wireless communication. In addition to being connectable from the imaging device, it may be connectable from a PC via the Internet or an intranet. The image server may be a file server provided by an image storage service provider, or may be a so-called home server capable of comprehensively managing home information devices and home electric appliances.
[0016]
The image server can reduce the number of times of data transmission / reception from the imaging device via communication and the amount of data, and can also simplify the initialization process and reduce the time when the imaging device is started.
[0017]
In addition, any combination of the above-described components and the components and expressions of the present invention, methods, devices, systems, computer programs, recording media storing the programs, and those which are mutually replaced among data structures, This is effective as an aspect of the present invention.
[0018]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
(1st Embodiment)
In the present embodiment, when the power of the imaging apparatus is turned off, the current information and a hash value as a summary thereof are recorded in the non-volatile memory, and it is determined whether or not the current information is read at the next startup. As a criterion, a hash value is newly downloaded from the image server and compared with the hash value recorded in the nonvolatile memory. If they match, it is known that there is no change in the directory structure and file structure on the image server, so the current information recorded in the nonvolatile memory is used. In this way, it is possible to avoid downloading the current information itself from the image server, and reduce the amount of communication. The hash value generated by the image server is compared on the imaging device side.
[0019]
FIG. 1 shows a basic configuration of a network imaging system. In the network imaging system 10, an image server 14, an access point 18, and a user terminal 12 are connected via a network 16. The imaging device 20 transmits and receives data to and from the image server 14 via the access point 18. Communication using the wireless LAN technology is performed between the imaging device 20 and the access point 18. The access point 18 is, for example, a public wireless LAN base station installed on a street or in a specific building.
[0020]
The user saves the image captured by the imaging device 20 in the image server 14 via the access point 18 and the network 16. Thereafter, the user saves or browses the image stored in the image server 14 using the user terminal 12.
[0021]
The configuration of the imaging device 20 and the image server 14 can be realized in terms of hardware by a CPU, a memory, a communication module, and other LSIs, and can be realized by software such as a data transmission / reception function and a data management function loaded into the memory. It is realized by a certain program or the like, but FIG. 3 below shows functional blocks realized by their cooperation. Therefore, it is understood by those skilled in the art that these functional blocks can be realized in various forms by hardware only, software only, or a combination thereof.
[0022]
FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration of the imaging device. The imaging device 20 includes an imaging unit 30, a main memory 40, a flash memory 44, a management unit 42, a transfer processing unit 50, a display processing unit 60, an LCD 62, a communication unit 64, and a power supply unit 66. The imaging unit 30 includes a lens 32 that captures light from a subject and forms an image, a CCD 34 that converts the formed image into an electric signal, an image processing unit 36 that performs A / D conversion of the electric signal and performs compression processing. ,including.
[0023]
The main memory 40 is a RAM for temporarily storing still image or moving image data compressed in the JPEG format or the MPEG format. The display processing unit 60 decodes the image stored in the main memory 40 and causes the LCD 62 to display the decoded image. The display processing unit 60 also uses the main memory 40 as a video memory. The communication unit 64 includes a communication module of a wireless LAN, and processes communication via the access point 18 via an antenna. The transfer processing unit 50 communicates with the outside via the communication unit 64. The flash memory 44 is a non-volatile memory, and retains the written contents even while the power is off.
[0024]
The transfer processing unit 50 includes an image transmission / reception unit 52, a current information acquisition unit 54, a hash value acquisition unit 56, and a file path generation unit 58. The image transmitting / receiving unit 52 uploads the captured image stored in the main memory 40 to the image server 14. When image reproduction is instructed, the image transmission / reception unit 52 downloads the image stored in the image server 14 and writes it in the main memory 40. The network address of the image server 14 may be stored in the flash memory 44.
[0025]
The current information acquisition unit 54 downloads current information from the image server 14. The current information is, for example, information such as the free space of the image server 14, the directory structure, and the latest image number, and is stored in the main memory 40. The file path generation unit 58 generates a file path as a designation of a storage destination when uploading a captured image to the image server 14. The file path is determined with reference to the current information written in the main memory 40. For example, a folder path is generated according to the current directory structure, and a file name is generated based on a number obtained by adding 1 to the latest image number and a predetermined character string. The file path is generated by combining the folder path and the file name. The file path generation unit 58 also generates a file path by the same method when specifying an image to be downloaded from the image server 14 during image reproduction.
[0026]
The hash value acquiring unit 56 downloads the hash value from the image server 14 and writes the hash value to the flash memory 44 when the power of the imaging device 20 is turned off, that is, when the power is turned off. When the power of the imaging device 20 is turned on, that is, at the time of activation, the hash value acquiring unit 56 downloads a hash value from the image server 14 again and sends it to the hash value comparing unit 48.
[0027]
The management unit 42 includes a current information update unit 46 and a hash value comparison unit 48. The current information updating unit 46 updates the current information on the main memory 40 every time a captured image is uploaded or downloaded. For example, the latest image number included in the current information is incremented. The current information updating unit 46 reads the current information from the main memory 40 and writes the current information into the flash memory 44 when the power of the imaging device 20 is turned off.
[0028]
The hash value comparison unit 48 compares the hash value acquired by the hash value acquisition unit 56 when the imaging device 20 is activated with the hash value written to the flash memory 44 when the imaging device 20 is turned off. When these hash values match, the current information updating unit 46 reads the current information from the flash memory 44 and writes the current information into the main memory 40. If the hash values do not match, the current information acquisition unit 54 downloads the current information from the image server 14 and writes it to the main memory 40.
[0029]
The power supply unit 66 includes a power supply unit 69 and a notification unit 68. The power supply unit 69 supplies power to each unit included in the imaging device 20. The notification unit 68 notifies the management unit 42 and the transfer processing unit 50 of the instruction to turn on or turn off the power.
[0030]
FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration 14 of the image server. The image server 14 includes a communication unit 70, a storage area 72, an authentication unit 74, a data processing unit 76, a response processing unit 82, a current information detection unit 84, and a summary processing unit 86. The authentication unit 74, the data processing unit 76, and the response processing unit 82 transmit and receive data to and from the imaging device 20 via the communication unit 70.
[0031]
The authentication unit 74 receives an ID and a password from the imaging device 20 and authenticates the image data before transmitting and receiving image data to and from the imaging device 20. The data processing unit 76 starts transmission and reception of image data with the imaging device 20 after being authenticated as an authorized user. Data processing section 76 includes a write processing section 78 and a read processing section 80. The write processing unit 78 receives the captured image from the imaging device 20, and stores the captured image in the storage area 72 based on the specified file path. The read processing unit 80 reads an image from the storage area 72 based on the file path designated by the imaging device 20 and transfers the image to the imaging device 20.
[0032]
The storage area 72 is a recording medium such as a hard disk used under a predetermined file system. For example, the use area is distinguished for each user. The current information detection unit 84 detects information such as a free space in the user's use area, a directory configuration, and the latest image number from the storage area 72.
[0033]
The response processing unit 82 transfers the current information detected by the current information detection unit 84 to the imaging device 20 when the imaging device 20 receives a request to transfer current information when the imaging device 20 is activated. The summarization processing unit 86 generates a hash value summarizing the current information. This hash value may be a value obtained by adding the file path names of all the files in the user area by one byte, or a value obtained by adding the entries of all the files by one byte. As a result, if the directory structure is slightly changed, the hash value also changes. The response processing unit 82 transfers the hash value to the imaging device 20 when the imaging device 20 receives a hash value transfer request when the imaging device 20 is powered off or activated.
[0034]
FIG. 4 shows the hierarchical structure of the user area in the storage area of the image server. As illustrated, files and folders such as images are stored hierarchically in the user area. “ROOT” is the highest hierarchy in the user area, and a plurality of still images or moving images are stored in a folder “DCIM” one level below. Still image data from the file name “SANY0001.jpg” to “SANY0999.jpg” is stored in the folder “100SANDS” one level lower than the folder “DCIM”. For example, the file path of the still image file “0999.jpg” is a form in which the folder name and the file name are combined as in “/ROOT/DCIM/100SANDS/SANY0999.jpg”.
[0035]
The character strings “0001” and “0999” included in the file name are the image numbers of the still images assigned as unique numbers to the respective still images, and are serial numbers that are incremented by one in the shooting order. When the number of still images stored in the folder “100SANDS” reaches 999, a new folder “101SANDS” is generated, and the subsequent captured images are sequentially stored in “101SANDS”. The character strings “100” and “101” included in the folder name are folder numbers, which are serial numbers that are incremented by one in the order of shooting. After the still image number stored in the folder “101SANDS” is increased from “1001” to “1999”, a new folder “102SANDS” is generated.
[0036]
In a folder “VCLP” located below the folder “100SANDS”, moving images with file names “VCLP0001.mov” and “VCLP0002.mov” are stored. The character strings “0001” and “0002” included in these file names are the image numbers of the moving images assigned as unique numbers to the respective moving images, and are serial numbers that are incremented by one in the shooting order.
[0037]
FIG. 5 shows a table in which each piece of information included in the current information is stored. In the current information table 100, the free space column 102 stores a value such as "21560 KB" as the capacity of the unused area of the user area. In the still image folder column 104, a character string such as "/ DCIM / 102SANDS" is stored as a folder path in which a next captured still image is to be stored. In the moving image folder field 106, a character string such as “/ DCIM / 100SANDS / VCLP” is stored as a folder path where the next moving image to be shot is to be stored.
[0038]
The stored still image number column 108 stores a numerical value “2002” as the image number of the latest still image stored last, and the stored moving image number column 110 stores the image number of the latest stored latest moving image. The numerical value “2” is stored. The reproduction still image number column 112 stores a numerical value “20” as the image number of the latest still image reproduced last, and the reproduction moving image number column 114 stores the image number of the latest reproduction moving image as the image number. A numerical value “1” is stored.
[0039]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a process of a termination process when the power of the imaging apparatus is turned off. End processing is started with the power-off instruction, and a hash value is obtained from the image server 14 (S10), and this is written into the flash memory 44 (S12), and the current information is also written into the flash memory 44 (S14). Thereafter, the power is turned off (S16), and the end processing is completed.
[0040]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a process of a startup process when the power of the imaging apparatus is turned on. The boot process is started with the power-on instruction. If the current information is not stored in the flash memory 44 (S20N), the current information is acquired from the image server 14 (S28). If the current information is stored (S20Y), a hash value is obtained from the image server 14 (S22). If the hash value does not match the hash value stored in the flash memory 44 (S24N), the current information is acquired again from the image server 14 (S28). If the hash values match (S24Y), the current information is read from the flash memory 44 and written to the main memory 40 (S26). Thus, the activation process is completed.
[0041]
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing, in chronological order, a data flow transmitted / received to / from the image server in the startup processing of the imaging device. When the power is turned on (S30), the imaging device 20 transmits a connection request packet to the image server 14 (S32). When the image server 14 returns an ACK response (S34), the imaging device 20 transmits an ID and a password together with the authentication request (S36). If the authentication is passed, the image server 14 returns a hash value together with the ACK response (S38). . Here, the authentication request in S36 also serves as a hash value transmission request.
[0042]
If the hash values are compared and the hash values match (S40Y), the imaging device 20 reads the current information from the flash memory 44 by bypassing the processing of S42 to S68 (S41). If the hash values do not match (S40N), the processing of S42 to S68 is started. First, the imaging device 20 transmits a free space inquiry (S42), and the image server 14 returns free space information (S44). The imaging device 20 transmits an inquiry about the presence / absence of a still image folder (S46), and the image server 14 returns information indicating the presence / absence (S48). The imaging device 20 transmits an inquiry about all file names included in the still image folder (S50), and the image server 14 returns all file names (S52). The imaging device 20 transmits an inquiry about the latest still image number (S54), and the image server 14 returns a still image number (S56). The imaging device 20 transmits an inquiry about the presence / absence of a moving image folder (S58), and the image server 14 returns information indicating the presence / absence (S60). The imaging device 20 transmits an inquiry about all file names included in the moving image folder (S62), and the image server 14 returns all file names (S64). The imaging device 20 transmits an inquiry about the latest moving image number (S66), and the image server 14 returns the moving image number (S68).
[0043]
As described above, transmission and reception of packets are performed at least 14 times in S42 to S68. One packet has a fixed length of, for example, 1500 bytes. If the amount of information is relatively large, such as all file names, data is transmitted over several packets. As long as there is no change in the user area before and after the power of the imaging apparatus 20 is turned on and off, the processing of these multiple steps can be replaced by transmitting only one hash value. In particular, even when the communication state is not always constant as in the case of wireless communication, it can be expected that the initialization processing of the imaging device 20 can be sped up.
[0044]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a process of acquiring current information from the image server. The flow shown in this figure corresponds to the processing of S42 to S68 in FIG. First, after obtaining the information of the free space (S70), if a still image folder exists (S72Y), the information indicating the file configuration in the folder is obtained (S74), and the still image stored and played back last is obtained. The number is obtained (S76). If the still image folder does not exist (S72N), the image server 14 creates a still image folder (S78), and sets the still image number to be saved and played back to an initial value, for example, "1" (S80). ).
[0045]
If there is a moving image folder (S82Y), information indicating the file configuration in the folder is obtained (S84), and the number of the last saved and played moving image is obtained (S86). If the moving image folder does not exist (S82N), the image server 14 creates a moving image folder (S88), and sets a moving image number to be next stored and played back to an initial value, for example, “1” (S90). As described above, when the hash values match, execution of the processing shown in this drawing is avoided, and simplification of initialization processing and time reduction are realized.
[0046]
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing, in a time-series manner, a data flow transmitted / received to / from the image server in the process of capturing an image by the imaging device. The imaging device 20 captures an image (S100), and writes the image in the main memory 40 (S102). The file path generation unit 58 refers to the current information (S104) and generates a file path of the storage destination (S106). The imaging device 20 transmits an image writing request (S108), and after the image server 14 returns an ACK response (S110), the imaging device 20 transmits image data (S112). When the image server 14 returns an ACK response (S114), the imaging device 20 transmits a file close request (S116). When the image server 14 returns an ACK response (S118), the imaging device 20 displays the contents of the current information. Update (S120).
[0047]
FIG. 11 is a time-series diagram illustrating a data flow transmitted and received between the image server and the image server in the process of reproducing an image by the imaging apparatus. When the imaging device 20 is instructed to reproduce an image (S120), the file path generating unit 58 refers to the current information (S122) and generates a file path of an image to be acquired (S124). The imaging device 20 transmits a file open request (S126), and after the image server 14 returns an ACK response (S128), the imaging device 20 transmits an image download request (S130). The image server 14 transmits the requested image data together with the ACK response (S132). The imaging device 20 transmits a file close request (S134), and the image server 14 returns an ACK response (S136). The imaging device 20 reproduces the received image (S138) and updates the current information (S140). When there is an instruction to reproduce the next image (S142Y), the flow of S122 to S140 is repeated.
[0048]
(2nd Embodiment)
The present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the hash value comparison is performed in the image server 14 instead of the imaging device 20. Other configurations, functions, and processing contents are basically the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore, the description will focus on the differences. In FIG. 2, the hash value acquisition unit 56 acquires a hash value from the image server 14 when the power is turned off, but does not acquire a hash value from the image server 14 at the time of startup. The image transmitting / receiving unit 52 reads the hash value from the flash memory 44 at the time of activation and transmits the hash value to the image server 14, and receives the comparison result of the hash value from the image server 14 and sends the result to the hash value comparing unit 48. The hash value comparison unit 48 determines whether the current information should be obtained from the flash memory 44 or the image server 14 according to the comparison result of the hash values. 3, the response processing unit 82 receives the hash value from the imaging device 20, compares the hash value with the hash value generated by the summarization processing unit 86, and transmits the comparison result to the imaging device 20.
[0049]
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing, in chronological order, a data flow transmitted / received to / from the image server in the startup processing of the imaging device. The differences from FIG. 8 are S156 to S160. In S156, the imaging device 20 transmits the hash value together with the authentication request, the ID, and the password. The image server 14 compares the hash value received from the imaging device 20 with the hash value generated by the digest processing unit 86 (S158), and returns an ACK response and a comparison result (S160). In addition, S150 to S154 and S162 to S190 are the same as S30 to S34 and S40 to S68 in FIG.
[0050]
The present invention has been described based on the embodiments. This embodiment is an exemplification, and it is understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made to the combination of each component and each processing process, and that such modifications are also within the scope of the present invention. . Hereinafter, modified examples will be described.
[0051]
In S38 of FIG. 8 in the first embodiment, the ACK response and the hash value are transmitted at once, but in a modified example, they may be transmitted in separate packets. Similarly, in S156 of FIG. 12 in the second embodiment, the authentication request, the ID, the password, and the hash value are transmitted at the same time, but in a modified example, these may be transmitted in separate packets.
[0052]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, it is possible to simplify the initialization processing at the time of starting the camera.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a basic configuration of a network imaging system.
FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration of an imaging device.
FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image server.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a hierarchical structure of a user area in a storage area of the image server.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a table in which information included in current information is stored.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a process of a termination process when the power of the imaging apparatus is turned off.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a process of a startup process when the power of the imaging apparatus is turned on.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a time-series data flow transmitted / received to / from the image server in the startup processing of the imaging apparatus.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a process of acquiring current information from an image server.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a time-series data flow transmitted and received between the image server and the image server in the process of capturing an image by the imaging apparatus.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a time series of a data flow transmitted and received between the image server and the image server in a process of reproducing an image by the imaging apparatus.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing, in a time-series manner, a data flow transmitted / received to / from an image server in a startup process of the imaging apparatus according to the second embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
14 image server, 20 imaging device, 30 imaging unit, 40 main memory, 42 management unit, 44 flash memory, 50 transfer processing unit, 72 storage area, 86 summary processing unit, 88 response processing unit.

Claims (6)

Store the current information of the storage destination to be referred to when specifying the storage destination when saving the image to be captured via communication,
A hash value generated by summarizing the current information is obtained and stored via communication when the power of the imaging apparatus is turned off, and stored.
Compare the hash value summarizing the current information and the stored hash value at the time of starting the next imaging device,
When the hash values match, instead of avoiding a new acquisition of the current information via communication, the storage destination is specified by referring to the stored current information, . An imaging unit for acquiring an image of a subject;
A management unit for storing in a memory the current information of the storage destination to be referred to when specifying the storage destination when the image is stored via communication,
A transfer processing unit that specifies the storage destination by referring to the current information, and transfers the obtained image to the specified storage destination via communication,
The transfer processing unit, at the time of termination of the present imaging device, obtains a hash value summarizing the current information via communication and stores it in a memory,
The management unit may specify the storage destination by referring to the stored current information when the hash value summarizing the current information at the time of starting the next imaging device and the hash value at the time of termination match. An imaging device characterized by the following. The management unit stores, as the current information, at least one of the free space of the storage destination, the directory configuration of the storage destination, and the latest image number,
The transfer processing unit acquires a hash value generated in a form reflecting at least one of the free space of the storage destination, the directory configuration of the storage destination, and the latest image number. The imaging device according to claim 2. The management unit stores information to be referred to when specifying an image to be reproduced in the imaging device as a part of the current information,
4. The imaging device according to claim 2, wherein the transfer processing unit obtains, via communication, a specified image based on the stored current information when the hash values match. 5. A storage area for holding an image transferred from the imaging device via communication at a position designated by the imaging device,
A summary processing unit that summarizes current information indicating a state of the storage area to be referred to by the imaging device to specify the position and generates a hash value;
A response processing unit that transfers any of the current information and the hash value to the imaging device in response to a request,
An image server comprising: 6. The hash value generating unit according to claim 5, wherein the summarizing unit generates the hash value by reflecting at least one of a free space of the storage area, a directory configuration of the storage area, and a latest image number. An image server according to claim 1.

Images