JP2011097148A - Communication apparatus, control method therefor and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a communication apparatus capable of preventing data from beingtransferred unintentionally to an external device, and properly coping with a data transfer request transferred intentionally, when the load onactive processing is large and are found difficult in parallel operation, with data transfer by near-field radio communication. <P>SOLUTION: During a communication apparatus 100 currently reproduces a moving image when the communication apparatus 100 and a communication apparatus 200 are made into a proximate state communicatable with each other, it is determined whether to continuously reproduce the moving image or interrupt moving image reproduction, to shift to data transfer, accordance to the elapsed time of the proximate state. That is, since there is a high possibility that a user has made intentional communication apparatus come proximate to each other, when a second predetermined time elapses in the proximate state, active moving image reproduction of the communication apparatus 100 is interrupted, and a transition is made to data transfer, from the communication apparatus 100 to the communication apparatus 200. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication device that performs close proximity wireless communication with an external device, a control method thereof, and a program.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, development of wireless systems using proximity wireless communication that performs communication within a distance of several centimeters to several tens of centimeters using an induction electric field generated by a conductor through which a high-frequency current flows is progressing. Proximity wireless communication has a high data transfer rate and has a feature that it is dedicated to a short distance and hardly affects other wireless systems. Proximity wireless communication is suitable for data communication that eliminates the need for cable connection between devices. For example, when a card having an antenna is brought close to a communication target device, a technique is known that wirelessly transmits information stored in the card to the communication target device (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  At present, an image pickup apparatus having a wireless communication function is brought close to a device such as a PC having a wireless communication function, and data communication is performed between the two apparatuses, and image data or moving image data captured by the image pickup apparatus. A technique for transferring a message to another device is known.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 07-141537

  In the conventional imaging apparatus described above, another communication device having a proximity wireless communication function is erroneously brought close to the other device during data transfer to another device or reproduction of moving image data by a communication means other than proximity wireless communication. If this happens, an unintended communication operation may be activated. In addition, while high-definition video is rapidly spreading, the processing load becomes large at the time of moving image reproduction or moving image data transfer, and if the communication operation is started, the communication operation may not be performed normally.

  Therefore, the activation of the communication operation may be prohibited at the time of moving image playback or moving image data transfer. However, if the activation of the communication operation is prohibited when other communication devices are intentionally brought close to each other, Even if they are close to each other, the communication operation does not start, and the user is uncomfortable.

  An object of the present invention is to prevent unintentional data transfer with an external device and perform data intentionally when the processing load being executed is large and parallel operation with data transfer by proximity wireless communication is difficult An object of the present invention is to provide a communication device that can appropriately respond to a transfer request. Furthermore, it is providing the control method and program of a communication apparatus.

  In order to achieve the above object, the communication device of the present invention is a communication device, and a communication unit that performs close proximity wireless communication with an external device by bringing the external device into close proximity to a communicable distance. A proximity time determination unit that determines whether the first predetermined time has passed while the external device and the communication unit are in the proximity state; and the proximity time determination unit causes the external device and the communication unit to be in the proximity When it is determined that the first predetermined time has passed in the state, the control means for establishing close proximity wireless communication with the external device by the communication means, and whether the control means is executing a predetermined process A process determination unit that determines whether or not the control unit determines that the control unit is executing a predetermined process by the process determination unit. Than time When a lapse of a long second predetermined time, and establishes the close proximity wireless communication with the external device by the communication means to interrupt the predetermined processing being executed.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent unintentional data transfer with an external device and to perform data intentionally when the processing load being executed is large and parallel operation with data transfer by proximity wireless communication is difficult. It is possible to respond appropriately to transfer requests. In addition, it is possible to prevent a shift to inadvertent data transfer.

It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the communication apparatus which can perform close proximity wireless communication between the communication apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and this communication apparatus. 2 is a flowchart showing a wireless communication process with a communication device 200 in the communication device 100 of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a flow of wireless communication processing between the communication apparatus 100 and the communication apparatus 200 when the process illustrated in FIG. 2 is performed. It is a flowchart which shows the radio | wireless communication process between the communication apparatuses 100 of the communication apparatus 100 in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the wireless communication process between the communication apparatuses 100 of the communication apparatus 100 in the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the wireless communication process between the communication apparatuses 100 of the communication apparatus 100 in the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure when the communication apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention is a recorder which stores and reproduces | regenerates an image from an external device.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a communication apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention and a communication apparatus capable of performing close proximity wireless communication with the communication apparatus.

  In FIG. 1, the communication apparatus 100 assumes a digital camera (imaging apparatus) having a proximity wireless communication function, for example, on the data sender side. On the other hand, the communication device 200 is assumed to be, for example, a mobile terminal, a digital camera, a mobile phone, or the like having a proximity wireless communication function as a data receiver side.

  The communication apparatus 100 includes an imaging unit 101, a system control unit 102, a display unit 103, a wired communication transmission / reception unit 104, a recording medium 105, a near field communication transmission / reception unit 106, and a wireless antenna 107. The communication device 200 includes a display unit 201, a system control unit 202, a memory 203, a wireless antenna 204, and a near field communication transmission / reception unit 205.

  In the communication apparatus 100, the system control unit 102 controls the entire communication apparatus 100. The short-range communication transmitting / receiving unit 106 receives the strength of the induced electric field generated by the proximity of the wireless antenna 107 and the wireless antenna 204 due to the proximity of the communication device 100 and the communication device 200 by the wireless antenna 107 and acquires the strength information. The recording medium 105 stores moving image data and the like. The wired communication transmitting / receiving unit 104 corresponds to, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port, connects to an external device (not shown) with a communication cable, and transmits / receives data via the communication cable. The wireless antenna 107 is an antenna for performing close proximity wireless communication.

  The imaging unit 101 includes an imaging optical system, an imaging element, and an image signal processing circuit (not shown). In the imaging unit 101, an optical image of a subject is formed on an imaging device by an imaging optical system, the optical image of the subject is photoelectrically converted into an imaging signal by the imaging device, and image data is generated from the imaging signal by an image signal processing circuit. Is done. The display unit 103 displays captured still images and moving images, notification information for an operator (user) (information for notifying whether or not data transfer from the communication device 100 to the communication device 200 has been executed). indicate.

  In the communication apparatus 200, the system control unit 202 controls the entire communication apparatus 200. The near field communication transmitting / receiving unit 205 receives the strength of the induced electric field generated by the proximity of the wireless antenna 204 and the wireless antenna 107 due to the proximity of the communication device 200 and the communication device 100 by the wireless antenna 204 and acquires the strength information. Then, the intensity information is output to the system control unit 202. The memory 203 stores data transferred from the communication device 100, for example. The wireless antenna 204 is an antenna for performing close proximity wireless communication. The display unit 201 displays notification information for the operator (information notifying that data transfer from the communication device 100 to the communication device 200 has been executed (completed) or information indicating the communication state) and the like.

  With the above configuration, when the radio antenna 107 and the radio antenna 204 come close to each other when the operator brings the communication device 200 close to a distance where the communication device 100 can communicate, the electric field strength necessary for the proximity radio communication can be obtained. As a result, close proximity wireless communication between the communication device 100 and the communication device 200 becomes possible, and contactless communication between the sender-side communication device 100 (wireless communication device) and the receiver-side communication device 200 (external device) is possible. Data transfer by communication is possible.

  Next, wireless communication processing between the communication apparatuses in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a wireless communication process with the communication apparatus 200 in the communication apparatus 100 of FIG.

  The system control unit 102 of the communication apparatus 100 repeatedly executes the illustrated process at a predetermined timing. Here, the predetermined timing for executing the illustrated process may be a time interval at which the operator does not feel a delay in the operation of the communication device (for example, a mobile terminal, a digital camera, a mobile phone, etc.). In the present embodiment, for example, the illustrated process is executed every 0.1 seconds.

  In step S101 in FIG. 2, the system control unit 102 is a distance at which the communication device 200 can perform near field communication with the communication device 100 based on the strength information of the electric field strength obtained by the near field communication transmitting / receiving unit 106 via the wireless antenna 107. It is determined whether or not That is, the system control unit 102 determines whether or not the wireless antenna 204 in the communication device 200 has been brought close to a distance where the wireless antenna 107 in the communication device 100 can perform close proximity wireless communication.

  As a result of the determination in step S101, when the system control unit 102 determines that the wireless antenna 204 has not been brought close to the distance at which the wireless antenna 107 can perform close proximity wireless communication and the electric field strength or the like does not satisfy the communication condition, this processing ends. . On the other hand, when the system control unit 102 determines that the wireless antenna 204 has been brought close to a distance at which the wireless antenna 107 can perform close proximity wireless communication, the process proceeds to step S102.

  In step S <b> 102, the system control unit 102 performs the first predetermined time in a proximity state in which the wireless antenna 204 is close to a distance where the wireless antenna 107 can perform close proximity wireless communication (a state in which electric field strength satisfying the communication condition is obtained). It is determined whether or not it has elapsed. This step S102 is an example of a proximity time determination step. If the wireless antenna 204 is moved away from the wireless antenna 107 without the first predetermined time elapses, the process returns to step S101 again. This first predetermined time is to prevent a chattering phenomenon in which a state in which communication is possible and a state in which communication is impossible are repeated in a short time when the wireless antenna 107 and the wireless antenna 204 are at a minimum distance where data communication is possible. It is a set time. In the present embodiment, for example, the first predetermined time is about 1 second, but is not limited to this and may be 0 second.

  In step S102, when the system control unit 102 determines that the first predetermined time has passed in a proximity state in which the wireless antenna 204 is close to a distance where the wireless antenna 107 can perform close proximity wireless communication, the process proceeds to step S103. In step S <b> 103, the system control unit 102 determines whether or not the moving image data stored in the recording medium 105 is being reproduced. This step S103 is an example of a process determination process. That is, the system control unit 102 determines whether or not the moving image is being reproduced on the display unit 103. If the moving image is being reproduced, the process proceeds to step S104. At this time, the communication device 100 is in a state in which the load of moving image data reproduction processing is large, and parallel operation with data transfer by close proximity wireless communication is difficult and data transmission is impossible. On the other hand, if the moving image is not being reproduced, the process proceeds to step S108.

  In step S104, the system control unit 102 transmits information indicating that the communication device 100 is in a state in which data transmission is not possible (BUSY state) to the communication device 200 via the short-range communication transmission / reception unit 106, The process proceeds to step S105. In step S105, the system control unit 102 displays on the display unit 103, for example, “Stop playback after 5 seconds and start data transfer. If data transfer is not performed, keep the communication device away from the main unit.” A warning is displayed.

  In step S <b> 106, the system control unit 102 determines whether or not the second predetermined time has passed in a proximity state in which the wireless antenna 204 is close to a distance at which the wireless antenna 107 can perform close proximity wireless communication. If the wireless antenna 204 is moved away from the wireless antenna 107 without the second predetermined time elapses, the warning display performed in step S105 is terminated and the present process is terminated. As described above, when the time during which the wireless antenna 204 and the wireless antenna 107 are close to each other is short, there is a high possibility that the user accidentally brought the communication device 100 and the communication device 200 close to each other. This can be prevented.

  Here, the second predetermined time is longer than the first predetermined time and is 5 seconds shown in the content of the warning display performed in step S105. Note that the time of 5 seconds is merely an example, and the user understands the content of the warning display and selects whether to continue the moving image playback display or to interrupt (or stop) the playback and shift to data transfer. Any time may be used as long as necessary.

  In step S106, when the system control unit 102 determines that the second predetermined time has passed in the proximity state in which the wireless antenna 204 is close to the distance at which the wireless antenna 107 can perform close proximity wireless communication, the process proceeds to step S107.

  In step S <b> 107, the system control unit 102 temporarily stops the moving image data playback process being executed, and stops the moving image playback display. Then, the system control unit 102 establishes close proximity wireless communication with the communication apparatus 200, and data transfer is performed by close proximity wireless communication from the communication apparatus 100 to the communication apparatus 200 (steps S108 and S109).

  As described above, when the communication apparatus 100 and the communication apparatus 200 are close to each other for a long time, it is highly likely that the user wants to perform data transfer and the communication apparatus 200 is brought close to the communication apparatus 100. For this reason, the communication apparatus 100 interrupts the reproduction of the moving image being executed, and automatically shifts to data transfer as the user intends. This improves the convenience for the user.

  In step S108, the system control unit 102 transmits information indicating that the communication apparatus 100 is in a state capable of transmitting data (IDLE state) to the communication apparatus 200 via the short-range communication transmission / reception unit 205. The process proceeds to S109.

  In step S <b> 109, the system control unit 102 transfers the data stored in the recording medium 105 to the communication device 200 via the near field communication transceiver unit 106 and the near field communication transceiver unit 205. Then, the system control unit 202 stores the data received from the communication device 100 via the short-range communication transmission / reception unit 205 in the memory 203.

  When the data transfer in step S109 ends, the system control unit 102 resumes the playback and display of the moving image (step S110), and ends this process.

  Next, exchange of wireless communication between the communication device 100 on the sender side and the communication device 200 on the receiver side will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the flow of wireless communication processing between the communication device 100 and the communication device 200 when the processing illustrated in FIG. 2 is performed. In the illustrated example, the contents displayed on the display unit 201 of the communication device 200 on the receiver side are also shown.

  In step S201, when the communication device 200 is brought close to the communication device 100, in step S202, the communication device 100 transmits information about whether the communication device 200 is in the IDLE state or the BUSY state. This corresponds to the process of step S104 or step S108 in the flowchart of FIG.

  The system control unit 202 of the communication device 200 transmits information to the display unit 201 based on the information received through the short-range communication transmission / reception unit 205 in step S202 as to whether the communication device 100 is in the IDLE state or the BUSY state. Display. When the communication apparatus 100 is in the BUSY state, the system control unit 202 displays “Ready for reception” on the display unit 201 as shown in display 1 of FIG. Then, unless the proximity state in step S201 is canceled, the communication apparatus 100 waits until information transmission indicating the IDLE state is performed. When the communication device 100 is in the IDLE state, the system control unit 202 displays “start reception” on the display unit 201 as shown in display 2 of FIG. To the communication device 100.

  After receiving the reception preparation completion notification in step S203, the system control unit 102 of the communication apparatus 100 proceeds to processing (step S204) for transmitting data in the recording medium 105 to the communication apparatus 200. When the transmission of data from the communication device 200 is started, the system control unit 202 of the communication device 200 displays “Receiving” on the display unit 201 as shown in the display 3 of FIG. After that, when the data transmission is completed, the system control unit 102 of the communication apparatus 100 performs a data transmission completion notification in step S205 to the communication apparatus 200. Then, after receiving the transmission completion notification from the communication device 200, the system control unit 202 of the communication device 200 displays “Reception completed” on the display unit 201 as shown in the display 4 of FIG. Thereafter, the system control unit 202 of the communication apparatus 200 sends a reception preparation completion notification in step S206 to the communication apparatus 100, and ends the wireless communication process. Note that the series of processing in steps S203 to S106 corresponds to the processing in step S109 in the flowchart of FIG.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the communication device 100 on the sender side and the communication device 200 on the receiver side are in close proximity to each other, the system control unit 102 determines that the proximity time is It is determined whether or not a predetermined time of 1 has been exceeded. When the approached time exceeds the first predetermined time and the communication apparatus 100 is executing another heavy load process (moving image reproduction in this embodiment), the system control unit 102 It is determined whether or not the second predetermined time has been exceeded. When the approached time exceeds the second predetermined time, the system control unit 102 interrupts other heavy processing and transfers data to the communication device 200. This prevents unintended data transfer with an external device and a data transfer request made intentionally when the processing load being executed is heavy and parallel operation with data transfer by proximity wireless communication is difficult. Can respond appropriately. As a result, user convenience can be improved. In addition, it is possible to prevent a shift to a prepared data transfer.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, specific aspects of the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The configuration of the second embodiment of the present invention is the same as that of FIG. 1, and the description thereof is omitted.

  In the first embodiment, it is determined whether or not a moving image is being reproduced after the communication device 200 is brought close to the communication device 100. However, in the second embodiment, the communication device 200 uses other communication means. The difference is that it is determined whether or not communication is being performed.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a wireless communication process between the communication device 100 and the communication device 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  The system control unit 102 of the communication apparatus 100 repeatedly executes the illustrated process at a predetermined timing. Here, the predetermined timing for executing the illustrated process may be a time interval at which the operator does not feel a delay in the operation of the communication device (for example, a mobile terminal, a digital camera, a mobile phone, etc.). In the present embodiment, for example, the illustrated process is executed every 0.1 seconds.

  When the operator brings the communication device 200 close to a distance where the communication device 100 can communicate, when the wireless antenna 107 and the wireless antenna 204 come close to each other, the electric field strength necessary for the proximity wireless communication can be obtained. As a result, close proximity wireless communication between the communication device 100 and the communication device 200 is possible.

  In step S301 of FIG. 4, the system control unit 102 is a distance at which the communication device 200 can perform close proximity wireless communication of the communication device 100 based on the strength information of the electric field strength obtained by the short-range communication transmitting / receiving unit 106 via the wireless antenna 107. It is determined whether or not Specifically, the system control unit 102 determines whether or not the wireless antenna 204 in the communication device 200 has been brought close to a distance where the wireless antenna 107 in the communication device 100 can perform close proximity wireless communication.

  As a result of the determination in step S301, when the wireless antenna 204 is not brought close to the wireless antenna 107 capable of close proximity wireless communication and the system control unit 102 determines that the electric field strength or the like does not satisfy the communication condition, this processing is terminated. . On the other hand, if the system control unit 102 determines that the wireless antenna 204 has been brought close to a distance where the wireless antenna 107 can perform close proximity wireless communication, the process proceeds to step S302.

  In step S <b> 302, the system control unit 202 sets the first predetermined time in a proximity state (a state where an electric field strength satisfying the communication condition is obtained) in which the wireless antenna 204 is brought close to a distance at which the wireless antenna 107 can perform close proximity wireless communication. It is determined whether or not it has elapsed. This step S302 is an example of a proximity time determination step. If the wireless antenna 204 is moved away from the wireless antenna 107 without the first predetermined time elapses, the process returns to step S301 again. The first predetermined time is the same as that described in the first embodiment. For example, the first predetermined time may be about 1 second or 0 seconds, but is not limited thereto.

  In step S302, when the system control unit 102 determines that the first predetermined time has passed in a proximity state in which the communication device 200 and the communication device 100 are close to each other so that close proximity wireless communication is possible, the process proceeds to step S303. In step S303, the system control unit 102 determines whether communication processing with another device (for example, a PC) is being executed. That is, the system control unit 102 determines whether the data stored in the recording medium 105 is being transferred to another device via the wired communication transmitting / receiving unit 104, and the data transfer If it is being executed, the process proceeds to step S304. At this time, the communication device 100 is in a state in which the load of moving image data reproduction processing is large, and parallel operation with data transfer by close proximity wireless communication is difficult and data transmission is impossible. On the other hand, if the data transfer is not being executed, the process proceeds to step S307. Step S303 is an example of a process determination process.

  In step S304, the system control unit 102 transmits information indicating that the communication device 100 is in a state in which data transmission is not possible (BUSY state) to the communication device 200 via the short-range communication transmission / reception unit 106, The process proceeds to step S305.

  In step S <b> 305, the system control unit 102 determines whether or not the second predetermined time has passed in a proximity state in which the wireless antenna 204 is close to a distance at which the wireless antenna 107 can perform close proximity wireless communication. If the wireless antenna 204 is moved away from the wireless antenna 107 without the second predetermined time elapses, this process ends. Here, the second predetermined time is longer than the first predetermined time, for example, 5 seconds, but is not limited thereto.

  In step S305, when the system control unit 102 determines that the second predetermined time has passed in the proximity state in which the wireless antenna 204 is close to the distance at which the wireless antenna 107 can perform close proximity wireless communication, the process proceeds to step S306.

  In step S306, the system control unit 102 interrupts the communication process being executed with another device, and stops the data transfer operation. Then, the system control unit 102 establishes close proximity wireless communication with the communication apparatus 200, and data transfer is performed by close proximity wireless communication from the communication apparatus 100 to the communication apparatus 200 (steps S307 and S308).

  As described above, when the communication apparatus 100 and the communication apparatus 200 are close to each other for a long time, it is highly likely that the user wants to perform data transfer and the communication apparatus 200 is brought close to the communication apparatus 100. Therefore, the communication apparatus 100 interrupts the communication processing (data transfer or the like) being executed with another device, and automatically shifts to data transfer as the user intends. This improves the convenience for the user.

  In step S307, the system control unit 102 transmits information indicating that the communication device 100 is in a state capable of data transmission (IDLE state) to the communication device 200 via the short-range communication transmission / reception unit 205, The process proceeds to S308.

  In step S <b> 308, the system control unit 102 transfers the data stored in the recording medium 105 to the communication apparatus 200 via the short-range communication transmission / reception unit 106 and the short-range communication transmission / reception unit 205. Then, the system control unit 202 stores the data received from the communication device 100 via the short-range communication transmission / reception unit 205 in the memory 203.

  When the data transfer in step S308 ends, the system control unit 102 resumes communication processing with other devices (step S309), and ends this processing.

  The exchange of wireless communication between the communication device 100 on the sender side and the communication device 200 on the receiver side is the same as in FIG.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the communication device 100 on the sender side and the communication device 200 on the receiver side are in close proximity to each other, the system control unit 102 determines that the proximity time is It is determined whether or not a predetermined time of 1 has been exceeded. When the approached time exceeds the first predetermined time and the communication apparatus 100 is executing another process with a heavy load (communication with another apparatus in this embodiment), the system control unit 102 It is determined whether or not the elapsed time exceeds a second predetermined time. When the approached time exceeds the second predetermined time, the system control unit 102 interrupts other heavy processing and transfers data to the communication device 200. This prevents unintended data transfer with an external device and a data transfer request made intentionally when the processing load being executed is heavy and parallel operation with data transfer by proximity wireless communication is difficult. Can respond appropriately. As a result, user convenience can be improved. In addition, it is possible to prevent a shift to a prepared data transfer.

  In the present embodiment, the process corresponding to the warning display in step S105 of FIG. 2 is omitted, but even if the process corresponding to the warning display is added, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained. Needless to say.

  In the first and second embodiments, as an example of the case where the processing load being executed is large and the parallel operation with the data transfer by the close proximity wireless communication is difficult, the reproduction of the moving image and the communication with another device are taken as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to these processes. Examples of difficult parallel operations include moving image shooting processing, still image continuous reproduction processing, still image and moving image editing processing, and the like.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a specific aspect of the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The configuration of the third embodiment of the present invention is the same as that of FIG. 1, and a description thereof will be omitted. In the embodiment described below, a representative example of processing in which the load of processing being executed is large and parallel operation with data transfer by close proximity wireless communication is difficult is playback of a moving image, but the present invention is not limited to this. is not.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a wireless communication process between the communication device 100 and the communication device 200 according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

  The system control unit 102 of the communication apparatus 100 repeatedly executes the illustrated process at a predetermined timing. Here, the predetermined timing for executing the illustrated process may be a time interval at which the operator does not feel a delay in the operation of the device (for example, mobile terminal, digital camera, mobile phone, etc.). In the present embodiment, for example, the illustrated process is executed every 0.1 seconds.

  When the operator brings the communication device 200 close to a distance where the communication device 100 can communicate, when the wireless antenna 107 and the wireless antenna 204 come close to each other, the electric field strength necessary for the proximity wireless communication can be obtained. As a result, close proximity wireless communication between the communication device 100 and the communication device 200 is possible.

  In step S401 in FIG. 5, the system control unit 102 determines the distance at which the communication device 200 can perform close proximity wireless communication with the communication device 100 based on the strength information of the electric field strength obtained by the short-range communication transmission / reception unit 106 via the wireless antenna 107. It is determined whether or not That is, the system control unit 102 determines whether or not the wireless antenna 204 in the communication device 200 has been brought close to a distance where the wireless antenna 107 in the communication device 100 can perform close proximity wireless communication.

  As a result of the determination in step S401, when the system control unit 102 determines that the wireless antenna 204 is not close to the distance that allows the wireless antenna 107 to perform close proximity wireless communication and the electric field strength or the like does not satisfy the communication conditions, the process ends. To do. On the other hand, when the system control unit 102 determines that the wireless antenna 204 has been brought close to a distance where the wireless antenna 107 can perform close proximity wireless communication, the process proceeds to step S402.

  In step S <b> 402, the system control unit 202 sets the first predetermined time in a proximity state (a state in which electric field strength satisfying the communication condition is obtained) in which the wireless antenna 204 is brought close to a distance at which the wireless antenna 107 can perform close proximity wireless communication. It is determined whether or not it has elapsed. This step S402 is an example of a proximity time determination step. If the wireless antenna 204 is moved away from the wireless antenna 107 without the first predetermined time elapses, the process returns to step S401 again. The first predetermined time is the same as that described in the first embodiment. For example, the first predetermined time may be about 1 second or 0 seconds, but is not limited thereto.

  In step S402, when the system control unit 102 determines that the first predetermined time has passed in the proximity state in which the wireless antenna 204 is close to the distance at which the wireless antenna 107 can perform close proximity wireless communication, the process proceeds to step S403.

  In step S <b> 403, the system control unit 102 determines whether or not the moving image data stored in the recording medium 105 is being reproduced. That is, the system control unit 102 determines whether or not the moving image is being reproduced on the display unit 103. If the moving image is being reproduced, the process proceeds to step S404. At this time, the communication device 100 is in a state in which the load of moving image data reproduction processing is large, and parallel operation with data transfer by close proximity wireless communication is difficult and data transmission is impossible. On the other hand, if the moving image is not being reproduced, the process proceeds to step S410. Step S403 is an example of a process determination process.

  In step S <b> 404, the system control unit 102 transmits information indicating that the communication device 100 is in a state in which data transmission is not possible (BUSY state) to the communication device 200 via the short-range communication transmission / reception unit 106. The process proceeds to step S405.

  In step S405, the system control unit 102 displays a warning message on the display unit 103, for example, "When interrupting playback and transferring data, move the communication device away from the main unit and bring it back again within 5 seconds". I do.

  In step S <b> 406, the system control unit 102 determines whether or not the proximity state where the wireless antenna 204 is close to the distance where the wireless antenna 107 can perform close proximity wireless communication has been released (distant). Step S406 is an example of a proximity state determination step (means). As a result of the determination, when the proximity state is released, the process proceeds to step S408. On the other hand, when it is determined that the proximity state is continued without being released, the process proceeds to step S407.

  In step S <b> 407, the system control unit 102 determines whether reproduction / display of moving image data stored in the recording medium 105 has ended. When the reproduction display is completed, the process proceeds to step S410. On the other hand, if the playback display has not ended, the process returns to step S406, and it is determined again whether or not the proximity state has been released (moved away).

  In step S <b> 408, the system control unit 102 determines whether or not the wireless antenna 204 and the wireless antenna 107 are brought into the close state again within the second predetermined time. As a result of this determination, if the wireless antenna 204 and the wireless antenna 107 are not brought into the proximity state again within the second predetermined time, the warning display performed in step S405 is terminated, and this processing is terminated. Here, the second predetermined time is longer than the first predetermined time and is 5 seconds shown in the content of the warning display performed in step S405. Note that the time of 5 seconds is merely an example, and the time required for the user to understand the contents of the warning display and select whether to continue moving image playback display or to interrupt playback and move to data transfer. Any time is acceptable.

  In step S408, when the wireless antenna 107 and the wireless antenna 204 are brought into the proximity state again within the second predetermined time, the process proceeds to step S409. In step S409, the system control unit 102 temporarily stops the moving image data reproduction process being executed, and stops the reproduction display of the moving image. Then, the system control unit 102 establishes close proximity wireless communication with the communication device 200, and data transfer is performed by the close proximity wireless communication from the communication device 100 to the communication device 200 (steps S410 and S411).

  In step S410, the system control unit 102 transmits information indicating that the communication device 100 is in a state capable of transmitting data (IDLE state) to the communication device 200 via the short-range communication transmission / reception unit 205. The process proceeds to S411.

  In step S <b> 411, the system control unit 102 transfers the data stored in the recording medium 105 to the communication device 200 via the short-range communication transmission / reception unit 106 and the short-range communication transmission / reception unit 205. Then, the system control unit 202 stores the data received from the communication device 100 via the short-range communication transmission / reception unit 205 in the memory 203.

  When the data transfer in step S411 is completed, the system control unit 102 resumes the playback and display of the moving image (step S412), and ends this process.

  The exchange of wireless communication between the communication device 100 on the sender side and the communication device 200 on the receiver side is the same as in FIG.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the communication device 200 is brought close to the communication device 100 and then moved away from the communication device 100 once, the moving image reproduction process performed in the communication device 100 is interrupted. Then, the data transfer from the communication device 100 to the communication device 200 is started. When the communication device 100 and the communication device 200 are close to each other multiple times, there is a high possibility that the user wants to transfer data. Therefore, it is possible to automatically shift to data transfer only by performing the operation of bringing the receiver-side communication device 200 close to the sender-side communication device 100 a plurality of times, and convenience is improved. In addition, when the user accidentally brings the communication device 100 and the communication device 200 close to each other for a short time, it is possible to prevent inadvertent transition to data transfer.

[Fourth Embodiment]
Next, specific aspects of the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The configuration of the fourth embodiment of the present invention is the same as that of FIG. 1, and the description thereof is omitted. In the embodiment described below, a representative example of processing in which the load of processing being executed is large and parallel operation with data transfer by close proximity wireless communication is difficult is playback of a moving image, but the present invention is not limited to this. is not.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a wireless communication process between the communication device 100 and the communication device 200 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

  The system control unit 102 of the communication apparatus 100 repeatedly executes the illustrated process at a predetermined timing. Here, the predetermined timing for executing this processing may be a time interval at which the operator does not feel a delay in the operation of the device (for example, a mobile terminal, a digital camera, a mobile phone, etc.). In the present embodiment, for example, the illustrated process is executed every 0.1 seconds.

  When the operator brings the communication device 200 close to a distance where the communication device 100 can communicate, when the wireless antenna 107 and the wireless antenna 204 come close to each other, the electric field strength necessary for the proximity wireless communication can be obtained. As a result, close proximity wireless communication between the communication device 100 and the communication device 200 is possible.

  In step S501 in FIG. 6, the system control unit 102 determines the distance at which the communication device 200 can perform close proximity wireless communication with the communication device 100 based on the strength information of the electric field strength obtained by the short-range communication transmission / reception unit 106 via the wireless antenna 107. It is determined whether or not That is, the system control unit 102 determines whether or not the wireless antenna 204 in the communication device 200 has been brought close to a distance where the wireless antenna 107 in the communication device 100 can perform close proximity wireless communication.

  As a result of the determination in step S501, when the system control unit 102 determines that the wireless antenna 204 is not close to the wireless antenna 107 capable of performing close proximity wireless communication and the electric field strength does not satisfy the communication conditions, this processing is terminated. . On the other hand, if the system control unit 102 determines that the wireless antenna 107 and the wireless antenna 204 have come close to each other so that close proximity wireless communication is possible, the process proceeds to step S502.

  In step S502, the system control unit 202 sets the first predetermined time in a proximity state where the wireless antenna 107 and the wireless antenna 204 are close to each other that can perform close proximity wireless communication (a state in which electric field strength satisfying the communication condition is obtained). It is determined whether or not it has elapsed. This step S502 is an example of a proximity time determination step. If the wireless antenna 204 is moved away from the wireless antenna 107 without the first predetermined time elapses, the process returns to step S501 again. The first predetermined time is the same as that described in the first embodiment. For example, the first predetermined time may be about 1 second or 0 seconds, but is not limited thereto.

  In step S502, when the system control unit 102 determines that the first predetermined time has passed in the proximity state in which the wireless antenna 107 and the wireless antenna 204 are close to each other so that close proximity wireless communication is possible, the process proceeds to step S503.

  In step S <b> 503, the system control unit 102 determines whether the reproduction processing of moving image data stored in the recording medium 105 is being executed. That is, the system control unit 102 determines whether or not the moving image is being reproduced on the display unit 103. If the moving image is being reproduced, the process proceeds to step S504. On the other hand, if the moving image is not being reproduced, the process proceeds to step S510. Step S503 is an example of a process determination process.

  In step S504, the system control unit 102 determines whether or not the electric field strength generated between the adjacent wireless antenna 107 and the wireless antenna 204 is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. This step S504 is an example of an electric field strength determination step (means). If the electric field strength is greater than or equal to the predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S509.

  In step S509, the system control unit 102 temporarily stops the moving image data reproduction process being executed, and stops the reproduction display of the moving image. Then, the system control unit 102 establishes close proximity wireless communication with the communication apparatus 200, and data transfer is performed by the close proximity wireless communication from the communication apparatus 100 to the communication apparatus 200 (steps S510 and S511).

  If the electric field strength is smaller than the predetermined value as a result of the determination in step S504, the system control unit 102 counts the number of times to execute the process in step S505, and determines whether or not the predetermined number of times (first time in the present embodiment). Is performed (step S505). Note that the predetermined number of times is not limited to one, and an arbitrary number may be set. Moreover, although the process to count was set to step S505, it may be the frequency | count of the determination result determined that electric field strength was smaller than predetermined value by step S504. Alternatively, the number of times of executing the processing of steps S506 and S507 may be used.

  As a result of the determination in step S505, if it is the first time, the process proceeds to step S506, whereas if it is not the first time, the process proceeds to step S508.

  In step S506, the system control unit 102 transmits information indicating that the communication device 100 is in a state in which data transmission is not possible (BUSY state) to the communication device 200 via the short-range communication transmission / reception unit 106, The process proceeds to step S507.

  In step S507, the system control unit 102 displays a warning message on the display unit 103, for example, “If playback is interrupted and data transfer is performed, move the communication device closer to the main unit”.

  In step S508, the system control unit 102 determines whether or not the proximity state in which the wireless antenna 107 and the wireless antenna 204 are close to each other so that close proximity wireless communication is possible has been released (has been moved away). As a result of this determination, when it is determined that the proximity state is continued without being released, the process returns to step S503. On the other hand, when the proximity state is released, the warning display performed in step S507 is terminated, and the present process is terminated.

  In step S510, the system control unit 102 transmits information indicating that the communication device 100 is in a data transmittable state (IDLE state) to the communication device 200 via the short-range communication transmitting / receiving unit 205. The process proceeds to S511.

  In step S <b> 511, the system control unit 102 transfers the data stored in the recording medium 105 to the communication device 200 via the short-range communication transmission / reception unit 106 and the short-range communication transmission / reception unit 205. Then, the system control unit 202 stores the data received from the communication device 100 via the short-range communication transmission / reception unit 205 in the memory 203.

  When the data transfer in step S511 is completed, the system control unit 102 resumes the playback and display of the moving image (step S512), and ends this process.

  The exchange of wireless communication between the communication device 100 on the sender side and the communication device 200 on the receiver side is the same as in FIG.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the communication device 200 is brought close to the communication device 100, the electric field strength is a predetermined value or more, that is, the distance between the communication device 100 and the communication device 200 is closer to the predetermined distance. If there is, the moving image reproduction process performed in the communication apparatus 100 is interrupted. Then, the process proceeds to data transfer from the communication device 100 to the communication device 200. When the distance between the communication device 100 and the communication device 200 is short, there is a high possibility that the user intentionally brought the communication device 200 close to the communication device 100 in order to perform data transfer. Therefore, it is possible to automatically shift to data transfer by simply bringing the communication device 200 closer to the communication device 100 by a certain distance or more, and convenience is improved. Further, when the user accidentally brings the communication device 200 close to the communication device 100, it is possible to prevent inadvertent transition to data transfer.

  In the first to fourth embodiments, the digital camera has been described as an example of the communication device 100 on the sender side. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be a mobile terminal, a mobile phone, a recorder, or the like. . For example, FIG. 7 shows a schematic configuration when the communication device is a recorder that stores and reproduces images from an external device.

  The communication device 1001 shown in FIG. 7 does not have the imaging unit 101 and the display unit 103, the recording / reproducing unit 400 records and reproduces an image, and the external display device 300 records an image. It differs in that it displays. The external display device 300 is a display device such as a liquid crystal monitor or a television, for example.

  Further, the communication device 200 on the receiver side is not limited to a mobile terminal, a digital camera, a mobile phone, or the like as long as it is a wireless communication device for transferring data stored in a memory provided in the device. Absent.

  In the above-described embodiment, the processing related to data reproduction by moving images and data communication by other communication means has been described on the assumption that the communication device has a heavy load and it is difficult to perform parallel operation with data transfer by proximity wireless communication. However, it is not limited to these. For example, moving image shooting processing, still image continuous reproduction processing, still image continuous reproduction processing, moving image and still image editing processing, and the like may be used.

  The present invention can also be realized by executing the following processing. That is, software (program) for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus via a network or various recording media, and a computer (or CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or apparatus reads the program. It is a process to be executed.

Claims (10)

A communication device,
Communication means for performing proximity wireless communication with the external device by bringing the external device into close proximity to a communicable distance;
Proximity time determination means for determining whether a first predetermined time has passed while the external device and the communication means remain in the proximity state;
Proximity wireless communication with the external device is established by the communication means when the proximity time determination means determines that the first predetermined time has passed while the external device and the communication means remain in the proximity state. Control means to
Processing determining means for determining whether or not the control means is executing a predetermined process,
If the control means determines that the control means is executing a predetermined process by the process determination means, the control means has passed the second predetermined time longer than the first predetermined time in the proximity state. Sometimes, the communication device is characterized in that the predetermined processing being executed is interrupted, and the proximity wireless communication with the external device is established by the communication means. Proximity state determination means for determining whether or not the proximity state has been released after the first predetermined time has elapsed and before the second predetermined time has elapsed,
When it is determined that the proximity state has been released by the proximity state determination unit, and when the proximity state is set again within the second predetermined time, the control unit interrupts a predetermined process being executed and 2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein close proximity wireless communication with the external device is established by communication means. The process determining means determines whether or not the process being executed by the control means has ended,
The control unit establishes close proximity wireless communication with the external device by the communication unit when the process determination unit determines that the process being executed by the control unit has ended. The communication device described.   4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the control determination unit determines that the control unit is executing a predetermined process, the control unit displays a warning on the display unit. 5. The communication device described. A communication device,
Communication means for performing proximity wireless communication with the external device by bringing the external device into close proximity to a communicable distance;
Proximity time determination means for determining whether a first predetermined time has passed while the external device and the communication means remain in the proximity state;
Proximity wireless communication with the external device is established by the communication means when the proximity time determination means determines that the first predetermined time has passed while the external device and the communication means remain in the proximity state. Control means to
Process determining means for determining whether or not the control means is executing a predetermined process;
Electric field strength determining means for determining whether or not the electric field strength generated between the adjacent external device and the communication means is a predetermined value or more,
When it is determined by the processing determination means that the control means is executing a predetermined process and when the electric field strength determination means determines that the electric field strength is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the control means A communication apparatus characterized by interrupting a predetermined process and establishing near field communication with the external apparatus by the communication means.   When it is determined by the process determination means that the control means is executing a predetermined process and the electric field strength determination means determines that the electric field strength is smaller than a predetermined value, the control means 6. The communication apparatus according to claim 5, wherein a warning is displayed on the display means according to the condition.   The predetermined processing has a heavy load on the communication device and is difficult to perform parallel operation with data transfer by proximity wireless communication, and includes moving image reproduction processing, moving image shooting processing, and still image continuous reproduction processing. 6. The method according to claim 1, further comprising at least one of still image continuous reproduction processing, moving image and still image editing processing, and processing related to data communication by other communication means. Communication equipment. A control method of a communication device including a communication unit that performs close proximity wireless communication with the external device by bringing the external device close to a communicable distance,
A proximity time determination step of determining whether a first predetermined time has passed while the external device and the communication means remain in the proximity state;
When it is determined in the proximity time determination step that the first predetermined time has passed while the external device and the communication unit are in the proximity state, the communication unit performs proximity wireless communication with the external device. A control process to be established;
A process determination step for determining whether or not the communication device is executing a predetermined process,
When it is determined in the process determination step that the communication device is executing a predetermined process, the control step is performed in a second predetermined time longer than the first predetermined time in the proximity state. A communication apparatus control method, comprising: interrupting predetermined processing being executed and establishing close proximity wireless communication with the external apparatus by the communication means. A control method of a communication device including a communication unit that performs close proximity wireless communication with the external device by bringing the external device close to a communicable distance,
A proximity time determination step of determining whether a first predetermined time has passed while the external device and the communication means remain in the proximity state;
When the proximity time determination step determines that the first predetermined time has passed while the external device and the communication means remain in the proximity state, the communication means establishes proximity wireless communication with the external device A control process,
A process determination step of determining whether or not the communication device is executing a predetermined process;
An electric field strength determination step for determining whether or not the electric field strength generated between the external device and the communication means that are close to each other is a predetermined value or more
If it is determined in the process determination step that the communication device is executing a predetermined process and the electric field strength determination step determines that the electric field strength is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the control step is executed. A communication apparatus characterized by interrupting predetermined processing and establishing close proximity wireless communication with the external apparatus by the communication means.   A computer-readable program for causing a computer to execute the control method according to claim 8 or 9.

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