JP2019012362A - Information processing apparatus, information processing method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To prevent processing of capturing unnecessary data when capturing data from an external device in collaboration between a plurality of applications.SOLUTION: In an information processing apparatus, a first application activates a second application to receive data held in an external device, from the external device. In this case, on the basis of information indicative of formats of data which the first application can handle, the second application displays, in a screen, attribute information relating to the data held in the external device so that it can be discriminated whether the data is in the formats which the first application can handle. The second application receives data corresponding to a piece of attribute information selected from the displayed attribute information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

  The present invention particularly relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program suitable for use in performing processing using a plurality of applications.

  An information processing apparatus such as a smartphone can realize various functions by installing an OS and a plurality of applications and operating using each application. For example, it is possible to connect to a camera using a camera connection application and capture an image, or to edit an image using an image editing application. Patent Document 1 discloses a communication device that communicates with a digital camera using a camera connection application.

JP 2014-86844 A

  In some of these applications, the data formats that can be handled may differ.

  For example, a first application for executing an image capturing process from a camera and a second application for executing an image editing process in the information processing apparatus will be described. The information processing apparatus captures an image from the camera by activating the first application so that the second application acquires data to be edited. Here, if the second application is not in a compatible format, the image cannot be edited, and the captured image is wasted.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to prevent unnecessary data fetching processing when fetching data from an external device in cooperation between a plurality of applications.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, one of the inventions according to the present application is an information processing apparatus that operates according to a first application and requests activation of a second application, and responds to the request. Receiving means for executing processing for receiving data held by the external device from the external device by activating the second application and operating in accordance with the second application; By obtaining according to the second application and acquisition means for acquiring information indicating the data format that can be supported by the application, it is possible to identify whether or not the first application is compatible data. Display control means for controlling to display attribute information relating to data held by the external device on a screen; And said that there were pictures.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, when taking in data from an external device in cooperation between a plurality of applications, it is possible to prevent performing useless data fetching processing, and usability is improved.

It is a figure for demonstrating the structural example of the network containing the communication apparatus in embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware structural example of the communication apparatus in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the software structural example of the communication apparatus in embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware structural example of the imaging device in embodiment of this invention. It is the sequence diagram which showed the example which starts Write-app from Read-app in the 1st Embodiment of this invention, acquires the image in a camera by Write-app, and passes to Read-app. It is a figure which shows the example of a structure of the data sharing location and data list in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the display screen of Read-app in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the display screen of Write-app in embodiment of invention.

  Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the constituent elements described in this embodiment are merely examples, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention only to them.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, an example will be described in which a user operates a communication device (smart phone) that is an information processing apparatus to activate an image editing application and activate a data capture application. Note that, as the “activation” of the application in the present embodiment, there are a case where an unactivated application is activated and an application that is activated in the background is moved to the foreground.

(Network configuration)
FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of a system including a communication device 101 according to the present embodiment.

  As illustrated in FIG. 1, the communication device 101 can connect to the image capturing apparatus 102 using a data capturing application and capture an image from the image capturing apparatus 102 via the network 103. Note that the communication used for connection with the imaging apparatus 102 may be wired communication or wireless communication.

(Configuration of communication equipment)
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the communication device 101 according to the present embodiment.

  In FIG. 2, the CPU 201 controls processing of the entire communication device 101. The ROM 202 stores various control programs executed by the CPU 201, data, and the like. The RAM 203 has a work area for the CPU 201, a data save area during error processing, a control program load area, and the like. The HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 204 stores an OS (Operating System), various applications, various control programs executed in the communication device 101, contents, and data.

  The input device 205 includes various buttons such as a button for switching power ON / OFF. The BMU (bit move unit) 206 is, for example, data transfer between memories (for example, between the VRAM 207 and another memory) and data transfer between the memory and each I / O device (for example, the NETI / F 209). To control. In the VRAM 207, image data to be displayed on the display device 211 is drawn. The image data drawn in the VRAM 207 is transferred to the display device 211 in accordance with a predetermined rule, whereby an image is displayed on the display device 211. The display device 211 is equipped with a touch panel, and the user inputs an instruction related to the icon displayed at the position by touching the display surface of the display device 211. The NETI / F 209 communicates with the imaging device 102 and the like via the network 103. The bus 212 includes an address bus, a data bus, and a control bus.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a software configuration example of the communication device 101 according to the present embodiment.

  A predetermined OS 301 is installed in the communication device 101, and a data capturing application (hereinafter, “Write-app”) 302 and an image editing application (hereinafter, “Read-app”) 303 are installed. The CPU 201 of the communication device 101 activates the OS 301, performs basic processing performed by the communication device 101, and performs cooperation processing of installed applications and processing of recording data in the HDD 204 or the like. In addition, the CPU 201 of the communication device 101 activates Write-app 302 and performs processing for capturing an image from the imaging device 102 via the NETI / F 209, for example. In addition, the CPU 201 of the communication device 101 activates Read-app 303 to perform processing for processing the captured image and instructing the printing apparatus to print the image. Here, it can also be said that Write-app 302 is an input application and an output application. The communication device 101 can install a plurality of read-apps 303. In the present embodiment, one of them will be described as an example.

(Configuration of imaging device)
FIG. 4A is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the imaging apparatus 102 that is an example of the external apparatus according to the present embodiment. Although an imaging device is described here as an example of an external device, the external device is not limited to this. For example, the external apparatus may be an information processing apparatus such as a portable media player, a so-called tablet device, or a personal computer.

  The control unit 401 controls each unit of the imaging apparatus 102 according to an input signal and a program described later. Instead of controlling the entire apparatus by the control unit 401, the entire apparatus may be controlled by a plurality of pieces of hardware sharing the processing.

  The imaging unit 402 includes, for example, an optical lens unit and an optical system that controls aperture, zoom, focus, and the like, and an imaging device that converts light (video) introduced through the optical lens unit into an electrical video signal. Composed. In general, a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) or a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) is used as the imaging element. The imaging unit 402 is controlled by the control unit 401 to convert subject light imaged by the lens included in the imaging unit 402 into an electrical signal by the imaging element, and perform noise reduction processing or the like to convert the digital data into an image. Output as data. In the imaging apparatus 102 of the present embodiment, the image data is recorded on the recording medium 410 in accordance with the DCF (Design Rule for Camera File System) standard.

  The non-volatile memory 403 is an electrically erasable / recordable non-volatile memory, and stores a program to be described later executed by the control unit 401.

  The work memory 404 is used as a buffer memory that temporarily holds image data picked up by the image pickup unit 402, an image display memory of the display unit 406, a work area of the control unit 401, and the like.

  The operation unit 405 is used for the user to accept an instruction for the imaging apparatus 102 from the user. The operation unit 405 includes, for example, a power button for instructing the user to turn on / off the imaging apparatus 102, a release switch for instructing photographing, and a reproduction button for instructing reproduction of image data. Furthermore, an operation member such as a dedicated connection button for starting communication with an external device via a communication unit 411 described later is included. In addition, a touch panel formed on the display unit 406 described later is also included in the operation unit 405. The release switch has SW1 and SW2. When the release switch is in a so-called half-pressed state, SW1 is turned on. As a result, an instruction for making preparations for shooting such as AF (autofocus) processing, AE (automatic exposure) processing, AWB (auto white balance) processing, and EF (flash pre-emission) processing is accepted. Further, when the release switch is in a fully-pressed state, SW2 is turned on. As a result, an instruction for photographing is received.

  A display unit 406 displays a viewfinder image at the time of shooting, displays shot image data, and displays characters for interactive operation. Note that the display unit 406 is not necessarily included in the imaging device 102. The imaging device 102 can be connected to an internal or external display unit 406 and has at least a display control function for controlling display on the display unit 406.

  The recording medium 410 can record the image data output from the imaging unit 402. The recording medium 410 may be configured to be detachable from the imaging device 102 or may be built in the imaging device 102. That is, the imaging apparatus 102 only needs to have at least a means for accessing the recording medium 410.

  The communication unit 411 is an interface for connecting to an external device. The imaging apparatus 102 according to the present embodiment can exchange data with an external apparatus via the communication unit 411. For example, the image data generated by the imaging unit 402 can be transmitted to an external device via the communication unit 411. In addition, imaging by the imaging unit 402 can be controlled from an external device via the communication unit 411. Note that in the present embodiment, the communication unit 411 includes an interface for communicating with an external device via a so-called wireless LAN in accordance with the IEEE 802.11 standard. The control unit 401 realizes wireless communication with an external device by controlling the communication unit 411.

  The close proximity wireless communication unit 412 includes, for example, an antenna for wireless communication and a modulation / demodulation circuit and a communication controller for processing a wireless signal. The near field communication unit 412 outputs a modulated wireless signal from the antenna, and demodulates the wireless signal received by the antenna, thereby performing near field communication in accordance with the IEEE 802.15 standard (so-called Bluetooth (registered trademark)). Realize. In this embodiment, the Bluetooth communication employs Bluetooth Low Energy version 4.0 (hereinafter referred to as BLE), which has low power consumption. This BLE communication has a narrower communicable range than wireless LAN communication (that is, a communicable distance is short). BLE communication has a lower communication speed than wireless LAN communication. On the other hand, BLE communication consumes less power than wireless LAN communication. The imaging apparatus 102 according to the present embodiment can exchange data with an external apparatus via the proximity wireless communication unit 412. For example, imaging by the imaging unit 402 can be controlled from an external device via the communication unit 411. However, since the communication speed is low, the image data generated by the imaging unit 402 is not transmitted.

  Note that the communication unit 411 of the imaging apparatus 102 in the present embodiment has an AP mode that operates as an access point in the infrastructure mode, and a CL mode that operates as a client in the infrastructure mode. Then, by operating the communication unit 411 in the CL mode, the imaging device 102 in the present embodiment can operate as a CL device in the infrastructure mode. When the imaging apparatus 102 operates as a CL device, it can participate in a network formed by the AP device by connecting to a peripheral AP device. In addition, by operating the communication unit 411 in the AP mode, the imaging apparatus 102 in the present embodiment is a kind of AP, but operates as a simple AP (hereinafter referred to as a simple AP) with more limited functions. Is also possible. When the imaging apparatus 102 operates as a simple AP, the imaging apparatus 102 forms a network by itself. Devices around the imaging device 102 can recognize the imaging device 102 as an AP device and participate in a network formed by the imaging device 102. It is assumed that a program for operating the imaging apparatus 102 is held in the nonvolatile memory 403 as described above.

  Note that the imaging apparatus 102 in the present embodiment is a kind of AP, but is a simple AP that does not have a gateway function for transferring data received from a CL device to an Internet provider or the like. Therefore, even if data is received from another device participating in the network formed by the own device, it is not transferred to a network such as the Internet.

  Next, the appearance of the imaging device 102 will be described. 4B and 4C are diagrams illustrating an example of the appearance of the imaging apparatus 102. FIG. The release switch 405a, the playback button 405b, the direction key 405c, and the touch panel 405d are operation members included in the operation unit 405 described above. The display unit 406 displays an image obtained as a result of imaging by the imaging unit 402. In addition, the imaging apparatus 102 according to the present embodiment includes the antenna portion of the proximity wireless communication unit 412 on the side surface of the camera housing. By bringing the close proximity wireless communication units 412 closer to a certain distance, close proximity wireless communication can be established with other devices. Thereby, it is possible to communicate in a non-contact manner without using a cable or the like, and it is possible to limit communication partners according to the user's intention.

(Processing procedure of communication equipment)
Next, a processing procedure of the communication device 101 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In the present embodiment, a process will be described in which the CPU 201 of the communication device 101 activates Read-app, receives a user instruction on a screen that performs processing by Read-app, and calls Write-app.

  FIG. 5 shows that, in this embodiment, the CPU 201 of the communication device 101 activates Read-app and then activates Write-app to acquire an image from an external device, and displays an image acquired for image editing processing. It is a sequence diagram for demonstrating the process sequence passed to Read-app. Note that the processing described below is realized by the CPU 201 of the communication device 101 starting up the OS 301, Write-app 302, or Read-app 303, appropriately operating according to these, and controlling each unit.

  In the following, for simplicity of explanation, T501 to T509 are divided into phases, such as a collaboration start phase, T510 to T516 are connected phases, T517 to T527 are image storage phases, and T528 to T531 are collaboration end phases. To do.

  First, the cooperation start phase from T501 to T509 will be described.

  In T501, the CPU 201 of the communication device 101 receives a read-app activation request by a user operation.

  Subsequently, in T502, in response to the activation request in T501, the CPU 201 activates Read-app to start processing. When the CPU 201 starts Read-app, the CPU 201 displays a screen as shown in FIG. In the screen illustrated in FIG. 7A, the user selects edit contents to be executed via the touch panel of the display device 211.

  For example, when “Process Photo” is selected, the screen shown in FIG. 7B is displayed on the display device 211. When “Print Photo” is selected, the display device 211 displays FIG. The screen shown in (c) is displayed. When “Send photo” is selected, a screen shown in FIG. 7D is displayed on the display device 211. In the screens shown in FIGS. 7B to 7D, an image to be edited can be selected from images stored in the HDD 204 or the like. On the other hand, when an image that the communication device 101 does not hold is to be edited, an image can be captured from an external device by selecting an “add photo from Write-app” button 702. The process illustrated in FIG. 5 starts when the “Add photo from Write-app” button 702 is selected by the user.

  In T503 of FIG. 5, the CPU 201 refers to the data sharing location 500 to determine whether or not there is a format list indicating the format of data supported by Read-app. If there is a Read-app format list, the Read-app format list stored in the shared location 500 is compared with information indicating the data format that can be handled in the Read-app. Determine if there is a change. Information indicating the format set in Read-app is not only stored in HDD 204 when Read-app is installed, but also received from the outside via the Internet or the like when Read-app is upgraded. Has been updated.

  Here, the data sharing location 500 and the format list will be described in detail.

  First, the data sharing location is a predetermined storage area that can be read and written by each application, and will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6A shows an example of the directory structure in the HDD 204. In FIG. 6A, the data sharing location folder is 601. In this embodiment, a format list 602 of each cooperative application such as Read-app and Write-app is written immediately below. The shared folder 601 and the format list 602 can be read and written from a cooperative application such as Read-app and Write-app. Each cooperative application stores the file path of the format list 602 (in the example of FIG. 6, / root / a / share / format), and when each cooperative application is started, the file path destination A file in the format list 602 is referred to. Then, it is compared with the latest compatible data format set for each cooperative application, and if there is a difference, it is determined that there is a change.

  This completes the description of the data sharing location 500.

  Next, the format list will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6B shows an example of the format list 602. The format list includes an array 652 of data formats that can be associated with the application ID 651. The application ID 651 is an application-specific ID recorded in the HDD 204 when the application is installed in the communication device 101. For example, the data format supported by the application 653 whose application ID is 0x41 is JPG and MP4, and other data formats are not supported. This completes the explanation of the format list. In the present embodiment, the case has been described in which the format list indicates the data format that each application (for example, Read-app) corresponds to. However, the format list may indicate the data format that does not correspond to each application. Good.

  Returning to the description of the sequence in FIG.

  In T503, if it is determined that the Read-app format list 602 does not exist or the Read-app format list 602 exists in the data sharing location 500 and there is a change, the CPU 201 executes T504 and T505. To do.

  In T504, the CPU 201 generates a format list based on the compatible data format set in Read-app. In T505, the format list generated in T504 is written in the data sharing location 500 in association with the unique ID of Read-app.

  At this time, if it is determined in T503 that the Read-app format list 602 does not exist in the data sharing location 500, the list generated in T504 is associated with the unique ID of Read-app and writing is executed. On the other hand, if it is determined in T503 that the format list 602 exists in the data sharing location 500 and there is a change, the existing format list associated with the unique ID of the Read-app is converted to the format list generated in T504. Save with overwrite.

  In T506, the CPU 201 detects that the user has pressed the cooperation button displayed on the Read-app. In the example shown in FIG. 7B, the “Add photo from Write-app button” 702 corresponds to the cooperation button.

  In T507, the CPU 201 detects that the user has pressed the cooperation button, and transmits a Write-app activation request by Read-app to the OS. At this time, the activation request includes the application ID of Read-app as information indicating the request source of cooperation, and the CPU 201 stores the received application ID of Read-app in the RAM 203. In T508, the CPU 201 receives a write-app activation request from the OS. In the present embodiment, the activation request is made by including the Read-app application ID in the activation request, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the Read-app application ID is stored in the temporary location of the HDD 204 as information indicating the request source of cooperation, and the path to the storage location is included in the Write-app activation request and transmitted to the OS. Also good. Then, the CPU 201 stores the read-app application ID acquired according to the path in the RAM 203.

  Subsequently, in T509, the CPU 201 activates Write-app. When activated, the Write-app screen shown in FIG. 8A is displayed. As illustrated in FIG. 8A, when Write-app is activated for cooperation in accordance with a request from Read-app, the CPU 201 transitions Write-app to the cooperation mode. If Write-app is already running and operating in the background, the CPU 201 switches Write-app to operation in the foreground and operates in the cooperation mode. While Write-app is operating in the cooperation mode, the status bar 801 is displayed so as to show the user to that effect. When the write-app operates in the cooperation mode, the write-app is intended to prioritize an operation for capturing an image in the imaging apparatus 102, and therefore, as shown in FIG. The guide function and the image list function in the camera are limited. On the other hand, in the normal mode activation in which the user simply activates Write-app, all the functions shown in FIG. 8A can be used, and a UI display corresponding to the functions is provided. When it is detected that the user presses the cancel button 802, the CPU 201 cancels the write-app cooperation mode and shifts to the normal mode operation.

  The above is the cooperation start phase.

  Next, the connection phase from T510 to T516 will be described.

  In T510, when the imaging apparatus 102 sets the communication mode to ON in response to the user operating the imaging apparatus 102, the imaging apparatus 102 activates the access point in T511.

  Subsequently, in T <b> 512, the communication device 101 connects to the access point of the imaging device 102 in response to the user operating the communication device 101.

  In T513, the CPU 201 receives a notification that the imaging apparatus 102 has been detected from the OS in Write-app, and transmits a connection request to the imaging apparatus 102 in T514.

  In T515, the communication device 101 is authenticated by the imaging device 102, and the connection between the imaging device 102 and the communication device 101 is established.

  In T516, the CPU 201 reads the application ID of Read-app acquired in T508 from the RAM 203, and refers to the format list of the data sharing location 500 based on the application ID. The CPU 201 obtains a compatible data format corresponding to Read-app from the format list and stores it in the RAM 203.

  The above is the connection phase. Note that although the case where the process of T516 is performed at the timing when the connection with the imaging apparatus 102 is completed has been described, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may be the timing at which the write-app at T509 is activated, or the timing at which the drawing update at T520 described later is performed.

  Next, the image storage phase from T517 to T527 will be described.

  In T517, the CPU 201 detects that the image list button 803 in the camera in FIG.

  In T518, upon receiving the button pressing event in T517, the CPU 201 sends a request for attribute information corresponding to the captured image (original image) recorded in the recording medium 410 of the imaging apparatus 102 via the NETI / F 209. 102. In the present embodiment, the case of a thumbnail image as attribute information will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be a file name, for example.

  In addition, the data formats of the original image and the attribute information may be the same or different. For example, when the original image and thumbnail image are the same JPEG still image file, or when the original image is an MP4 format moving image file and the attribute information is a JPEG format still image file extracted from the moving image file There is. In this embodiment, regardless of whether the format of the original image can be supported by Read-app, at least the format of the attribute information of the original image can be supported by Write-app.

  In T519, the CPU 201 receives the thumbnail image and information indicating the format of the original image corresponding to each thumbnail image from the imaging device 102 via the NETI / F 209 and stores the information in the HDD 204. In T520, the thumbnail image stored in the HDD 204 is read and displayed on the display device 211. At this time, the UI shown in FIG. 8B is displayed in Write-app.

  Note that T518 to T520 are repeatedly performed on the thumbnail images displayed in the drawing area of the display device 211. That is, every time the user moves the display range by scrolling up and down, T518 to T520 are repeatedly executed for a newly drawn thumbnail image.

  In T521, the CPU 201 detects that the user presses the selection button 804 in FIG.

  In T522, the CPU 201 transitions Write-app to the operation of the selection mode, and updates the display on the screen. At this time, as shown in FIG. 8C, a thumbnail image list screen in which a plurality of thumbnail images are arranged is displayed in Write-app. At this time, the CPU 201 refers to the Read-app format list stored in the RAM 203 in T516, and collates with the data format of the original image corresponding to each thumbnail image received in T519. As a result of the collation, the CPU 201 displays the thumbnail image corresponding to the original image in the format that does not correspond to Read-app by superimposing the hatched line 805 as shown in FIG. Control whether to display each thumbnail image by making it possible to identify whether or not it can be supported by -app.

  Here, when the user selects a thumbnail image corresponding to the unsupported original image on which the oblique line 805 is superimposed, as shown in FIG. 8D, the CPU 201 supports the selected image in Read-app. A warning dialog 808 stating that it has not been displayed is displayed. Then, the information regarding the selected thumbnail image is not added to the save scheduled image list. On the other hand, when the user selects a thumbnail image of an original image in a format supported by Read-app, the CPU 201 adds information on the selected thumbnail image to the save-scheduled image list so that it can be read from the write-app. Save in the RAM 203. Then, as shown in FIG. 8C, the CPU 201 controls to display a check mark 806 indicating that it has been selected on the thumbnail image.

  When the CPU 201 detects that the user presses the save start button 807 shown in FIG. 8C at T523, at T524, the CPU 201 sends a request for the original image based on the save scheduled image list stored in the RAM 203. The image is transmitted to the imaging apparatus 102 via F209. At this time, the CPU 201 controls to switch the display from the screen of FIG. 8C to a screen as shown in FIG.

  In T525, the CPU 201 receives the original image requested in T524 from the imaging apparatus 102 via the NETI / F 209. Here, the thumbnail image has a lower resolution and a smaller data size than the original image. Therefore, when displaying the “image list in the camera”, it is possible to receive the thumbnail image from the imaging device 102 and promptly display it on the display device 211. Then, when an original image having a data size larger than that of the thumbnail image is captured from the imaging apparatus 102, only the original image selected by the user in a format supported by Read-app is received. As a result, it is possible to prevent useless data that is not processed by Read-app from being received, and to reduce the communication load.

  When the reception of the original image is completed, in T526, the CPU 201 performs an original image storage process using Write-app. That is, the CPU 201 saves the original image file received in T525 in the HDD 204 or the like, and assigns an image ID to the newly saved original image in T527. The image ID will be described as a code associated with the file path of the original image storage destination. The image ID may be a save destination file path.

  The process from the request for the original image at T524 to the reception process of the original image at T525, the storage process of the original image at T526, and the issue of the image ID for the original image at T527 is the thumbnail selected by the user. Repeated for the number of images. While performing this series of image saving processing, the CPU 201 displays a saving progress screen shown in FIG.

  The above is the image storage phase. In the present embodiment, the case where a predetermined mark such as a slanted line is displayed in the vicinity of the thumbnail image has been described with respect to the original image in the non-compatible format in T522, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, on the thumbnail list screen in the selection mode, the thumbnail image corresponding to the original image in the non-compatible format may be hidden. Or, conversely, a mark may be displayed in the vicinity of the thumbnail image of the original image in a format supported by Read-app.

  Next, the cooperation end phase from T528 to T531 will be described.

  As described in T524 to T527, when the storage processing of all original images corresponding to the thumbnail image selected by the user is completed, the CPU 201 displays a storage completion screen illustrated in FIG. . When it is detected that the user presses the close button 809, the CPU 201 returns to the display of the image list screen in the camera of FIG. 8B without executing the image ID list generation process described later. As a result, sharing of the original image captured this time with Read-app can be stopped.

  On the other hand, when detecting that the user has pressed the button 810 for returning to Read-app on the save completion screen shown in FIG. 8F, the CPU 201 starts the process of T528. In T528, the CPU 201 performs image ID list generation processing. Specifically, first, in Write-app, an image ID list in which the image ID of the original image stored in T527 is associated with the storage destination is generated, read from the OS, and stored in the HDD 204. Thereby, Read-app can acquire an image ID list from the OS at T531 described later, and an original image can be acquired according to the image ID list and used for Read-app processing.

  In T529, the CPU 201 transmits a Read-app activation request by Write-app to the OS. Further, the CPU 201 causes the write-app to cancel the cooperation mode at this timing, and switches to the normal mode to operate. Specifically, the CPU 201 releases the restriction on the functions that can be used, updates the function restricted in FIG. 8A to a selectable display, and returns to the normal mode state.

  Subsequently, in T530, the CPU 201 makes a startup request to the read-app from the OS to start the read-app. In the example shown in FIG. 5, Read-app is still running in the background after the processing of T507. Therefore, in the processing of T530, the CPU 201 switches the read-app to the operation in the foreground. . Note that after performing the process of T507, the CPU 201 may temporarily stop the start of Read-app and restart the Read-app in response to the start request of T530.

  In T531, the CPU 201 receives the image ID list generated by Write-app in T528 through Read-app through the OS.

  The CPU 201 acquires the original image from the HDD 204 based on the image ID list acquired in Read-app, and displays the original image in addition to the Read-app list display screen. For example, when “Add photo from Write-app” is selected on the screen shown in FIG. 7B and linked with Write-app, the image is displayed as a new image in the image list display area 701 by Write-app. An original image acquired from the device 102 is additionally displayed.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when an image in the imaging apparatus 102 is captured in Write-app linked from Read-app, an original image of a format that is not supported by Read-app is written- The saving process by app is not executed.

  For example, regarding an original image in a format not supported by Read-app, when thumbnail images corresponding to the original image in the imaging apparatus 102 are displayed in a list by Write-app, thumbnails corresponding to the original image in an unsupported format are displayed. It was made possible to display whether it was an image or not.

  Accordingly, when starting up Write-app for the purpose of performing image editing processing with Read-app and capturing the original image from the imaging apparatus 102, it is unnecessary to capture unnecessary original images that cannot be edited. Communication traffic can be avoided. Further, since it is clearly shown on the list screen of thumbnail images of Write-app that the original image is not compatible with Read-app, the user does not select an unnecessary image, and usability is improved. .

(Other embodiments)
In each of the above-described embodiments, an example in which Write-app is an application used for the communication device 101 to capture an image from the imaging apparatus 102 has been described. However, Write-app can be used for other applications as well. Can be applied. For example, an application that searches for an image from a database or an application that performs shooting processing may be applied as Write-app. In the above-described embodiment, the data to be handled is image data. However, the data is not limited to image data, and may be other data such as audio data.

  In the above-described embodiment, a smartphone has been described as an example of the communication device 101. However, the communication device 101 is not particularly limited as long as the device can install an application. For example, the communication device 101 can be similarly applied to a mobile phone, a tablet, a personal computer (PC), or the like. In addition, when Read-app and Write-app are applications that do not require a communication function, they do not necessarily have a communication function and can be widely implemented by an information processing apparatus.

  The present invention supplies a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or apparatus read and execute the program This process can be realized. It can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

Claims (9)

Request means that operates according to the first application and requests activation of the second application;
In response to the request, a receiving unit that activates the second application and operates according to the second application to execute processing for receiving data held by the external device from the external device;
Obtaining means for obtaining information indicating a data format that can be supported by the first application;
By operating according to the second application, it is possible to identify whether the first application is in a compatible format, and to display attribute information on the data held by the external device on the screen. An information processing apparatus comprising display control means for controlling.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the data is an image, and the attribute information is a thumbnail image corresponding to the image.   3. The attribute information according to claim 1, wherein the attribute information is in a format that can be supported by the second application, regardless of whether the data is in a format that can be supported by the first application. Information processing device.   The display control means controls to display a mark indicating whether the format of the data is compatible with the first application in the vicinity of the attribute information of the data. The information processing apparatus according to any one of 1 to 3.   The display control means displays, on the screen, attribute information of data whose format is compatible with the first application, and data whose format is not compatible with the first application. 5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the attribute information is controlled so as not to be displayed on the screen. 6.   6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for writing information indicating a data format that can be handled by the first application into a predetermined storage area that can be read and written by the second application. The information processing apparatus according to item 1.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a communication unit that operates in accordance with the second application and establishes communication with the external apparatus. Requesting activation of the second application by the first application;
In response to the request, starting the second application, and executing a process of receiving data held by the external device from the external device by the second application;
Obtaining information indicating a data format that can be supported by the first application;
The second application includes a step of making it possible to identify whether or not the first application is in a compatible format, and controlling to display attribute information relating to data held by the external device on a screen. An information processing method characterized by that. On the computer,
Starting in response to a start request by a first application and executing a process of receiving data held by the external device from the external device;
Obtaining information indicating a data format that can be supported by the first application;
A program that makes it possible to identify whether or not the first application is in a compatible format, and to execute a step of controlling to display attribute information related to data held by the external device on a screen.

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