JP2019195178A - Communication device, method of controlling the same, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a device capable of communicating with an external device and reducing power consumption.SOLUTION: A digital camera stores data in a storage unit and receives a first request signal from a smartphone by wireless communication compliant to a first communication method. When the first request signal is received, it is determined whether target data to be transmitted is stored in the storage unit, and if it is determined that the target data is stored in the storage unit, connection processing is performed using wireless communication compliant to the second communication method different from the first communication method, and the target data is transmitted using wireless communication compliant to the second communication method. When it is determined that the target data is not stored in the storage unit, the digital camera does not perform connection processing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication device capable of communicating with an external device, a control method thereof, and a program.

  A digital camera equipped with a wireless local area network (LAN) function has a function of transferring a captured and recorded media file such as a still image / video to a server device on the Internet using the wireless LAN function. There are many things. By using such a function as a data backup, the user can reduce the risk of loss of photographed data due to loss of a digital camera or a memory card. In addition, by combining such a function with a tethering function provided in a communication device such as a smartphone, it is possible to back up the captured media data to a server even when there is no wireless LAN network that can be connected to the Internet. .

  In Patent Document 1, a digital camera equipped with a wireless LAN function detects a wireless LAN access point (AP) and transfers an untransferred image only when there is untransferred image data. A technique for reducing power consumption is disclosed. In addition, Bluetooth Low Energy (hereinafter referred to as BLE) capable of communication with lower power consumption compared to a wireless LAN is standardized as a part of the Bluetooth 4.0 specification (Non-Patent Document 1). In recent years, smartphones that support the BLE communication function have become widespread, and there are digital cameras that communicate with smartphones using BLE.

JP 2006-1115024 A

Bluetooth SIG (https://www.bluetooth.org/apps/content/) SPECIFICATION OF THE BLUETOOTH SYSTEM (ver 4.0)

  However, in the method of Patent Document 1, when a digital camera having an image that has not been transferred to the server device scans an AP, there is a problem that power is consumed in a state where the AP is not found.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus that can communicate with an external apparatus and can reduce power consumption.

  In order to solve the above problems, an imaging device according to one embodiment of the present invention has the following configuration. In other words, the second communication device is a communication device that communicates with a first communication unit that communicates with a first communication method, with a second communication method that enables higher-speed communication than communication with the first communication method. A base station that constructs a network when the other communication device operates in the second communication method, and is a signal requesting that the other communication device communicate with the communication means by the second communication method. Control means for controlling to transmit a signal including information indicating whether to operate as a slave station connected to a base station to the other communication device via the first communication means; It is characterized by having.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it becomes possible to provide the apparatus which can communicate with an external apparatus and can reduce power consumption.

The figure which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of the communication apparatus (smart phone) in embodiment. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an imaging apparatus (digital camera) in an embodiment. The figure explaining the functional block of the communication apparatus (smart phone) in embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating functional blocks of an imaging apparatus (digital camera) in the embodiment. The figure which illustrates the system configuration in an embodiment. The figure explaining the operation | movement flow of the communication apparatus (smart phone) in embodiment. The figure explaining the operation | movement flow of the communication apparatus (smart phone) in embodiment. The figure explaining the operation | movement flow of the communication apparatus (smart phone) in embodiment. The figure explaining the operation | movement flow of the communication apparatus (smart phone) in embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an operation flow of the imaging apparatus (digital camera) in the embodiment. The figure which illustrates illustartively the communication sequence between each apparatus in embodiment. The figure explaining the operation | movement flow of the communication apparatus (smart phone) in embodiment. The figure explaining the operation | movement flow of the communication apparatus (smart phone) in embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an operation flow of the imaging apparatus (digital camera) in the embodiment. The figure which illustrates illustartively the communication sequence between each apparatus in embodiment. The figure which illustrates illustartively the communication sequence between each apparatus in embodiment. The figure which illustrates illustartively the communication sequence between each apparatus in embodiment. The figure which illustrates illustartively the communication sequence between each apparatus in embodiment. The figure which illustrates illustartively the communication sequence between each apparatus in embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a method for managing untransferred images in the embodiment. The figure regarding the data area which the imaging device (digital camera) in embodiment provides. The figure explaining the operation | movement flow of the communication apparatus (smart phone) in embodiment.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail based on preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. The configurations shown in the following embodiments are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to the illustrated configurations.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a system 500 assumed in the present embodiment described below. The smartphone 1 can communicate with the digital camera 2 by wireless communication based on the first communication method and wireless communication based on the second communication method. In the present embodiment, the smartphone 1 is connected to the digital camera 2 via a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication 590 as a first communication method and a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) communication 580 as a second communication method. Connectable. The smartphone 1 is an example of a communication device, and the digital camera 2 is an example of an imaging device. The second communication method may be any communication method that conforms to the IEEE802.11 series standard.

  The smartphone 1 receives a GPS signal 560 notified from a GPS (Global Positioning System) satellite 510. The smartphone 1 can be connected to the mobile network base station 520 via the mobile network communication 570. The digital camera 2 can be connected to the access point 530 via the wireless LAN communication 581. The BLE transmitter 540 is a communication device that transmits a specific UUID (Universal Unique Identifier) and version information using a BLE advertisement message. The smartphone 1 receives a message from the BLE transmitter 540 via the BLE communication 591. The mobile network base station 520 and the access point 530 are connected to a server 550 that exists on the Internet.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a communication device (smart phone 1) in the present embodiment. The smartphone 1 includes a host unit 10 and a BLE management unit (BLE Controller) 15. The host unit 10 includes a display unit 100, an operation unit 101, a storage unit 102, a power supply unit 103, a BLE management unit interface (I / F) 104, an imaging unit 105, a control unit 106, a ROM 107, and a RAM 108. The host unit 10 also includes a wireless LAN antenna control unit 109, a wireless LAN antenna 110, a mobile network communication antenna control unit 111, a mobile network communication antenna 112, a GPS antenna control unit 113, and a GPS antenna 114.

  The display unit 100 and the operation unit 101 display and execute an application. The storage unit 102 stores and manages various data such as wireless communication network information, data transmission / reception information, and image data. The power supply unit 103 is a battery, for example, and supplies power to the host unit 10. The BLE management unit I / F 104 is an interface connected to the BLE management unit 15. The imaging unit 105 takes a photograph or a moving image. The control unit 106 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit), for example, and controls the operation of each component of the smartphone 1. A ROM (Read Only Memory) 107 stores control instructions, that is, programs. A RAM (Random Access Memory) 108 is used for temporarily storing a work memory and data when executing a program. The wireless LAN antenna control unit 109 controls the wireless LAN antenna 110 and performs wireless LAN communication 580. The mobile network communication antenna control unit 111 controls the mobile network communication antenna 112 to perform mobile network communication 570. The GPS antenna control unit 113 controls the GPS antenna 114 and receives the GPS signal 560 from the GPS satellite 510.

  The BLE management unit 15 includes a host unit I / F 150, a power supply unit 151, a ROM 152, a RAM 153, a control unit 154, a BLE antenna control unit 155, and a BLE antenna 156. The host unit I / F 150 is an interface connected to the host unit 10. The power supply unit 151 is a battery, for example, and supplies power to the BLE management unit 15. The ROM 152 stores a control command, that is, a program. Here, the ROM 152 stores a program related to BLE communication in particular. The RAM 153 is used for temporary storage of work memory and data when executing a program. The control unit 154 is a CPU, for example, and controls the operation of each component of the BLE management unit 15. The BLE antenna control unit 155 controls the BLE antenna 156 to perform BLE communication.

  By configuring the BLE management unit 15 in the present embodiment as described above, the BLE management unit 15 can operate independently of the host unit 10. That is, the BLE management unit 15 is activated by power supply from the power supply unit 151 and can perform BLE communication 590 with an external device even when the power supply unit 103 stops power supply to the host unit 10.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the imaging apparatus (digital camera 2) in the present embodiment. Unlike the communication apparatus described with reference to FIG. 1, the imaging apparatus does not have a mobile network communication antenna control unit, a mobile network communication antenna, a GPS antenna control unit, or a GPS antenna. Since the other configuration is the same as that of the communication apparatus of FIG. 1, the description thereof is omitted here.

  Next, the function of the communication apparatus (smartphone 1) in this embodiment is demonstrated with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the communication device (smart phone 1) in the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, the function blocks shown below are implemented as functions as software programs. However, some or all of the function blocks included in the function blocks may be implemented as hardware.

  The wireless LAN communication control unit 310 controls wireless LAN communication via the wireless LAN antenna control unit 109. The BLE communication control unit 320 controls BLE communication via the BLE antenna control unit 155. The mobile network communication control unit 330 controls the mobile network communication 570 via the mobile network communication antenna control unit 111. The tethering control unit 340 performs relay processing (tethering processing) between the wireless LAN communication 580 via the wireless LAN antenna control unit 109 and the mobile network communication 570 via the mobile network communication antenna control unit 111. When starting the tethering process, the tethering control unit 340 instructs the wireless LAN communication control unit 310 to operate as a wireless LAN access point (AP). Further, when the tethering process is terminated, the tethering control unit 340 instructs the wireless LAN communication control unit 310 to stop the AP function of the wireless LAN.

  The position measurement processing unit 350 measures the current position of the smartphone 1. The position measurement processing unit 350 has a function of analyzing the GPS signal 560 acquired via the GPS antenna control unit 113 and calculating latitude / longitude information on which the smartphone 1 exists. The position measurement processing unit 350 has a function of acquiring the position where the network exists from an external server device or the like based on the wireless LAN network information acquired via the wireless LAN communication control unit 310. The position measurement processing unit 350 stores a specific UUID and information on a specific position in association with each other, and determines the position information corresponding to the UUID when the UUID is acquired via the BLE communication control unit 320. Have the ability to The position measurement processing unit 350 integrates the information acquired by these functions and continuously measures the current position of the smartphone 1.

  Although not included in the present embodiment, the position measurement processing unit 350 is used for mounting the present embodiment. It is good also as what measures the present position of smart phone 1 using functions other than the above. For example, the position measurement processing unit 350 may measure the current position using a device such as a barometer, an acceleration sensor, a communication device using visible light or a sound wave. In addition, the position measurement processing unit 350 may measure the current position by measuring the radio wave intensity of wireless LAN communication, BLE communication, or mobile phone network communication having a specific identifier. Further, the position measurement processing unit 350 may measure the current position by combining the above measurement methods.

  The imaging device information management unit 360 registers and manages information of an external imaging device with which the smartphone 1 communicates. The imaging device information management unit 360 has a function of managing an identifier of the imaging device and determining whether an imaging device having the identifier is communicable via the BLE communication control unit 320. In the present embodiment, the identifier of the imaging device managed by the imaging device information management unit 360 is a UUID. The media data browsing processing unit 370 performs processing for browsing media data stored in the storage unit 202 of the external imaging device via the wireless LAN communication control unit 310.

  In this embodiment, the wireless LAN communication control unit 310, the BLE communication control unit 320, the mobile network communication control unit 330, the tethering control unit 340, the position measurement processing unit 350, the imaging device information management unit 360, and the media data browsing processing unit 370 The function is programmed. The program is stored in the ROM 107, and the functions are implemented by the control unit 106 executing the program.

  Next, the function of the imaging device (digital camera 2) in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the imaging apparatus (digital camera 2) in the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, the function blocks shown below are implemented as functions as software programs. However, some or all of the function blocks included in the function blocks may be implemented as hardware.

  The wireless LAN communication control unit 410 controls the wireless LAN communication 580 and 581 via the wireless LAN antenna control unit 209. The BLE communication control unit 420 controls the BLE communication 590 via the BLE antenna control unit 255. The BLE communication control unit 420 controls power supply to the host unit 20 having a wireless LAN communication function. The upload processing unit 430 transmits the media file, which is the target data to be transmitted, stored in the storage unit 202 to the external device via the wireless LAN communication control unit 410. The media data management unit 440 manages media files that have been captured by the imaging unit 205 and stored in the storage unit 202. The media data management unit 440 has a function of storing whether each media file stored in the storage unit 202 has been transmitted to an external device via the upload processing unit 430. The browsing request processing unit 450 processes an image browsing request from a smartphone.

  In the present embodiment, the functions of the wireless LAN communication control unit 410, the BLE communication control unit 420, the upload processing unit 430, the media data management unit 440, and the browsing request processing unit 450 are programmed. The program is stored in the ROM 207, and those functions are implemented by the control unit 206 executing the program.

  Next, referring to the flowcharts of FIGS. 6 to 10, FIGS. 12 to 14, and FIG. 22, the smartphone 1 performs image upload control (automatic upload processing) to the server 550 of the digital camera 2 in this embodiment. An operation procedure for performing the operation will be described.

  FIG. 6 is an operation flow of processing in which the smartphone 1 instructs the digital camera 2 to perform automatic upload. First, the smartphone 1 searches for and registers the digital camera 2 as a peripheral device to be automatically uploaded, the home position used for the determination in S603 described later, and the network (S601). Details of this processing will be described later with reference to FIG. If the registration process in S601 fails (No in S602), the smartphone 1 ends the process in FIG. If the registration process of S601 is successful (Yes in S602), the smartphone 1 repeats the processes of S603 to S607 until the automatic upload process is stopped by a user operation (until Yes in S607).

  If the registration process of S601 is successful (Yes in S602), the position measurement processing unit 350 of the smartphone 1 determines whether the current position is within the range of the home position registered in S601 (S603). Details of the determination method will be described later with reference to FIG. As a result of the determination in S603, when the position measurement processing unit 350 determines that the smartphone 1 exists within the range of the home position, that is, the user who has the smartphone 1 has returned (Yes in S604), the smartphone 1 The media file upload instruction is issued to the digital camera 2 registered in (S606). Here, the position measurement processing unit 350 is executed when the current position of the smartphone 1 is determined to be outside the home when it is executed last time and is determined to be inside the home when it is executed this time in the determination process of S603 that is repeatedly executed. Assume that the user has returned home. Details of the upload instruction process in S606 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  If the position measurement processing unit 350 does not determine that the user has returned home (No in S604), the smartphone 1 determines whether the user has performed an operation for uploading the media file of the digital camera 2 using the operation unit 101. Determination is made (S605). If it is determined that the user is performing an upload operation (Yes in S605), the smartphone 1 instructs the digital camera 2 registered in S601 to upload a media file (S606). If it is determined that the user has not performed an upload operation (No in S605), the smartphone 1 does not issue a media file upload instruction to the digital camera 2, and the process returns to S603.

  When the upload instruction process in S606 is completed, the smartphone 1 determines whether or not the user has performed an operation for stopping the automatic upload process using the operation unit 101 (S607). If the user has not performed the stop operation (No in S607), the smartphone 1 repeats the processes of S603 to S607 again. If the user has performed the stop operation (Yes in S607), the smartphone 1 ends the process of FIG.

  FIG. 7 is an operation flow of search / registration processing (S601) by the smartphone 1. First, the smartphone 1 displays a screen for designating a digital camera to be subjected to automatic upload processing on the display unit 100 (S701). On this screen, a screen of a list of digital cameras paired by BLE communication managed by the imaging device information management unit 360 and a screen of a digital camera registration menu indicating that a new digital camera is to be registered are displayed. The user operates the operation unit 101 to select a digital camera displayed on the display unit 100 or a digital camera registration menu.

  When the user selects a paired camera (Yes in S702), the imaging device information management unit 360 acquires and stores the identifier information of the digital camera selected by the user via the BLE communication control unit 320 (S707). ). Although the identifier information of the digital camera in this embodiment is a UUID, other information may be used. For example, wireless LAN communication or BLE communication address information, a model name, a nickname of a device set by the user may be used.

  On the other hand, when the user selects the digital camera registration menu (NO in S702), the BLE communication control unit 320 searches for peripheral devices with which the smartphone 1 can communicate by BLE, and information on the discovered peripheral devices is displayed on the display unit 100. A list is displayed (S703). As an example, the display unit 100 displays a list of devices discovered by BLE communication scan processing. In addition, when the BLE communication control unit 320 further acquires the type and name of the discovered device and further selects peripheral devices that can be automatically uploaded, a list of the selected peripheral devices is displayed on the display unit 100. May be. The user operates the operation unit 101 to select a digital camera that is a device on which automatic upload processing is to be performed from the list of devices displayed on the display unit 100 in S703.

  The imaging device information management unit 360 attempts BLE pairing processing via the BLE communication control unit 320 for the digital camera selected by the user (S704). If the pairing process is successful (Yes in S705), the imaging device information management unit 360 acquires and stores identifier information from the digital camera selected by the user via the BLE communication control unit 320 (S707). If the pairing process has failed (NO in S705), the smartphone 1 displays an error message on the display unit 100 (S706), and ends the process of FIG. 7 assuming that the search / registration process has failed.

  When the digital camera identifier acquisition / storage process (S707) is completed, the position measurement processing unit 350 attempts to acquire the current latitude / longitude information of the smartphone 1 via the GPS antenna control unit 113 (S708 to S713). In this embodiment, the user having the smartphone 1 is at home at this time, and the current position of the smartphone 1 is assumed to be the same as the home position.

  When the position measurement processing unit 350 has activated the GPS position information acquisition function and has already acquired latitude / longitude information (Yes in S708), the imaging device information management unit 360 uses the latitude / longitude information as the home position. (S713). If the position measurement processing unit 350 has not activated the GPS position information acquisition function (NO in S708), the position measurement processing unit 350 starts the GPS function (S709), and the latitude / longitude is obtained via the GPS antenna control unit 113. An attempt is made to acquire information (S710). When the position measurement processing unit 350 succeeds in acquiring latitude / longitude information (Yes in S711), the imaging device information management unit 360 stores the acquired latitude / longitude information as home position information (S713). If the position measurement processing unit 350 fails to acquire latitude / longitude information (NO in S711), the imaging device information management unit 360 does not store the latitude / longitude information of the home (S712).

  Subsequently, the smartphone 1 displays on the display unit 100 a message for confirming to the user whether or not to use the information of the BLE transmitter in order to determine whether the smartphone 1 exists at home in the process of S603. (S714). In this embodiment, it is assumed that the BLE transmitter is installed at the user's home. The user operates the operation unit 101 to select whether to use the information of the BLE transmitter. When the user selects to use BLE transmitter information (Yes in S715), the BLE communication control unit 320 searches the BLE transmitter that the smartphone 1 can communicate by BLE, and displays the found BLE transmitter information. A list is displayed on the unit 100 (S716). When the user operates the operation unit 101 to select a BLE transmitter, the imaging device information management unit 360 stores the identifier (UUID) of the BLE transmitter (S717). When the user selects not to use the BLE transmitter information (NO in S715), the imaging device information management unit 360 does not store the BLE transmitter information (S718).

  Subsequently, the smartphone 1 displays on the display unit 100 a screen for selecting a wireless LAN network to be used when the digital camera stored in S707 uploads the media file to the server 550 (S719). On this screen, a screen of a list of wireless LAN networks searched and detected by the wireless LAN communication control unit 310 and a screen of a tethering function use menu indicating that the tethering function of the smartphone 1 is used are displayed. The user operates the operation unit 101 to select a wireless LAN network or a tethering function use menu displayed on the display unit 100.

  When the user selects the tethering function use menu (“tethering AP” in S720), the imaging device information management unit 360 stores that the tethering function of the smartphone 1 is used in the automatic upload process (S725), and FIG. The search / registration process ends successfully. When the user selects any one of the wireless LAN networks (“external AP” in S720), the wireless LAN communication control unit 310 tries to connect to the selected wireless LAN network (S721). If the connection is successful (Yes in S722), the imaging device information management unit 360 stores the setting information of the wireless LAN network as the wireless LAN network information used in the automatic upload process (S723). The setting information stored here includes SSID (Service Set Identifier), BSSID (Basic Service Set Identifier), encryption type, encryption key, authentication type, and the like.

  When the storage process of the wireless LAN network setting information is completed, the smartphone 1 successfully ends the search / registration process of FIG. If the wireless LAN communication control unit 310 fails to connect to the wireless LAN network (No in S722), the smartphone 1 displays an error message on the display unit 100 (S724) and assumes that the search / registration process has failed, as shown in FIG. End the process. At this time, the imaging device information management unit 360 discards the digital camera, latitude / longitude, and BLE transmitter information stored in the process of FIG.

  FIG. 8 is an operation flow of processing (S603) for determining whether the smartphone 1 is located in the home (whether the smartphone 1 has returned home). The imaging device information management unit 360 determines whether the BLE transmitter information is stored in S717 (S801). When the BLE transmitter information is stored (Yes in S801), the position measurement processing unit 350 determines whether the BLE signal emitted from the BLE transmitter can be received via the BLE communication control unit 320 (S802). . When the BLE signal cannot be received (No in S802), the position measurement processing unit 350 determines that the smartphone 1 is located outside the home, and ends this process. If the BLE signal can be received (Yes in S802), the imaging device information management unit 360 determines whether the home position information is registered in S713 (S803).

  If the home position information is not stored (No in S803), the position measurement processing unit 350 determines that the smartphone 1 is located in the home and ends the present process. When the home position information is stored (Yes in S803), the position measurement processing unit 350 acquires the current position (latitude / longitude) information of the smartphone 1 via the GPS antenna control unit 113 (S804). The position measurement processing unit 350 compares the acquired current position value with the home position value stored in S713. If both values match or are within a certain range (Yes in S805), the position measurement processing unit 350 determines that the smartphone 1 is located in the home and ends the present process. If the acquired current position value and the home position value registered in S713 are not within a certain range (No in S805), the position measurement processing unit 350 determines that the smartphone 1 is located outside the home and The process ends.

  When the BLE transmitter information is not stored in S717 (No in S801), the imaging device information management unit 360 determines whether the home position information is stored in S713 (S806). If the home position information is not stored (No in S806), the position measurement processing unit 350 determines that the smartphone 1 is located outside the home, and ends this process. When the home position is stored (Yes in S806), the position measurement processing unit 350 acquires information on the current position (latitude / longitude) of the smartphone 1 via the GPS antenna control unit 113 (S807). The position measurement processing unit 350 compares the acquired value of the current position with the value of the home position registered in S713, and if both values match or are within a certain range (Yes in S808), the smartphone 1 It determines with it being located in a home, and complete | finishes this process. If the acquired current position value and the home position value registered in S713 are not within a certain range (No in S808), the position measurement processing unit 350 determines that the smartphone 1 is located outside the home and End the process.

  FIG. 9 is an operation flow of processing (S606) in which the smartphone 1 notifies the digital camera 2 of a request for uploading a media file. The BLE communication control unit 320 searches for the digital camera 2 with the identifier acquired in S707 using BLE communication (S901). If the digital camera 2 cannot be found (No in S901), the smartphone 1 displays an error message on the display unit 100 (S902), and ends the upload notification process in FIG. When the digital camera 2 is discovered, that is, when a notification is received from the digital camera 2 by BLE (Yes in S901), the smartphone 1 determines whether the wireless LAN network information of the external AP is stored in S723. (S903).

  When the wireless LAN network information of the external AP is stored (Yes in S903), the wireless LAN communication control unit 310 performs a search process to detect the wireless LAN network (S904). When the wireless LAN network can be detected (Yes in S905), the BLE communication control unit 320 notifies the digital camera 2 of the setting information of the wireless LAN network and information for requesting the upload of the media file by BLE communication ( S906). Details of this processing will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  When the wireless LAN network information of the external AP is not stored (No in S903), or when the wireless LAN network cannot be detected (No in S905), the mobile network communication control unit 330 determines whether or not the mobile network communication can be used. Is determined (S907). When the mobile network communication control unit 330 determines that the mobile network communication is not available (No in S907), the smartphone 1 displays an error message on the display unit 100 (S912) and uploads in FIG. The notification process ends.

  If the mobile network communication control unit 330 determines that mobile network communication is available (Yes in S907), the smartphone 1 sends a message confirming to the user whether the automatic upload process may be performed using the tethering function. The information is displayed on the display unit 100 (S908). When the user operates the operation unit 101 and does not permit the upload using the tethering function (No in S909), the smartphone 1 ends the upload notification process of FIG. When the user operates the operation unit 101 and permits uploading using the tethering function (Yes in S909), the wireless LAN communication control unit 310 activates the AP function and generates a wireless LAN network (S910). Further, the tethering control unit 340 starts relay processing for wireless LAN communication controlled by the wireless LAN communication control unit 310 and mobile network communication controlled by the mobile network communication control unit 330. Subsequently, the BLE communication control unit 320 notifies the digital camera 2 of the setting information of the wireless LAN network generated by the wireless LAN communication control unit 310 and information for requesting upload of the media file by BLE communication (S911). Note that the wireless LAN network setting information notified in S906 and S911 includes SSID, BSSID, encryption type, encryption key, authentication type, and the like.

  When the smartphone 1 transmits a media file upload request to the digital camera 2, the BLE communication control unit 320 waits for and receives an upload result notification transmitted from the digital camera 2 through BLE communication (S913). The BLE communication control unit 320 determines whether the upload result has been received (S917). When the upload result cannot be received before the BLE communication timeout time defined in the BLE specification (No in S917), the smartphone 1 displays on the display unit 100 that there is no upload image as the upload result (S918). ). When the notification can be received (Yes in S917), the smartphone 1 displays the success or failure of the automatic upload process indicated by the notification on the display unit 100 (S914). Thereafter, when the wireless LAN communication control unit 310 has activated the tethering AP function in S915 (Yes in S915), the wireless LAN communication control unit 310 stops the tethering AP function.

  In the present embodiment, the BLE communication control unit 320 includes a client function of a GATT (Generic Artribute Profile) layer defined by the BLE specification. The BLE communication control unit 420 has a server function of the BLE GATT layer. In the present embodiment, the BLE communication control unit 420 provides two services, a Station service and an AP service. The smartphone 1 uses the Station service for a transfer request for an image that needs to be transferred as a first request. That is, the smartphone 1 transmits to the digital camera 2 a first request signal for the first request that requests that the digital camera 2 operate as a station (terminal device). In addition, the smartphone 1 uses the AP service for the image browsing processing request as the second request. That is, the smartphone 1 transmits to the digital camera 2 a second request signal for the second request that requests that the digital camera 2 operate as an AP. In the service, a plurality of data areas associated with the service are defined. Each data area can be written and read from the client. In addition, the value of the data area can be notified to the client.

  In this embodiment, Characteristics defined by the BLE specification is used as the data area. A write request from the client to the data area is transmitted using Write Request defined in the BLE specification. A data read request from the data area from the client is transmitted using a Read Request defined in the BLE specification. When notifying the client of data in the data area, use Notification defined in the BLE specification.

  FIG. 21A shows the data format (Characteristics) of the data area of the Station service in the present embodiment. The area for writing is an area writable from the smartphone 1. When the smartphone 1 makes a transfer request to the digital camera 2, the smartphone 1 writes the SSID in this area. In the present embodiment, the smartphone 1 writes the SSID in the writing area. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the BSSID, encryption type, encryption key, authentication type, and the like may be written. The smartphone 1 may write a transfer request and a parameter for connecting to a network such as an SSID in another area. The error processing flag area is used when the digital camera 2 fails to connect to the wireless LAN network or when uploading fails.

  FIG. 21B shows the data format (Characteristics) of the data area of the AP service in this embodiment. The writing area is used when the smartphone 1 requests the digital camera 2 to browse the image. The status notification area is used to notify the smartphone 1 that the wireless LAN communication control unit 410 has activated the AP function and generated a wireless LAN network. Parameters necessary for connecting to the AP activated by the wireless LAN communication control unit 410 are written in the SSID, passphrase, and encryption method areas. The smartphone 1 reads this value and connects to the digital camera 2 as the AP.

  In this embodiment, the Station service and the AP service are defined as services provided by the BLE communication control unit 420. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as a service, a function for performing an upload request and a function for performing an image browsing process may be defined.

  Next, the operation procedure of the digital camera 2 will be described. FIG. 10 shows an operation flow of processing when the digital camera 2 receives an upload request. The BLE communication control unit 420 receives a Connect Request defined in the BLE specification from the smartphone 1 via the BLE antenna control unit 255 (S1001). Next, the BLE communication control unit 420 receives a Write Request transmitted by the smartphone 1 via the BLE antenna control unit 255 (S1002). The BLE communication control unit 420 determines whether the received Write Request is a request signal for the camera to become a station (S1003). Specifically, the BLE communication control unit 420 performs this determination based on whether the write request target of the Write Request is a write area for the Station service.

  If the request is for a camera to become a station (Yes in S1003), the BLE communication control unit 420 determines whether there is a media file that needs to be transferred (S1004). In the present embodiment, the media data management unit 440 writes a flag indicating whether there is a media file that needs to be transferred to the RAM 253, and the determination is performed based on the flag. The BLE communication control unit 420 confirms a flag indicating whether there is a media file in the RAM 253, and if there is no media file that needs to be transferred (No in S1004), the BLE communication control unit 420 does not transmit Write Response (S1020). At this time, the BLE communication control unit 420 does not supply power to the host unit 20 having the wireless LAN communication function. If there is a media file that needs to be transferred (Yes in S1004), the BLE communication control unit 420 determines whether the error processing flag is cleared (that is, the error processing flag area in FIG. 21A is “W”). (S1023). The BLE communication control unit 420 does not transmit Write Response when the error processing flag is not cleared (S1020).

  When there is a media file that needs to be transferred and the error processing flag is cleared (Yes in S1023), the BLE communication control unit 420 turns on the power of the power supply unit 203 of the host unit 20 via the host unit I / F 250. Turn on (S1005). The BLE communication control unit 420 transmits Write Response to the smartphone 1 via the BLE antenna control unit 255 (S1006). The wireless LAN communication control unit 410 attempts to connect to the wireless LAN network notified from the smartphone 1 (S1007). The wireless LAN communication control unit 410 determines whether the connection to the wireless LAN network is successful (S1008). If the connection to the wireless LAN network is successful (Yes in S1008), the upload processing unit 430 directly transmits the unsent media file to the server 550 via the wireless LAN communication control unit 410 (S1009).

  When the connection to the wireless LAN network has failed (No in S1008), the BLE communication control unit 420 transmits an upload result notification indicating that the automatic upload process has failed to the smartphone 1 by BLE communication (S1021). When a connection error occurs, the BLE communication control unit 420 sets a value indicating that an error has occurred in the error processing flag area (FIG. 21A) of the Station service (S1026).

  If the upload processing unit 430 has successfully transmitted all unsent media files to the server 550 (Yes in S1011), the BLE communication control unit 420 sends an upload result notification indicating that the automatic upload processing has been successful through BLE communication. It transmits to the smart phone 1 (S1012). Finally, the BLE communication control unit 420 turns off the power supply of the power supply unit 203 of the host unit 20 via the host unit I / F 250 (S1013). That is, the BLE communication control unit 420 stops supplying power to the host unit 20 having the wireless LAN communication control unit 410. When the transmission of the media file has failed (No in S1011), the BLE communication control unit 420 transmits an upload result notification indicating that the automatic upload process has failed to the smartphone 1 by BLE communication (S1022). When an upload error occurs, the BLE communication control unit 420 sets a value indicating that an error has occurred in the error processing flag area of the Station service (S1027).

  If the request is not for the camera to become a station (No in S1003), the BLE communication control unit 420 determines whether the write request is a request for the camera to become an AP (S1014). Specifically, the BLE communication control unit 420 performs this determination based on whether the write request target of the Write Request is a write area of the AP service. When the Write Request is a request for the camera to become an AP (Yes in S1014), the BLE communication control unit 420 turns on the power supply unit 203 of the host unit 20 via the host unit I / F 250 (S1015). ). The BLE communication control unit 420 transmits Write Response via the BLE communication control unit 420 (S1016). The browsing request processing unit 450 starts an image browsing process (S1017). Details of the image browsing process will be described with reference to FIG.

  If the Write Request is not a request for the camera to become an AP (No in S1014), the BLE communication control unit 420 determines whether the Write Request is a request for clearing the value of the error processing flag area of the Station service ( S1024). When Write Request is a write request to the error processing flag area (Yes in S1024), the BLE communication control unit 420 clears the error processing flag (S1025). When the Write Request does not indicate that the error processing flag is cleared (No in S1024), the BLE communication control unit 420 ends the processing as an error (S1018). In the present embodiment, the processing is terminated as an error in S1018. However, when other services are defined, the processing of other services may be performed. In this case, the digital camera 2 receives the third request from the smartphone 1 and implements a service corresponding to the third request by a service processing unit (not shown).

  In the present embodiment, when the Station service is activated in the digital camera 2, an untransferred image is transmitted to the server 550. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other functions can be provided. In that case, a method of preparing a flag for designating a function in the data area of the Station service can be considered. In the present embodiment, when the AP service is activated in the digital camera 2, the user browses the image. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other functions can be provided. In this case, a method for preparing a flag for designating a function in the data area of the AP service can be considered.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 12, the process of S906 of FIG. FIG. 12 is an operation flow of specific processing of S906 of FIG. The BLE communication control unit 320 transmits a Connect Request via the BLE antenna control unit 155 (S1201). Next, the BLE communication control unit 320 transmits a Write Request via the BLE antenna control unit 155 (S1202). Here, a request for writing the SSID of the wireless LAN AP is transmitted to the writing area of the Station service (FIG. 21A). The BLE communication control unit 320 determines whether Write Response is returned within a predetermined time (S1203). The predetermined time is a connection timeout time defined in the BLE specification. If the Write Response is returned within the predetermined time (Yes in S1203), the smartphone 1 receives the Write Response (S1204), and terminates this process as having succeeded in this process. If the Write Response is not returned within the predetermined time (No in S1203), the smartphone 1 ends this process assuming that this process has failed.

  Next, processing as an example of S914 in FIG. 9 by the smartphone 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 22 is an operation flow of processing of the smartphone 1 when the upload result received from the camera is a connection error or an upload error in S914 of FIG. The smartphone 1 displays on the display unit 100 that a connection error or upload error has occurred, and notifies the user that an error has occurred (S2201). Next, the smartphone 1 displays a message on the display unit 100 and requests the user to reset the AP information (S2202). The user operates the operation unit 101 to reset the AP information in the smartphone 1 (S2203). When the resetting of the AP information by the user is completed, the BLE communication control unit 320 transmits a Connect Request via the BLE antenna control unit 155 (S2204). Next, the BLE communication control unit 320 transmits a Write Request via the BLE antenna control unit 155 (S2205). Here, a request for clearing the error processing flag of the Station service is transmitted.

  In S2201 and S2202, the method in which the smartphone 1 notifies the user of an error or a request is not limited to the message display on the display unit 100. For example, notification may be made by voice or vibration.

  FIG. 13 is an operation flow of image browsing request processing for the digital camera 2 by the smartphone 1. The image browsing process is, for example, a process in which the digital camera 2 transmits a media file to the smartphone 1 and the smartphone 1 browses the media file temporarily and without saving.

  The smartphone 1 starts an image browsing process in response to a user operation (S1301). The BLE communication control unit 320 transmits a Connect Request via the BLE antenna control unit 155 (S1302). Next, the BLE communication control unit 320 transmits a Write Request via the BLE antenna control unit 155 (S1303). Here, a write request is transmitted to the AP service write area (FIG. 21B). The BLE communication control unit 320 receives the notification via the BLE antenna control unit 155 (S1304). The BLE communication control unit 320 confirms the contents of the notification and confirms that the AP of the camera is activated. When the activation of the camera AP is confirmed, the BLE communication control unit 320 transmits a Read Request via the BLE antenna control unit 155 (S1305). Here, parameters such as the SSID, passphrase, and encryption method for connecting to the digital camera AP are acquired. The wireless LAN communication control unit 310 connects to the digital camera using the acquired parameters (S1306). If the connection to the digital camera 2 is successful, the smartphone 1 performs image browsing processing (S1307).

  FIG. 14 is an operation flow of processing of an image browsing request from the smartphone 1 by the digital camera 2. The wireless LAN communication control unit 410 activates the AP function and generates a wireless LAN network (S1401). Next, the BLE communication control unit 420 transmits Notification via the BLE antenna control unit 255 (S1402). The BLE communication control unit 420 receives a Read Request via the BLE antenna control unit 255 (S1403). The BLE communication control unit 420 transmits a Read Response via the BLE antenna control unit 255 (S1404). This Read Response includes the SSID, passphrase, encryption method, etc. for connecting to the AP of the digital camera. The wireless LAN communication control unit accepts a connection from the smartphone 1 (S1405). If the digital camera 2 is successfully connected to the smartphone, the digital camera 2 performs image browsing processing (S1406).

  Next, an example of a communication sequence between devices in the device configuration shown in FIG. 5 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 11 and 15 to 19.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication sequence related to search / registration processing when the user operates the operation unit 101 of the smartphone 1 to start the automatic upload processing of the digital camera 2. That is, this process corresponds to the process of FIG.

  When the user operates the operation unit 101 of the smartphone 1 and performs an operation of starting the automatic upload process of the digital camera 2 (S1101), the BLE communication control unit 320 of the smartphone 1 performs the pairing process between the digital camera 2 and the BLE. Perform (S1102). Subsequently, the BLE communication control unit 320 of the smartphone 1 acquires the identifier (UUID) of the digital camera 2 using BLE communication (S1103). Next, the position measurement processing unit 350 of the smartphone 1 activates the GPS function (S1104) and receives a GPS signal transmitted from the GPS satellite 510 (S1105). The position measurement processing unit 350 of the smartphone 1 calculates the latitude and longitude from the received GPS signal, and the imaging device information management unit 360 stores this as home position information (S1106).

  Next, the BLE communication control unit 320 of the smartphone 1 receives the BLE Advertise packet transmitted by the BLE transmitter 540 (S1107). The imaging device information management unit 360 of the smartphone 1 stores the UUID included in the message as identification information of the BLE transmitter (S1108). Next, the wireless LAN communication control unit 310 of the smartphone 1 executes a connection process between the access point 530 and the wireless LAN (S1109), and the imaging device information management unit 360 receives the wireless LAN network setting information generated by the access point 530. Store (S1110).

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication sequence when there is an image that needs to be transferred when the user returns home with the smartphone 1 and the digital camera 2 and the error processing flag is cleared. That is, the processes of FIGS. 8 and 9 correspond to the smartphone 1, and the process of FIG. 10 corresponds to the process of the digital camera 2.

  The BLE transmitter 540 is installed at the user's home and periodically transmits a BLE Advertise packet including its own UUID (S1501). When the user returns home, since the smartphone 1 enters the BLE communication area of the BLE transmitter 540, the BLE communication control unit 320 of the smartphone 1 receives the Advertise packet of the BLE transmitter 540 (S1502). The BLE communication control unit 420 of the digital camera 2 receives the BLE Advertise packet regardless of the power ON / OFF state of the host unit 20. The BLE communication control unit 320 of the smartphone 1 starts searching for a BLE Advertise packet transmitted by the digital camera 2 upon reception of S1502, and detects this in S1503.

  Next, the position measurement processing unit 350 of the smartphone 1 receives the GPS signal transmitted from the GPS satellite 510 (S1504), and calculates the latitude / longitude as information on the current position of the smartphone 1 from the received GPS signal. (S1505). Here, the smartphone 1 determines that its own device is in the home (the user has returned home) based on the stored home position information and the calculated current position information. Subsequently, when the wireless LAN communication control unit 310 of the smartphone 1 searches and detects the network of the access point 530 (S1506), the BLE communication control unit 320 transmits a Connect Request (S1507). Subsequently, the BLE communication control unit 320 transmits a Write Request (S1508). Here, the Write Request includes setting information and an upload request for the wireless LAN network managed by the access point 530.

  When the BLE communication control unit 420 of the digital camera 2 receives the write request in S1508, the BLE communication control unit 420 determines whether there is an image that needs to be transferred (S1509). Next, the BLE communication control unit 420 confirms whether the error processing flag is cleared (S1519). The BLE communication control unit 420 turns on the power supply unit 203 of the host unit 20 via the host unit I / F 250 (S1510). Thereby, the power supply of the host part 20 starts (S1511). The BLE communication control unit 420 transmits Write Response (S1512). Subsequently, the wireless LAN communication control unit 410 of the digital camera 2 connects to the wireless LAN network of the access point 530 based on the setting received in S1508 (S1513). Next, the upload processing unit 430 of the digital camera 2 performs login processing to the server 550 and media file upload processing via the wireless LAN network connected in S1513 (S1514).

  When the upload process is completed, the wireless LAN communication control unit 410 of the digital camera 2 disconnects the access point 530 from the wireless LAN network (S1515). Subsequently, the BLE communication control unit 420 of the digital camera 2 transmits the upload processing result to the smartphone 1 by BLE communication (S1516), and stops the power supply of the host unit 10 (S1517). When the BLE communication control unit 320 of the smartphone 1 receives the upload processing result (S1516) from the digital camera 2, the smartphone 1 displays the result on the display unit 100 (S1518).

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication sequence when there is no image that needs to be transferred when the user returns home with the smartphone 1 and the digital camera 2. Since S1601 to S1609 are the same as S1501 to S1509, description thereof is omitted here. In FIG. 16, since it is determined in S1609 that there is no image that needs to be transferred, the BLE communication control unit 420 does not transmit Write Response (S1610). The smartphone 1 detects a timeout waiting for Write Response, and displays on the display unit 100 that there is no image to be transferred to the server in the digital camera 2 as a result of the request for upload processing (S1611).

  FIG. 17 is a communication sequence in the case where there is an image that needs to be transferred when the user returns home with the smartphone 1 and the digital camera 2 and the error processing flag is cleared. An example different from FIG. 15 is shown. FIG. FIG. 17 illustrates an operation sequence when the home access point 530 cannot be used due to a failure or other reason.

  The processing from S1701 to S1705 is the same as S1501 to S1505 in FIG. After acquiring the latitude / longitude information, the wireless LAN communication control unit 310 of the smartphone 1 searches for the network of the access point 530, but here, the wireless LAN network of the access point 530 cannot be detected (S1706). Then, after the mobile network communication control unit 330 confirms communication with the mobile network base station 520 (S1707), the smartphone 1 displays a message on the display unit 100 to confirm to the user whether to perform automatic upload using the tethering function. It is displayed (S1708). When the user performs an operation for permitting use of the tethering function, the wireless LAN communication control unit 310 of the smartphone 1 activates the AP function to generate a wireless LAN network, and the tethering control unit 340 performs wireless LAN communication and mobile network communication. Is started (S1709).

  Next, the BLE communication control unit 320 transmits a Connect Request (S1710). Subsequently, the BLE communication control unit 320 transmits a Write Request (S1711). Here, the write request includes the setting information of the wireless LAN network generated in step S1709 and the upload request. When the BLE communication control unit 420 of the digital camera 2 receives the message of S1711, the BLE communication control unit 420 determines whether there is an image that needs to be transferred (S1712). Next, the BLE communication control unit 420 confirms whether the error processing flag is cleared (S1723). The BLE communication control unit 420 turns on the power supply of the power supply unit 203 of the host unit 20 via the host unit I / F 250 (S1713). The power supply of the host unit 20 is activated (S1714). The BLE communication control unit 420 transmits Write Response (S1715). Subsequently, the wireless LAN communication control unit 410 of the digital camera 2 connects to the wireless LAN network of the smartphone 1 with the settings received in S1711 (S1716).

  Next, the upload processing unit 430 of the digital camera 2 performs a log-in process to the server 550 and a media file upload process via the wireless LAN network connected in S1716 (S1717). When the upload process is completed, the wireless LAN communication processing unit of the digital camera 2 disconnects the connection with the wireless LAN network of the smartphone 1 (S1718). Subsequently, the BLE communication control unit 420 of the digital camera 2 transmits the upload processing result to the smartphone 1 by BLE communication (S1719), and stops the power supply of the host unit 10 (S1720). When the BLE communication control unit 320 of the smartphone 1 receives the upload processing result (S1719) from the digital camera 2, the smartphone 1 displays the result on the display unit 100 (S1721). Further, the wireless LAN communication control unit 310 of the smartphone 1 stops the AP function, and the tethering control unit 340 stops the relay process between the wireless LAN communication and the mobile network communication (S1722).

  FIG. 18 is a communication sequence in a case where there is no image that needs to be transferred when the user returns home with the smartphone 1 and the digital camera 2, and is a diagram illustrating an example different from FIG. 16. FIG. 18 illustrates an operation sequence when the home access point 530 cannot be used due to a failure or other reason.

  Since S1801 to S1811 are the same as S1701 to S1711, description thereof is omitted here. In FIG. 18, since it is determined in S1809 that there is no image that needs to be transferred, the BLE communication control unit 420 does not transmit Write Response (S1813). Then, as a result of the request for the upload process, the smartphone 1 displays that there is no image to be transferred on the digital camera 2 (S1814). Further, the wireless LAN communication control unit 310 of the smartphone 1 stops the AP function, and the tethering control unit 340 stops the relay process between the wireless LAN communication and the mobile network communication (S1815).

  FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a communication sequence when the smartphone 1 makes a request to view an image inside the digital camera 2. The BLE communication control unit 420 of the digital camera 2 periodically transmits a BLE Advertise packet regardless of the power ON / OFF state of the host unit 20 (S1901). The BLE communication control unit 320 of the smartphone 1 starts searching for the BLE Advertise packet transmitted by the digital camera 2 in response to the user's operation in S1902, and detects this in S1903. The BLE communication control unit 320 transmits a Connect Request (S1904).

  Subsequently, the BLE communication control unit 320 transmits a Write Request (S1905). Here, the image browsing process request is included in the Write Request. The BLE communication control unit 420 turns on the power source 203 of the host unit 20 via the host unit I / F 250 (S1906). As a result, the power supply of the host unit 20 is activated (S1907). The BLE communication control unit 420 transmits Write Response (S1908). The wireless LAN communication control unit 410 activates the AP function and generates a wireless LAN network (S1909). The BLE communication control unit 420 transmits a notification to notify the smartphone 1 that the AP function has been activated. The BLE communication control unit 320 transmits a Read Request to acquire the AP information of the digital camera 2 (S1911). The BLE communication control unit 420 transmits the AP information of the digital camera 2 by Read Response (S1912).

  The wireless LAN communication control unit 310 connects to the camera using the network information transmitted from the camera (S1913). In S1914 and S1915, the smartphone 1 and the digital camera 2 execute image browsing processing. When the image browsing process ends, the wireless LAN communication control unit 310 disconnects the connection with the digital camera 2 (S1916). The wireless LAN communication control unit 410 stops the AP function (S1917). The power supply unit 203 turns off the power supply (S1918).

  Next, an example of a method for managing whether there is a media file that needs to be transferred will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 20 is a table showing the necessity of transferring media data in the digital camera 2. The media data management unit 440 stores a table including a media data NO column and an upload necessity column in the storage unit 202. The media data number is stored in the media data NO column. In the transfer necessity column, information indicating whether or not the media data needs to be transferred is stored.

  FIG. 20A shows a state in which media data information from media data NO “0001” to “0006” is stored. Here, since the media data from data NO “0001” to “0003” does not need to be transferred, the transfer necessity column is “unnecessary”. On the other hand, since it is necessary to transfer the media data from media data NO “0003” to “0006”, the transfer necessity column is “necessary”. The media data management unit 440 updates the table of FIG. 20 at the timing when the media data imaged by the imaging unit 205 is stored in the storage unit 202.

  In FIG. 20B, media data NO “0007” imaged by the imaging unit 205 is added. The media data NO “0007” requires a transfer necessity column. When the control unit 206 receives the transfer request from the smartphone 1 and succeeds in the transfer (S1012 in FIG. 10), the control unit 206 sets the transfer necessity column to “unnecessary”.

  FIG. 20C shows an example of the transfer necessity column when all media data has been successfully transferred. If the upload fails during the upload (S1022 in FIG. 10), the transfer necessity column for the media data that failed to upload is not updated. Note that the method by which the media data management unit 440 updates the transfer necessity column is not limited to this. For example, the user may update the transfer necessity column by designating media data to be transferred (transfer required) or media data not to be transferred (transfer unnecessary) via the operation unit 201.

  When there is media data that needs to be transferred, the control unit 206 can set a flag indicating that there is data that needs to be transferred to the RAM 253 via the BLE control unit interface 204. As a result, the BLE communication control unit 420 can determine whether there is a media file that needs to be transferred only by checking the RAM 253 even when the power state of the host unit 20 is OFF. In addition, when there is no media file that needs to be transferred, the BLE control unit 25 can perform processing without changing the host unit 20 from the power-off state. When there is a media file that needs to be transferred, the power of the power supply unit 203 is changed to the ON state via the host I / F 250 so that the media file can be transferred. In this embodiment, whether or not there is an untransferred image is managed using a table, but the present invention is not limited to this method.

  In this embodiment, the imaging device is defined by the BLE specification as to whether or not to execute processing for a handover request from an external device, i.e., a request for taking over a high-speed communication different from the connected communication. Although it was determined in the GATT layer, it is not limited to this. For example, even if a white list defined in the BLE specification is used, it is possible to determine whether or not processing for a handover request from an external device is executed. If the white list is used, the imaging apparatus can ignore Connect Requests from devices other than those included in the white list only by the BLE processing unit. When performing processing using the white list, if there is a media file that needs to be transferred, the imaging device registers the external device in the white list. On the other hand, when there is no media file that needs to be transferred, the imaging device does not register the external device in the white list. In addition, when there is no longer a media file necessary for transfer, the imaging device deletes the external device from the white list.

  When such processing is performed, if there is no media file that needs to be transferred, the imaging device ignores Connect Request because the external device is not registered in the white list. As a result, the imaging apparatus can be controlled not to execute processing based on the handover request. Further, when there is a media file that needs to be transferred, the imaging device accepts a Connect Request because the external device is registered in the white list. As a result, the imaging apparatus can be controlled to execute processing based on the handover request. As described above, the imaging apparatus can determine whether or not the process for the handover request from the external apparatus is executed only by the BLE processing unit even when the whitelist defined in the BLE specification is used.

  The above is an example of a typical embodiment of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment shown in the specification and the drawings, and can be modified and implemented within the scope not changing the gist thereof. .

  As described above, according to these embodiments, when a digital camera receives a transfer request from a smartphone, the digital camera executes a transfer process if there is an untransferred media file on the server, and the untransferred media When there is no file, it is possible not to execute the transfer process. In addition, in a configuration in which the board that performs BLE communication is independent of the main board that performs other processing, it is possible to not execute transfer processing when there is no untransferred media file with only the board that performs BLE communication. . As a result, processing can be performed while the main board is powered off, and power consumption can be reduced.

  Furthermore, when the digital camera provides a plurality of services other than the transfer request, it is possible not to execute the transfer process when there is no untransferred media file without affecting the execution of other services. Furthermore, if connection to the AP fails or transfer execution fails, an error notification is sent to the smartphone and the transfer request is not accepted until the smartphone resets the AP information. Is possible. As a result, the probability of AP connection or transfer failure is reduced, and power consumption can be further reduced.

  In the above-described embodiment, the processing for uploading or browsing a media file stored in the imaging apparatus (digital camera 2) has been described. However, the imaging apparatus has a communication function but does not have an imaging function. The embodiment described above can also be applied to a communication device.

[Other Embodiments]
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.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Communication apparatus (smart phone), 2 Imaging device (digital camera) 201 Host part of 251, BLE management part of 252, Display part of 20020, Operation part of 20120, Storage part of 20220, Power supply part of 20320 204 20 BLE management unit I / F, 205 20 imaging unit, 206 20 control unit, 207 20 ROM, 208 20 RAM, 209 20 wireless LAN antenna control unit, 210 20 wireless LAN antenna, 250 25 host unit I / F, 251 25 power supply unit, 252 25 ROM, 253 25 RAM, 254 25 control unit, 255 25 BLE antenna control unit, 256 25 BLE antenna, 400 2 functional block, 410 2 Wireless LAN communication control unit 420 2 BLE communication control unit 430 2 Upload processing unit 440 2 Media data management unit 440 2 Browsing request processing unit

Claims (12)

A communication device,
First communication means for communicating with the first communication method;
Second communication means for communicating by a second communication method capable of performing higher-speed communication than communication by the first communication method;
Is a signal requesting that another communication device communicate with the second communication method, and whether the other communication device operates as a base station for constructing a network when operating in the second communication method Control means for controlling to transmit a signal including information indicating whether to operate as a slave station connected to the base station to the other communication device via the first communication means;
A communication apparatus comprising: The first communication means performs communication conforming to the Bluetooth low energy standard,
The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second communication unit performs communication conforming to the IEEE802.11 series standard.   The control means includes information indicating that the other communication apparatus operates as a base station in the signal according to a process related to an image requested from the other communication apparatus, or the other communication apparatus is a slave station. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein information indicating that the operation is performed is switched.   When the signal includes information indicating that the other communication device operates as a slave station, the signal further includes SSID (Service Set Identifier) information of a network to which the other communication device is connected. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.   When the signal includes information indicating that the other communication apparatus operates as a base station, the signal further includes information on an SSID (Service Set Identifier) of a network constructed by the other communication apparatus. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. A communication device,
First communication means for communicating with the first communication method;
Second communication means for communicating by a second communication method capable of performing higher-speed communication than communication by the first communication method;
Receiving means for receiving a signal requesting communication by the second communication method from another communication device via the first communication means;
Whether the communication apparatus operates as a base station for constructing a network or operates as a slave station connected to the base station based on the signal received by the receiving means. Control means for controlling;
A communication apparatus comprising:   The communication apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the signal includes information indicating whether the communication apparatus operates as a base station or a slave station.   The signal further includes SSID (Service Set Identifier) information of a network to which the communication apparatus is connected when the signal includes information indicating that the communication apparatus operates as a slave station. The communication device according to 6 or 7. The first communication means performs communication conforming to the Bluetooth low energy standard,
9. The communication apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the second communication unit performs communication compliant with IEEE802.11 series standards. A communication device control method comprising:
A communication step of communicating with another communication device in the first communication method;
A signal requesting that the other communication device communicate with a second communication method capable of performing higher-speed communication than the communication according to the first communication method, wherein the other communication device transmits the second communication. A signal including information indicating whether to operate as a base station that constructs a network or to operate as a slave station connected to the base station when operating in the system is transmitted to the other communication apparatus by communication in the first communication system. A sending process to send to,
A control method characterized by comprising: A communication device,
A communication step of communicating with another communication device in the first communication method;
A receiving step of receiving a signal requesting communication using a second communication method capable of performing communication at a higher speed than communication using the first communication method from the other communication device using communication using the first communication method. When,
Whether the communication device operates as a base station for constructing a network or operates as a slave station connected to the base station when the communication device operates in the second communication method based on the signal received in the reception step A control process for controlling
A control method characterized by comprising:   The program for operating a computer as each means of any one of Claim 1 to 9.

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