JP2022121604A - Communication device and method for controlling the same, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To achieve a technique that allows quick selection and preferential transfer of an image intended to be transferred with a simple operation.

SOLUTION: A communication device has: communication means that can communicate with an external device; imaging means; display means that displays an image; operation means that receives a user operation; and control means that controls a setting function to automatically set an image obtained through imaging performed by the imaging means to a transfer target image to be transferred to the external device. When a predetermined operation is performed on an operation unit while an image set to be the transfer target image is displayed which is obtained through the imaging performed by the imaging means with the setting function turned on, the control means sets the image being displayed as a preferential transfer target that is transferred preferentially over the transfer target image.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

COPYRIGHT: (C)2022,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to image transfer technology between devices.

2. Description of the Related Art With the recent improvement in data transfer speed via networks, imaging devices such as cameras can transfer captured images to external devices such as server computers via networks. With such an image transfer function, the user of the imaging device can designate an image to be transferred as a transfer target. Images designated as transfer targets are sequentially transferred from the imaging device to the external device. It is desirable that the operation of designating such an image to be transferred is simple and involves a small number of steps for the user, such as pressing a plurality of buttons. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-200002 discloses a technique for controlling whether to automatically transfer an image captured by a camera or to transfer the image according to a user instruction.

JP 2010-74239 A

By the way, when the images designated as transfer targets are sequentially transferred as described above, images that are later in the transfer order or images that are not designated as transfer targets can be interrupted in the previous order and transferred preferentially. It is convenient to have the means.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to realize a technology that enables a user to quickly select an image to be transferred with a simple operation and to transfer the selected image preferentially.

In order to solve the above problems and achieve the object, the communication device of the present invention includes communication means capable of communicating with an external device, imaging means, display means for displaying an image, operation means for accepting user operation, and a control means for controlling a setting function of automatically setting an image obtained by imaging by the imaging means as a transfer target image to be transferred to the external device, wherein the control means performs the setting function. When a predetermined operation is performed on the operation unit while an image set as an image to be transferred, which is set as an image to be transferred and which is obtained by capturing an image by the image capturing means in the ON state, the image being displayed is displayed as the image. The image is set as a priority transfer target to be transferred with priority over the transfer target image.

According to the present invention, an image to be transferred can be quickly selected with a simple operation and preferentially transferred.

1A and 1B are a functional block diagram and a rear view of an imaging device according to the present embodiment; FIG. FIG. 2 is a system configuration diagram of the embodiment; 4A and 4B are diagrams for explaining image transfer processing according to the present embodiment; FIG. FIG. 10 is a view exemplifying a transfer management list used for image transfer processing according to the embodiment; 4A and 4B are views showing display examples when priority transfer processing is performed during image reproduction according to the first embodiment; FIG. 8A and 8B are diagrams showing display examples when priority transfer processing is performed during image capturing according to the first embodiment; FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a display example when priority transfer processing is performed during quick review according to the first embodiment; FIG. 8 is a view showing a display example different from FIG. 7; 6 is a flowchart showing priority transfer processing during image reproduction according to the first embodiment; 5 is a flowchart showing priority transfer processing during image shooting and quick review according to the first embodiment; 10 is a flowchart showing priority transfer processing during continuous shooting according to the second embodiment; 10 is a flowchart showing priority transfer processing during image reproduction according to the second embodiment; FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing preferential transfer processing according to the modification of FIG. 11; FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a method of setting the transfer order in preferential transfer processing; 11 is a flowchart showing priority transfer processing during image reproduction according to the third embodiment;

EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Below, the form for implementing this invention is demonstrated in detail. The embodiment described below is an example for realizing the present invention, and should be appropriately modified or changed according to the configuration of the apparatus to which the present invention is applied and various conditions. It is not limited to the embodiment of Also, a part of each embodiment described later may be appropriately combined.

In this embodiment, a system will be described in which an imaging device such as a digital camera or a communication device having a camera function transfers content such as an image to an external device such as a server computer (PC) via a communication network. Note that the imaging device of this embodiment is not limited to a digital camera, and may be, for example, a tablet device, a media player, a monitoring camera, a medical device, or the like. Communication devices having a camera function are assumed to be, for example, a smart phone, which is a type of mobile phone, a digital camera with a communication function, a tablet device, and the like. Also, the external device of this embodiment is not limited to the server computer, and may be, for example, a smart phone, which is a type of mobile phone, a digital camera with a communication function, a tablet device, a personal computer (PC), or the like.

<Apparatus Configuration> An overview of the configuration and functions of an imaging apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 1, (a) is a functional block diagram of the imaging device 100 of this embodiment, and (b) is a rear view.

In FIG. 1A, a control unit 101 is an arithmetic processing unit (CPU) that controls the entire imaging apparatus 100, and executes a program stored in a nonvolatile memory 106, which will be described later. It implements each process of a flowchart to be described later. Note that instead of the control unit 101 controlling the entire apparatus, a plurality of pieces of hardware may share processing to control the entire apparatus.

The optical system 102 includes a lens group including a zoom lens and a focus lens, and a shutter having a diaphragm function. The imaging unit 103 is an image sensor including a CCD, CMOS, or the like that converts an object image into an electric signal. The A/D converter 104 converts the analog image signal output from the imaging unit 103 into a digital signal.

The image processing unit 105 performs resizing processing such as pixel interpolation and reduction, and color conversion processing on image data such as moving images and still images captured by the imaging unit 103 . Further, the image processing unit 105 compresses and encodes still image data processed as described above using JPEG or the like, and compresses moving image data into MPEG2 or H.264. 264 or the like to generate an image file and record it on the recording medium 111 . In addition, the image processing unit 105 performs predetermined arithmetic processing using captured image data, and the control unit 101 controls the focus lens, aperture, and shutter of the optical system 102 based on the obtained arithmetic results. AF (autofocus) processing and AE (automatic exposure) processing are performed. Furthermore, the image processing unit 105 also generates a live view image for checking the composition and focus at the time of shooting.

The nonvolatile memory 106 is an electrically erasable/recordable memory, and for example, an EEPROM or the like is used. Constants for the operation of the control unit 101, programs, and the like are recorded in the nonvolatile memory 106. FIG. The program here is a program for executing various flowcharts described later in this embodiment.

The work memory 107 is used as a work area for developing constants and variables for operation of the control unit 101, programs read from the nonvolatile memory 106, and the like. The working memory 107 is used as a buffer memory for temporarily holding image data captured by the imaging unit 103 and as an image display memory for the display unit 109 .

The operation unit 108 is operation means such as various switches, buttons, and a touch panel for receiving user operations, and includes operation members 112 to 118 shown in FIG. 1B, for example. The configuration of each operation member 112-118 will be described later. The control unit 101 controls communication with an external device, image capturing, display, reproduction, etc., based on instructions from the operation unit 108 according to user operations. Further, the control unit 101 executes transfer processing of a reproduced image and a photographed image, which will be described later. The control unit 101 also controls the transfer management list used in the transfer processing of this embodiment.

A display unit 109 displays a live view image in preparation for photographing, displays a photographed image, displays characters for interactive operation, and the like. The display unit 109 is, for example, a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The display unit 109 may be integrated with the imaging device 100 or may be an external device connected to the imaging device 100 .

On the recording medium 111, an image file encoded by the image processing unit 105 is recorded, or an already recorded image file is read by the control unit 101. FIG. The recording medium 111 may be a memory card or hard disk drive attached to the imaging device 100 , or may be a flash memory or hard disk drive built into the imaging device 100 .

The communication unit 110 is an interface for communicably connecting with an external device 200 such as a smartphone or a PC, which will be described later with reference to FIG. The imaging device 100 of this embodiment can exchange data with the external device 200 via the communication unit 110 . For example, the control unit 101 can transmit image data generated by the imaging unit 103 to the external device 200 via the communication unit 110 . In this embodiment, the communication unit 110 includes an interface for communicating with an external device by so-called wireless LAN or WiMAX, which conforms to the IEEE802.11 standard. The control unit 101 realizes wireless communication with the external device 200 by controlling the communication unit 110 . Note that the communication method is not limited to the wireless LAN, and Bluetooth (registered trademark), for example, can be used. Alternatively, wired communication such as Ethernet (registered trademark) or USB (Universal Serial Bus) may be used.

Here, the configuration of the operation unit 108 of the imaging apparatus 100 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1(b).

The operation unit 108 includes push-button operation members such as an OK button 112, a set button 113, a playback button 114, a multi-controller 115, a shooting button 116, a rating button 117, and an enlargement button 118. Also, these operation members 112 to 118 may be in the form of touch buttons provided on a touch panel integrated with the display unit 109 .

The OK button 112 is an operation member for sending to the control unit 101 an instruction for confirming an item or setting selected by the user on a menu screen or the like. The OK button 112 is used, for example, to allow the user to determine in advance whether or not settings that require final confirmation by the user, such as images to be deleted or images to be transferred.

A set button 113 is an operation member for sending an instruction for determining an item selected by the user on a menu screen or the like to the control unit 101 . Like the OK button 112, the set button 113 is used for user selection, but is used for more general selection operations such as when the user selects items or images on a menu screen or the like.

The playback button 114 is an operation member for sending an image playback instruction (instruction to shift to playback mode) to the control unit 101 . In response to pressing of the playback button 114, the control unit 101 reads the image data recorded in the recording medium 111, temporarily stores it in the working memory 107, and performs playback processing to display it on the display unit 109. It can be carried out.

The multi-controller 115 is an operation member that includes up, down, left, and right cross keys, and sends an instruction for the user to select an item or an image on a menu screen or the like to the control unit 101 . The user can press the up, down, left, and right keys of the multi-controller 115 to move the cursor to a desired position, and press the set button 113 to select a desired item or image.

A shooting button 116 is an operation member such as a shutter release button or a recording start button for the user to send an instruction to start shooting to the control unit 101 . In response to pressing of the shooting button 116, the control unit 101 performs a series of operations such as shooting an image, displaying a quick review of the image immediately after shooting, and writing the image to the recording medium 111 according to the program stored in the nonvolatile memory 106. start the shooting process.

A rating button 117 is an operation member for sending an instruction to give a rating to an image being reproduced to the control unit 101 . The control unit 101 assigns a rating to the image being reproduced in response to pressing of the rating button 117 during image reproduction.

The enlargement button 118 is an operation member for sending an instruction to enlarge and display the image being reproduced to the control unit 101 . The control unit 101 enlarges the image being reproduced in response to pressing of the enlargement button 118 during image reproduction.

Next, the system configuration of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 2, the system of the present embodiment is connected to an external device 200 as an image transfer destination, such as a smartphone or a server computer (PC), via a network 201 in which the imaging device 100 described above performs wireless or wired communication. transferred. Although illustration is omitted, the external device 200 includes a control unit, a working memory, a nonvolatile memory, an image processing unit, a communication unit, a display unit, an operation unit, a recording medium, and the like, similarly to the imaging device 100 . The communication method of the network 201 is not particularly limited as long as data such as images can be transferred between devices. In the present embodiment, as a use case of transferring an image from the imaging device 100 to the external device 200, data based on FTP (File Transfer Protocol), which is one of the technologies used in reporting operations of television stations and newspaper companies. Assuming communication. With FTP, it is possible to use a function of automatically transferring images captured by the imaging device 100 and a function of starting image transfer by performing a predetermined operation during image reproduction. Especially in big events such as the Olympics, it is assumed that the photographer and the editor who processes the image may be different. In addition, since the continuous shooting function of the camera has become more sophisticated, a large number of images may be taken at once, but even in such situations, it is possible to quickly and easily select the images you want to transfer It is important to be able to transfer

<Image Transfer Processing> Next, referring to FIG. 3, image transfer processing by the imaging apparatus 100 of this embodiment will be described.

FIG. 3A illustrates the display state of the display unit 109 during image reproduction. In response to pressing of the playback button 114, the control unit 101 reads the image data recorded in the recording medium 111 and displays it on the display unit 109. Display image-related information. Further, in the present embodiment, when it is determined that two specific buttons of the operation unit 108 have been simultaneously pressed during image reproduction, the control unit 101 changes the currently reproduced image to the image to be transferred. Control as specified. Various configurations are conceivable as to which buttons the two buttons are assigned to, but it is desirable to assign them to a button that can be operated with the right hand and a button that can be operated with the left hand. This is because it is easy for the photographer to simultaneously press the buttons. For example, two buttons are arranged on the left end side and right end side of the rear surface of the camera body when the camera is held horizontally. In this embodiment, it is assumed that an image to be transferred is specified in response to pressing the OK button 112 and the set button 113 at the same time. Note that the rating button 117 and the enlargement button 118 may be used instead of the OK button 112 . Considering the operability of the buttons to be pressed at the same time, it is easier for the user to operate the buttons if they are arranged at the left and right ends of the back of the camera body when the camera is held horizontally.

FIG. 3B illustrates a state in which a first indicator 301 is displayed on the display unit 109 so as to indicate that the image is a transfer target image by being superimposed on the reproduced image. By displaying the first indicator 301 indicating that the reproduced image is to be transferred in this way, it is possible to clearly indicate to the user that the reproduced image is to be transferred. Then, when the transfer target image exists as described above and the connection with the transfer destination external device is established by the communication unit 110, the control unit 101 controls to automatically transfer the transfer target image. do.

FIG. 3(c) illustrates a state in which an image to be transferred is being transferred. While the image is being transferred, the display unit 109 displays a second index 302 indicated by a dotted line, which indicates that the reproduced image is being transferred. In the illustrated example, the first indicator 301 and the second indicator 302 have different icon display forms, but the icons may have the same display form and different colors. Alternatively, the icon may blink. It is only necessary to clearly indicate to the user that the image selected as the image to be transferred has changed from the state of waiting for transfer to the state of being transferred. FIG. 3D illustrates the state after the transfer of the image to be transferred is completed. After the image transfer is completed, the display unit 109 displays a third indicator 303 indicating that the image transfer is completed. As with the second indicator 302 during image transfer shown in FIG. 3C, the third indicator 303 may be displayed by changing the icon display form, color, or the like. Note that when the OK button 112 and the SET button 113 are pressed at the same time while the image to be transferred is being reproduced as shown in FIG. 3B, the control unit 101 cancels the designation of the image to be transferred. In this embodiment, pressing the OK button 112 and the set button 113 at the same time functions as a toggle button that switches whether to designate the transfer target image.

<Transfer Management List> Next, a transfer management list for managing images to be transferred will be described with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 4, 400 is an image of an image file recorded on the recording medium 111 . In the following description, it is assumed that there are three file names, IMG_0001, IMG_0002, and IMG_0003, as the image-related information of the image file 400 recorded on the recording medium 111, and each state shown in FIGS. Corresponding explanation will be given. The image IMG_0001 is displayed on the display unit 109 in the state of FIG. In this state, when the control unit 101 detects that the OK button 112 and the set button 113 have been pressed simultaneously, it adds the file name (IMG_0001) as the image-related information of the image to be transferred to the transfer management list 401, and Set the transfer status, which indicates the transfer status of , to "waiting for transfer". Then, as shown in FIG. 3B, the display unit 109 displays a first index 301 indicating that the image is an image to be transferred. After that, when the image is transferred as shown in FIG. 3C, the control unit 101 updates the transfer status of the transfer target image (IMG_0001) in the transfer management list 402 to "transferring". After that, when the image transfer is completed as shown in FIG. 3D, the control unit 101 updates the transfer status of the transfer target image (IMG_0001) in the transfer management list 403 to "transfer completed". Here, the control of the transfer management list when one image file is selected as a transfer target and the image is waiting for transfer, being transferred, or transferred has been described. It is also possible to add to the transfer management list. In this case, the images to be transferred are sequentially added as in the transfer management lift 404 in response to simultaneous pressing of the OK button 112 and the set button 113 each time the reproduced image is switched. The transfer status is updated each time the transfer target image changes from waiting for transfer to being transferred to completion of transfer. The transfer management list is recorded in the non-volatile memory 106 and the recording medium 111, and developed in the working memory 107 when the control unit 101 uses it.

The transfer statuses of images to be transferred include "waiting for transfer", "transferring", and "transfer completed". ”, and “Priority transfer in progress”.

In the above description, processing for transferring reproduced images has been described, but processing for automatically transferring photographed images will also be described. The imaging apparatus 100 of the present embodiment allows the user to select in advance whether or not to transfer the photographed image on a menu screen or the like, and if the photographed image is set to be automatically transferred, the photographed image is transferred. It has a function to automatically transfer to the destination. Even in such a case, by adding the captured images to the transfer management list in the order in which they were captured, as with the playback images, automatic transfer at the time of capturing is realized.

In the transfer processing of the reproduced images and captured images described above, the images to be transferred are transferred in the order registered in the transfer management list. It is convenient if it is possible to interrupt in the order of and transfer preferentially. Such a function is particularly useful in use cases that require images to be transferred as quickly as possible. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a technology is realized in which an image to be transferred can be quickly selected and transferred with a simple operation without impairing the original operability with the existing camera button layout.

The preferential transfer processing of this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 5 to 8. FIG.

<Priority transfer processing during image playback>
FIG. 5 shows a display example when priority transfer is performed during image reproduction. Designation of images to be transferred during playback in FIG. 5(a) and during playback in FIG. 5(b) is as described with reference to FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b). As shown in FIG. 5B, when the OK button 112 and the SET button 113 are simultaneously pressed continuously for a predetermined time or longer while the transfer target image 500 is being reproduced, the control unit 101 changes the transfer target image being reproduced. 500 is set as a priority transfer target.

FIG. 5(c) illustrates a state in which the transfer target image 500 is set as a priority transfer target by simultaneously pressing the OK button 112 and the set button 113 for a long time in the state of FIG. 5(b). In the state of FIG. 5C, the image-related information (file name) of the transfer target image 500 is moved to the head of the transfer management list, and the transfer status is updated to "waiting for priority transfer". Then, a fourth indicator 502 is displayed on the display unit 109 superimposed on the transfer target image 500 to indicate that the image is set as a target of preferential transfer. The fourth indicator 502 is displayed in a form and color different from those of the icon of the first indicator 501 so as to be distinguishable from the first indicator 501, and clearly indicates to the user that it is a target of preferential transfer. In the illustrated example, the first indicator 501 and the fourth indicator 502 have different icon display forms, but the icon display forms may be the same and the colors and the like may be changed. It is sufficient to clearly indicate to the user that the image to be transferred has been changed to the one to be preferentially transferred.

FIG. 5(d) illustrates a state in which an image to be preferentially transferred is being transferred. In the state of FIG. 5D, the transfer status of the transfer target image 500 is updated to "transferring with priority", and the display unit 109 displays the fifth indicator 503 indicating that the priority transfer target image is being transferred. be done. In the illustrated example, the fourth indicator 502 and the fifth indicator 503 have different icon display forms, but the icons may have the same display form and different colors. It is only necessary to clearly indicate to the user that the image to be preferentially transferred has changed from being selected to being being transferred.

FIG. 5(e) illustrates the state after the transfer of the priority transfer target image is completed. In the state of FIG. 5E, the transfer status of the transfer target image 500 is updated to "priority transfer completed", and the display unit 109 displays the sixth indicator 504 indicating that the transfer of the image has been completed. It should be noted that although it is not necessary to distinguish the transferred image from a normal icon, a display different from the normal one may be used to clearly indicate to the user that the priority transfer has been completed. As with the fifth indicator 503 during image transfer shown in FIG. 5D, the sixth indicator 504 may be displayed by changing the display form or color of the icon. When the OK button 112 and the SET button 113 are simultaneously pressed while the image is set as the priority transfer target image as shown in FIG. 5C, the control unit 101 cancels the priority transfer setting.

Here, a method for setting images to be preferentially transferred, which is different from that shown in FIG. 5, will be described. After the image to be transferred is designated as shown in FIG. 5B and the first indicator 501 is displayed on the display unit 109, the OK button 112 and the set button 113 are once released, and within a predetermined time, the OK button 112 or By pressing the set button 113, the transfer target image 500 can be set as a priority transfer target. Note that, in this setting method, after an image to be transferred is specified by simultaneously pressing the OK button 112 and the set button 113, an image to be preferentially transferred is set by pressing any button again within a predetermined time. . Here, in addition to the time constraint of within a predetermined time, for example, the condition may be a period of time from when the display unit 109 is turned off to when the imaging standby state is entered. Alternatively, it may be a period until the next image is reproduced.

<Priority transfer when shooting images>
FIG. 6 shows an example of a display when a priority transfer target is set at the time of image capturing. FIG. 6A illustrates a shooting standby state in which live view images are sequentially displayed on the display unit 109 . When the shooting button 116 is pressed in this shooting standby state, normal shooting processing is started. Here, a use case is assumed in which an image to be shot from now on is preferentially transferred over an existing image to be transferred. Therefore, in the present embodiment, in consideration of such a use case, when the shooting button 116 is pressed while the OK button 112 is pressed in the shooting standby state of FIG. One or more images can be set as priority transfer targets. In this case, as in the present embodiment, operability is better if the OK button 112 is arranged at a position where it can be operated with the left hand as opposed to the shooting button 116 operated with the right hand.

FIG. 6(b) illustrates a quick review state for confirming an image immediately after shooting. Since the captured image 600 in FIG. 6B is an image captured with the OK button 112 pressed, it is already set as a priority transfer target at the time of quick review. Therefore, the display unit 109 displays a fourth index 601 superimposed on the captured image 600 to indicate that the image is an image to be preferentially transferred. FIG. 6(c) shows the state when returning to the shooting standby state after the quick review. FIG. 6C shows a state of preparation for the next photographing, in which the control unit 101 continues to transfer photographed images in the background in cooperation with the communication unit 110 .

<Priority transfer during quick review>
FIG. 7 shows a display example when an image to be preferentially transferred is set at the time of quick review. FIG. 7(a) shows a shooting standby state in which live view images are sequentially displayed on the display unit 109, as in FIG. 6(a).

FIG. 7B illustrates a quick review state immediately after the shooting button 116 is pressed from the state of FIG. 7A and shooting processing is performed. Here, a use case is assumed in which, when a photographed image is checked by quick review, the checked image is preferentially transferred over existing transfer target images. Therefore, in the present embodiment, in consideration of such a use case, by simultaneously pressing the OK button 112 and the set button 113 during the quick review of FIG. Can be set as a priority transfer target.

FIG. 7(c) shows a state in which an image under quick review is set as an image to be preferentially transferred. The display unit 109 displays a fourth indicator 701 indicating that the captured image 700 being quick reviewed is set as a priority transfer target. FIG. 7(d), like FIG. 6(c), exemplifies the state when the camera returns to the shooting standby state after the quick review, in which images are being transferred in the background.

FIG. 8 shows a display example of a preferential transfer target image different from that shown in FIG. FIG. 8(a) shows a photographing standby state like FIG. 7(a). When the OK button 112 and the set button 113 are pressed simultaneously in the shooting standby state shown in FIG. It is displayed superimposed on the image 810 . By pressing the shooting button 116 while pressing the OK button 112 from the state shown in FIG.

FIG. 8(c), like FIG. 7(b), illustrates a quick review state for checking an image immediately after shooting. A photographed image 800 in FIG. 8C has already been set as a priority transfer target at the time of quick review, and a fourth index 801 indicating that it is a priority transfer target image is displayed on the display unit 109 . FIG. 8(d) shows the state when returning to the shooting standby state after the quick review. FIG. 8D shows a state of preparation for the next photographing, in which the control unit 101 continues to transfer photographed images in the background in cooperation with the communication unit 110 . Note that the fourth index 801 is deleted in FIG. 8D because the imaging process has been completed.

<Priority Transfer Processing During Image Reproduction> Next, setting and transfer processing of priority transfer target images during image reproduction by the imaging apparatus 100 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the processing in FIG. 9 is realized by developing a control program read from the nonvolatile memory 106 by the control unit 101 of the imaging apparatus 100 into the working memory 107 and executing the program. The same applies to FIGS. 10, 11, 12, 13, and 15, which will be described later.

At S<b>900 , the control unit 101 acquires a transfer management list from the nonvolatile memory 106 or recording medium 111 . In S901, the control unit 101 waits without proceeding to the next process until it determines that the play button 114 has been pressed.

In S902, the control unit 101 checks the transfer status of the reproduced image in the transfer management list. As described with reference to FIG. 4, the transfer status includes "waiting for transfer" or "waiting for priority transfer", "transferring" or "priority transfer in progress", and "transfer complete" or "priority transfer complete". In S903, the control unit 101 superimposes the indicator corresponding to the transfer status confirmed in S902 on the reproduced image and displays it on the display unit 109. FIG.

In step S904, the control unit 101 waits without proceeding to the next process until it determines that the OK button 112 and the set button 113 have been pressed simultaneously. proceed to In S905, the control unit 101 checks whether the image being reproduced exists in the transfer management list obtained in S900.

In S906, the control unit 101 adds the image-related information (file name) of the reproduced image to the end of the transfer management list, and proceeds to S908. In step S907, the control unit 101 checks whether the transfer status of the reproduced image registered in the transfer management list is "waiting for transfer" or "waiting for priority transfer". goes to S920, otherwise goes to S908.

In S920, the control unit 101 deletes the image-related information of the reproduced image from the transfer management list. In S921, the control unit 101 erases the display of the indicator indicating that the reproduced image is to be transferred, resulting in the state shown in FIG. 5(a). In this way, the setting can be canceled by simultaneously pressing the OK button 112 and the set button 113 during playback of a playback image that has already been set as a transfer target or priority transfer target.

In S908, the control unit 101 updates the transfer management list so that the transfer status of the reproduced image is "waiting for transfer". In S909, the control unit 101 displays an indicator indicating that the transfer status is "waiting for transfer" on the display unit 109, resulting in a state as shown in FIG. 5B.

In step S910, the control unit 101 determines whether the OK button 112 and the set button 113 have been pressed and held at the same time. , otherwise, the process proceeds to S913. In S911, the control unit 101 moves the image-related information (file name) of the currently displayed image to the top of the transfer management list, and sets the transfer status to "waiting for priority transfer".

In S912, the control unit 101 displays on the display unit 109 an index indicating that the image is a priority transfer target image, and the state shown in FIG. 5C is obtained. In step S913, the control unit 101 confirms the communication state with the external apparatus 200, which is the image transfer destination, using the communication unit 110. If the connection with the external apparatus 200 has not been established, the process ends and the connection is established. If so, the process proceeds to S914.

In S<b>914 , the control unit 101 waits until the transfer of the priority transfer target image is started without proceeding to the next process. In S915, the control unit 101 updates the transfer status of the transfer management list to "prioritized transfer".

In S916, the control unit 101 displays an indicator indicating that priority transfer is being performed on the display unit 109, and the state shown in FIG. 5D is obtained. In S917, the control unit 101 waits without proceeding to the next process until the priority transfer is completed, and proceeds to S918 when the priority transfer is completed.

In S918, the control unit 101 updates the transfer status of the transfer management list to "transfer completed". In S919, the control unit 101 displays an indicator indicating that the transfer status is "transfer completed" on the display unit 109, resulting in a state as shown in FIG. 5(e). When the transfer of the priority transfer target image is completed, the transfer of the image that is not the priority transfer target and whose transfer status is "waiting for transfer" is started.

According to the priority transfer processing of FIG. 9 described above, images to be preferentially transferred can be quickly set with a simple operation that can be performed following the operation of specifying the images to be transferred at the time of image reproduction. It is possible to provide a means that can accurately meet the needs of transferring.

In FIG. 9, the case where the OK button 112 and the set button 113 are simultaneously long-pressed in S910 is set as the priority transfer target image setting and transfer processing start condition, but the button combinations and operation methods are limited to those described above. not to be For example, when the set button 113 is double-clicked (twice in succession) while the OK button 112 is pressed, or when the OK button 112 is double-clicked while the set button 113 is pressed. good too. Alternatively, the condition may be that the OK button 112 and the set button 113 are double-clicked at the same time.

<Priority Transfer Processing During Quick Review> Next, referring to FIG. 10, setting and transfer processing of priority transfer target images during quick review by the imaging apparatus 100 of the present embodiment will be described.

At S<b>1000 , the control unit 101 acquires a transfer management list from the nonvolatile memory 106 or recording medium 111 . In S1001, the control unit 101 waits without proceeding to the next process until it determines that the shooting button 116 has been pressed.

In S1002, it is determined whether the OK button 112 was pressed when the shooting button 116 was pressed. If so, the process advances to S1003. In step S<b>1003 , the control unit 101 performs shooting processing, moves the image-related information of the shot image to the top of the transfer management list, and sets the transfer status to “waiting for priority transfer”.

In S1004, the control unit 101 displays the image captured in S1003 on the display unit 109 as a quick review. In S1005, the control unit 101 confirms whether the image under quick review exists in the transfer management list acquired in S1000.

In S1006, the control unit 101 acquires the transfer status of the image being quick reviewed from the transfer management list. In S<b>1007 , the control unit 101 superimposes an index corresponding to the transfer status acquired in S<b>1006 on the image and displays it on the display unit 109 .

In S1008, the control unit 101 determines whether the quick review is continuing.If the quick review is continuing, the process proceeds to S1009, and if the quick review is finished, the process ends. Here, conditions for ending the quick review may include a case where a predetermined time has elapsed since the captured image was displayed, a case where the user has performed a predetermined operation, and the like. In S1009, the control unit 101 determines whether the OK button 112 and the SET button 113 have been pressed simultaneously. If not, the process returns to S1008, and if they have been pressed, the process proceeds to S1010.

In S1010, the control unit 101 confirms whether the image under quick review exists in the transfer management list acquired in S1000. .

In S1011, the control unit 101 adds the image-related information of the image under quick review to the head of the transfer management list, sets the transfer status to "waiting for priority transfer", and proceeds to S1016. In S1016, the control unit 101 superimposes an index indicating that the image is an object of priority transfer on the captured image and displays it on the display unit 109, resulting in a state as shown in FIG. 7C. After that, the process returns to S1008, and the process from S1008 is continued during the quick review.

In S1012, the control unit 101 checks whether the transfer status of the image under quick review is "waiting for priority transfer" from the transfer management list. Proceed to S1013. In S1013, the control unit 101 moves the image-related information of the image under quick review to the top of the transfer management list, sets the transfer status to "waiting for priority transfer", and proceeds to S1016.

In S1014, the control unit 101 deletes the image-related information from the transfer management list after the transfer status of the priority transfer target image changes from "waiting for priority transfer" to "transfer completed". In S1015, the control unit 101 erases the indicator indicating the priority transfer target image from the display unit 109, and the state shown in FIG. 7B is obtained. In this way, the setting can be canceled by simultaneously pressing the OK button 112 and the set button 113 during quick review for a photographed image set as a priority transfer target at the time of photographing.

According to the above-described priority transfer processing of FIG. 10, priority transfer target images can be quickly set with a simple operation that can be performed at the same time as an instruction to start shooting at the time of image shooting. As a result, it is possible to provide means that can accurately meet the need to transfer images as quickly as possible.

Although not shown in the flowchart of FIG. 10, as in FIG. 9, if the connection with the external device is established, the image transfer is started and the transfer status becomes "priority transfer in progress". Further, when the image transfer is completed, the transfer status becomes "transfer completed". The same applies to FIGS. 11, 12, 13, and 15, which will be described later.

9 and 10, when the OK button 112 and the SET button 113 are simultaneously pressed or long-pressed at the same time, the image-related information set as the priority transfer target image is transferred to the top of the transfer management list in steps S911, S1011, and S1013. was controlled to be placed in On the other hand, if the priority transfer target image already exists in the transfer management list, the priority transfer target image may be added to the end of the existing priority transfer target image. What is important is that the priority transfer target image is registered in the list so that it is transferred before the other transfer target images.

[Embodiment 2] Next, Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 13. FIG.

In the first embodiment described above, the preferential transfer processing at the time of reproducing or shooting a single image has been described. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, priority transfer processing during continuous shooting in which a plurality of images are shot will be described. FIG. 11 shows processing during image capturing.

At S<b>1100 , the control unit 101 acquires the transfer management list from the nonvolatile memory 106 or recording medium 111 . In S1101, the control unit 101 waits without proceeding to the next process until it determines that the shooting button 116 has been pressed.

In step S1102, the control unit 101 determines whether or not continuous shooting is being performed while the shooting button 116 is pressed. Proceed to S1106. In S1103, the control unit 101 determines whether the OK button 112 has been pressed. If the OK button 112 has been pressed, the process proceeds to S1105, and if not, the process proceeds to S1110.

In step S<b>1104 , the control unit 101 sets a flag for setting a series of continuously shot images as priority transfer targets. In S1105, the control unit 101 causes the image processing unit 105 to generate an image file from the image data obtained by continuous shooting.

In S<b>1106 , the control unit 101 sets all images shot continuously after the flag is set as priority transfer targets. The control unit 101 adds the image-related information of all the continuously shot images to the top of the transfer management list, sets the transfer status to "waiting for priority transfer", and advances to step S1107.

In S1107, the control unit 101 determines whether the OK button 112 is continuously pressed. Regardless of whether the OK button 112 is pressed or not, the continuous shot images generated in S1105 are to be preferentially transferred.

In step S1108, the control unit 101 determines whether the shooting button 116 is continuously pressed. Since it has ended, the process advances to S1109.

In S1109, the control unit 101 resets the flag set in S1104. In S1110, the control unit 101 displays the captured image as a quick review. In S1111, the control unit 101 determines whether the OK button 112 has been pressed.If the OK button 112 has been pressed, the process proceeds to S1112; otherwise, the process proceeds to S1110. Execute image capturing processing.

In S1112, the control unit 101 sets the single-shot image as a priority transfer target. The control unit 101 adds the image-related information of the single-shot image to the head of the transfer management list, sets the transfer status to "waiting for priority transfer", and proceeds to step S1110.

According to the above-described priority transfer processing in FIG. 11, images to be preferentially transferred can be quickly set with a simple operation that can be performed during continuous shooting. We can provide the means to respond. For example, this can be a useful means when it is better to transfer all captured images and have the transfer destination select the images to be transferred rather than having the transfer source photographer select the images to be transferred. Also, when images are shot continuously, such as in an emergency, when there is no time to confirm which images should be preferentially transferred, the photographer can save time and effort. It becomes possible to preferentially transfer photographed images. These merits are particularly noticeable in use cases such as the relationship between a cameraman and a news agency, where prompt reporting is required and the transfer destination has abundant resources for checking and editing images.

FIG. 12 shows the processing during playback of continuously shot images.

At S<b>1200 , the control unit 101 acquires the transfer management list from the nonvolatile memory 106 or recording medium 111 . In S1201, the control unit 101 waits without proceeding to the next process until it determines that the play button 114 has been pressed.

In S1202, the control unit 101 determines whether or not the reproduced image is a part of a continuous-shot image. If so, the process advances to S1205. The control unit 101 determines whether or not the image is part of the continuously shot image based on the identification information added to the metadata of the continuously shot image.

In S1203, the control unit 101 determines whether the OK button 112 and the set button 113 have been pressed long at the same time. If the buttons are pressed and held at the same time, the process advances to step S1204 to set the continuous-shot image selected by the simultaneous long-press as a priority transfer target, and if not, the process ends.

In step S<b>1204 , the control unit 101 moves the image-related information of only the selected image among all the continuously shot images to the top of the transfer management list, and sets the transfer status to “waiting for priority transfer”. Various methods are conceivable for selecting images to be preferentially transferred. For example, similar to the designation of images to be transferred in FIG. can be considered.

In step S1205, the control unit 101 determines whether the OK button 112 and the set button 113 have been pressed and held at the same time. If so, terminate the process.

In S1206, the control unit 101 moves the image-related information of the reproduced image to the top of the transfer management list, and sets the transfer status to "waiting for priority transfer".

According to the above-described priority transfer processing of FIG. 12, priority transfer target images are quickly set with a simple operation during playback of continuously shot images, and only selected images from the continuously shot images are thinned out. can be transferred. As a result, the photographer of the transfer source can easily select and transfer the images he or she wishes to transfer.

Next, a modification of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 13 .

The present embodiment is a modified example of the above-described processing of FIG. 11, in which information for associating continuous shot images is added at the time of continuous shooting, and all continuous shots are processed when the OK button 112 is pressed during continuous shooting. This is processing for setting a photographed image as a priority transfer target. FIG. 13 shows priority transfer processing during image shooting.

At S<b>1300 , the control unit 101 acquires the transfer management list from the nonvolatile memory 106 or recording medium 111 . In S1301, the control unit 101 waits without proceeding to the next process until it determines that the shooting button 116 has been pressed.

In S1302, the control unit 101 causes the image processing unit 105 to generate an image file from the captured image data. When the generated image is a continuously shot image, the control unit 101 identifies that it is a part of the continuously shot image in the metadata of the image data so that it can be identified. Add as much information as possible.

In S1303, the control unit 101 determines whether the OK button 112 has been pressed. If the OK button 112 has been pressed, the process proceeds to S1304, and if not, the process proceeds to S1308. In step S<b>1304 , the control unit 101 sets a flag for setting the continuously shot image as a priority transfer target.

In step S<b>1305 , the control unit 101 searches for an image that is not set as a priority transfer target among the continuously shot images. As a result of the search, in S1306, if there is an image that is not set as a priority transfer target, the process advances to S1307, and if there is no image that is not set as a priority transfer target, the process advances to S1308.

In S1307, the control unit 101 adds the image-related information of the continuous-shot images that are not set as priority transfer targets to the top of the transfer management list, sets the transfer status to "waiting for priority transfer", and proceeds to S1308.

In step S1308, the control unit 101 determines whether the shooting button 116 is continuously pressed. Since it has ended, the process proceeds to S1309. In S1309, the control unit 101 resets the flag set in S1304. In S1310, the control unit 101 displays the captured image as a quick review.

According to the above-described priority transfer processing in FIG. 13, images obtained by continuous shooting can be quickly set as priority transfer target images collectively with a simple operation that can be performed during continuous shooting. It is possible to provide means that can accurately meet the need for quick transfer. For example, this can be a useful means when it is better to transfer all captured images and have the transfer destination select the images to be transferred rather than having the transfer source photographer select the images to be transferred. Also, when images are shot continuously, such as in an emergency, when there is no time to confirm which images should be preferentially transferred, the photographer can save time and effort. It becomes possible to preferentially transfer photographed images.

Next, with reference to FIG. 14, a method of setting the transfer order of continuous-shot images set as priority transfer targets will be described.

Reference numeral 1400 denotes a setting screen for changing the transfer order of continuous shot images set as priority transfer targets. In this embodiment, one of the transfer orders of "order", "skip" and "center" can be selected on the setting screen shown in FIG. Reference numeral 1401 denotes a continuously shot image. In the illustrated example, the operation when five images are continuously shot will be described. Reference numeral 1402 shows an example of registered contents of the transfer management list when "order" is selected on the setting screen 1400. FIG. When "Order" is selected as the priority, each image is added to the transfer management list in the order in which the images were continuously shot, and the transfer status is set to "Waiting for priority transfer". As described above, the condition for setting the continuously shot images to be preferentially transferred is that the shooting button 116 is pressed while the OK button 112 is being pressed.

Reference numeral 1403 shows an example of registered contents of the transfer management list when "skip" is selected on the setting screen 1400. FIG. When "skip" is selected as the priority, the odd-numbered or even-numbered images among the continuously shot images are added to the front of the transfer management list. In the illustrated example, IMG_0001, IMG0003, IMG_0005 are added before the transfer management list, and IMG_0002, IMG_0004 are added after it. This makes it possible to set such that similar images shot at close timings are transferred later.

Reference numeral 1404 indicates registered contents of the transfer management list when "Center" is selected on the setting screen 1400. FIG. If "Center" is selected as the priority, the image shot in the middle of the continuous shots is added to the top of the transfer management list, and the images adjacent to it are added in the next order. , and the rest of the images are appended at the end. In the illustrated example, IMG_0003 is added to the top of the transfer management list, IMG_0002 and IMG_0004 adjacent to the image are added next to the transfer management list, and the remaining IMG_0001 and IMG_0005 are added to the end. This makes it possible, for example, to preferentially transfer images whose decisive moment was taken near the middle of continuous shooting.

As shown in FIG. 14, by setting the transfer order of the continuous shot images to be preferentially transferred in advance, the images to be preferentially transferred can be transferred in a desired order without performing another operation during the continuous shooting operation. be able to. As a result, it is possible to provide means for accurately responding to the need to transfer high-priority images as soon as possible. .

[Embodiment 3] Next, Embodiment 3 will be described with reference to FIG.

In this embodiment, when an operation to set an image to be preferentially transferred is performed (long pressing of the OK button 112 and the set button 113 at the same time) during image reproduction, the setting of the image to be preferentially transferred and transfer processing are performed until the reproduction mode ends. The processing to be continued will be explained.

FIG. 15 shows setting and transfer processing of priority transfer target images during image reproduction according to the present embodiment.

Note that S1500 to S1521 in FIG. 15 are the same processing as S900 to S921 in FIG. 9 of the first embodiment, so description thereof will be omitted.

If the connection with the external device 200 is not established in S1513, or after displaying the transfer completion state as shown in FIG. 5E in S1519, the process proceeds to S1522.

In S1522, the control unit 101 determines whether the reproduction mode is continuing.If the reproduction mode is continuing, the process proceeds to S1523, and if the reproduction mode is finished, the process ends. Here, the condition for ending the playback mode is when the shooting button 116 is pressed or when the user performs a predetermined operation (for example, when a menu button for displaying a menu screen is pressed). I assume.

In S1523, the control unit 101 determines whether the OK button 112 or the SET button 113 has been pressed, returns to S1523 if not pressed, and proceeds to S1524 if pressed.

In S1524, the control unit 101 confirms whether the image being reproduced exists in the transfer management list obtained in S1500.

In S1525, the control unit 101 adds the image-related information of the image being reproduced to the top of the transfer management list, sets the transfer status to "waiting for priority transfer", and proceeds to S1528. In S1528, the control unit 101 superimposes an index indicating that the image is an object of priority transfer on the captured image and displays it on the display unit 109, resulting in the state shown in FIG. 5C. After that, the process returns to S1513, and the process from S1513 is continued during the reproduction mode.

In S1526, the control unit 101 checks with the transfer management list whether the transfer status of the image being reproduced is "waiting for priority transfer". proceed to In S1527, the control unit 101 moves the image-related information of the image being reproduced to the top of the transfer management list, sets the transfer status to "waiting for priority transfer", and proceeds to S1528.

According to the above-described priority transfer processing of FIG. 15, during the playback mode, the priority transfer target images are set continuously by a simple operation (for example, an operation such as pressing the OK button 112 or the set button 113 alone). be able to. As a result, it is possible to provide means that can accurately meet the need to transfer images as soon as possible.

Note that in FIG. 15, the setting of the image to be preferentially transferred and the transfer process are terminated when the playback mode ends in S1522. The condition for terminating the process may be, for example, when a predetermined operation is performed.

In each of the above-described embodiments, as a condition for setting an image to be preferentially transferred and starting the transfer process, the combination of two buttons (the OK button 112 and the set button 113) is operated. A combined operation may also be used.

Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, an example of displaying the transfer status of images to be transferred and images to be preferentially transferred using icons has been described. The display method includes all possible methods.

[Other embodiments]
The present invention supplies a program that implements 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 the computer of the system or apparatus reads and executes the program. It can also be realized by processing to It can also be implemented by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101... Control part 103... Imaging part 108... Operation part 109... Display part 110... Communication part 112... OK button 113... Set button 116... Shooting button

Claims (24)

a communication means capable of communicating with an external device;
imaging means;
display means for displaying an image;
an operation means for receiving a user operation;
a control means for controlling a setting function for automatically setting an image obtained by imaging by the imaging means as a transfer target image to be transferred to the external device;
The control means performs a predetermined operation on the operation unit while displaying an image set as an image to be transferred, which is obtained by imaging by the imaging means with the setting function turned on. In this case, the communication apparatus sets the image being displayed as a priority transfer target to be preferentially transferred over the transfer target image. 2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the operation unit includes a touch panel. 2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the operation unit includes a plurality of push-button operation members. 4. The communication device according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of operating members are arranged at positions facing each other with the display means interposed therebetween. 5. The communication device according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of operation members are arranged on a surface facing a surface on which the lens is arranged. The predetermined operation is an operation of depressing the second operating member while depressing the first operating member among the first operating member and the second operating member included in the plurality of operating members. 6. A communication device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, comprising: Both the first operating member and the second operating member are used for selection, and the second operating member is used for a more versatile selection operation than the first operating member. 7. The communication device according to claim 6, characterized by: further comprising a release button which is an operation unit different from the operation unit;
8. The communication apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein said imaging means performs said imaging in response to pressing of said release button. 9. The communication device according to claim 8, wherein the operation unit is arranged on the side where the release button is arranged with respect to the display unit. further having a play button;
transitioning to a playback mode in response to the user's operation of the playback button;
10. The communication apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, in the reproduction mode, the display means displays the image set as the priority transfer target. In response to the predetermined operation being performed on the operation unit while the image set as the image to be preferentially transferred is being displayed, the control means sets the image being preferentially to be transferred as the image being displayed. 11. The communication device according to claim 10, which is released. 12. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the image set as the object of preferential transfer and the image not set as the object of preferential transfer are displayed separately. 13. The communication apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the image set as the transfer target and the image not set as the transfer target are displayed separately. 14. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the image set as the priority transfer target and the image set as the transfer target are displayed separately. 15. The communication apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the image set as the priority transfer target and the image set as the transfer target are displayed separately by superimposing different icons. superimposing an icon resembling an arrow on the image set as the transfer target;
By superimposing an icon indicating that the image is set to be preferentially transferred in addition to the arrow-like icon on the image that is set to be preferentially transferred, the image set to be preferentially transferred and the image to be preferentially transferred can 16. The communication device according to claim 15, wherein the set images are displayed separately. 17. The communication device according to any one of claims 9 to 16, wherein images that have been transferred are displayed separately from images that have not yet been transferred. 18. The communication apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the transferred image set as the transfer target and the transferred image set as the priority transfer target are not displayed separately. 18. The communication apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the transferred image set as the transfer target and the transferred image set as the priority transfer target are superimposed with the same icon. 2. When a connection with an external device is established in a state in which the image set as the transfer target is recorded, control is performed so that the image set as the transfer target is automatically transmitted. 20. The communication device according to any one of 19 to 19. 20. When there are a plurality of images set as priority transfer targets, an image set as priority transfer targets first is transmitted prior to an image set as priority transfer targets later. The communication device according to . 21. The method according to claim 20, wherein when there are a plurality of images set as priority transfer targets, an image set as a priority transfer target first is transmitted after an image set as a priority transfer target later. Communication device as described. A control method for a communication device capable of communicating with an external device, comprising:
The communication device
imaging means;
display means for displaying an image;
and an operation means for receiving a user operation,
The control method is
a step of controlling a setting function for automatically setting an image obtained by imaging by the imaging means as a transfer target image to be transferred to the external device;
In the controlling step, a predetermined operation is performed on the operation unit while an image set as an image to be transferred, which is obtained by imaging with the imaging means with the setting function turned on, is displayed. and setting the image being displayed as a priority transfer target to be preferentially transferred over the transfer target image. A program for causing a computer to function as each means of the communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 22.

Images