JP4324177B2 - Imaging apparatus, data transmission method, data transmission program, and storage medium - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging device, a data transmission method, a data transmission program, and a storage medium.

  In recent years, with the progress of semiconductor technology, the spread of mobile terminals has been remarkable. Furthermore, many portable terminals can realize a character mail function and a simple Web browser function in addition to a voice call. Considering further improvement in communication capabilities of next-generation mobile terminals, the image capturing function and its communication function will be important.

  Conventionally, attempts have been made to digitize an image captured by a camera and transmit it using a portable terminal, but its practicality is further improved by improving the communication speed and improving the image quality of the digital camera.

  In fact, the performance of digital cameras has improved dramatically in recent years, so that when printing is of the so-called L size, it is possible to shoot with an image quality close to that of a silver salt camera (a camera using a silver salt film). It has become.

  Therefore, taking a picture with a silver salt camera, developing and printing with a minilab, etc., considering the time and effort to digitize and transmit the image obtained in this way with a scanner etc., the digital camera and mobile terminal It can be said that it is much more efficient to use image communication.

  In addition, performing image communication using a digital camera and a portable terminal in this way matches the direction of modern society, such as diversification of communication demand and multimedia.

  However, at present, in order to perform image communication using a digital camera and a portable terminal, images taken with the digital camera are taken into a personal computer via wired or memory, and the public terminal is connected by connecting the portable terminal and the personal computer. Had to connect and transfer images.

Also, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, using IrDA (infrared communication) or PHS, control information, status information, and image data are transmitted and received between the mobile terminal and the electronic imaging device, and the mobile terminal and the electronic imaging are transmitted. There has also been proposed a method of operating an electronic imaging device with a portable terminal by realizing a synchronous operation of the device.
JP-A-11-008823

  However, in the above conventional example, in order to carry a digital camera and a portable terminal at the same time and transfer images captured by the digital camera via wireless communication, both have to be operated separately, which is troublesome. It was.

  Further, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, by realizing a synchronous operation of a mobile terminal and an electronic imaging device, when the electronic imaging device is operated by the mobile terminal, the electronic imaging device can be controlled from the mobile terminal. However, operability is not always improved simply by allowing the mobile terminal to handle the control information, status information, and image data of the electronic imaging apparatus.

  The operation information or the size, resolution, number and type of operation buttons of the liquid crystal screen for displaying images are naturally different between the mobile terminal and the electronic imaging device. Even if it is controlled by using, the operability cannot be improved as expected.

  Furthermore, in order to implement the system disclosed in Patent Document 1, a program for simulating all operations of the electronic imaging apparatus is required for the portable terminal, and the program amount of the portable terminal is significantly increased.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an imaging apparatus, a data transmission method, a data transmission program, and a storage medium that can efficiently transmit data to a mobile terminal.

In order to achieve the above object, the imaging apparatus of the present invention has a storage means for storing images and a total image size of thumbnail images of a plurality of images stored in the storage means that is less than or equal to the display capability of the mobile terminal. in some cases, transmits thumbnail images of a plurality of images stored in said storage means to said portable terminal, the display of the image size which is the sum of thumbnail images of a plurality of images stored in said storage means said portable terminal And transmitting means for transmitting file names of a plurality of images stored in the storage means to the portable terminal when the capacity is exceeded.

Data transmission method of the present invention, when the image size obtained by adding the thumbnail image of the plurality of images stored in the image pickup device is equal to or less than the display capability of the mobile terminal, a thumbnail of the plurality of images stored in the image pickup apparatus When the image size is the sum of the thumbnail images of the plurality of images stored in the imaging device and exceeds the display capability of the portable terminal, the plurality of images stored in the imaging device is transmitted to the portable terminal. The file name is transmitted to the portable terminal.

When the total image size of the thumbnail images of a plurality of images stored in the imaging device is less than or equal to the display capability of the mobile terminal, the data transmission program of the present invention is a thumbnail of the plurality of images stored in the imaging device. If means for transmitting an image to the portable terminal, the image size which is the sum of thumbnail images of a plurality of images stored in the image pickup device exceeds the display capability of the portable terminal, a plurality stored in the imaging apparatus For causing the computer to function as an image pickup apparatus having means for transmitting the file name of the image to the portable terminal.

The storage medium of the present invention provides a thumbnail image of a plurality of images stored in the imaging device when the total image size of the thumbnail images of the plurality of images stored in the imaging device is less than or equal to the display capability of the mobile terminal. When the total image size of the thumbnail images of the plurality of images stored in the imaging device exceeds the display capability of the portable terminal, the plurality of images stored in the imaging device . A data transmission program for causing a computer to function as an imaging apparatus having means for transmitting an image file name to the portable terminal is stored.

According to the present invention, data can be efficiently transmitted from the imaging device to the portable terminal according to the number of images stored in the imaging device and the display capability of the portable terminal.

  Embodiments of an imaging device, a data transmission method, a data transmission program, and a storage medium according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of an image transfer system according to the first embodiment. The imaging apparatus 100 and the portable terminal 300 can transmit and receive data including commands and captured images to each other by spread spectrum wireless communication such as communication based on the Bluetooth standard. Similarly, the imaging device 500 and the portable terminal 700 can transmit and receive data including commands and captured images to and from each other. In addition, the mobile terminal 300 and the mobile terminal 700 can perform wireless communication via the public communication network 800. As described above, the imaging device 100 and the imaging device 500 can be connected to each other via the mobile terminals 300 and 700.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an external configuration of the imaging device 100 and the mobile terminal 300. The imaging apparatus 100 includes a flash 48, a mode dial switch 60, shutter switches 62 and 64, a single / continuous shooting switch 66, a compression mode switch 68, an operation unit 70, a main switch 72, an optical viewfinder 104, a communication unit 110, and an antenna 112. The photographic lens 10 and the like are installed in each part of the housing.

  On the other hand, the mobile terminal 300 includes a microphone 310, a speaker 318, a communication unit 326, an antenna 328, a communication unit 330, an antenna 332, a display unit 360, an operation unit 362, and the like in each part of the housing.

  Further, the imaging apparatus 100 has a slot 101, and the recording medium 120 can be accommodated in the slot 101. Similarly, the mobile terminal 300 has a slot 301, and the recording medium 200 can be accommodated in the slot 301.

  Note that the external configurations of the imaging apparatus 500 and the mobile terminal 700 are the same as the external configurations of the imaging apparatus 100 and the mobile terminal 300, respectively, and thus description thereof is omitted. Similarly, the internal electrical configurations of the imaging apparatus 500 and the portable terminal 700 are the same as the internal electrical configurations of the imaging apparatus 100 and the portable terminal 300, which will be described later.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an internal electrical configuration of the imaging apparatus 100. The imaging apparatus 100 includes a protection unit 102, a photographing lens 10, a shutter 12, an imaging device 14, an A / D converter 16, a timing generation circuit 18, an image processing circuit 20, a memory control circuit 22, an image display memory 24, a D / A. Converter 26, image display unit 28, memory 30, compression / decompression circuit 32, optical viewfinder 104, communication unit 110, antenna 112, system control circuit 50, exposure control unit 40, distance measurement control unit 42, zoom control unit 44, Barrier control unit 46, flash 48, power supply control unit 80, connectors 82 and 84, power supply 86, memory 52, display unit 54, nonvolatile memory 56, identification information 58, mode dial switch 60, shutter switches 62 and 64, single shot / Continuous shooting switch 66, compression mode switch 68, operation unit 70, and main switch 72.

  In the imaging apparatus 100 having the above configuration, the photographing lens 10 captures an optical image of a subject. The shutter 12 has a diaphragm function. The image sensor 14 converts an optical image captured through the photographing lens 10 into an electrical signal. The A / D converter 16 converts the analog signal output from the image sensor 14 into a digital signal. The timing generation circuit 18 is a circuit that supplies a clock signal and a control signal to the image sensor 14, the A / D converter 16, and the D / A converter 26, and is controlled by the memory control circuit 22 and the system control circuit 50.

  The image processing circuit 20 performs predetermined pixel interpolation processing and color conversion processing on the data from the A / D converter 16 or the data from the memory control circuit 22. Further, the image processing circuit 20 performs predetermined calculation processing using the captured image data, and the system control circuit 50 controls the exposure control unit 40 and the distance measurement control unit 42 based on the obtained calculation result. Therefore, TTL (through-the-lens) AF (autofocus) processing, AE (automatic exposure) processing, and EF (flash pre-flash) processing are performed. Further, the image processing circuit 20 performs predetermined calculation processing using the captured image data, and also performs TTL AWB (auto white balance) processing based on the obtained calculation result.

  The memory control circuit 22 controls the A / D converter 16, the timing generation circuit 18, the image processing circuit 20, the image display memory 24, the D / A converter 26, the memory 30, and the compression / decompression circuit 32. Data output from the A / D converter 16 is written to the image display memory 24 or the memory 30 via the image processing circuit 20 and the memory control circuit 22 or directly via the memory control circuit 22.

  The image display unit 28 includes a TFT liquid crystal display (LCD) or the like. The display image data written in the image display memory 24 is displayed on the image display unit 28 via the D / A converter 26.

  By sequentially displaying the captured image data on the image display unit 28, an electronic viewfinder function can be realized. The image display unit 28 can arbitrarily turn on / off the display in accordance with an instruction from the system control circuit 50. When the display is turned off, the power consumption of the imaging apparatus 100 can be significantly reduced. .

  The memory 30 is a memory composed of a volatile memory and / or a non-volatile memory for storing captured still images and moving images, and a memory sufficient for storing a predetermined number of still images and a predetermined time of moving images. Have capacity. Even in continuous shooting or panoramic shooting in which a plurality of still images are continuously shot, a large amount of image writing can be performed on the memory 30 at high speed. The memory 30 can also be used as a work area for the system control circuit 50.

  The compression / decompression circuit 32 is a circuit that compresses / decompresses image data by adaptive discrete cosine transform (ADCT) or the like, reads the image data stored in the memory 30, performs compression processing or decompression processing, and finishes the processing. The image data is written into the memory 30.

  The exposure control unit 40 controls the shutter 12 having a diaphragm function, and has a flash light control function in cooperation with the flash 48. The distance measurement control unit 42 controls the focusing of the photographing lens 10. The zoom control unit 44 controls zooming of the taking lens 10. The barrier control unit 46 controls the operation of the protection unit 102 that is a barrier. The flash 48 has an AF auxiliary light projecting function and a flash light control function. The exposure control unit 40 and the distance measurement control unit 42 are controlled by the TTL method. The system control circuit 50 controls the exposure control unit 40 and the distance measurement control unit 42 based on the calculation result obtained by calculating the captured image data by the image processing circuit 20.

  Further, the system control circuit 50 controls the entire imaging apparatus 100. The memory 52 stores constants, variables, programs, and the like for operating the system control circuit 50. The display unit 54 is configured by a liquid crystal display device, a speaker, or the like that displays an operation state, a message, or the like using characters, images, sounds, and the like in accordance with execution of a program in the system control circuit 50, and in the vicinity of the operation unit of the imaging device 100. One or a plurality of them are installed at positions that are easy to visually recognize. The display unit 54 is composed of, for example, a combination of an LCD, an LED, a sound generation element and the like. The display unit 54 has a part of its function installed in the optical viewfinder 104.

  Among the display contents of the display unit 54, what is displayed on the LCD or the like includes single shot / continuous shooting display, self-timer display, compression rate display, recording pixel number display, recording number display, remaining image number display, Shutter speed display, aperture value display, exposure compensation display, flash display, red-eye reduction display, macro shooting display, buzzer setting display, battery level display for clock, battery level display, error display, multi-digit number information display, There are a display state of the recording medium 200, a communication I / F operation display, a date / time display, and the like. Among the display contents of the display unit 54, what is displayed in the optical viewfinder 104 includes in-focus display, camera shake warning display, flash charge display, shutter speed display, aperture value display, exposure correction display, and the like.

  The nonvolatile memory 56 is an electrically erasable / recordable memory. For example, an EEPROM or the like is used as the nonvolatile memory 56. The identification information unit 58 stores various types of identification information for performing authentication prior to communication when communicating with the portable terminal 300 via the communication unit 110 and the antenna 112.

  The mode dial switch 60, shutter switches 62 and 64, single / continuous shooting switch 66, compression mode switch 68, operation unit 70 and main switch 72 are operation units for inputting various operation instructions of the system control circuit 50. A switch, a dial, a touch panel, a pointing device based on line-of-sight detection, a voice recognition device, and the like are configured by one or a plurality.

  Each of these operation parts is shown concretely. The main switch 72 can be set by switching between power-on and power-off. The mode dial switch 60 can be set by switching to each function mode such as an automatic shooting mode, a shooting mode, a panoramic shooting mode, a playback mode, a multi-screen playback / erase mode, and a PC (personal computer) connection mode. The shutter switch SW1 (62) is turned on during the operation of a shutter button (not shown), and AF (auto focus) processing, AE (auto exposure) processing, AWB (auto white balance) processing, EF (flash pre-emission) Instructs the start of operations such as processing.

  The shutter switch SW2 (64) is turned on when the operation of a shutter button (not shown) is completed, and the image data is stored in the memory via the A / D converter 16 and the memory control circuit 22 based on the signal read from the image sensor 14. 30 exposure processing, development processing using operations in the image processing circuit 20 and memory control circuit 22, read processing for reading out image data from the memory 30, compression processing in the compression / decompression circuit 32, and writing of image data to the recording medium 200 An instruction to start a series of processing such as recording processing is given.

  When the shutter switch SW2 (64) is pressed, the single-shot / continuous-shot switch 66 performs a single shooting mode in which one frame is shot and enters a standby state, and continuously while the shutter switch SW2 (64) is pressed. It is possible to set a continuous shooting mode in which shooting continues.

  The compression mode switch 68 can select the compression rate of JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) compression, or can select the CCD RAW mode in which the signal of the image sensor 14 is digitized and recorded on a recording medium.

  The operation unit 70 includes various buttons, a touch panel, and the like, and includes a menu button, a set button, a macro button, a multi-screen playback page break button, a flash setting button, a self-timer button, a menu movement + (plus) button, a menu movement− ( Minus) button, playback image move + (plus) button, playback image move-(minus) button, shooting image quality selection button, exposure compensation button, date / time setting button, playback mode / minus screen playback / erase mode / PC connection mode When the shutter switch SW1 (62), which is a playback switch capable of setting each function mode, is pressed, an autofocus operation is started, and once focused, the one-shot AF mode and shutter switch that keeps the focused state While pressing SW1 (62), auto AF mode setting switch that can set the servo AF mode that keeps moving, the image display ON / OFF switch that sets ON / OFF of the image display unit 28, and the quick review function that automatically reproduces the image data that has been shot immediately after shooting It has a quick review ON / OFF switch to set. The functions of the plus button and the minus button can be selected more easily by providing a rotary dial switch.

  The power supply control unit 80 includes a battery detection circuit, a DC-DC converter, a switch circuit that switches a block to be energized, and the like, detects whether or not a battery is installed, the type of battery, and the remaining battery level. The DC-DC converter is controlled based on an instruction from the system control circuit 50, and a necessary voltage is supplied to each unit including the recording medium for a necessary period. The power source 86 includes a primary battery such as an alkaline battery or a lithium battery, a secondary battery such as a NiCd battery, a NiMH battery, or a Li-ion battery, an AC adapter, or the like.

  The protection unit 102 is a barrier that prevents the imaging unit from being stained or damaged by covering the imaging unit including the photographing lens 10 of the imaging device 100. The optical finder 104 enables photographing using only this without using the electronic finder function of the image display unit 28. In the optical viewfinder 104, some functions of the display unit 54, for example, a focus display, a camera shake warning display, a flash charge display, a shutter speed display, an aperture value display, an exposure correction display, and the like are installed.

  The communication unit 110 has various short-distance high-speed data communication functions using spread spectrum communication such as Bluetooth. The antenna 112 connects a communication line between the imaging apparatus 100 and another device via the communication unit 110.

  The interface 128 manages an interface with a recording medium such as a memory card or a hard disk. The connector 127 connects to a recording medium such as a memory card or a hard disk.

  In the present embodiment, the case where there is one interface and connector for attaching the recording medium is shown, but there may be a plurality of interfaces and connectors for attaching the recording medium. Further, interfaces and connectors of different standards may be combined. Further, as the interface and the connector, those compliant with a standard such as a PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association) card, a CF (Compact Flash (registered trademark)) card, an MMC (multimedia card), or the like may be used. Further, when the interface 128 and the connector 127 complying with a standard such as a PCMCIA card or a CF card are used, a LAN card, a modem card, a USB card, an IEEE (Institut of Electrical and Electronic Engineers) 1394 card, a P1284 card, By connecting various communication cards such as SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) cards and communication cards such as PHS, image data and management information attached to the image data are transferred to and from peripheral devices such as other computers and printers. I can meet each other.

  The recording medium 120 includes a memory card, a hard disk, and the like. The recording medium 120 includes a recording unit 122 configured by a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, or the like, an interface 124 with the imaging device 100, a connector 126 for connecting to the imaging device 100, and an identification information unit 129.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an internal electrical configuration of the mobile terminal 300. The mobile terminal 300 includes a microphone 310, a speaker 318, an A / D converter 312, a D / A converter 316, a memory control circuit 314, a memory 320, a D / A converter 322, an image display unit 324, an antenna 328, and a communication unit. 326, interface 390, connector 392, antenna 332, communication unit 330, communication system control circuit 350, identification information unit 356, power supply control unit 380, connectors 382 and 384, power supply 386, memory 352, nonvolatile memory 354, display unit 360 , An operation unit 362, an incoming call notification unit 364, and a recording medium attachment / detachment detection unit 366.

  The microphone 310 converts sound into an electrical signal. The A / D converter 312 converts the analog output signal of the microphone 310 into a digital signal. The memory control circuit 314 controls writing / reading of output data of the A / D converter 312 to / from the memory 320 and input of data read from the memory 320 to the D / A converter 316.

  The D / A converter 316 converts the digital signal into an analog signal. The speaker 318 converts an electrical signal into an audio signal. The memory 320 stores audio input from the microphone 310 and / or still images and moving images transmitted from the imaging device 100, and is a predetermined time of audio and / or a predetermined number of still images and a predetermined time of moving images. Have sufficient storage capacity to store The D / A converter 322 converts still image data or moving image data stored in the memory 320 into an analog signal. The image display unit 324 displays the image signal output from the D / A converter 322.

  The communication unit 326 is configured to perform TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access), CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), W-CDMA (Wide-band Code Division Multiple Access), etc. It has a distance wireless communication function. The antenna 328 connects a communication line between the mobile terminal 300 and another mobile terminal and / or a communication base station through the communication unit 326.

  The communication unit 330 has various short-distance high-speed data communication functions for spread spectrum communication such as Bluetooth. The antenna 332 connects a communication line between the portable terminal 300 and another device through the communication unit 330.

  The communication system control circuit 350 controls the entire mobile terminal 300. The memory 352 stores constants, variables, programs, etc. for operation of the communication system control circuit 350. The nonvolatile memory 354 is an electrically erasable memory, and for example, an EEPROM or the like is used as the nonvolatile memory 354.

  The identification information unit 356 stores various types of identification information for performing authentication prior to communication when communicating with the imaging apparatus 100 via the communication unit 330 and the antenna 332. The display unit 360 is configured with a liquid crystal display device, a speaker, and the like that display an operation state, a message, and the like using characters, images, sounds, and the like according to execution of a program in the communication system control circuit 350. One or a plurality are installed at positions in the vicinity that are easily visible. The display unit 360 is configured by combining, for example, an LCD, an LED, a sound generation element, and the like.

  The operation unit 362 is used to input various operation instructions of the communication system control circuit 350, and includes a switch, a dial, a touch panel, a pointing device based on line-of-sight detection, a voice recognition device, or the like. The operation unit 362 can perform operations such as power on / off of the mobile terminal 300, execution (off hook) / stop (on hook) of a call, telephone number input, telephone number search, and communication mode switching.

  When there is an incoming call from another mobile terminal or a communication base station, the incoming notification unit 364 is a sound such as a ringing tone, a voice, a music, and / or an icon, a video, a still image, a light-emitting image, and the like. An incoming call is notified to the user of the mobile terminal 300 by vibration or the like. The recording medium attachment / detachment detection unit 366 detects whether or not the recording medium 200 is attached to the connector 392.

  The power supply control unit 380 includes a battery detection circuit, a DC-DC converter, a switch circuit that switches a block to be energized, and the like, and detects the presence / absence of a battery, the type of battery, and the remaining battery level, and the detection result Based on the instructions of the communication system control circuit 350, the DC-DC converter is controlled, and a necessary voltage is supplied to each part including the recording medium for a necessary period.

  The power supply unit 386 includes a primary battery such as an alkaline battery or a lithium battery, a secondary battery such as a NiCd battery, a NiMH battery, or a Li-ion battery, an AC adapter, or the like. The interface 390 controls an interface with a recording medium such as a memory card or a hard disk. The connector 392 connects to a recording medium such as a memory card or a hard disk.

  In the present embodiment, the case where there is one interface and connector for attaching the recording medium is shown, but a plurality of interfaces and connectors for attaching the recording medium may be provided. Further, different standard interfaces and connectors may be combined. Further, as the interface and the connector, those compliant with a standard such as a PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association) card, a CF (Compact Flash (registered trademark)) card, an MMC (multimedia card), or the like may be used.

  Further, when the interface 390 and the connector 392 complying with a standard such as a PCMCIA card or a CF card are used, a LAN card, a modem card, a USB card, an IEEE (Institut of Electrical and Electronic Engineers) 1394 card, a P1284 card, a SCSI card By connecting various communication cards such as (Small Computer System Interface) cards and communication cards such as PHS, image data and management information attached to image data can be transferred to and from other computers and peripheral devices such as printers. Can fit.

  The recording medium 200 includes a memory card, a hard disk, and the like. The recording medium 200 includes a recording unit 202 composed of a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, or the like, an interface 204 with the portable terminal 300, a connector 206 for connecting with the portable terminal 300, and an identification information unit 208.

  As described above, the image capturing apparatus 100 stores the image data captured through the photographing lens 10 in the recording medium 120 and transmits the image data to the mobile terminal 300 through the communication unit 110 and the antenna 112. The portable terminal 300 records the image data received via the antenna 332 and the communication unit 330 on the detachable recording medium 200, and is connected to another portable network connected to the public communication network via the communication unit 326 and the antenna 328. It can be transmitted to the mobile terminal 700 as a terminal or a communication base station, and further to the imaging apparatus 500.

  The operation of the image transfer system having the above configuration will be described. 5 and 6 are flowcharts showing an image transfer processing procedure in the portable terminal 300. FIG. This processing program is stored in the memory 352 and executed by a CPU (not shown) in the communication system control circuit 350.

  First, when the power of the mobile terminal 300 is turned on (step S501), short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth is started between the mobile terminal 300 and the imaging device 100 (step S502), and imaging that can communicate with the mobile terminal 300 in the surroundings. An inquiry request for searching for the presence of the device 100 is issued (step S503).

  The result of this inquiry is discriminated (step S504), and if it is not OK, the process is terminated as it is. If the result of the inquiry is OK and one or more communicable imaging devices 100 are found, one of these is found. The corresponding imaging device 100 is searched (step S505). This search is performed by comparing the address of the imaging device stored in the memory 352 with the address of the imaging device 100 that can communicate. Alternatively, one or more communicable imaging devices 100 are displayed as a list on the display unit 360, and the user selects from the list.

  And it is discriminate | determined whether the imaging device 100 used as a communicating party was discovered (step S506). If the imaging device 100 is not found, the process is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if the imaging device 100 is found, the connection with the imaging device 100 selected by short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth is established, and the imaging device In order to obtain information on one or more images from a plurality of images stored in the memory 30 in 100, an image list information request is transmitted to the imaging apparatus 100. (Step S507).

  It is determined whether image list information corresponding to the image list information request has been received (step S508). If the image list information has not been received, the process ends. On the other hand, when receiving the image list information, the mobile terminal 300 calculates how many images are present in the memory 30 in the imaging apparatus 100 based on the received image list information and determines the number (step S509). . The image list information includes an image file name, an image size, and the like stored in the memory 30 in the imaging device 100. The number of images stored in the memory 30 in the imaging device 100 is, for example, an image file name It can be calculated from the number of

  As a result of the calculation, when the number of images stored in the imaging apparatus 100 is one, only one image is displayed on the image display unit 324 of the mobile phone 300, so that the image size of the image list information and the image display unit 324 It is determined whether display is possible based on the display resolution (step S526). If not, the process proceeds to step S510. On the other hand, if display is possible, an image request is transmitted to the imaging apparatus 100 (step S517).

  On the other hand, if the number of images is less than or equal to the image display capability of the portable terminal 300 in step S509, or if display is not possible in step S526, a thumbnail image request is transmitted to the imaging apparatus 100 (step S510). In this thumbnail image request, a plurality of thumbnail image requests may be transmitted for each stored image, and a single thumbnail image request requests transmission of thumbnail images of all images stored in the memory 30. There is also a case.

  And it is discriminate | determined whether the thumbnail image was able to be received from the imaging device 100 (step S512). If the thumbnail image cannot be received, the process ends. On the other hand, when the thumbnail image can be received, a plurality of thumbnail images are displayed on the image display unit 324, and the user is allowed to select an image (step S514). It is determined whether or not the user has selected an image (step S516). When the user selects an image, an image request is transmitted to the imaging apparatus 100 (step S517).

  On the other hand, as a result of the calculation in step S509, when the number of images stored in the imaging apparatus 100 is plural and the total thumbnail image size exceeds the display resolution of the image display unit 324, the image obtained by the image list information is displayed. The file name is displayed as a character code, or an image file name request is newly transmitted to the imaging apparatus 100 (step S511). Here, a case where a new image file name request is made is shown. In this image file name request, a plurality of image file name requests may be transmitted for each stored image, and image file names of all images stored in the memory 30 are transmitted with a single image file name request. May be required.

  And it is discriminate | determined whether the image file name was able to be received from the imaging device 100 (step S513). If the image file name cannot be received, the process is terminated. On the other hand, if the image file name can be received, a plurality of image file names are displayed on the image display unit 324, and the user is allowed to select an image (step S515). It is determined whether or not the user has selected an image (step S516A). When the user selects an image, an image request is transmitted to the imaging apparatus 100 (step S517). On the other hand, if the user has not selected an image, the process returns to step S515 to wait for the user to select an image.

  In the image request in step S517, not only the image but also image information, for example, the image information in the format shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a format of image information in the imaging apparatus 100. This image information includes the file name, date and time, the model name of the imaging device that captured the image, image data, and the like. In addition, when the imaging device can automatically recognize the shooting location based on position information using GPS (global positioning system), position information based on the position of a base station for wireless communication using a public network, etc., the position information Can be input from the operation unit, and if the shooting location can be input as a keyword of the captured image, these information may be included in the image information.

  The portable terminal 300 determines whether or not an image corresponding to this request (image and image information if image information is included) is received (step S518). If an image is received, this image (including image information is included). In this case, the image and image information) are displayed on the image display unit 324 and stored in the memory 320 (step S519).

  When the display / storage in the portable terminal 300 is completed, the near field communication is stopped (step S520). In this case, the mobile terminal 300 stops short-range wireless communication in order to save power consumption. However, when using an AC power supply, the short-range wireless communication is not stopped and is always connected. It doesn't matter.

  Furthermore, an application for connecting to a public line is started. (Step S521). In accordance with an instruction from the application, an operation is performed with the operation unit 362 of the mobile terminal 300, a connection operation by dial is performed on the public line connection destination, and a response from the other party is waited for. When a response is returned from the partner, connection processing is performed (step S522).

  When the connection process is completed, the image and image information stored in the memory 320 are transmitted to the public line (step S523). Waiting for the return of transmission OK from the connection destination (step S524). If the transmission OK is returned, the public line is disconnected (step S525), and this process ends.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an image transfer processing procedure in the imaging apparatus 100. This processing program is stored in the memory 52 in the imaging apparatus 100 and is executed by a CPU (not shown) in the system control circuit 50.

  Here, a case where a primary battery such as an alkaline battery or a lithium battery, or a secondary battery such as a NiCd battery, a NiMH battery, or a Li-ion battery is used as the power source 86 of the imaging apparatus 100 instead of an AC adapter. .

  First, when the power supply 86 of the imaging apparatus 100 is turned on (step S601), it is determined whether or not the remaining battery level of the imaging apparatus 100 is OK (step S602). If the remaining battery level is OK, The following processing is executed.

  That is, the imaging apparatus 100 waits for an inquiry request for searching for a portable terminal 300 that can communicate with the surroundings (step S603), and determines whether an inquiry request has been received in the inquiry request waiting state (step S604). . If an inquiry request has not been received, the process returns to step S603.

  On the other hand, when the inquiry request is received, short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth is started between the portable terminal 300 and the imaging apparatus 100 (step S605), and the inquiry result is notified to the portable terminal 300 (step S606).

  It is determined whether or not the inquiry result is OK (step S607). If not, the process returns to step S603. On the other hand, when the inquiry result is OK and the mobile terminal 300 is communicable, the mobile terminal 300 enters a standby state for an image list information request from the mobile terminal 300 (step S608), and waits until an image list information request is received (step S609).

  When the request is received, the image list information stored in the memory 30, for example, all or part of the image list information in the format shown in FIG. 8 is transmitted to the mobile terminal 300 (step S 610).

  Subsequently, it waits for an image request from the portable terminal 300 (step S611), and waits until an image request is received (step S612). When the request is received, the request type is determined (step S615). If the request type is an image request, the image stored in the memory 30 is transmitted (step S616).

  On the other hand, when the request type is a thumbnail image request, the thumbnail image stored in the memory 30 is transmitted (step S617), and the process returns to step S612 to wait for the reception of the image request again. At this time, if the request type is an image file name request in step S615, in the process of step 617, image information including the image file name (see FIG. 8) instead of the thumbnail image or together with the thumbnail image is stored in the portable terminal 300. Send.

  Then, it is determined whether or not the transmission of the requested image has been completed (step S618). When the transmission of the image is completed, the short-range wireless communication is stopped (step S619), and this process is terminated. On the other hand, if the transmission of the image has not ended in step S618, the process returns to step S611.

  On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S602, if the remaining battery level is not OK, a warning to that effect is displayed on the display unit 54 (step S613), the power source 86 is turned off (step S614), and this process ends.

  According to the present embodiment, the operability of the mobile terminal 300 can be improved, and the image of the imaging device 100 can be easily selected only by operating the mobile terminal 300. In addition, it is not necessary to implement a communication protocol such as PPP or TCP / IP in the imaging apparatus 100, and image transfer using public line connection can be realized.

  The above is the description of the embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to the configurations of these embodiments, and the functions shown in the claims or the functions of the configurations of the embodiments are included. Any configuration that can be achieved is applicable.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the mobile terminal 300 calculates the number of images from the image list information transmitted from the imaging device 100 and transmits the request image type to the imaging device 100. When the short-range wireless communication is activated in advance, the display resolution of the image display unit 324 of the portable terminal 300 is acquired from the inquiry request, and the number of images stored in the memory 30 and the display resolution of the image display unit 324 of the portable terminal 300 are And the image type to be transmitted to the mobile terminal 300 may be determined. That is, the processing in steps S509 to S517 and step S526 in FIG. 5 may be performed as internal processing of the imaging apparatus 100.

  In addition, the imaging apparatus 100 has transmitted all requested images to the portable terminal 300, but when a plurality of images exist in the memory 30 in the imaging apparatus 100, thumbnail images of these images are captured by the imaging apparatus 100. The file name (the file number given when the reduced image is created, the file name of the image information corresponding to the reduced image, etc.) is added to these thumbnail images and transmitted to the mobile terminal 100, The mobile terminal 100 may display a list of these thumbnail images. When the user who viewed the list selects one or a plurality of thumbnail images, the file name of the selected thumbnail image is transmitted to the image capturing apparatus 100, and the image capturing apparatus 300 converts the thumbnail image with the received file name. Corresponding image information before reduction may be transmitted to the mobile terminal 300. At this time, when only one image is stored in the memory 30, the thumbnail image may not be sent, and the unreduced image information may be sent.

  It goes without saying that the present invention can also be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to an apparatus using a recording medium storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the new function of the present invention, and the program itself and the storage medium storing the program constitute the present invention. In the above embodiment, the program codes shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 5, 6, and 7 are stored in the ROM that is a storage medium. The storage medium for supplying the program code is not limited to the ROM, and for example, a flexible disk, a DVD, a nonvolatile memory card, or the like can be used. The same applies to the second embodiment described later.

[Second Embodiment]
An image transfer system according to the second embodiment will be described. As in the first embodiment, the image transfer system according to the second embodiment has an image pickup apparatus (digital communication function) having a local communication function (short-range wireless communication function) for transmitting image data wirelessly as shown in FIG. Camera) 100, a mobile terminal 300 (mobile phone) having a local communication function for receiving image data from the imaging apparatus 100 and a transmission / reception function for transmitting / receiving mails via a public line, and a public for transmitting image data from the mobile terminal 300 It is composed of a line network 800.

  The imaging apparatus 100 is not limited to a digital camera, and a PDA (Personal Digital) having a function of temporarily storing image data as digital data or storing it for a long period of time and a function of outputting stored image data (for example, an image server function). Assistant) or the like. The mobile terminal 300 is not limited to a mobile phone, and may be a device such as a digital wireless phone such as a PHS or a PC having a line connection function.

  FIG. 9 is a rear view of the digital camera 100. On the back side of the digital camera 100, a display unit 902 for confirming a subject to be photographed, confirming a photographed image, and displaying a communication setting menu or the like is provided on the left side. Below the display unit 902, a selection switch 903 for operating the digital camera, such as switching of a reproduction image and selection of key input of a software keyboard, is disposed. A mode switching switch 904 arranged on the right side of the selection switch 903 is a switch for displaying a menu of a local communication mode for performing communication with the mobile phone 300.

  10, FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 are diagrams showing various screens displayed on the display unit 902 during the local communication mode. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a local communication sequence between the digital camera 100 and the mobile phone 300 in the image data transfer according to the second embodiment.

  In the image data transfer system according to the second embodiment, in the digital camera 100, in addition to connection information such as a line, image data transferred by local communication is immediately transmitted to a public line or is a transfer destination of image data. A function of giving instruction information, such as whether to store the stored image data after an operation such as temporarily storing in the mobile phone 300 and editing a message by operating the mobile phone 300 is added.

  Also, based on image selection information included in connection information such as a line sent from the digital camera 100 by local communication, information such as the size of the selected image data is acquired from the mobile phone 300 having a public line connection function. And a function for acquiring image data from the digital camera 100 according to the state of the buffer of the mobile phone 300 using the information of the acquired image data.

  With these functions, the transfer timing of the image data from the digital camera 100 to the public line can be selected, and when the image data transfer operation designated from the digital camera 100 is performed, the mobile phone 300 is in that state. Accordingly, the image data can be transferred at an arbitrary timing.

  Next, main processes in the local communication mode of the digital camera 100 will be described. 14, 15 and 16 are flowcharts showing the control processing procedure of the digital camera 100 in the local communication mode of FIG. This processing program is stored in a ROM (not shown) in the system control circuit 50 of the digital camera 100 and is executed by a CPU (not shown).

  First, when the local communication mode changeover switch 904 of the digital camera 100 is pressed, the digital camera 100 is shifted to the local communication mode (step S1001). Then, the initial screen 1001 in the local communication mode is displayed on the display unit 902 of the digital camera 100 (see step S1002, FIG. 10A). In this initial screen 1001, a menu is displayed.

  Waiting for the user to operate the selection switch 903 (key selection operation) (step S1003), and when the key selection operation is performed, whether the function list display usable in the local communication mode is selected from the menu of the initial screen 1001. It is determined whether or not (step S1003). When the function list display is selected, a list display screen 1002 of functions usable in local communication is displayed on the display unit 902 (step S1005, see FIG. 10B).

  On this screen, the user waits for a key selection operation (step S1006). When the key selection operation is performed, it is determined whether or not a line connection is selected (step S1007). When the line connection is selected by the user, a connection setting operation is performed, and a connection information setting screen 1003 is displayed on the display unit 902 (see step S1008, FIG. 10C). The connection information setting screen 1003 displays the last set information. In FIG. 10C, the destination nickname, the telephone number of the Internet service provider access point, etc., and the mail address settings are displayed. In this embodiment, the displayed information is the final setting information. However, when using a database that manages connection information by nickname, such as a telephone directory, registration data can be selected and displayed. It is. When this connection setting operation is completed, a transfer setting operation is performed (step S1009).

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the transfer operation processing procedure in step S1009. First, the transfer setting screen 1004 is displayed (see step S1101, FIG. 10D). The transfer setting screen 1004 is a screen for selecting a data processing request for images to be transferred. On this transfer setting screen 1004, mail transfer (e-mail), FTP transfer (FTP upload), and folder designation transfer are displayed in a selectable manner. When a transfer method is selected on this screen, each submenu screen (not shown) is displayed.

  Then, it is determined whether or not FTP transfer setting (upload) is selected (step S1102). When the FTP transfer setting is selected, an FTP setting operation is performed (step S1103). Further, in addition to the connection information, a setting screen for necessary information (such as specifying an FTP server) is displayed. Setting confirmation and change are performed on this screen. When the setting is completed, the setting information is saved (step S1104). . Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the setting is completed (step S1105). In the present embodiment, necessary information is set in the transfer setting submenu, but it can also be set on the connection information setting screen or on another page.

  On the other hand, if the FTP transfer setting is not selected from the transfer setting screen 1004 in step S1102, it is determined whether or not the mail transfer setting is selected (step S1106). When the mail transfer setting is selected, the mail setting menu screen 1005 shown in FIG. 10E is displayed, the mail address of the transfer destination is set, and the message is edited as necessary (step S1107). When the setting operation of the mail setting menu is completed, information such as the mail address is saved, and the mail body is saved as a created text file (step S1108), and the process proceeds to step S1105.

  If it is determined in step S1105 that the setting has not been completed, the process returns to step S1102, and the above-described operation is repeated to set various information. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1105 that the setting is complete, it is determined whether immediate transfer is selected (step S1109). That is, it is selected whether the data transferred from the digital camera 100 is immediately transferred from the mobile phone 300 to the line, or the mobile phone 300 stores / saves connection information and data such as a designated image file.

  When immediate transfer is selected, information for requesting immediate delivery to the mobile phone 300 is added to each setting file and stored as a final setting file (step S1110). On the other hand, when it is desired to store data in the mobile phone 300, similarly, data storage instruction request information is added to the setting file and stored as a final setting file (step S1111). Thereafter, the present process is terminated, and the process returns to the main step S1010.

  On the other hand, if the mail transfer setting is not selected in step S1106, it is determined whether or not cancel is selected (step S1112). If cancel is not selected, the process returns to step S1102. On the other hand, if cancel is selected, a cancel instruction is set (step S1113), the process is terminated, and the process returns to the main process. In this transfer setting operation process, the case of performing “folder designation transfer” shown on the transfer setting screen 1004 is not shown, but it is needless to say that folder designation transfer setting may be performed.

  In the subsequent main process, an image selection operation process is performed (step S1010). FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the image selection operation processing procedure in step S1010. First, a file list is acquired (step S1201), and it is determined whether it can be displayed on one screen (step S1202). If it can be displayed on one screen, all image data is acquired (step S1203). On the other hand, if it cannot be displayed on one screen, the number of displayable image data is acquired (step S1204), and the page information is stored (step S1205).

  Then, the acquired image data selection screen 1006 (see FIG. 10F) is displayed (step S1206), and it is determined whether or not a file registration operation has been performed (step S1207).

  When the file registration operation is performed, the number of the selected file is stored (step S1208), and the process returns to step S1207. On the other hand, if it is not a file registration operation, it is determined whether or not the image selection is finished (step S1209). If the image selection is finished, an image registration completion instruction is set (step S1210), and this processing is finished. Then, the process returns to the main step S1011. On the other hand, if it is not the end of image selection in step S1209, it is determined whether or not the selection is cancelled (step S1211). If not cancelled, the process returns to the process of step S1207. If cancelled, a cancel instruction is set (step S1212), the process is terminated, and the process returns to the main step S1011.

  In this way, in the image selection operation process, an image selection operation to be transferred is performed, and when the image selection operation is completed, a confirmation screen display process is performed (step S1011). In this confirmation screen display processing, an operation instruction menu display screen 1007 (see FIG. 11A) is displayed, and when registered image confirmation is selected as described later, a registered image confirmation screen 1008 (FIG. 11B). Browse) is displayed. If all registered images displayed on the registered image confirmation screen 1008 are deleted, only text mail is transferred without attaching image data.

  When a series of connection settings are completed in the line connection function, an operation instruction menu display screen 1007 (see FIG. 11A) is displayed, and an operation instruction (key selection operation) from the user is awaited (step S1012).

  If there is a key selection operation on the operation instruction menu display screen 1007, it is determined whether or not it is a connection instruction operation (step S1013). When a connection request is instructed by selecting a connected device, the local communication operation of the digital camera 100 is performed (step S1014). At this time, a communication status display screen 1015 shown in FIG.

  When the local communication connection is started from the lower protocol in the local communication operation and the local communication connection is completed, the line connection information set in the line connection setting process in step S1008, the transfer setting process in step S1009, and the image selection setting process in step S1010. The (connection setting file) is transferred (step S1015), and a data acquisition request from the mobile phone 300 is awaited (step S1016). When a data acquisition request specifying a file such as image data included in the connection setting file transferred from the mobile phone 300 is received, the data for one image data file is collectively collected from the digital camera 100 according to the request signal. Alternatively, it is divided and transferred to the mobile phone 300 (step S1017).

  Here, when a plurality of image data files are designated in the line connection information, the above procedure is repeated until the data buffer of the mobile phone 300 becomes full or all designated image data files are acquired. . In this embodiment, the case where the data is image data is shown. However, the data to be transferred is not only the image data, but also the text data such as the message described above, the voice data file associated with the image, and the like. It can be transferred in the same procedure.

  It is determined whether or not the data transfer is completed (step S1018), and when the data transfer is completed, the digital camera 101 waits for a disconnection instruction from the user (step S1019). If there is a disconnection instruction, the local communication disconnection operation is performed (step S1020), and then this process ends. On the other hand, if the data transfer is not completed in step S1018, it is determined whether or not a cancel operation has been performed (step S1021). If a cancel operation has been performed, this process ends. If a cancel operation has not been performed, the process returns to step S1016.

  On the other hand, if the function list display usable in the local communication mode is not selected from the menu of the initial screen 1001 in step S1004, it is determined whether or not communication device search is selected (step S1022). When the communication device search is selected, a device search operation is performed (step S1023), and the process proceeds to step S1013. On the other hand, if communication device search is not selected in step S1022, it is determined whether or not service search is selected (step S1024). When service search is selected, a service search operation is performed (step S1025), and the process returns to step S1004. On the other hand, if the service search is not selected in step S1024, it is determined whether or not the setting is selected (step S1026). If selection is selected, a setting operation is performed (step S1027), and the process returns to step S1004. On the other hand, when the setting is not selected, this process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the line connection in step S1007 is not selected on the screen 1002 on which the function list is displayed, it is determined whether or not file transfer is selected (step S1028). If file transfer is selected, an image selection operation is performed (step S1029), and the process proceeds to step S1011. On the other hand, if file transfer is not selected in step S1028, it is determined whether printing is selected (step S1030). If printing is selected, a print setting operation is performed (step S1031), and the process proceeds to step S1011. On the other hand, if printing is not selected in step S1030, it is determined whether or not automatic storage is selected (step S1032). If automatic saving is selected, an automatic saving operation is performed (step S1033), and this process is terminated. On the other hand, if automatic saving has not been selected, the process returns to step S1002.

  On the other hand, if the connection instruction operation in step S1013 is not selected on the operation instruction menu display screen 1007, it is determined whether or not terminal search is selected (step S1034). When terminal search is selected (see FIG. 11E), a device search operation is performed (step S1035), and the process returns to step S1012. As a result of this terminal search, a screen 1012 in FIG. 11F is displayed.

  On the other hand, if terminal search is not selected in step S1034, it is determined whether communication information confirmation has been selected (step S1036). If communication information confirmation is selected (see FIG. 11C), communication is performed. An information confirmation operation is performed (step S1037), and the process returns to step S1012. In this operation, a communication information confirmation screen 1010 shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, if the communication information confirmation is not selected in step S1036, it is determined whether or not the registered terminal list is selected (step S1038). If the registered terminal list is selected (see FIG. 12A), A registered terminal display operation is performed (step S1039), and the process returns to step S1012. As a result of this registration terminal search, a screen 1014 in FIG. 12B is displayed.

  On the other hand, if the list of registered terminals is not selected in step S1038, it is determined whether or not registered image confirmation is selected (step S1040). If registered image confirmation is selected (see FIG. 11A), A registered image confirmation operation is performed (step S1041). In this operation, a registered image confirmation screen 1008 shown in FIG. 11B is displayed. Thereafter, the processing returns to step S1012.

  Next, FIG. 13 shows a communication sequence when mail transfer is selected on the transfer setting screen 1004 (see FIG. 10D). When image data transfer by e-mail is selected in the digital camera 100, connection with the mobile phone 300 is performed by the lower protocol according to the above-described series of processing procedures, and then a service confirmation operation by the upper protocol is performed.

  When it is confirmed that the service supported by the mobile phone 300 matches the requested service, the line connection information including the transmission destination e-mail address and transfer image information is transferred from the digital camera 100 to the mobile phone 300. . The mobile phone 300 that has received the line connection information, after saving the line connection information, extracts the image file name selected / designated by the digital camera 100, and sequentially issues a data acquisition request for the selected image file. It transmits to the camera 100.

  Upon receiving this data acquisition request, the digital camera 100 divides or batch-transfers the designated image data file to the mobile phone 300 according to the acquisition request. This operation is repeated until the cellular phone buffer is full or all designated image data files are transferred. This sequence shows a case where one image data is transferred in succession twice, but when the image data file has a large file size, it is further divided and transferred in multiple times. If the designated image data file is within a size range that can be transferred at once by local communication, one image data file is transferred by a single image transfer request.

  Furthermore, since the transfer of the image data file is performed according to an instruction from the mobile phone 300, it is possible to request continuously or interrupt the transfer once depending on the state of the mobile phone 300. After the transfer of the image data is completed, the connection of the communication path is secured until a disconnection instruction is issued by an operation on the communication status display screen.

  In the sequence of FIG. 13, in order to simplify the operation, an information acquisition procedure such as a size related to a designated image file before image data transfer and a transfer procedure of related data such as a text file are omitted. For example, when there is not enough data buffer capacity of the mobile phone 300 or when a plurality of image data is designated by the digital camera 100, it is necessary to perform data transfer control according to the buffer availability of the mobile phone 300. The image data size information to be obtained is acquired. Also, related data such as text data and audio data files are acquired in the same procedure as that for image data.

  19, 20 and 21 are flowcharts showing the control processing procedure of the mobile phone 300 in the local communication mode. This processing program is stored in a memory (ROM) 352 in the mobile phone 300 and executed by a CPU (not shown) in the communication system control circuit 350.

  First, when shifting to the local communication mode (step S1300), the process waits until a connection request is made (step S1301). The lower layer connection operation by the lower protocol is completed by the above sequence (step S1302), and after the upper protocol connection is completed by the service confirmation operation (step S1303), it is determined whether or not the service request and the function match. (Step S1304). If they do not match, connection rejection operation processing is performed (step S1305).

  On the other hand, if the service request matches the function, it is determined whether or not there is a line connection request from the digital camera 100 (step S1306). If the local communication is a line connection request from the digital camera 100, it is determined whether line connection information has been received from the digital camera 100 (step S1307).

  When the line connection information is received, the cellular phone 300 temporarily stores the connection information file of the line connection information (step S1308). Then, the file name of the image data file designated for transfer by the digital camera 100 is extracted from the line connection information (step S1309), and an information acquisition request for the designated image data file such as the image size and the image file size is digitally received. It transmits with respect to the camera 100 (step S1310).

  On the other hand, if the line connection information is not received in step S1307, it is determined whether or not there is an interruption instruction (step S1311). If there is an interruption instruction, a cutting operation is performed (step S1312), and this process is terminated. On the other hand, if there is no interruption instruction, the process returns to step S1307.

  Also, after making an information acquisition request such as an image file size in step S1310, it is determined whether image size information has been received (step S1313). If the image size information has not been received, it is determined whether or not there has been an interruption instruction (step S1314). When there is an interruption instruction, a cutting operation is performed (step S1315), and this process is terminated. On the other hand, if there is no interruption instruction, the process returns to step S1313.

  On the other hand, when the image size information is received, the acquired image size information is stored (step S1316). When the saving of the image size information is completed, it is determined whether or not the image size information for all the specified image data files among the image file information included in the line connection information has been acquired (step S1317).

  If it is determined that all the image size information has been acquired, an image file data acquisition request designated by the line connection information is transmitted to the digital camera 100 (step S1318). On the other hand, if it is determined that the image size information for all the designated image files has not been acquired, the process returns to step S1310, and an image size information acquisition request is made again to acquire this information. This series of operations is continued until information of all designated image data files is obtained.

  When the image size information acquisition of all the image data files specified by the line connection information is completed, as described above, one image data file is selected from the specified images, and the image data acquisition request is digitally selected. It transmits to the camera 100.

  When the acquisition request for the image data file is transmitted, the mobile phone 300 determines whether or not the designated one image data file has been received (step S1319). When the image data for one file is received, the acquired image data file is received. Is stored (step S1320).

  When the data storage is completed, it is determined whether or not all designated image data files have been acquired (step S1321). When all the designated image data files have been acquired, the process waits until a local communication disconnection request is made (step S1322), and when there is a disconnection request, local communication is disconnected (step S1323).

  The previously stored line connection information is read (step S1324), and it is determined whether mail transmission is selected (step S1325). If mail transmission is selected, the mailer is activated (step S1326), and this process ends. On the other hand, when mail transmission is not selected, an application for performing data transfer such as FTP is started (step S1327), and this process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that acquisition of all the image data files specified in step S1321 has not been completed, the free space in the data buffer of the mobile phone 300 is confirmed (step S1328), and this buffer size and the buffer size should be acquired. The size of the image data file is compared, and it is determined whether or not the image file is smaller than the buffer size (step S1329). If it is determined that the size of the image data file is smaller than the buffer size, the process returns to step S1318 again to acquire the next image data file. This operation is repeated until all designated files of the image data file names included in the line connection information have been acquired or the data buffer of the mobile phone 300 is full.

  On the other hand, if the data buffer is full in step S1329, after storing the acquired image data file information and the unacquired image data file name (step S1330), the process proceeds to the local communication disconnection operation process in step S1323. .

  On the other hand, if the reception of the image data is not completed in step S1319, it is determined whether there is an interruption instruction (step S1331). When there is an interruption instruction, a cutting operation is performed (step S1332), and this process is terminated. On the other hand, if there is no interruption instruction, the processing returns to step S1318.

  On the other hand, if there is no line connection request in step S1306, it is determined whether image data has been received (step S1333). If image data has been received, the image data is stored (step S1334). It is determined whether the reception of the image data is completed (step S1335). If the reception of the image data is not completed, the process returns to step S1333. On the other hand, when the reception of the image data is completed, it is determined whether or not there is a disconnection request (step S1336). If there is a disconnection request, a disconnection operation is performed (step S1337), and this process ends. On the other hand, if there is no disconnection request, the process returns to step S1333. On the other hand, if no image data is received in step S1333, it is determined whether or not there is an interruption instruction (step S1338). If there is an interruption instruction, the process proceeds to step S1337. On the other hand, if there is no interruption instruction, the process returns to step S1333.

  Then, the cellular phone 300 performs automatic transmission of mail when the local communication ends. FIG. 22 and FIG. 23 are flowcharts showing the mail transmission processing procedure in the mobile phone 300 after the end of local communication.

  When the local communication process ends, the mobile phone 300 determines whether there is an automatic transmission request (step S1401). If there is no automatic transmission request, normal operation is performed (step S1402), and this process is terminated. On the other hand, if there is an automatic transmission request, the previously saved line connection information is read (step S1403). A mail transmission address setting operation is performed, and an e-mail address is set in the mailer from the read line connection information (step S1404).

  The presence / absence of mail text is determined, and it is confirmed whether there is a message file to be transferred (step S1405). If there is a text file containing a message, a transmission message setting operation is performed (step S1406). In this transmission message setting operation, a text file is set as a mail message.

  It is determined whether or not there is valid transfer data (step S1407). If there is no valid transfer data, an interruption process operation is performed (step S1408), and this process ends. On the other hand, if there is valid transfer data, after setting the data to be attached next (step S1409), it is determined whether or not immediate transmission of mail is instructed by the line connection information (step S1410).

  On the other hand, if immediate delivery is instructed, a line connection operation is performed (step S1411). It is determined whether or not the line is connected (step S1412). If the line is not connected, it is determined whether or not the connection has timed out (step S1413). If not, the process returns to step S1412. If time-out has occurred, an error message is displayed (step S1414), and the process is terminated. On the other hand, if the line is connected in step S1412, mail is transmitted via the public line after the line is connected (step S1415). It is determined whether or not transmission of mail has been completed (step S1416). If transmission of mail has not been completed, it is determined whether or not an interruption instruction has been issued (step S1417). If no interruption instruction has been issued, the process returns to step S1416. On the other hand, if an interruption instruction has been issued, or if transmission of mail has been completed in step S1416, a line disconnection operation is performed (step S1418). Thereafter, the data is cleared (step S1419), and this process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if immediate distribution is not set in the line connection information in step S1410 and data storage is instructed, the automatic mail transmission operation is terminated with the mailer activated. On the other hand, if there is no text file containing a message in step S1405, it is determined whether there is a registration message (step S1420). If there is no registration message, the process proceeds to step S1407 and there is a registration message. Then, a registration message setting operation is performed (step S1421), and the process proceeds to step S1407.

  In this embodiment, only the image file acquisition operation is shown. However, when the line connection information includes information such as a text data file name or an audio file related to the image data file, acquisition of the image data file is performed. A data acquisition request is transmitted in the same procedure as the procedure, and data transfer is performed.

  In addition, when data line information related to the image data file is not described in the line connection information, or data file information related to the information such as the image size is described, the related data is acquired from this information. It is also possible.

  Furthermore, when acquiring an image data file, in the present embodiment, one image data file was transferred at a time, but an image data file having a capacity exceeding the capacity of the buffer provided in the mobile phone 300 is specified. Transfer image data files halfway, then connect to the line and transfer part of the image data file to make the buffer empty. Is also possible. Therefore, even if the buffer is full in step S1329, as a process other than the above-described local communication disconnection process, image transmission is performed by line connection while maintaining the local communication connection, and the image specified when the buffer becomes empty It is also possible to acquire a data file from the digital camera 100.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the image data to be attached always has been shown. However, as described above, it is possible to delete all the designations of the attached image file in the image selection operation. When all the designations of the attached image file are deleted, if there is no image data and a text file is received, only the text file can be transferred.

  The information set on the connection information setting screen 1003 (see FIG. 10C) and the image information set on the transfer image selection screen 1006 (see FIG. 10F) are each saved as a file. The information file can be shared with a file generated by DPOF (Digital Print Order Format) or the like.

  In addition, as shown in the above-described embodiment, line connection information including image data file designation information, file designation information such as a text file / audio file, mail address, FTP connection information, and transfer setting information such as an immediate transmission instruction Can be shared with the DPOF file. When shared with the DPOF file, the line connection information transferred from the digital camera 100 becomes the DPOF file.

  In the above embodiment, image data to be transferred is transferred from the digital camera 100 (imaging device) to the mobile phone 300 (mobile terminal), but depending on the mobile terminal, many image files can be stored in the device body. Some have no memory. Assuming such a case, the file information of the image data transferred from the portable terminal may be transferred, and the transfer image data in an amount that can be stored in the buffer from the line communication device may be read from the imaging device.

  Further, in this case, the timing of connection of the mobile terminal to the public line does not need to be after all image data has been received. For example, a mail attachment request is received by local communication, and the data storage buffer of the mobile terminal is full. When the data up to this point is output from the imaging device, the mailer is started and mail transmission is started. If there is remaining attached file data, the public line is read while sequentially reading from the imaging device along with the buffer space. You may forward to.

  In the above embodiment, a mobile phone is exemplified as a mobile terminal. However, a similar function can be realized by a PC connected to a public line via a modem or a PC connected to a local area network. . In the case of a PC, a storage medium such as a hard disk with a large capacity is often provided. Therefore, image data transferred in response to a line connection request from an imaging device is not temporarily stored but stored in a storage medium such as a hard disk. Also good.

  As described above, since the public line connection communication can be easily performed only by operating the apparatus without mounting a communication protocol or application required for public line communication on the imaging apparatus, the user is troublesome to operate a plurality of apparatuses. Now you are free. Furthermore, by effectively utilizing the public line communication application of the line communication device, it is not necessary to add duplicate functions to the image pickup device, and an increase in cost due to unnecessary parts such as a ROM for storing the program can be avoided. .

  In addition, since image data transmitted by public line connection communication is transferred at high speed before connection to the public line, the power consumption of the imaging apparatus can be suppressed as compared with the case of using dial-up via a modem.

  Furthermore, when the line communication device is a PC and is connected to an intranet by a local area network, it can be connected to the outside via a mail server by using a mail function, so even from a device not directly connected to a public line Image data can be transferred easily.

  In addition, the user can make troublesome settings for the image input / output device by registering in advance the data transfer destination at the time of request for line connection communication by local communication in the public line connection device, for example, at home mail address. Therefore, it is possible to easily transfer data, and it can be used as a backup means for image files.

  Furthermore, since a plurality of images can be selected by the image selection process, a plurality of image data can be transferred by a single public line connection operation.

1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an image transfer system according to a first embodiment. 2 is a diagram illustrating an external configuration of an imaging apparatus 100 and a mobile terminal 300. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an internal electrical configuration of the imaging apparatus 100. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an internal electrical configuration of a mobile terminal 300. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an image transfer processing procedure in the mobile terminal 300. 6 is a flowchart showing an image transfer processing procedure in the mobile terminal 300 continued from FIG. 5. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an image transfer processing procedure in the imaging apparatus 100. 3 is a diagram illustrating a format of image information in the imaging apparatus 100. FIG. 2 is a rear view of the digital camera 100. FIG. It is a figure which shows the various screens displayed on the display part 902 in local communication mode. It is a figure which shows the various screens displayed on the display part 902 in local communication mode. It is a figure which shows the various screens displayed on the display part 902 in local communication mode. It is a figure which shows the local communication sequence between the digital camera 100 and the mobile telephone 300 in the image data transfer of 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing procedure of the digital camera 100 in the local communication mode of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing procedure of the digital camera 100 following FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a control processing procedure of the digital camera 100 following FIG. 14 and FIG. 15. It is a flowchart which shows the transfer operation processing procedure in step S1009. It is a flowchart which shows the image selection operation | movement procedure in step S1010. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing procedure of the mobile telephone 300 in a local communication mode. 20 is a flowchart showing a control processing procedure of the mobile phone 300 in the local communication mode following FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a control processing procedure of the mobile phone 300 in the local communication mode following FIG. 19 and FIG. 20. It is a flowchart which shows the mail transmission process sequence in the mobile telephone 300 after the end of local communication. FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a mail transmission processing procedure in the mobile phone 300 after the end of local communication following FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 50 System control circuit 110,326,330 Communication part 100,500 Imaging device 300,700 Portable terminal 350 Communication system control circuit 800 Public communication network 902 Display part 903 Selection switch 904 Mode change switch 1003 Connection information setting screen 1004 Transfer setting screen

Claims (4)

Storage means for storing images;
If the image size obtained by adding the thumbnail image of the plurality of images stored in the storage means is less than the display capability of the portable terminal, transmits the thumbnail images of a plurality of images stored in said storage means to said portable terminal and, wherein when the image size obtained by summing the thumbnail images of the stored plurality of images in the storage means exceeds the display capability of the portable terminal, the portable terminal the file name of the plurality of images stored in said storage means An image pickup apparatus comprising: a transmitting means for transmitting to the camera. If the image size obtained by adding the thumbnail image of the plurality of images stored in the image pickup device is equal to or less than the display capability of the mobile terminal, it transmits thumbnail images of a plurality of images stored in the image pickup apparatus to the mobile terminal ,
If the image size which is the sum of thumbnail images of a plurality of images stored in the image pickup device exceeds the display capability of the portable terminal, it transmits the file name of the plurality of images stored in the image pickup apparatus to the mobile terminal A data transmission method for an image pickup apparatus. If the image size obtained by adding the thumbnail image of the plurality of images stored in the image pickup device is equal to or less than the display capability of the portable terminal, it transmits the thumbnail images of a plurality of images stored in the image pickup apparatus to the mobile terminal Means,
If the image size which is the sum of thumbnail images of a plurality of images stored in the image pickup device exceeds the display capability of the portable terminal, it transmits the file name of the plurality of images stored in the image pickup apparatus to the mobile terminal A data transmission program for causing a computer to function as an image pickup apparatus having a function of If the image size obtained by adding the thumbnail image of the plurality of images stored in the image pickup device is equal to or less than the display capability of the portable terminal, it transmits the thumbnail images of a plurality of images stored in the image pickup apparatus to the mobile terminal Means,
If the image size which is the sum of thumbnail images of a plurality of images stored in the image pickup device exceeds the display capability of the portable terminal, it transmits the file name of the plurality of images stored in the image pickup apparatus to the mobile terminal A storage medium storing a data transmission program for causing a computer to function as an imaging device.

Images