RU2574835C1 - Communication device and method of controlling said device - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: radio engineering, communication.

SUBSTANCE: device comprises a first transmitting means for transmitting a plurality of search commands using multiple types of detection protocols for searching for devices on a network; a first means of receiving parts of device information transmitted from devices on the network in response to search commands, wherein device information contains the type of detection protocol supported by the corresponding device, a first selection means for selecting a device based on parts of the device information received by said first receiving means and a second transmitting means for transmitting a notification signal for notifying devices on the network on the presence of a communication device.

EFFECT: faster data transmission in a network.

30 cl, 29 dwg

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication device, and more particularly, to a communication device that establishes a connection with a device in a network.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a method for controlling a communication device.

State of the art

[0003] More recently, digital cameras including a wireless communication function and a recording medium equipped with a wireless communication function have appeared. Using these devices, the image file obtained by the digital camera can be quickly transferred to a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as the computer PC).

[0004] However, to establish a connection with a specific PC computer over the network, if there is a wireless connection to the PC computer, information must be recorded (recorded) in the digital camera to determine the destination computer. To solve this problem, the following digital camera has been proposed (Japanese Patent Publication No. 2006-67231). In particular, if there is a wireless connection between the digital camera and the PC computer, the digital camera is connected to the target PC computer via a USB cable, while pairing information is entered into the digital camera in advance to determine the partner computer. At the moment you are prompted to start a wireless connection, the digital camera alerts the network and establishes a wireless connection to a specific PC based on the entered pairing information.

[0005] Before establishing a wireless connection, the digital camera disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-67231 must be connected to the partner computer via a USB cable, and pairing information must be entered in advance to determine the partner computer, resulting in unsatisfactory usability.

[0006] Depending on the installed OS, in the process of establishing a connection between devices, the PC uses various discovery protocols. Typical discovery protocols are UPnP (Universal Protocol for Automatic Hardware Configuration) and Bonjour.

[0007] UPnP is a technical standard for connecting devices, such as a PC, peripheral device, audio / video system, telephone and home appliances, over a network, and also serves to provide their functions to each other. UPnP was proposed by Microsoft in 1999, and has been supported by more than twenty companies, including Intel. UPnP protocol is based on standard technology for the Internet and aims to control the device exclusively by connecting it to the network without any complex operations or configuration work.

[0008] The Bonjour protocol is a technology for automatically detecting and connecting a device over an IP network, such as an Ethernet network or a wireless LAN (local area network). The Bonjour protocol was developed as a configuration-free technology that relies on a standard protocol defined by the Zeroconf IETF (Internet Standards Engineers Working Group) and has usability similar to Apple Talk usability. The Zeroconf working group requests three functions: the IP addressing function, the naming function, and the service discovery function. These functions are implemented as follows. In the process of addressing, communication without using a router is carried out within the local network, and the IP address is obtained automatically. The naming function uses a multi-channel DNS server in which the local host name should not be set on an ongoing basis. During the service discovery process, a search is made for a device equipped with the function that the user wishes to use. The Bonjour protocol is used predominantly in the Mac OS provided by Apple.

[0009] Another detection protocol is the Jini protocol introduced by Sun Microsystems. The digital camera disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-67231 requires pairing information to be entered in advance, along with information about the type of discovery protocol for each PC. Based on the foregoing, it will be difficult for a user who has insufficient knowledge about the network to correctly enter pairing information.

[0010] The digital camera and the PC computer have a so-called device relationship with a control point, using which the digital camera provides an image file to the PC computer in accordance with a command from the PC computer to obtain an image file. In general, a PC computer serving as a control point manages a series of operations, including starting a connection to a digital camera, transmitting an image, and ending a connection. However, the user may wish to transfer the image file to the PC immediately after the shooting or change the destination computer depending on the type of image file. In this case, the usability would be improved if the user could scroll through the list of PC computers on the network by performing operations with a digital camera and issue a command to establish a connection with the desired PC computer while holding the digital camera in his hand.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present invention provides a communication device that can facilitate establishing a connection with a device on a network by using a discovery protocol to discover a device on the network, and also provides a method for controlling such a device.

[0012] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication device that establishes a connection with a device on a network by using a discovery protocol to discover a device, and comprises: first transmission means for transmitting a plurality of search commands using a plurality of types of discovery protocols to search for devices in network, the first receiving means for receiving portions of device information transmitted from devices on the network in response to search commands, wherein device information contains there is the type of detection protocol supported by the corresponding device, the first selection means for selecting the device based on portions of the device information received by the first reception means, and the second transmission means for transmitting a notification signal for notifying devices on the network about the presence of the communication device, after the selection made using the first selection tool, and the notification signal is based on the detection protocol supported by the device selected using the first tool and choice.

[0013] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication device that establishes a connection with a device on a network by using a discovery protocol to discover a device, and comprises: first transmission means for transmitting a plurality of search commands using a plurality of types of discovery protocols to search for devices in the network, the first receiving means for receiving portions of device information transmitted from devices in the network in response to search commands, wherein the device information comprises a type of a detection protocol of a corresponding device, first selection means for selecting a device based on portions of device information received by the first reception means, connection establishment means for establishing a connection with a device selected by the first selection means, registration means for registering according to the type the discovery protocol of the device, the device with which the connection was established using the connection establishment tool, the second selection means for selecting and devices from a plurality of devices registered by means of registration, while the connection with another device is not established, and second transmission means for transmitting a notification signal for notifying devices on the network about the presence of a communication device after selecting a device using the second means selection, and the notification signal is based on a detection protocol corresponding to the device selected by the second selection means.

[0014] In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling a communication device that establishes a connection with a device on a network by using a discovery protocol to detect a device, comprising: a first transmitting step in which a plurality of search commands are transmitted using a plurality of protocol types detection to search for devices on the network, the first receiving stage, at which parts of the device information transmitted from devices to the network are received and, in response to the search commands, wherein the device information comprises a type of detection protocol supported by the corresponding device, a first selection step that selects the device based on portions of the device information received in the first reception step and a second transmission step in which a notification signal is transmitted to notify devices on the network of the presence of the communication device after the selection made in the first selection stage, the notification signal being based on the detection protocol supported by the device selected in the first selection step.

[0015] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling a communication device that establishes a connection with a device on a network by using a discovery protocol to detect a device, comprising: a first transmitting step in which a plurality of search commands are transmitted using a plurality of types discovery protocols for searching for devices on the network, the first receiving stage, at which parts of the device information transmitted from devices on the network are received in vet to search commands, the device information containing the type of detection protocol supported by the corresponding device, the first selection stage, which selects the device based on portions of the device information received at the first receiving stage, the connection establishment step, at which the connection with the device selected in the first stage of selection, the registration stage at which registration is performed, according to the type of device discovery protocol, the device with which When the connection was established, the connection was established, the second selection stage, at which the device is selected from the set of devices registered at the registration stage, while the connection with the other device is not established, and the second transmission stage, at which the notification signal is transmitted to notify the devices in the network about the presence of a communication device after selecting a device carried out in the second stage of selection, and the notification signal is based on the detection protocol corresponding to the device stvu selected at the second selection step.

[0016] In addition, the features of the present invention will become apparent after reading the description of the illustrative embodiments presented below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a structure of a digital camera;

[0018] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a structure of a PC computer;

[0019] FIG. 3 is a conceptual graphical representation illustrating a connection configuration of a digital camera with a PC computer;

[0020] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an image transfer process performed by a digital camera;

[0021] FIG. 5A-5E depict graphical representations, each of which illustrates a GUI displayed in an image transfer process performed by a digital camera;

[0022] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an image transfer process performed by a computer PC;

[0023] FIG. 7A and 7B are flowcharts illustrating a detection process performed by a digital camera;

[0024] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a device search process performed by a digital camera;

[0025] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a notification process performed by a digital camera;

[0026] FIG. 10A-10C are graphical representations illustrating SSDP messages that are intended for transmission / reception between a digital camera and a PC computer;

[0027] FIG. 11A and 11B are graphical representations illustrating descriptors (descriptors) that are intended for transmission / reception between a digital camera and a PC computer;

[0028] FIG. 12A and 12B are graphical representations illustrating TXT records that are intended for transmission / reception between a digital camera and a PC computer;

[0029] FIG. 13A-13F are graphical representations, each of which illustrates a GUI displayed in a detection process performed by a digital camera;

[0030] FIG. 14 is a graphical representation illustrating pairing information of a digital camera;

[0031] FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a detection process performed by a digital camera; and

[0032] FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a detection process performed by a computer PC.

Description of Embodiments

First Embodiment

[0033] Next, illustrative embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail in accordance with the accompanying drawings. At the same time, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. In addition, various embodiments may be combined accordingly.

Digital camera structure

[0034] As an example of a communication device in accordance with the present invention, a digital camera that can capture still (static) images and moving (dynamic) images will be explained. It should be noted that a device including a digital camera, such as a so-called mobile phone with a camera or a tablet device with a camera, is also an example of a communication device.

[0035] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the structure of a digital camera 100 in accordance with this embodiment.

[0036] The control unit 101 is formed, for example, from a central processing unit CPU (MPU) and memory (DRAM and SRAM). The control unit 101 controls the respective units of the digital camera 100 by performing various processes (programs), and also controls the transmission of data between the respective units. The control unit 101 controls the respective units of the digital camera 100 in accordance with the operation signal from the operation unit 102, which receives the action from the user.

[0037] The operation unit 102 is formed of switches for inputting various shooting-related actions, such as a power button, a zoom button, and an auto focus button. The operation unit 102 can also be formed from a menu display button, a SET button, a cursor manipulator, a pointing device, and a touch panel. When the user performs actions with these manipulators and buttons, the operation unit 102 transmits the operation signal to the control unit 101. The operation unit 102 also includes a shutter button. The shutter button is formed from the button SW1, which is pressed in the so-called half-press position, and the button SW2, which is pressed in the so-called full-press position. The shooting preparation command is issued by pressing the SW1 button, and the shooting command is issued by pressing the SW2 button. It should be noted that the shutter button for shooting a still image and the shutter button for shooting a moving image are formed as a single button in this embodiment, but the possibility of their formation as separate buttons is not excluded.

[0038] The bus 103 is a universal bus for sending various data, control signals, command signals, and the like to the respective blocks of the digital camera 100.

[0039] The image pickup unit 110 controls the amount of light by fixing and converts the optical image of an object captured through the lens into an image signal by a photosensitive matrix, such as a CCD matrix or CMOS matrix.

[0040] The audio input unit 120 senses sound around the digital camera 100 through an internal omnidirectional microphone, an external microphone connected through an audio input connector, and the like.

[0041] The storage device 104 includes, for example, RAM (random access memory) and flash memory, and also includes both non-volatile memory and volatile memory for temporarily recording image signals, audio signals, digital setting information cameras 100, etc.

[0042] The recording medium 141 is a recording medium configured to connect to a digital camera 100. The recording medium 141 can record various data and the like generated by the digital camera 100. Examples of the recording medium 141 are a hard disk, an optical disk, and flash memory. An embodiment will illustrate a flash memory device, which is called a memory card, and may be inserted in the digital camera 100.

[0043] An audio output unit 151 is generated, for example, from an audio output connector, and transmits an audio signal to output an audio signal from a connected headphone, speaker, or the like. An audio output unit 151 may be included in the digital camera 100.

[0044] A video signal output unit 150 is generated, for example, from a video signal output connector, and transmits an image signal for displaying a video signal on a connected external display device or the like. The audio output unit 151 and the video output unit 150 150 may be formed as one integrated connector, such as an HDMI connector.

[0045] The digital camera 100, in accordance with this embodiment, can communicate with another device through the communication unit 152 and the network. The communication unit 152 receives / transmits data from / to an external device via serial or parallel data transmission via a wired or wireless connection using a communication interface such as an RS232C, USB, IEEE1394, P1284, SCSI, modem, LAN, or IEEE802.11 interface. By processing the communication protocol corresponding to the communication interface, the communication unit 152 can receive / transmit data from / to an external device. Examples of the communication protocol are HTTP (Hypertext Transport Protocol) and RTP-IP (Image Transfer Protocol over IP Network).

[0046] The display unit 130 displays image data recorded on the recording medium 141 and GUIs, such as various menus. The display unit 130 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display device or an organic electroluminescent display device.

The structure of a personal computer (PC)

[0047] As an example of an information processing apparatus, a personal computer (PC) that can load still and moving images will be explained. It should be noted that examples of an information processing device are also a printer, a so-called tablet PC, a smartphone and a television receiver with the function of connecting to the Internet.

[0048] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a structure of a PC computer 200 in accordance with this embodiment.

[0049] The PC computer 200 includes a display unit 201, an operation unit 202, a central processing unit 203, a main data storage device 204, an auxiliary data storage device 205, and a communication device 206. The main functions of the respective blocks are similar with respect to the functions of the blocks in the digital camera 100, therefore, their detailed description will not be repeated. It should be noted that a display device, such as a liquid crystal display device, is used as the display unit 201. The PC computer 200 does not have to include a display unit 201, it is enough for it to have a control function to control the display on the display unit 201. The auxiliary storage device 205 may be a device that reads and writes data from and to a hard disk or external storage medium. Examples of external storage media are an optical disk (e.g., DVD-RW, CD-ROM, CD-R or DVD-RAM), a magnetic disk (e.g., a floppy disk or magneto-optical disk), and non-volatile memory (e.g., flash memory). As the operation unit 202, a keyboard, mouse, or touchpad may be used.

[0050] The communication interface and protocol used in the communication device 206 coincide with the communication interface and protocol of the digital camera 100, so their description will not be repeated. PC computer 200 may receive / transmit data from / to an external device using communication device 206.

Connection configuration of digital camera with PC

[0051] As an example of a form of participation in a network of a digital camera and a PC, the connection configuration in the infrastructure will be explained. In the case where the direct connection of a digital camera with a PC is sufficient, they can be connected, for example, via a wireless self-organizing (dynamic) network or Wi-Fi Direct. Wi-Fi Direct is a standard formulated through the Wi-Fi Alliance, which is an association dedicated to the development of wireless LAN. In accordance with this standard, devices, such as a mobile phone, tablet, PC, digital camera, printer and portable gaming device, which are equipped with a wireless communication function, can be connected wirelessly even without an access point.

[0052] FIG. 3 is a conceptual graphical representation illustrating a network configuration in which a digital camera 100 and a plurality of PC computers 200 are involved.

[0053] Reference numeral 301 denotes a router. The router provides a routing function for building a network and redirects data transfer between devices connected to the network, such as a portable device and a PC. The router works in accordance with the stack of internetwork protocols and builds a LAN using the IP address assigned to it as a gateway. Router 301 includes an interface for a wired or wireless connection. As an example of a wired connection, the router and device are physically connected via a LAN cable. An example of a wireless connection is an IEEE802.11x compliant connection (x is a, b, g, n, etc.). The SSID (Wireless Network Identifier) and encryption key are set in the router. In the case when the device, which is intended for connection, sets the SSID and encryption key, and they are approved, it establishes a connection with the router.

[0054] In the case where a device, such as a portable device or a PC, is connected to the LAN via a wired or wireless connection, an IP address is assigned to the connected device automatically or manually. A typical protocol for automatic assignment is DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol). Data transfer protocols and IP addresses passing through the network in communication between devices are analyzed to determine the path along which data should be transmitted.

[0055] In this embodiment, the router 301 builds a LAN network in which the gateway is indicated by the address 192.168.0.1. The digital camera 100, which is connected to the LAN via a wireless connection, is assigned an IP address of 192.168.0.10. Computer 200 PC ComputerA, which is connected using a wireless connection, is assigned an IP address of 192.168.0.20. Computer 200 PC ComputerB, which is connected via a wireless connection, is assigned an IP address of 192.168.0.21. Computer 200 PC ComputerC, which is connected using a wired connection, is assigned an IP address of 192.168.0.22. Using an example of a network having such an infrastructure, an embodiment will explain how to connect the digital camera 100 to the PC computer 200 with which the user wishes to establish a connection.

[0056] In the digital camera 100, in accordance with this embodiment, the auxiliary data storage device 105 records a program that can communicate with the PC computer 200 in accordance with the UPnP and Bonjour standards serving as discovery protocols for searching the device over the network. The program records the commands for performing data transfer using the UPnP and Bonjour protocols, as well as device information that is specific to the digital camera 100, which is necessary for data transfer using the UPnP and Bonjour protocols.

[0057] In each of the computers PC 200a and 200c, in accordance with this embodiment, a program that can communicate with the digital camera 100 in accordance with the UPnP standard serving as one detection protocol is installed on the auxiliary data storage device 205. The program records the commands for performing data transfer using the UPnP protocol, and information about a particular PC computer, necessary for data transfer using the UPnP protocol.

[0058] In the computer PC 200b, in accordance with this embodiment, a program that can interact with the digital camera 100 in accordance with the Bonjour standard serving as one detection protocol is installed on the auxiliary data storage device 205. The program records commands for performing data transfer using the Bonjour protocol, and information about a specific PC computer, necessary for data transfer using the Bonjour protocol.

[0059] In the digital camera 100, in accordance with this embodiment, a program that can receive / transmit an image file from / to a PC computer 200 in accordance with the PTP-IP standard serving as a protocol for transmitting an image is recorded on an auxiliary device 105 data storage. The program records commands for performing data transfer using the RTP-IP protocol, an object format code that defines the file transmitted by data transfer using the PTP-IP protocol, and device properties that serve as information to identify settings or conditions of the digital camera.

[0060] In each of the PC computers 200a, 200b, and 200c, in accordance with this embodiment, a program that can communicate with the PC computer 200 in accordance with the PTP-IP standard serving as a protocol for transmitting the image file is installed on an auxiliary a data storage device 205.

[0061] The image files are stored in advance on the recording medium 141 of the digital camera 100 and on the auxiliary data storage device 205 of the PC computer 200, in accordance with this embodiment. The image transfer process in this embodiment is implemented by connecting the digital camera 100 to the PC computer 200 through the network, and also by storing the image file transmitted from the digital camera 100 in a folder (directory) on the auxiliary data storage device 205 of the PC computer 200.

[0062] An embodiment will illustrate in detail the form in which a digital camera 100 connects to a PC computer 200 using the UPnP and Bonjour detection protocols, and transmits an image file to the PC computer 200 using the PTP-IP protocol. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to a network configuration, a network connection method, a type of discovery protocol, or a transmission protocol, which are described in this embodiment.

Digital Image Transmission Process

[0063] First, in the following sequence of processes, the principle of operation of the digital camera 100 will be explained.

(1) The digital camera 100 is connected to the PC computer 200 through a network built by the router 301.

(2) The image file transmitted from the digital camera 100 is stored in a folder (directory) on the auxiliary data storage device 205 of the PC 200 computer.

(3) The digital camera 100 leaves the network.

[0064] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the basic operation of the digital camera 100. This sequence starts when the control unit 101 detects that the user has pressed a power button or a play button included in the operation unit 102. It should be noted that the process represented by a flowchart is implemented by controlling the corresponding units of the digital camera 100 using the control unit 101 in accordance with the input signals from the corresponding blocks and program. This also applies to a process represented by another flowchart, unless otherwise indicated.

[0065] First, in step S401, the control unit 101 performs an initialization process for the digital camera 100. During the initialization process, the control unit 101 checks whether the recording medium 141 has been inserted, controls the lens barrel to prepare for shooting, and switches to the mode that is intended to activate by determining which of the power and play buttons has been pressed. The mode includes a shooting mode in which the image file is obtained by shooting, a playback mode in which the image file is displayed and viewed on the display unit 130, a menu mode in which shooting parameters are changed, and a wireless connection establishment mode in which the wireless connection is established . In this embodiment, when the user presses the play button included in the operation unit 102 to activate the camera, the camera starts to operate in the playback mode and displays the playback mode GUI (Fig. 5A) on the display unit 130, according to an embodiment.

[0066] In step S402, the control unit 101 determines whether a wireless establishment mode has been selected. A button icon 501 for transitioning to a wireless connection establishment mode is located on the GUI interface shown in FIG. 5A. When the user performs operations with the operation unit 102 and presses the button icon 501, the control unit 101 determines that the wireless connection mode has been selected, activates the wireless connection mode, displays the GUI shown in FIG. 5B, and proceeds to step S403. If the result of the determination performed in step S402 is negative, then the control unit 101 waits for pressing the button icon 501.

[0067] In step S403, the control unit 101 determines whether a device to be connected has been selected. On the GUI shown in FIG. 5B, a list of devices available for connecting to the digital camera 100 is displayed as button icons. When the user clicks on the button icon, the control unit 101 proceeds with the process of connecting the digital camera 100 to each device. The button icon 502 is a button icon for moving to a connection process with a PC computer 200 serving as a device available for connection. An embodiment aims to connect a digital camera 100 to a PC computer 200. Therefore, when the user performs operations with the operation unit 102 and clicks on the button icon 502, the control unit 101 determines that the device to be connected has been selected, displays the GUI shown in FIG. 5C, and proceeds to step S404. If the result of the determination performed in step S403 is negative, then the control unit 101 waits until the user clicks on the icon of the button of the device to be connected.

[0068] In step S404, the control unit 101 determines whether the current connection is a new connection. The GUI shown in FIG. 5C, displays a button icon 503 for connecting to a PC 200 that has not been connected previously, and a button icon 504 for reconnecting to a PC 200 that has been connected previously. When the user performs operations with the operation unit 102 and clicks on the button icon 503, the control unit 101 determines that the digital camera 100 should be connected to the PC computer 200, which has not been previously connected, displays the GUI shown on the display unit 130 shown in FIG. 5D, and proceeds to step S405. When the user clicks on the button icon 504, the control unit 101 determines that the digital camera 100 should be connected to the PC computer 200 that was previously connected, and proceeds to step S406.

[0069] In step S405, the control unit 101 receives input of a setting item for establishing a network connection. On the GUI shown in FIG. 5D, text fields are provided for entering an SSID (wireless network identifier) and an encryption key, which are setting items necessary for establishing a wireless connection with a router 301. It should be noted that the SSID is an identifier of an access point in an IEEE802 wireless LAN .11 LAN, and is also a name assigned to prevent interference. An encryption key is a key used to encrypt a wireless LAN to prevent unauthorized access. The user displays an on-screen keyboard (not shown) on the display unit 130 and performs operations with the operation unit 102 for inputting characters. The control unit 101 temporarily records all selected characters in the memory 104.

[0070] In step S406, the control unit 101 performs a network connection establishment process. A button icon 505 displayed on the GUI shown in FIG. 5D is a button icon used to confirm the start of a wireless connection. In the process of connecting the digital camera 100 to the PC computer 200, the connection with which has not previously been established, the user performs operations with the operation unit 102 and clicks on the button icon 505. Then, the control unit 101 begins to establish a connection with the router 301 based on the SSID and the encryption key temporarily recorded in the memory 104 in step S405. The SSID and encryption key used to reconnect the digital camera 100 to the previously installed PC computer 200 are stored as pairing information in the non-volatile memory of the storage device 104 together with another piece of information after successfully connecting to the PC computer 200. Pairing information items will be described later. In the process of connecting the digital camera 100 to the PC computer 200, the connection with which was established earlier, the control unit 101 loads the SSID and the encryption key of the pairing information recorded in the non-volatile memory of the memory 104 into the RAM memory of the storage device 104, and begins to establish a connection with the router 301. If the connection to the router 301 is successful, then the router 301 assigns an IP address to the digital camera 100. The control unit 101 writes the assigned IP address to the RAM memory of the memory 104.

[0071] In step S407, the control unit 101 performs a detection (device search) process to establish a connection with the PC computer 200. Details of the discovery process will be described later.

[0072] In step S408, the control unit 101 starts the image transmission service. An image transfer service in this embodiment means a process for transmitting an image file using the PTP-IP protocol. If, in step S407, a PC computer 200 was selected that is to be connected, then the PC computer 200 transmits a command packet to the digital camera 100 to establish a communication session. When the digital camera 100 receives a command packet through the communication unit 152, the control unit 101 analyzes the packet and performs a process for establishing a communication session. In the case of using the PTP-IP protocol in this embodiment, this command is an "OpenSession" command. After establishing a communication session, the digital camera 100 transmits a response command to the PC computer 200, displays the GUI shown in FIG. 5E, and starts the image transfer service. The GUI shown in FIG. 5E is a GUI illustrating a case in which a connection is established with the PC computer 200a of FIG. 3, has been completed. In another example, the GUI may not be displayed on the display unit 130.

[0073] In step S409, the control unit 101 determines whether an image transmission request has been received from the PC computer 200. The digital camera 100 receives from the PC computer 200 through a router 301 a command packet representing an image file transfer command. The control unit 101 analyzes the instruction packet, and if it determines that this command represents the image file transfer command, then it proceeds to step S410. If the result of the determination performed in step S409 is negative, then the control unit 101 waits until a command packet has been received prompting transmission of the image file.

[0074] In step S410, the control unit 101 transfers the image file to the PC computer 200. In the process of transmission, the control unit 101 reads from the recording medium 141 an image file indicated by the instruction packet and loads it into the RAM memory of the storage device 104. Then, the control unit 101 divides the image file into packets and transfers them to the PC computer 200. After all the packets have been transmitted, in accordance with the image file size, the control unit 101 transmits a response command to the PC computer 200, after which the image transfer is completed.

[0075] In step S411, the control unit 101 determines whether a notification of completion of the image transmission service has been received from the PC computer 200. The PC computer 200 transmits a command packet through the router 301 to terminate the communication session with the digital camera 100. In the case of using the PTP-IP protocol in this embodiment, this command is a “CloseSession” command. The control unit 101 analyzes the instruction packet received through the communication unit 152, performs the process of terminating the communication session, and proceeds to step S412. If the result of the determination performed in step S411 is negative, then the control unit 101 awaits the receipt of a command packet to complete the communication session.

[0076] In step S412, the control unit 101 leaves the network. In this case, the control unit 101 unloads the program that has been loaded into the RAM memory of the storage device 104, and continues to operate in accordance with the image transfer protocol. Then, the control unit 101 performs multicast transmission to the network of the command to leave the network based on the discovery protocol. In the case of using the UPnP protocol in this embodiment, a multicast SSDP: Byebye message is sent. In the case of using the Bonjour protocol, the multicastDNS: goodbye message is sent in bulk.

[0077] The basic principle of operation regarding the image transfer process performed by the digital camera 100 in accordance with this embodiment has been described above. The digital camera 100 functions as a device that operates in accordance with a command transmitted from the PC computer 200 in response to an image transfer protocol command.

Image transfer process performed by a PC computer

[0078] Next, the principle of operation of the PC 200 computer when performing the above processes (1) to (3) will be explained.

[0079] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a basic principle of operation of a PC computer 200. This sequence begins after the activation process of the 200 PC computer is complete. During activation, the PC 200 is activated by pressing the power button (not shown), which serves as one button of the operating unit. The PC computer 200 checks each hardware module, and the like. The central processing unit 203 of the CPU loads an operating system (hereinafter, referred to as an OS system) into the main data storage device 204, which is stored in the auxiliary data storage device 205.

[0080] First, in step S601, the CPU 203 establishes a network connection. In the process of establishing a network connection, the central processing unit 203 of the CPU connects the PC 200 through the wireless or wired device 206 to the router 301, which performs the construction of the desired network. The central processing unit 203 of the CPU records the IP address that is assigned by the router 301 in the main storage device 204. It should be noted that the wireless and wired connection methods are similar to those depicted in FIG. 3 and in step S406 of FIG. 4, therefore, their description will not be repeated.

[0081] In step S602, the CPU 203 performs a discovery (device search) process. Details of the discovery process will be described later.

[0082] In step S603, the central processing unit 203 of the CPU issues an image transmission service start command. An image transfer service in this embodiment means a process for transmitting an image file using the PTP-IP protocol. In this case, the central processing unit 203, the CPU transmits a command packet for establishing a communication session with the digital camera 100. In the case of using the PTP-IP protocol in this embodiment, this command is an “OpenSession” command. If the central processing unit 203, the CPU receives the response packet transmitted after the digital camera 100 has processed the instruction packet and determines that the image transmission service has been started, then it proceeds to step S604.

[0083] In step S604, the central processing unit 203 of the CPU causes the digital camera 100 to transmit the image file. The central processing unit 203, the CPU generates a command packet that prompts the transfer of the image file via the PTP-IP protocol, and transmits it to the digital camera 100. In the case of using the PTP-IP protocol in this embodiment, this command is a GetObject command. Before the GetObject command, it is necessary to execute the GetDeviceInfo command and the GetObjectInfo command, as well as obtain information about the device of the digital camera 100 and information about the number and type of image files stored on the recording medium 141.

[0084] In step S605, the CPU 203 receives a picture file. The Central processing unit 203 The CPU stores the data packet of the image file transmitted from the digital camera 100 in a certain folder (directory) on the auxiliary data storage device 205. After receiving all the packets, in accordance with the size of the image file, the CPU 203 finalizes the image file and executes (completes) the storage process. In the case of receiving a plurality of image files, the CPU 203 repeats the above process.

[0085] In step S606, the CPU 203 determines whether a command to complete the image transfer service has been detected. When the user completes the transfer of the desired image file and presses the completion button located on the GUI of the image transfer program (not shown) displayed on the display unit 201 to complete the image transfer service, the CPU 203 detects the completion of the image transfer service and proceeds to step S607. If the result of the determination performed in step S606 is negative, then the CPU 203 returns to step S604 and re-causes the digital camera 100 to transmit the image file.

[0086] In step S607, the central processing unit 203 of the CPU issues a command to terminate the image transmission service. In this case, the central processing unit 203, the CPU transmits a packet of instructions to the digital camera 100 to end the communication session with the digital camera 100. In the case of using the PTP-IP protocol in this embodiment, this command is a “CloseSession” command.

[0087] If the central processing unit 203 of the CPU receives a response command transmitted after the digital camera 100 has processed the instruction packet, it terminates the image transfer service program on the PC computer 200.

[0088] The basic principle of operation regarding the image transfer process performed by the PC computer 200 in accordance with this embodiment has been described above. The PC computer 200 functions as a control point that causes the digital camera 100 to transmit images in accordance with the image transfer protocol.

Detection process (first connection) performed by a digital camera

[0089] Next, details of the detection process performed in step S407 of FIG. 4. FIG. 7A and 7B are flowcharts illustrating the principle of a detection process performed by the digital camera 100.

[0090] First, in step S701, the control unit 101 determines whether the digital camera 100 should be connected to a PC computer 200 that has not been previously connected. If, the user selects on the GUI, which is shown in FIG. 5C and is displayed in FIG. 4 of step S404, the button icon 503, the control unit 101 determines that the digital camera 100 should be connected to the PC computer 200, the connection with which has not been previously established, and proceeds to step S702. If the result of the determination performed in step S701 is negative, then the control unit 101 proceeds with the process for connecting the digital camera 100 to the PC computer 200, the connection with which was previously established.

[0091] In step S702, the control unit 101 starts the search process of the PC computer 200 connected to the network. Details of the search process of the PC computer 200 will be explained with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 8. As described with reference to FIG. 3, the digital camera 100 in this embodiment transmits data using both UPnP and Bonjour discovery protocols. Therefore, UPnP and Bonjour compatible PC computers detected by these two discovery protocols serve as targets for the connection. In FIG. 3 of this embodiment, the PC computers 200a and 200c are UPnP compatible PCs, and the PC computer 200b is a Bonjour compatible PC. An example of a UPnP compatible PC is a PC with a Windows operating system provided by Microsoft. An example of a Bonjour-compatible PC is a PC with an Apple®-based Mac® operating system. The control unit 101 starts the device search process and displays the GUI shown in FIG. 13A.

[0092] In step S801, the control unit 101 determines whether the multicast message "SSDP: Alive" has been received. SSDP (Simple Service Discovery Protocol) is a protocol used to search for and discover a device that supports UPnP on a network. The message “SSDP: Alive” performs the so-called group notification operation about the presence of a device in relation to devices in the network at the time the device is connected to the network. The notification process depicted in FIG. 10A is an example of a bulk transmission of SSDP data through a PC computer 200 for notification purposes. The HOST header indicates the multicast IP address. The CHACHE-CONTROL header indicates the time in seconds during which the alert is issued. The LOCATION header indicates the URL of the 200 PC computer. The NT tag indicates the type of device that will be notified on the network. The SERVER header indicates the OS system of the 200 PC computer. In FIG. 3 of this embodiment, after the connection of the PC computers 200a and 200b to the network is established, they perform the multicast message “SSDP: Alive”. When the control unit 101 determines the reception of the “SSDP: Alive” message from the PC 200 over the network, it proceeds to step S802, and if the determination made in step S801 is negative, then proceeds to step S804.

[0093] In step S802, the control unit 101 executes an HTTP GET command to obtain device information of the PC computer 200. A PC computer compatible with the UPnP protocol describes its device information in XML format (extensible markup language) and saves it as a descriptor (descriptor). The descriptor shown in FIG. 11A is an example of a descriptor stored on an auxiliary data storage device 205 by a PC computer 200. The descriptor shown in FIG. 11A is formed from several tags. For example, the "UDN" tag indicates the GUID (globally unique identifier) of a 200 PC computer. The "friendlyName" tag indicates the name of the PC computer. The deviceType tag indicates the type of device. The tag "serviceType" indicates a service that can be provided through the PC 200 computer. The HTTP GET command is a method of receiving data from a destination in accordance with the HTTP protocol. If, in step S801, the control unit 101 determines the multicast reception of the “SSDP: Alive” message, then it causes the PC 200 to multicast the descriptor.

[0094] In step S803, the control unit 101 obtains a descriptor. If, in step S802, the PC computer 200 receives a descriptor transmission command from the digital camera 100, then it transfers the descriptor to the digital camera 100. The control unit 101 stores the descriptor obtained through the communication unit 152 in the RAM memory of the storage device 104 and proceeds to step S815.

[0095] In step S804, the control unit 101 determines whether a multicast “MulticastDNS: Notify” message has been received. When the device is connected to the network in MulticastDNS, it adds a “serviceType” tag to the notification message indicating the presence of the device and services that can be provided through the device, and then multicast sends the notification message to devices on the network. In FIG. 3 of this embodiment, after connecting the PC computer 200b to the network, it adds a “serviceType” tag with the value “_ptp-init” in the notification message, representing that it can function as an initiator in PTP-IP, and performs a multicast notification messages. If the control unit 101 determines the receipt of the notification message, then it proceeds to step S805, and if the result of the determination performed in step S804 is negative, then proceeds to step S807.

[0096] In step S805, the control unit 101 requests a TXT record. A Bonjour compliant PC computer describes its device information in text format and saves it as a TXT record. FIG. 12A illustrate a TXT record stored on the auxiliary data storage device 205 by the PC computer 200. The TXT record is associated with the serviceType tag and is formed from the Key tag and its value. In this embodiment, the “serviceType” tag, which is being multicast from the PC 200, has the value “_ptp-init”, with the “Version Key” tag of the TXT record associated with the “serviceType” tag indicating the version of the TXT record. The Model Key tag indicates the type of device model. The Product Key tag indicates the name of the product. The Service Available Key tag indicates whether the service is valid. If the service is valid, then the Value tag is updated with a value of 1. The “GUID Key” tag indicates the GUID of a 200 PC computer. If, in step S802, the control unit 101 determines the reception of the notification message, then it refers to the “serviceType” tag added to the message. If the tag “serviceType” represents that an image transmission service can be provided, then the control unit 101 prompts the PC to perform multicast TXT recording. For example, referring to FIG. 3, suppose that the “serviceType” tag, which is multicast by the PC computer 200b, has the value “_ptp-init”, while the “serviceType” tag of the PC computer wanted by the digital camera 100 is “_ptp-init”. In this case, the control unit 101 causes the PC computer 200b to transmit the TXT record.

[0097] In step S806, the control unit 101 obtains a TXT record. If the PC computer 200 receives a TXT recording transmission command from the digital camera 100 in step S805, then it transmits the TXT recording to the digital camera 100. The control unit 101 stores the TXT record received through the communication unit 152 in the RAM of the memory 104 and proceeds to step S815.

[0098] In step S807, the control unit 101 starts the “M-Search” SSDP search process. “M-Search” is a way to discover a UPnP-compatible device on the network. The "M-Search" depicted in FIG. 10B is an example of SSDP protocol data for performing an “M-Search” search process. The HOST header indicates the multicast IP address. The ST header indicates the type of device sought. The MX header indicates the time in minutes that the search is performed.

[0099] In step S808, the control unit 101 starts the Query MulticastDNS query process. “Query” is a way to discover a Bonjour compatible device on the network. The wanted tag "serviceType" is specified and the query process "Query" is executed.

[0100] In step S809, the control unit 101 determines whether an SSDP response has been received. After starting the “M-Search” search process in step S807, the UPnP compatible PC transmits a response to the digital camera 100 over the network. FIG. 10C illustrates SSDP data transmitted as a “Response” response. The ST header indicates the type of device sought. The LOCATION header indicates the IP address of the 200 PC computer. The SERVER header indicates the OS system of the 200 PC computer. The control unit accesses the ST header: the multicast tag "M-Search" from a computer 200 PC. ST header: The tag indicates the type of device being searched. If the PC computer 200 is of the type of the target device, then the PC computer 200 transmits a “Response” response to the digital camera 100 shown in FIG. 10C. If the control unit 101 determines the SSDP response through the communication unit 152, then it proceeds to step S810, and if the result of the determination performed in step S809 is negative, then proceeds to step S812.

[0101] In step S810, the control unit 101 executes an HTTP GET command to obtain a descriptor of the PC computer 200. This process is similar to the process performed in step S802, therefore, its description will not be repeated.

[0102] In step S811, the control unit 101 obtains a descriptor. This process is similar to the process carried out in step S803, therefore, its description will not be repeated.

[0103] In step S812, the control unit 101 determines whether a Query MulticastDNS response has been received. If the “Query” query process was started in step S808, then the PC computer 200 corresponding to the specified “serviceType” tag transmits a response to the digital camera 100. If the control unit 101 detects a “Query” response, then it proceeds to step S813. If the result of the determination performed in step S812 is negative, then the control unit 101 determines that the device was not detected, and treats it such that the PC was not detected.

[0104] In step S813, the control unit 101 issues a TXT record transfer command. This process is similar to the process performed in step S805, therefore, its description will not be repeated.

[0105] In step S814, the control unit 101 obtains a TXT record. This process is similar to the process performed in step S806, therefore, its description will not be repeated.

[0106] In step S815, the control unit 101 determines whether a PC is available for connection. In the case of a UPnP compatible PC, the control unit 101 accesses the SERVER headers shown in FIG. 10A and 10C, and determines whether the OS system is the target for the connection. If the control unit 101 determines that the OS is the target for the connection, then it stores the “friendlyName” tag of the descriptor shown in FIG. 11A, as the computer name PC in the storage device 104, together with the GUID described in the "UDN" tag. In the case of using a Bonjour protocol compatible PC, the control unit 101 obtains a record with an address (not shown), obtains the host name of the PC computer, and stores the host name as the name of the PC computer in the memory 104 together with the “Key” tag of the TXT record shown in FIG. 12A. Then, the control unit 101 treats this as detection of the PC computer. If the result of the determination performed in step S815 is negative, then the control unit 101 interprets this so that the PC was not detected.

[0107] Details of the search process have been described above.

[0108] In step S703, the control unit 101 determines whether a PC computer 200 has been detected. If the control unit 101 determines that the PC computer 200 was detected during the device search process shown in FIG. 8, then it proceeds to step S704, and if the result of the determination performed in step S703 is negative, then proceeds to step S706.

[0109] In step S704, the control unit 101 displays on the GUI interface the name of the detected PC computer 200. The PC computer name stored in the memory 104 in step S815 shown in FIG. 8 is displayed on the display unit 130 as a GUI. Each time a PC computer is detected, the control unit 101 adds a display of the PC computer name on the GUI. The GUIs shown in FIG. 13B and 13C are examples of this. On the GUI shown in FIG. 13B, PC computer names are displayed on the GUI regardless of the discovery protocol. In another display method, PC computers 200 can be categorized into respective discovery protocols, as demonstrated on the GUI shown in FIG. 13C. In yet another method, although this is not shown, the search results can be displayed immediately after the device search time has elapsed in step S706.

[0110] In step S705, the control unit 101 determines whether a PC computer 200 has been selected. The PC computer names displayed in step S704 on the GUI shown in FIG. 13B can be selected by using the operation unit 102. When the user selects one of the displayed PC computer names, the control unit 101 proceeds to step S712, and if the determination result in step S705 is negative, then proceeds to step S706.

[0111] In step S706, the control unit 101 determines whether the device search time (N minutes) has elapsed. The search time of the device is determined in advance by the program or set by the user in the menu mode (not shown), and is recorded in the non-volatile memory of the memory 104. If the control unit 101 determines that a certain / set time has elapsed, then it proceeds to step S707, and if the determination made in step S706 is negative, then proceeds to step S709.

[0112] In step S707, the control unit 101 determines whether the computer name of the PC has been displayed. If one or more PC computers are detected, in step S704, the names of the PC computers available for connection are displayed on the GUI. If the control unit determines that the GUI has been displayed, then it proceeds to step S708, and if the result of the determination performed in step S707 is negative, then proceeds to step S710.

[0113] In step S708, the control unit 101 determines whether a PC computer 200 has been selected. This process is similar to the process performed in step S705, therefore, its description will not be repeated. If the control unit 101 determines that the PC 200 has been selected, then it proceeds to step S712, and if the result of the determination performed in step S708 is negative, then proceeds to step S711.

[0114] In step S709, the control unit 101 determines whether the device search process has been interrupted. At the interfaces depicted in FIG. 13A and 13B, an interrupt button icon 1301 is located. When the user clicks on the interrupt button icon 1301, the control unit 101 determines the interrupt command, interrupts the device search process, and proceeds to step S707. If the result of the determination performed in step S709 is negative, then the control unit 101 returns to step S702 and continues to perform the device search process.

[0115] In step S710, the control unit 101 displays, on the display unit 130, a GUI representing that the PC 200 was not detected. The GUI shown in FIG. 13D is an example of this.

[0116] In step S711, the control unit 101 determines whether the user has selected a repeat search. On the GUI shown in FIG. 13D, a button icon 1302 serves to perform a re-search process. When the user performs operations with the operation unit 102 and does not click on the icon of the re-search button, but on the return button 1303, the control unit 101 completes the detection process and proceeds to step S723. If the result of the determination made in step S711 is positive, then the control unit 101 resets the device search time counter, returns to step S702, and repeatedly performs the device search process.

[0117] In step S712, the control unit 101 temporarily stores the pairing information of the selected PC computer 200 in the RAM memory of the storage device 104. In the case of using the UPnP protocol, the following information is stored from the descriptor (Fig. 11A) received from the selected PC computer 200:

- The PC computer name described in the "friendlyName" header,

- Detected type of discovery protocol,

- the IP address described in the “LOCATION” header of the “Advertisement” message (FIG. 10A) or “Response” (FIG. 10C), and

- The GUID (globally unique identifier) described in the UDN tag.

[0118] In the case of using the Bonjour protocol, the host name and IP address of the PC computer that were obtained from the address record (not shown), the detected protocol type x, and the GUID of the GUID Key tag in the TXT record are stored (Fig. 12 BUT).

[0119] In step S713, the control unit 101 starts the notification process. Details of the notification process will be explained with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 9. After starting the notification process, the control unit 101 displays on the display unit 130 the GUI shown in FIG. 13E.

[0120] In step S901, the control unit 101 determines whether the detection protocol by which the PC 200 was selected in step S705 or S708 is UPnP. The control unit 101 accesses the pairing information temporarily stored in step S712 in the RAM memory of the memory 104, and if it determines that the detection protocol is UPnP, then it proceeds to step S902. If the result of the determination performed in step S901 is negative, then the control unit 101 proceeds to step S903.

[0121] In step S902, the control unit 101 performs the multicast transmission of the “SSDP: Alive” message.

[0122] In step S903, the control unit 101 performs the multicast multicast DNS notify message together with the serviceType tag.

[0123] In step S904, the control unit 101 determines whether a descriptor transmission command has been received from the PC computer 200. If the control unit 101 determines the reception of the transmission command from the PC computer 200, then it proceeds to step S905. If the result of the determination performed in step S904 is negative, then the control unit 101 awaits the receipt of the request. FIG. 11B illustrates a descriptor stored in a digital camera 100. The descriptor depicted in FIG. 11B is formed from several tags. For example, the URLBase tag indicates the IP address of the digital camera 100. The deviceType tag indicates the type of device. The "friendlyName" tag indicates the name of the digital camera 100. The "UDN" tag indicates the GUID of the digital camera 100. The "serviceType" tag indicates the service that can be provided by the digital camera 100. The HTTP GET command is a method of receiving data from the destination in accordance with the protocol HTTP When the user clicks on the interrupt button icon 1304 displayed on the GUI shown in FIG. 13E, the control unit 101 interrupts the notification process.

[0124] In step S905, the control unit 101 transmits a descriptor to the requesting PC computer 200.

[0125] In step S906, the control unit 101 determines whether a TXT record transfer command has been received. If the control unit 101 determines the reception of the transmission command from the PC computer 200, then it proceeds to step S907. If the result of the determination performed in step S906 is negative, then the control unit 101 awaits the receipt of the request. FIG. 12B illustrates a TXT record stored in the digital camera 100. The TXT record is associated with a “serviceType” tag and is formed from a “Key” tag and its value. In this embodiment, the “serviceType” tag, which is being multicast from the digital camera 100, has the value “_ptp”, and the “Version Key” tag of the TXT record associated with the “serviceType” tag indicates the version of the TXT record. The Model Key tag indicates the type of device model. The Product Key tag indicates the name of the product. The Service Available Key tag indicates whether the service is valid. If the service is valid, then the Value tag is updated with a value of 1. The "GUID Key" tag indicates the GUID of the digital camera 100. The "Target GUID Key" tag indicates the GUID of the PC computer 200 selected in step S705. When the user clicks on the interrupt button icon 1304 displayed on the GUI shown in FIG. 13E, the control unit 101 interrupts the notification process.

[0126] In step S907, the control unit 101 transmits a TXT record to the requesting PC computer 200.

[0127] The details of the notification process performed in step S713 by the digital camera 100 have been described above.

[0128] In step S714, the control unit 101 determines whether reception of an InitCommandRequest packet transmitted from the PC 200 has been detected. The InitCommandRequest package is one type of package defined by the PTP-IP protocol and is used to exchange device information between a PC and a digital camera, as well as to approve a TCP port number for receiving / transmitting commands and data. If the control unit 101 determines the reception of the “InitCommandRequest” packet through the communication unit 152, then it proceeds to step S715, and if the result of the determination performed in step S714 is negative, then proceeds to step S716.

[0129] In step S715, the control unit 101 determines whether the identifiers correspond to each other. During this process, the control unit 101 determines whether the PC computer 200 selected in step S705 or S708 corresponds to the PC computer 200 that transmitted the “InitCommandRequest” packet. The GUID of the PC computer 200 is stored in the “InitCommandRequest” packet received in step S714. This GUID is compared with the GUID stored in step S712 as pairing information. If these GUIDs are consistent with each other, then the control unit 101 determines that the PC computers 200 are one PC computer and proceeds to step S717, and if the result of the determination performed in step S715 is negative, then proceeds to step S718. Instead of comparing the GUIDs, the IP address of the selected PC can be compared with the IP address of the PC computer that transmitted the InitCommandRequest packet, and if these IP addresses match, it can be determined that these PC computers are the same computer PC. The identifier is arbitrary as long as it can confirm that the PC 200 selected during the discovery process and the PC 200 that transmitted the InitCommandRequest packet match each other.

[0130] In step S716, the control unit 101 determines whether M minutes have elapsed serving as a period of the alert process. The period during which the InitCommandRequest packet is received is determined in advance by the program or specified by the user command. The control unit 101 determines whether this period has expired. If this period has not expired, then the control unit 101 repeats step S714, and if the result of the determination performed in step S716 is negative, then proceeds to step S723.

[0131] In step S717, the control unit 101 transmits the "InitAct" packet to the PC. If, in step S715, the control unit 101 determines that the identifiers correspond to each other, then the control unit 101 transmits the “InitAct” packet to notify the PC computer of the permission to receive the “InitCommandRequest” packet.

[0132] In step S718, the control unit 101 transmits the “InitFail” packet to the PC. If, in step S715, the control unit 101 determines that the identifiers do not match, then the control unit 101 transmits an “InitFail” packet to notify the PC of the refusal to receive the “InitCommandRequest” packet.

[0133] In step S719, the control unit 101 determines whether an “InitEventRequest” packet has been received. The “InitEventRequest” packet is one type of packet defined by the PTP-IP protocol and asserts the TCP port number for receiving / transmitting an event. If the control unit 101 detects reception of the “InitEventRequest” packet through the communication unit 152, then it proceeds to step S720, and if the result of the determination performed in step S719 is negative, then proceeds to step S721.

[0134] In step S720, the control unit 101 transmits the “InitAct” packet to the PC.

[0135] In step S721, the control unit 101 determines whether M minutes have elapsed that serve as a period of the alert process. A period similar to the period set in step S716 is set, and if M minutes have elapsed, then the control unit 101 proceeds to step S723, and if the result of the determination performed in step S721 is negative, then step S719 is repeated.

[0136] In step S722, the control unit 101 records pairing information. Information stored in steps S405 and S712 in the memory 104 is stored in non-volatile memory. FIG. 14 is a conceptual graphical representation illustrating pairing information to be stored. The “PC Name” tag indicates the name of the connected 200 PC computer. The “PC GUID” tag indicates the GUID of the connected PC 200. The Discovery Protocol tag indicates the discovery protocol used in the device discovery process. The “IP-address” tag indicates the IP address of the connected 200 PC computer. The "SSID" tag indicates the SSID of the network to which the PC 200 is connected. The Security Key tag indicates the encryption key of the network to which the PC 200 is connected.

[0137] In step S723, the control unit 101 displays, on the display unit 130, a screen image of the connection error. The GUI shown in FIG. 13F is an example of this.

[0138] The details of the detection process performed by the digital camera that makes the first connection have been described above.

Detection process (reconnection) performed by a digital camera

[0139] Next, details of the detection process performed in step S407, which is shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a detection process when a digital camera 100 is connected to a PC, a connection to which was previously established. This flowchart illustrates the process before returning to the beginning of the notification process performed in step S713, after in step S701 shown in FIG. 7A, during the detection process, it was determined that the digital camera 100 should be reconnected to the PC computer 200.

[0140] First, in step S1501, the control unit 101 refers to the pairing information. Access is made to the pairing information that was recorded in the non-volatile memory of the memory 104 during the previous connection.

[0141] In step S1502, the control unit 101 determines whether the discovery protocol of the PC computer 200 previously connected to is UPnP. The control unit 101 refers to the discovery protocol in the pairing information in step S1501, and if the discovery protocol is UPnP, it proceeds to step S1503. If the result of the determination performed in step S1502 is negative, then the control unit 101 proceeds to step S1504.

[0142] In step S1503, the control unit 101 searches for UPnP compatible devices. In this case, sequential execution of processes similar to those performed in steps S807, S809, S810, S811 and S815, which are shown in FIG. 8, therefore, their description will not be repeated.

[0143] In step S1504, the control unit 101 searches for devices compatible with the Bonjour protocol. In this case, sequential execution of processes similar to those performed in steps S808, S812, S813, S814 and S815, which are shown in FIG. 8, therefore, their description will not be repeated.

[0144] In step S1505, the control unit 101 determines whether a PC computer 200 has been detected. The control unit 101 compares the GUID obtained from the descriptor or TXT record obtained in step S1503 or S1504 with the GUID found in the pairing information. If these GUIDs are consistent with each other, then the control unit 101 determines the fact of detection of the PC computer 200, the connection with which was established earlier. If the result of the determination performed in step S1505 is negative, then the control unit 101 proceeds to step S1506.

[0145] In step S1506, the control unit 101 determines whether L minutes have elapsed. That is, if the PC computer 200 which the connection was previously established was not detected, then the control unit 101 repeats step S1505 until a period of time has elapsed which is determined in advance by the program or set by the user. If the control unit 101 determines that L minutes have elapsed, the process advances to step S1507.

[0146] In step S1507, the control unit 101 displays on the display unit 130 a GUI representing that the PC 200 was not detected. The GUI shown in FIG. 13D is an example of this.

[0147] If, in step S1505, the control unit 101 detects a PC, it proceeds to step S713 shown in FIG. 7B, and starts the notification process. The subsequent process steps are the same as described above.

[0148] The details of the detection process for connecting the digital camera 100 to the PC computer that was previously established are described above.

Detection process performed by a PC computer

[0149] Next, details of the detection process performed in step S602 of FIG. 6, by means of a PC computer 200. FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a detection process performed by the PC computer 200.

[0150] First, in step S1601, the CPU 203 starts the notification process. The notification process is provided as a primary function through the OS system of the PC computer 200 or as an application function installed on the auxiliary data storage device 205. The PC 200 starts the notification process in accordance with a compatible discovery protocol. A UPnP-compatible PC is multicasting SSDP: Alive. A Bonjour compatible PC is multicast DNS Notify.

[0151] In step S1602, the CPU 203 determines whether a multicast device search transmission has been received. The digital camera 100, as applied to devices on a network, performs multicast M-Search or Multicast DNS Query to search for a device. If the central processing unit 203, the CPU determines the multicast reception through the communication device 206, then it proceeds to step S1603. If the result of the determination performed in step S1602 is negative, then the central processing unit 203 of the CPU continues to execute the process until it receives a multicast.

[0152] In step S1603, the CPU 203 transmits a response. In the case of using the “M-Search” message, the CPU 203 transmits a “Response” message shown in FIG. 10C. In the case of using the “Query” message, the CPU 203 refers to the added “serviceType” tag, and if it determines that the “serviceType” tag indicates the image transfer service stored on the PC computer 200, it transmits the response to the digital camera 100 and proceeds to step S1604.

[0153] In step S1604, the CPU 203 determines whether a descriptor request has been received from the digital camera 100. If in step S1603, the digital camera 100 receives a response, then it transmits a descriptor discovery request to the PC 200. In the case of using the UPnP protocol, the digital camera 100 executes the HTTP GET command and starts the handle detection process. In the case of using the Bonjour protocol, the digital camera 100 starts the TXT recording detection process. If the central processing unit 203, the CPU determines the fact of receiving the descriptor transmission command via the communication device 206, then it proceeds to step S1605. If the result of the determination performed in step S1604 is negative, then the CPU 203 awaits detection of the descriptor transfer command.

[0154] In step S1605, the CPU central processor 203 transmits a descriptor to the digital camera 100. In the case of using the UPnP protocol, the CPU central processor 203 transmits the descriptor shown in FIG. 11A. In the case of using the Bonjour protocol, the CPU 203 transmits the TXT record depicted in FIG. 12A.

[0155] In step S1606, the central processing unit 203 of the CPU determines whether a multicast alert has been received from the digital camera 100. If the central processing unit 203 of the CPU determines the notification process in step S902 or S903, which are shown in FIG. 9, then it proceeds to step S1607. If the result of the determination made in step S1606 is negative, then the CPU 203 continues to execute the process until it receives a multicast transmission of the alert.

[0156] In step S1607, the CPU 203 requests the digital camera to transmit the descriptor.

[0157] In step S1608, the central processing unit 203 of the CPU receives a descriptor. In the case of using the UPnP protocol, the CPU 203 receives from the digital camera 100 the descriptor depicted in FIG. 11B. In the case of using the Bonjour protocol, the CPU 203 receives from the digital camera 100 the TXT record shown in FIG. 12B.

[0158] In step S1609, the CPU 203 determines whether the digital camera supports the image transfer service. The descriptor describes information representing whether the digital camera supports an image transmission service.

[0159] The CPU 203 refers to the tag, and if it determines that the digital camera supports the image transmission service, then it proceeds to step S1610. If the result of the determination made in step S1609 is negative, then the CPU 203 returns to step S1606 and waits until it receives a multicast alert from another PC. As described above, the protocol used in the image transfer service in this embodiment is PTP-IP, so the process will be explained based on the PTP-IP connection method.

[0160] In step S1610, the CPU 203 transmits to the digital camera 100 a PTP-IP InitCommandRequest packet.

[0161] In step S1611, the CPU 203 determines whether an “InitAct” packet that has been transmitted from the digital camera 100 has been received, and represents that the “InitCommandRequest” packet has been received. If the central processing unit 203, the CPU determines the reception of the “InitAct” packet through the communication device 206, then it proceeds to step S1612, and if the result of the determination performed in step S1611 is negative, then proceeds to step S1614.

[0162] In step S1612, the CPU 203 transmits a PTP-IP InitEventRequest packet to the digital camera 100.

[0163] In step S1613, the CPU 203 receives an “InitAct” packet, notifying that the digital camera 100 has typically processed the “InitEventRequest” packet.

[0164] After receiving the "InitAct" packet, the CPU 203 determines that the connection with the digital camera 100 is successful, proceeds to step S603 shown in FIG. 6, and activates an application that provides an image transfer service.

[0165] In step S1614, the CPU 203 determines whether an “InitFail” packet has been received, which has been transmitted from the digital camera 100, and represents that the reception of the “InitCommandRequest” packet has been rejected. If the central processing unit 203 of the CPU determines the reception of the “InitFail” packet, then it proceeds to step S1615. If the result of the determination performed in step S1614 is negative, then the CPU 203 returns to step S1611 and waits for a response from the digital camera 100 to the “InitCommandRequest” packet.

[0166] In step S1615, in the event that the central processing unit 203 of the CPU received the “InitFail” packet in step S1614, it determines that no connection to the digital camera 100 has been established and displays a GUI on the display unit 201 of the PC 200, representing that the connection failed.

[0167] In step S1616, the CPU 203 determines whether to complete the connection with the digital camera. If the user performs operations with the PC computer and interrupts the start of the image transfer service on the GUI interface (not shown), then the CPU 203 processes this as a connection rejection and terminates the image transfer service. If the central processing unit 203 of the CPU is waiting to establish a connection with another digital camera, then it returns to step S1602 and continues to process.

[0168] The details of the detection process performed in step S602 of FIG. 6, by means of a PC computer.

Other options for implementation

[0169] Although the above embodiment has illustrated a wireless connection in a playback mode, the present invention is not limited to this mode. For example, the button for establishing a wireless connection can be prepared (created) in shooting mode or menu mode, while the connection process can continue after the user clicks on the button.

[0170] In the above embodiment, as an example of a communication device, a digital camera 100, which is a device including a wireless communication function, has been explained. However, the present invention can also be applied to a device that can be mounted in another device and provides a wireless communication function. For example, if the recording medium 141 is a recording medium equipped with a wireless communication function, then it can control the wireless communication. In this case, for the wireless communication circuit (not shown) of the recording medium 141 equipped with the wireless communication function, a control process similar to that described in the above embodiment is performed.

[0171] Furthermore, the present invention can also be applied to a system in which the control of the digital camera 100 from a PC is remotely or the like. In this case, the remote control can be implemented by performing polls and control requests from the control unit of the PC computer to the control unit 101 of the digital camera 100.

[0172] Aspects of the present invention can also be implemented by a computer system or device (or devices, such as a CPU or MPU) that reads and executes a program recorded on a memory device to perform the functions of the above embodiment (s) of implementation, as well as by method, the steps of which are performed by a computer system or device, for example, by reading and executing a program recorded on a storage device to perform the functions of the above option ( c) implementation. For this, the program is provided to a computer, for example, via a network or from a recording medium of various types serving as a storage device (for example, from a computer-readable medium).

[0173] While the present invention has been described with reference to illustrative embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed illustrative embodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications as well as equivalent structures and functions.

[0174] This application claims priority in accordance with Japanese Patent Application No. 2011-265313, filed December 2, 2011, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Claims (30)

1. A communication device that establishes a connection with a device on a network by using a discovery protocol to discover a device, comprising:
first transmission means for transmitting multiple search commands using multiple types of discovery protocols to search for devices on the network;
first receiving means for receiving portions of device information transmitted from devices on the network in response to search commands, the device information comprising a type of discovery protocol supported by the corresponding device;
first selection means for selecting a device based on portions of device information received by said first reception means; and
second transmission means for transmitting a notification signal for notifying devices on the network of the presence of the communication device after selection by the first selection means, wherein the notification signal is based on a detection protocol supported by the device selected by the first selection means. 2. The device according to claim 1, further comprising:
second reception means for receiving a connection request transmitted from a device on the network, the connection request being transmitted by a device that has received a notification signal;
determination means for determining whether a connection request has been transmitted from a device selected by said first selection means; and
third transmission means for transmitting a response representing that the connection is approved in response to the connection request, if said determination means determined that the connection request was transmitted from the device selected by said first selection means. 3. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a display means for displaying portions of device information received by said first receiving means,
wherein said first selection means selects a device based on device information displayed by said display means. 4. The device according to claim 3, wherein said display means compiles a list and displays portions of device information received by said first reception means, regardless of the types of detection contained in portions of device information. 5. The device of claim 3, wherein said display means displays portions of device information received by said first reception means to enable identification of detection types. 6. The device of claim 5, wherein said display means classifies and displays portions of device information received by said first reception means based on detection types. 7. The device according to claim 1, in which
device information received by said first reception means comprises information about a service provided by the corresponding device, and
said display means displays information of a device that provides a predetermined service. 8. The device according to claim 1, further comprising:
registration means for registering, according to the type of discovery protocol of the device, the device that established the connection; and
second selection means for selecting a device from devices registered by said registration means, while the connection with another device is not established,
wherein, if said second selection means selects a device, said second transmission means transmits a notification signal, wherein the notification signal is based on a detection protocol corresponding to the device selected by said second selection means. 9. The device according to claim 1, wherein after said third transmission medium has transmitted a response, data transmission is performed with the device selected by said first selection means by using a data transmission protocol. 10. The device according to claim 9, in which the data transfer protocol includes the PTP / IP protocol. 11. The device according to claim 1, in which the communication device includes one of the following devices: image capture device, mobile phone, tablet device. 12. The device according to claim 1, in which the device includes one of the following devices: an image capturing device, a mobile phone, a tablet device, a printer, and a television receiver. 13. The device according to claim 1, in which the discovery protocol includes one of the UPnP and Bonjour protocols. 14. The device according to claim 1, wherein said first transmission means transmits a search command based on the UPnP protocol and a search command based on the Bonjour protocol. 15. A communication device that establishes a connection with a device on a network by using a discovery protocol to discover a device, comprising:
first transmission means for transmitting multiple search commands using multiple types of discovery protocols to search for devices on the network;
first reception means for receiving portions of device information transmitted from devices on the network in response to search commands, the device information comprising a type of discovery protocol of the corresponding device;
first selection means for selecting a device based on portions of device information received by said first reception means;
connection establishment means for establishing a connection with a device selected by said first selection means;
registration means for registering, according to the type of protocol for detecting a device, a device that has established a connection using said connection establishment means;
second selection means for selecting a device from devices registered by said registration means, while the connection with another device is not established; and
second transmission means for transmitting a notification signal for notifying devices on the network of the presence of a communication device, if said second selection means has selected a device, the notification signal being based on a detection protocol corresponding to the device selected by said second selection means. 16. The device according to p. 15, further comprising:
second reception means for receiving a connection request transmitted from a device on the network, the connection request being transmitted by a device that has received a notification signal;
determination means for determining whether a connection request has been transmitted from a device selected by said first selection means; and
third transmission means for transmitting a response representing that the connection is approved in response to the connection request, if said determination means determined that the connection request was transmitted from the device selected by said first selection means. 17. The device according to p. 15, further comprising a display means for displaying portions of device information received by said first receiving means,
wherein said first selection means selects a device based on portions of device information displayed by said display means. 18. The device of claim 17, wherein said display means compiles a list and displays portions of device information received by said first reception means, regardless of the types of detection contained in portions of device information. 19. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said display means displays portions of device information received by said first reception means to enable identification of detection types. 20. The device of claim 17, wherein said display means classifies and displays portions of device information received by said first reception means based on detection types. 21. The device according to p. 15, in which
device information received by said first reception means comprises information about a service provided by the device, and
said display means displays information of a device that provides a predetermined service. 22. The device according to p. 15, in which after said third transmission medium has transmitted a response, data transmission is performed with the device selected by said first selection means by using a data transmission protocol. 23. The device according to p. 22, in which the data transfer protocol includes the PTP / IP protocol. 24. The device according to p. 15, in which the communication device includes one of the following devices: image capture device, mobile phone, tablet device. 25. The device according to p. 15, in which the device includes one of the following devices: an image capture device, a mobile phone, a tablet device, a printer and a television receiver. 26. The device according to p. 15, in which the discovery Protocol includes one of the UPnP and Bonjour protocols. 27. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said first transmission medium transmits a UPnP search command and a Bonjour search command. 28. A method for controlling a communication device that establishes a connection with a device on a network by using a discovery protocol to discover a device, comprising:
a first transmission step in which a plurality of search commands are transmitted using a plurality of types of discovery protocols to search for devices on a network;
a first receiving step, in which portions of device information transmitted from devices on the network are received in response to search commands, the device information comprising a type of discovery protocol supported by the corresponding device;
a first selection step, in which a device is selected based on portions of device information received at the first receiving stage; and
a second transmission step, in which a notification signal is transmitted to notify devices on the network of the presence of the communication device after selection in the first selection step, the notification signal being based on a detection protocol supported by the device selected in the first selection step. 29. A method for controlling a communication device that establishes a connection with a device on a network by using a discovery protocol to discover a device, comprising:
a first transmission step in which a plurality of search commands are transmitted using a plurality of types of discovery protocols to search for devices on a network;
a first receiving step, in which portions of device information transmitted from devices on the network are received in response to search commands, the device information comprising a type of discovery protocol of the corresponding device;
a first selection step, in which a device is selected based on portions of device information received at the first receiving stage;
a connection establishment step of establishing a connection with a device selected in a first selection step;
a registration step for registering, according to the type of device discovery protocol, a device that has established a connection during a connection establishment step;
the second selection stage, at which the device is selected from the devices registered at the registration stage, while the connection with the other device is not established; and
a second transmission step in which a notification signal is transmitted to notify devices on the network of the presence of a communication device if the device is selected in the second selection stage, the notification signal being based on a detection protocol corresponding to the device selected in the second selection stage. 30. A computer-readable storage medium on which a computer program is stored, which upon execution causes the processor to execute the method of claim 28 or 29.

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