File transfer device and file transfer method

Abstract

To provide a file transfer device capable of properly transferring a plurality of files including a file whose file name overlaps with a file existing in a transfer destination.SOLUTION: A file transfer device determines whether or not there is a file that has a same base name as a file that exists at a destination among a plurality of files to be transferred, each having a file name including a base name and an extension. Upon determining that there is a file with the same base name as a file existing in the transfer destination among the plurality of files to be transferred, the file transfer device renames the files having the base names by collectively changing the base names of the files having the base names among the plurality of files to be transferred. The file transfer device then transfers the plurality of files to the transfer destination in a state where there is no file that has a common base name with a file that exists at the transfer destination among the plurality of files to be transferred.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a file transfer device, such as a digital camera, and a file transfer method executed by the file transfer device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an information processing device that has a function of automatically changing the base name when a plurality of files (hereinafter simply referred to as files) to be transferred to an external device have a file name that overlaps with a file existing at the transfer destination. Note that in this specification, a file name is defined as consisting of a base name, a delimiter (period), and an extension. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2006-11749 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In Patent Document 1, the base names of all files to be transferred or files with duplicate file names are changed. In the former case, unnecessary base name changes are made to files with no duplicate file names. In the latter case, among multiple files with the same base name but different extensions, some may have their base names changed and others may not. In this case, it becomes impossible to identify multiple related files based on their base names.

[0005] In consideration of such problems with the conventional technology, in one aspect, the present invention provides a file transfer device and a file transfer method capable of properly transferring multiple files, including files with file names that overlap with files existing at the transfer destination. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In one aspect, the present invention provides a file transfer device comprising: a determination means for determining whether a plurality of files to be transferred, each having a file name including a base name and an extension, include a file that shares a base name with a file existing at the transfer destination; a renaming means for renaming the file having the base name by collectively changing the base names of the files having the base name among the plurality of files to be transferred if it is determined that a file having a base name with a file existing at the transfer destination exists among the plurality of files to be transferred; and a transfer means for transferring the plurality of files to the transfer destination in a state in which no file having a base name with a file existing at the transfer destination exists among the plurality of files to be transferred. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a file transfer device and a file transfer method that are capable of appropriately transferring a plurality of files, including a file whose file name overlaps with a file that exists at the transfer destination. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a digital camera as an example of a file transfer device according to an embodiment; [Diagram 2] A diagram showing an example of a file structure recorded in compliance with DCF [Diagram 3] 1 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a file transfer process according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen in an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] The present invention will be described in detail below based on its exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. In addition, although multiple features are described in the embodiments, not all of them are necessarily essential to the invention, and multiple features may be combined arbitrarily. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numbers are used for the same or similar configurations, and duplicated explanations are omitted.

[0010] In the following embodiment, the present invention will be described with respect to a case where the present invention is implemented in a digital camera. However, the imaging function is not essential to the present invention, and the present invention can be implemented in any electronic device capable of transferring data to an external device. Such electronic devices include video cameras, computer devices (personal computers, tablet computers, media players, PDAs, etc.), mobile phones, smartphones, and game consoles. These are merely examples, and the present invention can also be implemented in other electronic devices.

[0011] <Internal configuration of digital camera 100> Fig. 1(A) is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a digital camera 100 as an example of a file transfer device according to this embodiment, while Fig. 1(B) and Fig. 1(C) are perspective views showing an example of the external appearance of the digital camera 100.

[0012] The control unit 101 is, for example, one or more processors (CPU, MPU, microprocessor, etc.) capable of executing programs. The control unit 101 loads programs stored in the non-volatile memory 103 into the work memory 104 and executes them, thereby controlling the operation of each part of the digital camera 100 and realizing the functions of the digital camera 100. When the control unit 101 has multiple processors, the multiple processors share the processing.

[0013] The non-volatile memory 103 is electrically rewritable, and stores programs executed by the control unit 101, various settings of the digital camera 100, GUI data, and the like. The working memory 104 is a RAM into which the control unit 101 reads programs to be executed, and which the control unit 101 uses as a buffer for intermediate data in image processing, captured still image data, video data, etc. The control unit 101 also uses the working memory 104 as a video memory for the display unit 106.

[0014] The imaging unit 102 has an optical system, a driving circuit for the optical system, and an image sensor. The optical system has a plurality of lenses including a movable lens, an aperture, a driving circuit for the movable lens and the aperture, etc. The movable lens is, for example, a focus lens, an image blur correction lens, etc.

[0015] The imaging element may be, for example, a known CCD or CMOS color image sensor having a primary color Bayer array color filter. The imaging element has a pixel array in which a plurality of pixels are arranged two-dimensionally, and a peripheral circuit for reading out signals from each pixel. Each pixel accumulates electric charge according to the amount of incident light by photoelectric conversion. By reading out a signal having a voltage according to the amount of electric charge accumulated during the exposure period from each pixel, a group of pixel signals (analog image signals) representing the subject image formed on the imaging surface by the optical system can be obtained.

[0016] The control unit 101 applies various image processes to the analog image signal. The image processing applied by the control unit 101 can include, for example, pre-processing, color interpolation processing, correction processing, detection processing, data processing, evaluation value calculation processing, special effect processing, and the like. Pre-processing may include A / D conversion, signal amplification, reference level adjustment, defective pixel correction, etc. Color interpolation processing is performed when a color filter is provided on an image sensor, and is a process for interpolating values ​​of color components that are not included in the individual pixel data that constitutes the image data. Color interpolation processing is also called demosaic processing. The correction processing can include white balance adjustment, gradation correction, correction of image degradation caused by optical aberration of the optical system (image restoration), correction of the effects of peripheral light falloff in the optical system, color correction, and the like. The detection process may include detection of feature regions (for example, face regions or human body regions) and their movements, person recognition processing, and the like. Data processing may include processes such as area extraction (trimming), synthesis, scaling, encoding and decoding, header information generation (file generation), etc. Data processing also includes the generation of image data for display or image data for recording. The evaluation value calculation process can include processes such as generation of a signal and evaluation value used in automatic focus detection (AF) and generation of an evaluation value used in automatic exposure control (AE). The special effects processing may include adding a blur effect, changing color tones, relighting, and the like. Note that these are merely examples of processes that the control unit 101 can apply, and do not limit the processes that the control unit 101 can apply.

[0017] The control unit 101 records a file storing the generated image data for recording on a recording medium 110, such as a memory card, in accordance with the DCF (Design Rule for Camera File system) standard.

[0018] The operation unit 105 is a general term for input devices (such as buttons, switches, and dials) that are provided for the user to input various instructions to the digital camera 100. The input devices that constitute the operation unit 105 have names according to the functions assigned to them. For example, the operation unit 105 includes an operation mode selection dial, a release switch 105a, a playback button 105b, a video recording switch, a shooting mode selection dial, a menu button, a direction key 105C, and an enter key. Note that the functions assigned to the same input device may be variable. The input device may be a software button or key using a touch display. The operation unit 105 may also include an input device that supports a non-contact input method, such as voice input or eye-gaze input.

[0019] The operation mode selection dial sets the operation mode of the digital camera 100 to one of, for example, a still image shooting mode, a video shooting mode, and a playback mode, and the shooting mode selection dial sets one of a plurality of shooting modes prepared in advance.

[0020] The release switch is a switch for recording still images, and the control unit 101 recognizes the half-pressed state of the release switch as an instruction to prepare for shooting and the full-pressed state as an instruction to start shooting. The control unit 101 also recognizes the movie recording switch, when pressed in the shooting standby state, as an instruction to start recording a movie, and recognizes the switch being pressed during movie recording as an instruction to stop recording.

[0021] When a still image capture preparation command is detected, the control unit 101 executes an automatic focus detection (AF) process and an automatic exposure control (AE) process. When a still image capture start command is detected, the control unit 101 drives the aperture of the imaging unit 102 according to the exposure conditions determined by the automatic exposure control (AE) process and exposes the imaging element. The control unit 101 then generates still image data for recording from the analog image signal read from the imaging unit 102 and records the data on the recording medium 110.

[0022] The display unit 106 is, for example, a touch display having a touch panel 105d, and displays various information, images, menu screens, etc. of the digital camera 100. In addition, by displaying the captured moving images on the display unit 106 while continuing to capture moving images with the imaging unit 102, the display unit 106 can function as an electronic viewfinder (EVF). The operation for causing the display unit 106 to function as an EVF is called live view display, and the moving image displayed in live view is called a live view image.

[0023] The microphone 107 records ambient sounds of the digital camera 100 and outputs an audio signal. The control unit 101 applies predetermined processing, such as A / D conversion, to the audio signal input from the microphone 107 to generate audio data. The audio data recorded in parallel with video shooting is treated as part of the video data. The control unit 101 can also record audio data in association with still image data.

[0024] The speaker 108 outputs the voice recorded by the microphone 107, the voice of the reproduced video data, warning sounds, sound effects (such as click sounds output during operations such as dialing, sounds indicating focusing, etc.). The data of the warning sounds and replacement sounds are stored in the non-volatile memory 103.

[0025] The power supply unit 109 is, for example, a battery. The control unit 101 controls the power supply from the power supply unit 109 to each unit.

[0026] The recording medium 110 is a recording destination for the image data obtained by shooting, and is, for example, a memory card.

[0027] The communication unit 111 is a wired and / or wireless communication interface. The control unit 101 can communicate with an external device through the communication unit 111. The control unit 101 can transmit (transfer) an image file to an external device through the communication unit 111, for example. There is no particular limitation on the communication standard to which the wired and / or wireless communication interface of the communication unit 111 conforms. Examples of the wired and / or wireless communication interface include, but are not limited to, USB, HDMI (registered trademark), wireless LAN, Bluetooth (registered trademark), etc.

[0028] <DCF File Configuration> FIG. 2(a) is a diagram showing the file system of the recording medium 110 and an example of file recording. As described above, the digital camera 100 records files on the recording medium 110 with a file system compliant with DCF.

[0029] DCF has a hierarchical directory structure, and a DCF image root directory ("DCIM") is created directly under the root directory. One or more DCF directories are created under the DCF image root directory, and files (DCF files) are recorded in any of the DCF file directories. In FIG. 2(a), two DCF directories 202 to 203 are created.

[0030] Each DCF directory has a DCF directory number consisting of a unique three-digit number between 100 and 999, and a directory name consisting of a five-digit free string. DCF files recorded under a DCF directory have a base name consisting of a four-digit free string and a four-digit number between 0001 and 9999 (file number), a period delimiter, and a three-character extension. Note that the free string must consist of half-width uppercase alphanumeric characters, and the number must consist of half-width numbers.

[0031] In addition, DCF specifies that a DCF file name is the portion excluding delimiters and extensions (a four-character free string and a four-character file number), but in this specification the DCF file name is referred to as the base name.

[0032] 2(a), DCF files 204 to 209 have been created in DCF directory 202 ("100GANON"), and DCF files 210 to 211 have been created in DCF directory 203 ("101GANON"). DCF files 204 to 211 are image files or audio files.

[0033] A group of files with the same file number in a DCF directory is called a DCF object. Note that a DCF file that does not have another DCF file with the same file number also constitutes a single DCF object. By assigning a common file number to related files, they can be managed together as a DCF object.

[0034] DCF allows DCF objects to have different free character strings. Digital camera 100 is configured to assign a common free character string to DCF files that constitute the same DCF object and record them on recording medium 110. Note that the method of determining which DCF object a recorded DCF file constitutes may be the same as in the past, so detailed explanation is omitted. Therefore, in this embodiment, the multiple DCF files that make up a DCF object have a common base name.

[0035] 2(a), DCF directory 202 has DCF objects 212 and 213 recorded therein. DCF directory 203 has DCF objects 215 and 216 recorded therein.

[0036] DCF object 212 is made up of three DCF files 204-206. DCF files 204-206 have a common base name of "IMG_0001" and different extensions JPG, RAW, and WAV. DCF files 204 and 205 with the extensions JPG and RAW are related image files. As an example here, they are image files generated in a simultaneous recording mode in JPEG and RAW formats. DCF file 206 with the extension WAV is an audio file related to DCF files 204 and 205.

[0037] DCF object 213 is made up of two DCF files 207 and 208. DCF files 207 to 208 have a common base name of "IMG_0002" and different extensions, JPG and RAW. DCF objects 214 to 216 are made up of one DCF file 209 to 211 each.

[0038] <Setting the type of image files to be transferred> When the DCF object to be transferred contains multiple image files, the digital camera 100 allows the user to set which DCF file extensions are to be transferred.

[0039] 4(a) shows an example of a setting screen 400 for the type of image file to be transferred. The setting screen 400 can be displayed on the display unit 106 through operation of the menu button, directional keys 105c, and enter key included in the operation unit 105, for example. Note that the setting screen 400 may be displayed by the control unit 101 at any timing, without user operation. Also, the settings made through the setting screen 400 are assumed to be applied to all DCF objects to be transferred, but may be set for each DCF object.

[0040] Here, it is assumed that digital camera 100 is capable of recording either or both of an image file with a RAW extension and an image file with a JPG extension in one still image capture. Therefore, selection screen 400 is configured to allow the user to select the type of image file to be transferred when a DCF object includes both an image file with a RAW extension and an image file with a JPG extension.

[0041] Specifically, setting screen 400 has three options, "JPG only," "RAW only," and "RAW+JPG," and corresponding radio buttons 401 to 403, as well as an OK button 404. "JPG only" is a setting that transfers DCF files with the JPG extension, but does not transfer DCF files with the RAW extension. "RAW only" is a setting that transfers DCF files with the RAW extension, but does not transfer DCF files with the JPG extension. "RAW+JPG" is a setting that transfers both DCF files with the RAW extension and DCF files with the JPG extension.

[0042] For example, each time directional key 105c is operated, the selected radio button among radio buttons 401 to 403 is switched. The user operates directional key 105c so that the radio button corresponding to the type of image file desired to be transferred is selected, and then operates the decision button to set the type of image file to be transferred. Note that the selection of the radio button and the operation of OK button 404 may be performed by a touch operation.

[0043] When control unit 101 detects the operation of the enter button or the touch operation of OK button 404, it stores the setting corresponding to the selected radio button in non-volatile memory 103. Note that a DCF object may include three or more types of image files. Also, DCF objects are not limited to including multiple types of DCF files. For example, a DCF object may include multiple audio files with different extensions. Selection screen 400 can be changed as appropriate depending on the types of DCF files that DCF objects in digital camera 100 may include.

[0044] <File transfer> Next, the operation of the control unit 101 when transferring a file recorded on the recording medium 110 to an external device will be described. Here, when the operating mode of digital camera 100 is playback mode, the DCF objects recorded on recording medium 110 are displayed in a selectable list, and the DCF file contained in the DCF object selected by the user is transferred to an external device.

[0045] When the control unit 101 detects that the operation mode has been switched to the playback mode, for example, by an operation mode selection dial included in the operation unit 105, the control unit 101 switches the operation mode of the digital camera 100 to the playback mode. Then, the control unit 101 displays a selection screen on the display unit 106 that allows the user to select whether to execute playback or transfer.

[0046] When the control unit 101 detects that transfer has been selected from the selection screen, it causes the display unit 106 to display a screen that displays a selectable list of DCF objects recorded on the recording medium 110. In this example, it is assumed that the control unit 101 causes an image index screen 410 such as that shown in Figure 4(b) to be displayed.

[0047] Image index display screen 410 displays a selectable list of thumbnails of image files included in DCF objects recorded on recording medium 110. DCF objects that do not include image files may be excluded from the list display, or a predetermined image may be displayed.

[0048] Reduced images (thumbnails) 411a-415a corresponding to each DCF object are displayed on image index display screen 410. If one DCF object contains multiple image files, a thumbnail corresponding to one of the image files is displayed. In addition, check boxes 411b-415b are displayed as indicators showing whether each DCF object is selected or not.

[0049] For example, the control unit 101 allows the focus (for example, a frame-shaped image) to be moved to the thumbnails 411b to 415b and the OK button 416 by operating the directional key 105c. If the focus is on a thumbnail when the enter button is operated, the control unit 101 changes the state of the check box corresponding to that thumbnail. Alternatively, the control unit 101 changes the state of the corresponding check box every time a thumbnail is touched.

[0050] When the Confirm button is operated while the focus is on the OK button 404, or when the OK button 416 is touched, the control unit 101 recognizes the DCF object corresponding to the checked check box as a transfer target. Then it starts the operation shown in the flowchart in Figure 3. Here, the description will be given assuming that the DCF objects 212 and 213 are the transfer targets. In this way, the control unit 101 manages the transfer targets on a DCF object basis.

[0051] When operation of the OK button 404 is detected, the control unit 101 may confirm with the user whether or not it is OK to execute the file transfer. In this case, the control unit 101 can display a confirmation screen 420 as shown in Fig. 4(c) on the display unit 106. The confirmation screen 420 includes an OK button 421 and a cancel button 422. When operation of the OK button 421 is detected, the control unit 101 executes S301, and when operation of the cancel button 422 is detected, the control unit 101 returns to displaying the image index display screen 410.

[0052] In S301, control unit 101 stores identification information for the DCF object to be transferred in working memory 104. Here, it is assumed that a DCF number is used as identification information for a DCF object. The DCF number is a character string generated from a DCF directory number and a DCF file number. Here, the DCF number is a character string in which the DCF directory number and DCF file number are connected with a hyphen. For example, the DCF number of DCF object 212 shown in Figure 2(a) is 100-0001. Note that when comparing DCF numbers, the character string excluding the hyphens is treated as a seven-digit number.

[0053] The control unit 101 manages the DCF objects to be transferred in ascending order of their DCF numbers, with the DCF object with the smallest DCF number being the first DCF object and the DCF object with the largest DCF number being the last DCF object.

[0054] Therefore, in S301, control unit 101 stores DCF number "100-0001" of DCF object 212 and DCF number "100-0002" of DCF object 213 in working memory 104. Furthermore, DCF object 212 is the first DCF object and DCF object 213 is the last DCF object.

[0055] In S302, the control unit 101 reads out from the non-volatile memory 103 the type of image file to be transferred, which was set via the setting screen 400. Here, it is assumed that "RAW+JPG" is set.

[0056] In S303 to S305, the control unit 101 determines the DCF file to transfer for each DCF object to be transferred. First, in S303, the control unit 101 acquires identification information of the DCF object to be transferred that is stored in the working memory 104. Each time S303 is executed, the control unit 101 acquires identification information of the DCF object in order, starting from the first DCF object.

[0057] In S304, the control unit 101 determines the DCF file to be transferred from the DCF object corresponding to the identification information acquired in S303. If the DCF object contains both image data with the extension RAW and an image file with the extension JPG, the image file to be transferred is determined according to the settings acquired in S302. Furthermore, if there are DCF files other than image files, the control unit 101 treats all of them as transfer targets.

[0058] In S305, the control unit 101 determines whether or not the process of S304 has been executed up to the final DCF object. If it is determined that the process of S304 has been executed up to the final DCF object, the control unit 101 executes S306, and if not, it executes S303.

[0059] The specific processing of S303 to S305 when the DCF objects 212 and 213 are to be transferred will be described below. In S303, the control unit 101 identifies the DCF object 212 from the DCF number "100-0001".

[0060] At S304, control unit 101 checks the type of image file included in DCF object 212. Because DCF object 212 contains both image data with the extension RAW and an image file with the extension JPG, control unit 101 determines both image files as DCF files to be transferred in accordance with the settings. In addition, control unit 101 also determines DCF files other than the image files included in DCF object 212 as DCF files to be transferred. As a result, control unit 101 determines "IMG_0001.JPG" 204, "IMG_0001.RAW" 205 and "IMG_0001.WAV" 206 for DCF object 212 as DCF files to be transferred.

[0061] In S305, the control unit 101 executes S303 because the DCF object 212 for which the most recent DCF file to be transferred was determined in S304 is not the final DCF object.

[0062] When executing S303 for the second time, the control unit 101 identifies the DCF object 213 from the DCF number "100-0002". In S304, because the DCF object 213 contains both image data with the extension RAW and an image file with the extension JPG, the control unit 101 determines both image files as DCF files to be transferred in accordance with the settings. Because the DCF object 213 only contains image files, the control unit 101 determines "IMG_0002.JPG" 207 and "IMG_0002.RAW" 208 for the DCF object 213 as DCF files to be transferred.

[0063] In S305, the control unit 101 executes S306 because the DCF object 213 that most recently determined the DCF file to be transferred in S304 is the final DCF object.

[0064] In S306, the control unit 101 executes a connection process with an external device through the communication unit 111 based on a network connection setting that has been set in advance and stored in the non-volatile memory 103. In this example, it is assumed that the external device is an FTP server, and the connection process is a login process. Information required for login is stored in the non-volatile memory 103 in advance.

[0065] In S307 to S314, the control unit 101 sequentially transfers the DCF files to be transferred that were determined in S304 for each DCF object to be transferred to the external device, and also renames the DCF files before transfer if necessary.

[0066] In S307, the control unit 101 identifies the DCF objects to be transferred, one at a time, starting from the top DCF object, in the same manner as in S303.

[0067] In S308, the control unit 101 acquires a list of file names existing in the transfer destination directory of the FTP server. In this embodiment, for convenience, as shown in FIG. 2B, the root directory "ROOT" 217 of the FTP server is set as the transfer destination directory. Also, it is assumed that two image files "IMG_0001.RAW" 218 and "IMG_1234.JPG" 219 exist. Therefore, in S308, the control unit 101 acquires a file name list including "IMG_0001.RAW" and "IMG_1234.JPG" from the FTP server.

[0068] In S309, control unit 101 creates a temporary base name. Note that the first time control unit 101 executes S309 for the same DCF object, it does not create a temporary base name, but uses the base name of the DCF file as the temporary base name as is. Alternatively, control unit 101 skips execution of S309.

[0069] On the other hand, when executing S309 for the second or subsequent times for the same DCF object, control unit 101 creates a temporary base name. There is no particular restriction on the method for creating the temporary base name, but here it is assumed that a specific character string is added to a specific position of the original base name. Here, as an example, _n is added to the end of the original base name, but a different character string may be added, or added to a different position (for example, the beginning) of the original base name. Alternatively, instead of or in addition to adding a character string, a temporary base name may be created by changing the character string of the base name. Here, n is an integer equal to or greater than 1, and its initial value is 1. When S309 is executed three or more times for the same DCF object, n is incremented by one each time. Therefore, the temporary base names generated for the same DCF object are original base name_1, original base name_2, ... each time S309 is executed.

[0070] In S310 to S311, the control unit 101 determines whether or not the DCF file needs to be renamed. First, in S310, the control unit 101 determines whether or not a file having the same base name as the temporary base name determined in the most recently executed S309 exists at the transfer destination, using the file name list acquired in S308.

[0071] If the control unit 101 determines that a file having the same base name as the temporary base name exists at the transfer destination, it stores in the working memory 104 the file names of all files having the same base name as the temporary base name that exist at the transfer destination, and executes S311. On the other hand, if it is not determined that a file having the same base name as the temporary base name exists at the transfer destination, the control unit 101 executes S312.

[0072] In this case, there is an image file 218 at the transfer destination that has the same base name "IMG_0001" as the base name of the DCF file contained in the DCF object 212 being processed. Therefore, the control unit 101 stores the file name "IMG_0001.RAW" of the image file 218 in the working memory 104, and executes S311.

[0073] At S311, control unit 101 compares the extension of the file name stored in work memory 104 at S310 with the extension of the DCF file to be transferred that is included in the DCF object being processed, and determines whether or not a match exists. If control unit 101 determines that a file name with a matching extension exists, it executes S309 and creates a new temporary base name. On the other hand, if control unit 101 does not determine that a file name with a matching extension exists, it executes S312.

[0074] The extensions of the DCF files to be transferred in the DCF object 212 being processed are "JPG", "RAW", and "WAV", and the extension of the file name stored in the working memory 104 is "RAW". Therefore, the control unit 101 determines that a file name with a matching extension exists, and executes S309.

[0075] If it is determined in S310 that a file with the same base name as the temporary base name exists at the transfer destination, the control unit 101 may execute S309 without executing S311. This makes it possible to avoid a file at the transfer destination that was not originally included in the DCF object being deemed to be included in the DCF object.

[0076] When executing S309 for the second time on the DCF object 212, the control unit 101 creates a temporary base name "IMG_0001_1". Then, in S310, the control unit 101 executes the above-mentioned determination for the temporary base name "IMG_0001_1." Since a file having the same base name as the current temporary base name does not exist at the transfer destination, the control unit 101 executes S312.

[0077] In S312, the control unit 101 renames all of the DCF files to be transferred, included in the DCF object being processed, by replacing the base names of the DCF files to be transferred with temporary base names. Note that if the temporary base names are the original base names (if S309 has been executed only once for the DCF object being processed), there is no need to rename them, so execution of S312 may be skipped.

[0078] Specifically, the control unit 101 replaces the base name "IMG_0001" of the DCF file to be transferred, which is included in the DCF object 212, with a temporary base name "IMG_0001_1." As a result, the DCF files to be transferred are all renamed collectively to "IMG_0001_1.JPG" 204, "IMG_0001_1.RAW" 205, and "IMG_0001_1.WAV."

[0079] In this way, if a file whose file name (or base name) matches the DCF file to be transferred exists at the transfer destination, the control unit 101 changes the base name of the DCF file to be transferred so that it does not overlap with the base name of the file at the transfer destination. This makes it possible to rename only those DCF files that need to be renamed, while maintaining the relationships between files.

[0080] Therefore, when the files to be transferred include even one file with a file name that overlaps with a file that exists at the transfer destination, the processing load is smaller than when all files to be transferred are renamed. Furthermore, it is possible to avoid the loss of association between files, which may occur when renaming only files that have a file name that overlaps with a file that exists at the transfer destination.

[0081] At S313, the control unit 101 sequentially transfers the DCF files to be transferred that are included in the DCF object being processed. Note that while the files are being transferred, the control unit 101 may display a transfer in progress screen 430, such as that shown in Figure 4(d), on the display unit 106 to inform the user of the progress of the file transfer.

[0082] Transferring screen 430 includes file name 431 of the file being transferred, the number of images (number of files) remaining to be transferred 432, the time remaining until transfer is completed 433, and a transfer stop button 434 for instructing to interrupt the transfer. Note that the number of images remaining 423 and the remaining time 433 displayed on transferring screen 430 may be values ​​for each DCF object, or may be values ​​for all DCF objects to be transferred.

[0083] In S314, control unit 101 determines whether the DCF object being processed is the final DCF object, and if it is determined to be the final DCF object, executes S315, and if not, executes S307. In this case, since the DCF object 212 being processed is not the final DCF object, control unit 101 executes S307.

[0084] The second processing from S307 to S314 will be described. At S307, the control unit 101 identifies the next DCF object 213 to be processed from the DCF number "100-0002". Then, the control unit 101 executes the processes of S308 to S310 on the DCF object 213 in the same way as it did on the DCF object 212. At S309, the control unit 101 sets the original base name "IMG_0002" as a temporary base name. Also, at S310, the control unit 101 determines that no file having the same base name as the temporary base name "IMG_0002" exists at the transfer destination, and executes S312.

[0085] In S312, the control unit 101 executes S313 without renaming the DCF file to be transferred, because the current temporary base name "IMG_0002" is the original base name.

[0086] In S313, the control unit 101 transfers the DCF files to be transferred as "IMG_0002.JPG" 207 and "IMG_0002.RAW" 208 without renaming them, and then executes S314.

[0087] Since it is determined in S314 that the DCF object 213 being processed is the final DCF object, the control unit 101 executes S315.

[0088] At S315, the control unit 101 disconnects the connection to the FTP server via the communications unit 111. After disconnecting, the control unit 101 can then display, for example, a transfer end screen 440 as shown in Figure 4(e) on the display unit 106. The transfer end screen 440 is a screen that notifies the user that transfer processing for the DCF object selected by the user has ended, and includes an "OK" button 441. When it is detected that the user has operated the "OK" button 441, the control unit 101 displays the image index display screen 410 shown in Figure 4(b) on the display unit 106.

[0089] When the transfer process for DCF objects 212 and 213 is executed in the destination directory shown in Figure 2(b), the destination directory will look like the one shown in Figure 2(c). The base name of the DCF file to be transferred, included in DCF object 212, has been renamed from "IMG_0001" to "IMG_0001_1" and saved. However, the relationship between "IMG_0001_1.JPG" 221, "IMG_0001_1.RAW" 222, and "IMG_0001_1.WAV" 223 is maintained by the fact that they share a common base name.

[0090] Furthermore, the DCF files to be transferred, which are included in the DCF object 213, are saved as "IMG_0002.JPG" 225 and "IMG_0002.RAW" 226 without being renamed.

[0091] Furthermore, the FTP server does not need to perform any additional special processing since it simply saves the DCF object under the file name specified by the digital camera 100. This prevents the processing load on the FTP server from increasing.

[0092] In the above embodiment, DCF file extensions "JPG", "RAW", and "WAV" were handled, but files with other extensions may also be handled. Also, although a file management method using DCF is given as an example, other file management methods may be used. Moreover, a method other than FTP may be used as the image transfer method.

[0093] (Other embodiments) In the above embodiment, files are transferred using FTP, but other protocols may be used. There are also no particular limitations on the type of file. Furthermore, the naming convention for file names is not limited to the DCF specifications. Any naming convention that can express the relationship between files using file names can be used.

[0094] The disclosure of the present embodiment includes the following file transfer device, file transfer method, and program. (Item 1) A determination means for determining whether or not a file having a common base name with a file existing at the transfer destination is present among a plurality of files to be transferred, each having a file name including a base name and an extension; a renaming means for renaming the file having the base name by collectively changing the base names of the files having the base name among the plurality of files to be transferred when it is determined that the plurality of files to be transferred includes a file having a base name that is the same as a file existing at the transfer destination; a transfer means for transferring the plurality of files to the transfer destination in a state in which the plurality of files to be transferred does not have a file having a common base name with a file existing at the transfer destination; A file transfer device comprising: (Item 2) said renaming means renaming a file having an original base name by replacing the original base name with a temporary base name; The determination means further determines whether or not a file having the temporary base name exists at the transfer destination; the renaming means, when it is determined that a file having the temporary base name exists in the transfer destination, changes the temporary base name; 2. The file transfer device according to item 1. (Item 3) 3. The file transfer device according to item 2, wherein the renaming means creates the temporary base name by modifying the original base name. (Item 4) 4. The file transfer device according to item 2 or 3, wherein the renaming means creates the temporary base name by adding a specific character string to a specific position of the original base name. (Item 5) When it is determined that a file having a common base name with a file existing at the transfer destination exists among the plurality of files to be transferred, the determination means further determines whether or not the file extensions are also common; the renaming means, when it is determined that a file having a common base name and extension with a file existing at the transfer destination exists among the plurality of files to be transferred, collectively changes the base names of the files having the base name among the plurality of files to be transferred; the transfer means transfers the plurality of files to the transfer destination in a state in which there is no file among the plurality of files to be transferred that has a common base name and extension with a file present at the transfer destination; 5. The file transfer device according to any one of items 1 to 4. (Item 6) 6. The file transfer device according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein among the plurality of files to be transferred, a plurality of files related to each other have a common base name. (Item 7) 7. The file transfer device according to any one of items 1 to 6, wherein the plurality of files to be transferred are DCF files having base names that comply with the DCF standard. (Item 8) 8. The file transfer device according to item 7, characterized in that the base name is composed of a free character string and a DCF number, and among the multiple files to be transferred, multiple files that are related to each other have the free character string and the DCF number in common. (Item 9) A file transfer method executed by a file transfer device, comprising: determining whether or not a file having a common base name with a file existing at the transfer destination is present among a plurality of files to be transferred, each having a file name including a base name and an extension; when it is determined that a file having a common base name with a file existing at the transfer destination is present among the plurality of files to be transferred, renaming the file having the base name by collectively changing the base names of the files having the base name among the plurality of files to be transferred; transferring the plurality of files to be transferred to the transfer destination in a state in which the plurality of files to be transferred does not have a file having a common base name with a file existing at the transfer destination; 13. A file transfer method comprising: (Item 10) A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means possessed by the file transfer device described in any one of items 1 to 8.

[0095] The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more of the functions.

[0096] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the following claims are appended to disclose the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 100: digital camera, 101: control unit, 103: non-volatile memory, 104: working memory, 105: operation unit, 106: display unit, 111: communication unit

Claims

1. A determination means for determining whether or not a file having a common base name with a file existing at the transfer destination exists among a plurality of files to be transferred, each having a file name including a base name and an extension; a renaming means for renaming the file having the base name by collectively changing the base names of the files having the base name among the plurality of files to be transferred when it is determined that the plurality of files to be transferred includes a file having a base name that is the same as a file existing at the transfer destination; a transfer means for transferring the plurality of files to the transfer destination in a state in which the plurality of files to be transferred does not have a file having a common base name with a file existing at the transfer destination; A file transfer device comprising:

2. said renaming means renaming a file having an original base name by replacing the original base name with a temporary base name; The determination means further determines whether or not a file having the temporary base name exists at the transfer destination; the renaming means, when it is determined that a file having the temporary base name exists in the transfer destination, changes the temporary base name; 2. The file transfer device according to claim 1.

3. 3. The file transfer apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said renaming means creates said temporary base name by modifying said original base name.

4. 3. The file transfer apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said renaming means creates said temporary base name by adding a specific character string to a specific position of said original base name.

5. When it is determined that a file having a common base name with a file existing at the transfer destination is present among the plurality of files to be transferred, the determination means further determines whether or not the file extensions are also common; the renaming means, when it is determined that a file having a common base name and extension with a file existing at the transfer destination exists among the plurality of files to be transferred, collectively changes the base names of the files having the base name among the plurality of files to be transferred; the transfer means transfers the plurality of files to the transfer destination in a state in which there is no file among the plurality of files to be transferred that has a common base name and extension with a file present at the transfer destination; 2. The file transfer device according to claim 1.

6. 2. The file transfer device according to claim 1, wherein among the plurality of files to be transferred, a plurality of files related to each other have a common base name.

7. 2. The file transfer device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of files to be transferred are DCF files having base names conforming to the DCF standard.

8. 8. A file transfer device according to claim 7, wherein the base name is composed of a free character string and a DCF number, and among the plurality of files to be transferred, a plurality of files related to each other have the free character string and the DCF number in common.

9. A file transfer method executed by a file transfer device, comprising: determining whether or not a file having a common base name with a file existing at the transfer destination is present among a plurality of files to be transferred, each having a file name including a base name and an extension; when it is determined that a file having a common base name with a file existing at the transfer destination is present among the plurality of files to be transferred, renaming the file having the base name by collectively changing the base names of the files having the base name among the plurality of files to be transferred; transferring the plurality of files to be transferred to the transfer destination in a state in which the plurality of files to be transferred does not have a file having a common base name with a file existing at the transfer destination; 13. A file transfer method comprising:

10. A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means included in the file transfer device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

Images