Communication device and control method thereof

Abstract

To provide a communication device that can easily transfer both data to an external device when new data gets associated with recorded data.SOLUTION: When second data is generated that is to be associated with first data that has already been recorded, a communication device can perform immediate transfer, which transfers the second data and the first data with which the second data is to be associated to an external device. When performing the immediate transfer, the communication device makes the first data transfer into data to be transferred if the first data with which the second data is to be associated is not the data to be transferred, and then transfers it to the external device together with the second data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication device and a control method thereof, and in particular to a technology for transferring data to an external device. [Background technology]

[0002] Some data generating devices, such as imaging devices, have a function of transferring generated data to an external device. In addition, data generating devices are also known that have a function of associating newly generated data with previously generated data, such as associating newly recorded voice data with previously recorded image data (Patent Document 1).

[0003] When transferring data to an external device, the handling of other data associated with the data to be transferred can be a problem. In Patent Document 1, when audio data is associated with image data, whether or not the associated audio data is also managed as a transfer target is controlled depending on whether or not the image data is managed as a transfer target. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6594371 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the control method of Patent Document 1, if image data associated with voice data is not managed as a transfer target, neither the voice data nor the image data is managed as a transfer target. Therefore, when a user wants to transfer these data, the user needs to register them again as data to be transferred, and there is room for improvement in usability when wanting to associate voice data with image data and transfer it immediately.

[0006] Therefore, in one aspect, the present invention provides a communication device and a control method thereof that, when new data is associated with previously recorded data, can easily transfer both data to an external device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In one aspect, the present invention provides a communications device comprising: a generating means for generating second data to be associated with recorded first data; and a control means for controlling the transfer of the data to be transferred to an external device via a communication means; wherein when the generating means generates the second data, the control means is capable of immediate transfer of the second data and first data to which the second data is associated to be transferred to the external device; and when immediate transfer is performed, if the first data to which the second data is associated is not data to be transferred, the first data is made data to be transferred and then transferred to the external device together with the second data. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a communication device and a control method thereof that, when new data is associated with previously recorded data, can easily transfer both data to an external device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a digital camera as an example of a communication device according to an embodiment; [Diagram 2] Flowchart of image transfer operation according to the embodiment [Figure 3A] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an image transfer operation according to an embodiment; [Figure 3B] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an image transfer operation according to an embodiment; [Figure 4] Flowchart regarding the immediate forwarding function according to the first embodiment [Diagram 5] Flowchart regarding immediate forwarding function according to the second embodiment [Figure 6] Flowchart regarding immediate forwarding function according to the third embodiment [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an immediate forwarding function according to the third embodiment; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] 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.

[0011] 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 type of data is not limited to image data and audio data. The present invention can also be implemented in any electronic device having a function of associating new data (second data) with recorded data (first data) and a function of transferring data to an external device. Such electronic devices include not only imaging devices, but also computer devices (personal computers, tablet computers, media players, PDAs, etc.), mobile phones, smartphones, game consoles, etc. These are merely examples, and the present invention can also be implemented in other electronic devices.

[0012] ●(First embodiment) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a digital camera as an example of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] The control unit 101 is, for example, a processor (CPU, MPU, microprocessor, etc.) capable of executing a program. The control unit 101 loads a program stored in the non-volatile memory 103 into the working memory 104 and executes it, thereby controlling the operation of each part of the digital camera 100 and realizing various functions of the digital camera 100. The operations described below using flowcharts are also realized by the processor of the control unit 101 executing a program. At least a part of the operations of the control unit 101 described in this specification may be realized by a hardware circuit separate from the processor of the control unit 101.

[0014] The imaging unit 102 includes at least a lens that generates an optical image of a subject, and an imaging element that photoelectrically converts the optical image generated by the lens. 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 a signal from each pixel. Each pixel accumulates a charge according to the amount of incident light by photoelectric conversion. A pixel signal group (analog image signal) representing the subject image formed on the imaging surface is obtained by reading out a signal having a voltage according to the amount of charge accumulated during the exposure period from each pixel. In this embodiment, the imaging element has an A / D conversion function and outputs a digital image signal (RAW image data) obtained by A / D converting an analog image signal. The A / D conversion of the analog image signal may be performed using an A / D converter separate from the imaging element. The image data output by the imaging unit 102 is stored in a working memory 104.

[0015] The control unit 101 applies predetermined image processing to image data, generates signals and image data according to the application, and acquires and / or generates various information. The image processing applied by the control unit 101 may include, for example, preprocessing, color interpolation processing, correction processing, detection processing, data processing, evaluation value calculation processing, special effect processing, and the like. Pre-processing may include signal amplification, reference level adjustment, defective pixel correction, and so on. Color interpolation processing is performed when an image sensor is provided with a color filter, 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 lens (image restoration), correction of the effects of peripheral light falloff of the lens, 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 (data 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 examples of processes that can be applied by the control unit 101, and do not limit the processes applied by the control unit 101. Note that these image processes may be performed using a circuit separate from the control unit 101, such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor, or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The control unit 101 stores the recording image data in a data file of a predetermined format and records the data in the recording medium 107. The control unit 101 also stores the display image data in a video memory and displays the display image data on the display unit 106. The video memory may be an area of ​​the working memory 104.

[0016] The non-volatile memory 103 is electrically rewritable and stores programs executable by the processor of the control unit 101, various setting values ​​of the digital camera 100, GUI data, and the like.

[0017] The working memory 104 is used to store programs and variables executed by the processor of the control unit 101, and to temporarily store image data, etc. In addition, a part of the working memory 104 can also be used as a video memory for the display unit 106.

[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 make up the operation unit 105 have names according to the functions assigned to them. For example, the operation unit 105 includes a release switch, a video recording switch, a shooting mode selection dial for selecting a shooting mode, a menu button, direction keys, and a decision key. 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 a shooting preparation instruction and the full-pressed state as a shooting start instruction. In addition, the control unit 101 recognizes the video recording switch pressed in a shooting standby state as a video recording start instruction, and recognizes the video recording switch pressed during video recording as a recording stop instruction. Note that the functions assigned to the same input device may be variable. In addition, the input device may be a software button or key using a touch display. In addition, the operation unit 105 may include an input device that supports a non-contact input method such as voice input or gaze input.

[0019] The display unit 106 is, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), and displays a GUI such as a menu screen, captured or played images, the current status of the digital camera 100, etc. The display unit 106 may be a display device separate from the digital camera 100.

[0020] The recording medium 107 is used as a recording destination for image data for recording (still image data or video data (including audio data)) generated by the control unit 101 based on image data output by the imaging unit 102. The recording medium 107 is also used as a recording destination for data (e.g. audio data) different from the image data for recording generated by the digital camera 100. The recording medium 107 may be a removable medium such as a memory card, or may be an internal storage device.

[0021] The connection unit 108 is an interface for communicating with an external device. The connection unit 108 has a configuration for performing communication with an external device in accordance with, for example, one or more arbitrary wired and / or wireless communication standards. Exemplary communication standards include, but are not limited to, the USB standard, the HDMI (registered trademark) standard, the wireless LAN standard, and the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard.

[0022] The audio control unit 109 has, for example, a microphone and an A / D converter, and converts the audio data of the digital camera 100 from analog data to digital data. When the control unit 101 detects, for example, the operation of a record button included in the operation unit 105, it enables the audio control unit 109. The control unit 101 then associates the audio data acquired from the audio control unit 109 with image data that has been specified in advance. There are no particular limitations on the method of association, but possible methods include storing the data in the same folder as the image data, or having a common file name for the audio data and the file name of the image data to which the audio data is associated. The audio data may also be recorded as a part of the image data file.

[0023] The digital camera 100 has a function of transferring image data that the digital camera 100 has (for example, image data recorded on a recording medium 107) to an external device connected via a connection unit .

[0024] (Data transfer operation) 2 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation performed by the control unit 101 to realize an image transfer function in which image data selected by a user among image data recorded on the recording medium 107 is managed as data to be transferred and transferred to an external device. This operation can be performed, for example, when an image transfer item is selected from a menu screen called up via the operation unit 105, and manual selection is selected as a method for selecting image data to be transferred. Note that this is merely an example, and the control unit 101 may perform the operation according to other conditions. It is also assumed that the external device to which the data is to be transferred is in a state in which communication is possible via the connection unit 108.

[0025] In S201, the control unit 101 displays an image selection screen on the display unit 106. The image selection screen may be, for example, a screen that displays image data recorded on the recording medium 107 in a selectable manner. Here, as shown in FIG. 3A, one thumbnail 310 of image data is displayed on the display unit 106. However, multiple thumbnails may be displayed. A corresponding status indicator 301 and file name 311 are superimposed on each thumbnail. The status indicator 301 is an indicator that indicates whether the image data indicated by the corresponding thumbnail is registered or managed as a transfer target, and if it is registered or managed as a transfer target, whether it has not been transferred or has been transferred. The file name 311 may be displayed including its extension.

[0026] In S203, the control unit 101 determines whether or not a designation operation has been performed through the operation unit 105. The designation operation is an instruction to register image data represented by a selected thumbnail as a transfer target. The control unit 101 can detect, for example, the operation of a decision button included in the operation unit 105 as the designation operation. Note that, as in the example shown in FIG. 3A, when there is one thumbnail displayed on the display unit 106, the control unit 101 considers the displayed thumbnail to be in a selected state. When multiple thumbnails are displayed at one time, the selected state and unselected state can be switched for each thumbnail by an operation other than the decision button operation.

[0027] If it is determined in S203 that a designation operation has been performed, the control unit 101 executes S205, and if it is not determined that a designation operation has been performed, the control unit 101 repeatedly executes S203. If an operation other than the designation operation is detected, the control unit 101 can execute an operation according to the detected operation. For example, when the control unit 101 detects an operation to switch thumbnails displayed on the display unit 106, the control unit 101 switches the displayed thumbnails.

[0028] In S205, the control unit 101 registers the image data shown by the selected thumbnail as data to be transferred. Specifically, the control unit 101 adds identification information (e.g., a file name) of the image data to a transfer target list for managing the data to be transferred. Note that the data to be transferred may be managed without using the transfer target list. For example, information for managing the data as data to be transferred may be recorded as, for example, metadata in a data file that stores the data to be transferred.

[0029] In addition, the control unit 101 also registers data associated with image data registered as data to be transferred as data to be transferred according to the settings. Therefore, when the setting is made to transfer associated data, if audio data is associated with image data registered as data to be transferred, this audio data is also automatically registered as data to be transferred. When registering associated data as data to be transferred, the control unit 101 adds the identification information of the data to the transfer target list.

[0030] The transfer target list may be a list that associates data identification information with management information including a transfer status (not transferred, transferred, transfer error). The control unit 101 stores the transfer target list in, for example, the non-volatile memory 103 and updates it as appropriate. When the transfer target list is not used, the management information may be recorded as, for example, metadata in a data file that stores the data to be transferred.

[0031] The control unit 101 changes the form of the status indicator 301 accompanying the thumbnail of the image data registered as data to be transferred. This allows the user to confirm that the image data indicated by the displayed thumbnail is managed as data to be transferred. The status indicator 302 in FIG. 3A shows an example of a form indicating that the image data is to be transferred and has not yet been transferred.

[0032] In S207, the control unit 101 determines whether or not a transfer execution instruction has been input via the operation unit 105. The control unit 101 can detect, for example, the operation of a transfer button included in the operation unit 105 as the input of the transfer execution instruction. If it is determined that a transfer execution instruction has been input, the control unit 101 executes S209, and if it is not determined that a transfer execution instruction has been input, the control unit 101 executes S211.

[0033] In S209, the control unit 101 transfers data managed as a transfer target, specifically, data registered in a transfer target list, to the external device. In this embodiment, the data is transferred according to the file transfer protocol (FTP). Note that the data transfer method may differ depending on at least one of the external device and the connection method.

[0034] The control unit 101 changes the transfer status of the management information for the data for which transfer has started from not transferred to being transferred. Furthermore, when the control unit 101 starts the transfer process, it displays on the display unit 106 a display indicating that the transfer process is in progress, for example, a message 303 shown in FIG. 3A. Furthermore, during the transfer of image data (including associated data) whose thumbnail is displayed on the display unit 106 and at the end of the transfer, the control unit 101 changes the form of the thumbnail status indicator to a form indicating that transfer is in progress and a form indicating the transfer result. The status indicator 304 shown in FIG. 3A is an example of a form indicating the transfer result (transferred). When all data managed as data to be transferred has been transferred to the external device, the control unit 101 ends the operation of the flowchart shown in FIG. 2.

[0035] In S211, the control unit 101 determines whether or not a selection end operation via the operation unit 105 has been detected. The control unit 101 can detect an operation to end an image transfer operation, such as an operation to clear a menu screen, as a selection end operation. When it is determined that a selection end operation has been detected, the control unit 101 saves the transfer target list in the non-volatile memory 103 (or updates the transfer target list saved in the non-volatile memory 103). Then, the control unit 101 ends the operation of the flowchart shown in FIG. 2, and executes S203 if it is not determined that the transfer end operation has been adhered to. Note that when managing data to be transferred without using a transfer target list, the operation of saving or updating the transfer target list is not necessary.

[0036] (Audio data association operation) Next, a voice memo function that records and associates voice with recorded image data will be described. The voice memo function is a function that associates voice data recorded when the digital camera 100 is operating in playback mode, for example, with recorded image data. When the control unit 101 detects the operation of a record button included in the operation unit 105, for example, it enables the voice control unit 109. This enables the microphone of the voice control unit 109, and voice data is generated.

[0037] The control unit 101 stores the voice data obtained from the voice control unit 109 in the working memory 104. If the operation of the record button is detected during recording, the control unit 101 disables the voice control unit 109 and ends the recording. Then, the control unit 101 generates a voice data file that contains the voice data stored in the working memory 104, and records it on the recording medium 107.

[0038] The control unit 101 records the audio data in association with the image data recorded on the recording medium 107. The image data to be associated with the audio data may be image data whose thumbnail is displayed on the display unit 106 when recording of the audio data is started, or may be image data designated by the user before or after recording is started. The control unit 101 can associate the audio data with the image data, for example, by recording the image data and the audio data in the same folder, or by recording the audio data with the same file name (except for the extension) as the image data. The association may be performed in other ways, such as by recording the file name of the audio data as metadata of the image data file, or by embedding the audio data in the image data file.

[0039] (Instant transfer of image data with voice memo) Next, the operation of control unit 101 regarding immediate transfer, which is one of the voice memo functions provided by digital camera 100, will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 4. Immediate transfer is a function that immediately transfers voice data and image data associated with the voice data to an external device after recording a voice memo.

[0040] In S401, the control unit 101 determines whether or not a recording start operation has been detected in a state in which a voice memo can be recorded. The state in which a voice memo can be recorded is assumed to be predetermined, such as when the digital camera 100 is operating in playback mode. For example, when the control unit 101 detects operation of a record button included in the operation unit 105, the control unit 101 determines that a recording start operation has been detected. If it is determined that a recording start operation has been detected, the control unit 101 executes S402, and if it is not determined that a recording start operation has been detected, the control unit 101 repeatedly executes S401.

[0041] In S402, the control unit 101 enables the audio control unit 109 and starts audio recording processing. This enables the microphone of the audio control unit 109 and starts generating audio data in the audio control unit 109. The generated audio data is supplied to the control unit 101.

[0042] The control unit 101 stores the voice data supplied from the voice control unit 109 in the working memory 104. The control unit 101 may display an indication that recording is in progress. For example, as shown in FIG. 3B, when recording is started while a thumbnail 310 is displayed on the display unit 106, the control unit 101 can display a message 312 or the like to notify the user that recording is in progress. This allows the user to start speaking into the microphone of the digital camera 100 the content to be recorded as a voice memo.

[0043] Thereafter, in S403, the control unit 101 disables the audio control unit 109 in response to the fact that the recording end condition has been satisfied, and ends the recording process. The recording end condition may be, for example, that the control unit 101 has determined that the operation of the record button has been detected during recording, or that the recording time has reached a predetermined maximum recording time. When the recording process ends, the control unit 101 generates an audio data file that contains the audio data stored in the working memory 104, and records the file on the recording medium 107.

[0044] Furthermore, the control unit 101 may perform a display indicating that the association of the audio data is completed when a thumbnail of image data to which the recorded audio data is to be associated is displayed on the display unit 106. In the example shown in Fig. 3B, an indicator 313 is an example of a display indicating that the association of the audio data is completed.

[0045] In S404, the control unit 101 determines whether image data to be associated with the recorded voice data is managed as data to be transferred. In the following description, data that is managed (or is managed) as data to be transferred is simply referred to as data to be transferred. The control unit 101 can determine whether data is data to be transferred by, for example, checking whether the identification information of the data is registered in a transfer list. It is assumed here that image data to be associated with the voice memo is specified at the start of recording, but if not specified, in S404 the control unit 101 displays a selection screen for image data on the display unit 106, for example, to allow the user to specify.

[0046] If the control unit 101 determines that the image data to be associated with the recorded voice data is data to be transferred, it executes S406, and if it does not determine that the image data is data to be transferred, it executes S405.

[0047] In S405, the control unit 101 sets the image data to be associated with the recorded voice data as data to be transferred, and executes S406.

[0048] In S406, the control unit 101 sets the recorded voice data as data to be transferred, and executes S407.

[0049] In S407, the control unit 101 transfers the data to be transferred to the external device via the connection unit 108. The control unit 101 changes the management information in the transfer target list for the data being transferred from "not transferred" to "being transferred." Furthermore, when a thumbnail of the image data being transferred is displayed on the display unit 106, the control unit 101 may display a message indicating that the data is being transferred. In the example shown in Fig. 3B, a message 314 is an example of a message indicating that data is being transferred.

[0050] The control unit 101 changes the management information in the transfer target list for the data for which transfer has been completed from "transferring" to "transferred" (or "transfer error") When the transfer of the voice data and the image data associated with the voice data is completed, the control unit 101 ends the immediate transfer operation shown in Fig. 4. The control unit 101 also ends the display of the message 314.

[0051] The digital camera 100 according to the present embodiment provides a function for immediately transferring both data to an external device when an operation for newly recording data to be associated with recorded data is performed. In this case, if the recorded data is not the data to be transferred, it is automatically set as the data to be transferred. Therefore, the user can transfer the necessary data to the external device without having to newly register the data as the data to be transferred or instruct the start of transfer to the external device, realizing good usability.

[0052] ●(Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. This embodiment corresponds to a modified example of the immediate transfer operation of the voice memo function described in the first embodiment. Therefore, the description of the parts common to the first embodiment will be omitted, and the description will focus on the differences.

[0053] 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit 101 regarding the immediate transfer provided as one of the voice memo functions by the digital camera 100 according to this embodiment. Steps that perform the same operations as in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals as in FIG. 4 and will not be described.

[0054] In this embodiment, after the recording process is completed in S403, the control unit 101 determines in S501 whether or not communication with the external device designated as the data transfer destination is possible. If the control unit 101 determines that communication with the external device as the transfer destination is possible, it executes the operations from S404 onwards in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

[0055] On the other hand, if it is not determined that communication with the external device of the transfer destination is possible, the control unit 101 terminates the operation since immediate transfer is not possible. In this case, the control unit 101 may notify the user that communication with the external device is not possible by displaying a message, etc. Also, in the example shown in Fig. 5, the operation is immediately terminated, but it is also possible to execute S404 to S406 and terminate the operation after setting the audio data and image data as data to be transferred.

[0056] In this embodiment, if immediate transfer is not possible, the newly generated data is recorded in association with the already recorded data, and the process is terminated. Therefore, the user can select whether to perform immediate transfer or to perform data association depending on whether communication with the external device is possible. Even if immediate transfer is not possible, the generated data and the data associated with the generated data are automatically set as data to be transferred, so that the effort of registering them as data to be transferred again can be saved.

[0057] ●(Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the first and second embodiments, when voice data associated with image data is recorded, it is assumed that the voice data and the associated image data are immediately transferred. This embodiment differs from the second embodiment in that it is possible to set whether or not to execute immediate transfer. Therefore, the description common to the first and second embodiments will be omitted, and the description will focus on the differences.

[0058] 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit 101 regarding the voice memo function provided by the digital camera 100 according to this embodiment. Steps that perform the same operations as in the first and second embodiments are given the same reference numerals as in FIGS. 4 and 5, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0059] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen for a transfer operation in the digital camera 100 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 7, the setting screen has an item for setting whether or not to automatically (instantly) transfer (ON 701) audio data when it is recorded in association with image data (OFF 702).

[0060] In this embodiment, after the recording process is completed in S403, the control unit 101 determines whether or not immediate transfer is set to ON (executed) in S601. If it is determined that immediate transfer is set to ON, the control unit 101 executes the operations from S501 onwards in the same manner as in the second embodiment.

[0061] On the other hand, if it is not determined that the immediate transfer is set to ON (if it is determined that the immediate transfer is set to OFF), the control unit 101 ends the operation. Therefore, the operation of recording the voice data in association with the image data (adding a voice memo) is executed.

[0062] In this embodiment, as in the second embodiment, if it is not determined in S501 that communication with the external device of the transfer destination is possible, S404 to S406 may be executed to set the voice data and image data as data to be transferred, and then the operation may be terminated. In this embodiment, S501 is executed when it is determined that immediate transfer is set to ON. Therefore, it is considered that the user intended to execute immediate transfer. Therefore, by setting the voice data and image data as data to be transferred, and then terminating the operation, when communication with the external device of the transfer destination becomes possible, it is possible to eliminate the trouble of registering the data as data to be transferred again, and to improve usability for the user.

[0063] In this embodiment, when the immediate transfer is set to OFF, regardless of whether communication with an external device is possible or not, the newly generated data is recorded in association with the recorded data, and the process is terminated. Therefore, by changing the immediate transfer setting, the user can select whether to perform immediate transfer or data association when generating data to be associated with recorded data. Even if immediate transfer is not possible, the generated data and the data to be associated with the generated data are automatically set as data to be transferred, so that the effort of registering them as data to be transferred again can be eliminated.

[0064] (Other embodiments) In the above embodiment, an example of implementing the present invention with respect to a voice memo function for associating newly generated voice data with recorded image data has been described. However, the present invention can be implemented regardless of the type of recorded data and the type of data to be associated with the recorded data.

[0065] In the second and third embodiments, if immediate transfer is not possible due to an inability to communicate with an external device, the control unit 101 may automatically transfer the data that should have been immediately transferred when communication with the external device becomes possible.

[0066] 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.

[0067] The disclosure of the present embodiment includes the following communication device, a control method for the communication device, and a program. (Item 1) A generating means for generating second data to be associated with the recorded first data; A control unit that controls the transfer of the data to be transferred to an external device through a communication unit, The control means When the generating means generates the second data, the second data and the first data that associates the second data with each other can be immediately transferred to an external device; When performing the immediate transfer, if the first data to which the second data is associated is not data to be transferred, the first data is treated as data to be transferred and then transferred to the external device together with the second data. A communication device comprising: (Item 2) 2. The communication device according to item 1, wherein the control means does not execute the immediate transfer when communication with the external device is not possible. (Item 3) The communication device according to item 1, characterized in that the control means executes the immediate forwarding when the execution of the immediate forwarding is set, and when the execution of the immediate forwarding is not set, records the second data in association with the first data, and does not execute the immediate forwarding. (Item 4) The communication device described in item 2 or 3, characterized in that when communication with the external device is not possible, the control means sets the second data as data to be transferred, and when the first data associated with the second data is not data to be transferred, sets it as data to be transferred. (Item 5) The communication device described in any one of items 2 to 4, characterized in that if the control means does not execute the immediate transfer due to an inability to communicate with the external device, when communication with the external device becomes possible, the control means transfers the second data and the first data that should have been transferred in the immediate transfer that was not executed to the external device. (Item 6) 6. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control means performs the control using a list in which the data to be transferred is registered. (Item 7) 6. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control means performs the control using management information recorded as metadata in a data file that stores the data to be transferred. (Item 8) 8. The communication device according to any one of items 1 to 7, wherein the first data is image data and the second data is audio data. (Item 9) 9. The communication device according to item 8, which is an imaging device. (Item 10) A control method executed by a communication device, comprising: generating second data associated with the recorded first data; and performing control to transfer the data to be transferred to an external device via a communication means; The controlling comprises: When the second data is generated, performing an immediate transfer to transfer the second data and the first data that associates the second data to an external device; When performing the immediate transfer, if the first data associated with the second data is not data to be transferred, the first data is treated as data to be transferred and then transferred to the external device together with the second data. A method for controlling a communication device comprising: (Item 11) A program for causing a computer possessed by a communication device to function as each of the means possessed by the communication device according to any one of items 1 to 9.

[0068] 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]

[0069] 100... digital camera, 101... control unit, 102... imaging unit, 103... non-volatile memory, 104... working memory, 105... operation unit, 106... display unit, 107... recording medium, 108... connection unit, 109... audio control unit

Claims

1. A generating means for generating second data to be associated with the recorded first data; A control unit that controls the transfer of the data to be transferred to an external device through a communication unit, The control means When the generating means generates the second data, the second data and the first data that associates the second data with each other can be immediately transferred to an external device; When executing the immediate transfer, if the first data to which the second data is associated is not data to be transferred, the first data is made data to be transferred and then transferred to the external device together with the second data. A communication device comprising:

2. 2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein said control means does not execute said immediate transfer when communication with said external device is not possible.

3. The communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control means executes the immediate forwarding when the execution of the immediate forwarding is set, and when the execution of the immediate forwarding is not set, records the second data in association with the first data and does not execute the immediate forwarding.

4. The communication device according to claim 2, characterized in that when communication with the external device is not possible, the control means designates the second data as data to be transferred, and if the first data associated with the second data is not data to be transferred, the control means designates the first data as data to be transferred.

5. The communication device according to claim 2, characterized in that, when the control means does not execute the immediate transfer due to an inability to communicate with the external device, when communication with the external device becomes possible, the control means transfers to the external device the second data and the first data that should have been transferred in the immediate transfer that was not executed.

6. 2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the control means performs the control using a list in which the data to be transferred is registered.

7. 2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the control means performs the control by using management information recorded as metadata in a data file that stores the data to be transferred.

8. 2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the first data is image data, and the second data is audio data.

9. 9. The communication device according to claim 8, which is an imaging device.

10. A control method executed by a communication device, comprising: generating second data associated with the recorded first data; and performing control to transfer the data to be transferred to an external device via a communication means; The controlling comprises: performing an immediate transfer of the second data and the first data associating the second data to an external device when the second data is generated; When performing the immediate transfer, if the first data associated with the second data is not data to be transferred, the first data is made data to be transferred and then transferred to the external device together with the second data. A method for controlling a communication device comprising:

11. A program for causing a computer included in a communication device to function as each of the means included in the communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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