Communication device, control method, and program

Abstract

To provide an imaging apparatus that can set information allowing a user to determine if an image has been transferred without requiring the user's effort.SOLUTION: An imaging apparatus according to the present disclosure has: communication means that communicates with an external device; selection means that selects, from images stored in storage means, an image to be transferred to the external device as an image to be transferred; transfer means that transfers the image to be transferred to the external device through the communication means; and control means that controls a predetermined attribute of the image to be transferred. The control means manages the image to be transferred as an image having been transferred in response to the fact that the image to be transferred has been transferred, and controls the predetermined attribute of the image to be transferred to correspond to the fact that the image has been transferred.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4A

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus, a control method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when a captured image is transmitted from an imaging device to an external device such as a server, a technique is known that provides a predetermined protection to the image before transmission.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for setting a write-protected state for an image recorded on a recording medium before transmitting the image that is not write-protected, and for canceling the write-protected state when the transmission is completed. Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for prohibiting the deletion of an image before and after transmitting an image file that is recorded on a recording medium and scheduled for transmission to an external image receiving device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2001-346150 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2009-278611 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] By the way, there are cases where images captured by an imaging device and stored in a recording medium are transferred to an external device such as a server. In such a case, it is desirable to be able to easily check which images stored in the recording medium have been transferred after the transfer.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and has as its object to realize a technique that enables a user to set information that enables a user to determine whether an image has been transferred, without any effort on the part of the user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve this problem, for example, the imaging device of the present invention has the following configuration: That is, the imaging device is characterized by having a communication means for communicating with an external device, a display means for identifiably displaying whether or not an image is protected, a transfer means for transferring an image to be transferred to the external device via the communication means, and a control means for setting protection on the image in response to the image to be transferred being transferred. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to set information that enables a user to determine whether an image has been transferred without any effort on the part of the user. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional arrangement of an imaging device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a process for selecting an image to be transferred, a process for adding voice memo data, and a process for protecting an image according to the first embodiment; [Figure 4A] 1 is a flowchart showing a series of operations in image protection processing according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4B] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining how to save a new file after trimming, how to add a voice memo, and how to set protection after completing image transfer according to the first embodiment; [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a menu according to the second embodiment; [Figure 6A] 11 is a flowchart showing a series of operations in an image protection process according to a third embodiment. [Figure 6B] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a menu according to the third embodiment; [Figure 7A] 11 is a flowchart showing a series of operations in an image protection process according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 7B] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a menu according to the fourth embodiment; [Figure 7C] 11 is a flowchart showing a series of operations for adding supplementary information according to the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] (Embodiment 1) Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Although the embodiments describe a number of features, not all of these features are essential to the invention, and the features may be combined in any manner. Furthermore, in the attached drawings, the same reference numbers are used for the same or similar configurations, and duplicated descriptions are omitted.

[0011] In the following, an example of an imaging device will be described in which a digital camera capable of transferring captured images to an external device such as an external server is used. However, this embodiment is not limited to digital cameras and can also be applied to other devices capable of transferring captured images. These devices may include, for example, smartphones, game consoles, tablet terminals, and personal computers.

[0012] (Configuration of imaging device) Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of an imaging device 200 according to this embodiment. One or more of the functional blocks shown in Fig. 1 may be realized by hardware such as an ASIC or a programmable logic array (PLA), or may be realized by a programmable processor such as a CPU or an MPU executing software. Alternatively, they may be realized by a combination of software and hardware.

[0013] Reference numeral 100 denotes a photographing lens. Photographing lenses include prime lenses and zoom lenses. Reference numeral 101 denotes an image sensor. The image sensor 101 uses a CCD or CMOS sensor or the like, and converts a subject image formed by the photographing lens 100 into an electrical signal. Reference numeral 102 denotes an A / D converter. The A / D converter 102 converts an analog output signal of the image sensor 101 into a digital signal.

[0014] Reference numeral 103 denotes a control unit, which includes one or more processors. The control unit 103 controls various operations in the imaging device 200, such as control of each component and data processing, by, for example, expanding a program stored in a non-volatile memory 105 into a volatile memory 104 and executing it. The control by the control unit 103 includes control in response to an operation instruction from an operation member 109, generation of an image to be displayed on a display member 108, network control via a communication member 107, and the like. In addition, the control unit 103 selects an image to be transferred, generates audio data, sets attributes such as protection, controls a transfer management file, and the like, as will be described later.

[0015] Reference numeral 104 denotes a volatile memory. The volatile memory 104 temporarily holds image data converted into a digital signal by an A / D converter. Reference numeral 105 denotes a nonvolatile memory. The nonvolatile memory 105 stores a program for the imaging device 200 executed by the control unit 103. The nonvolatile memory 105 also stores setting values ​​for the imaging device 200.

[0016] Reference numeral 106 denotes an image processing unit. The image processing unit 106 performs image processing on a captured image. Reference numeral 107 denotes a communication member. The communication member 107 includes a communication circuit or a communication module that communicates with an external device such as an external server using a known communication technology such as wireless LAN. The communication technology may be either a wired connection or a wireless connection. In the description of this embodiment, an FTP transfer is taken as an example, but the method of transmitting images is not limited to this.

[0017] Reference numeral 108 denotes a display member. It is controlled by the control unit 103 and performs operations such as displaying a menu. Operations such as selection of an image to be transferred and selection of an image to which audio data is to be added can be accepted via a touch panel incorporated in the display member 108. Reference numeral 109 denotes an operating member. As the operating member, for example, an operating member such as a key operation or a touch panel can be used.

[0018] Reference numeral 110 denotes a recording medium. For example, a CompactFlash (registered trademark) (CF) card can be used as the recording medium 110. The recording medium 110 may be detachable from the imaging device 200, for example, via a card slot unit (not shown). The control unit 103 can write data in the volatile memory 104 to the recording medium 110 and read data stored in the recording medium 110 to the volatile memory 104.

[0019] An audio control unit 111 converts analog audio data into digital audio data. The control unit 103 uses the audio data to generate audio memo data and associates it with image data.

[0020] (System Configuration) Next, an example of the configuration of a system according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Reference numeral 201 denotes an external server to which images are transferred. An imaging device 200 transfers captured images to the external server 201 via a communication path 202. Note that the communication path 202 may be either wired or wireless, and there are no particular limitations on the communication technology. Reference numeral 203 denotes a card slot unit into which the recording medium 110 is inserted. Reference numeral 204 denotes an external device. The external device 204 may be, for example, a personal computer or a smartphone.

[0021] A use case in which an image is transferred from the imaging device 200 to the external server 201 as a transfer destination may be, for example, a case in which FTP transfer, which is one of the technologies used in news reporting, is used. Examples of functions using FTP transfer include a function that automatically transfers a captured image and a selective transfer function that starts image transfer by performing a predetermined operation on a reproduced image. In particular, in the case of the Olympics and other large events, it is assumed that the photographer and the worker who processes the image are different. In such a situation, it is required to transfer the captured image to the worker who processes the image as quickly as possible. In addition, a large number of images may be taken at once using a continuous shooting function of the imaging device. Even in such a situation, it is important to select and transfer the images to be transferred as quickly and easily as possible. In addition, in the work of a professional photographer, a workflow is required to check whether the images to be transferred have actually been sent and whether any have been left behind. Although details will be described later, it is possible to check whether the images have been transferred by operating the imaging device 200, but in actual situations, the recording medium 110 may be attached to the external device 204 and the transferred images may be checked using the external device 204. As an example of the method for determining whether an image has been transferred by the external device 204, protection information, rating information, etc. of the image are used. According to the present embodiment, which will be specifically described below, it is possible to improve the operability when checking a transferred image (for example, using the external device 204).

[0022] Next, with reference to FIG. 3, an example of selection of a transfer image, addition of voice memo data, and manual protection setting, which are prerequisites for explaining the embodiment, will be described.

[0023] (Select image to transfer) FIG. 3(a) shows an example of a display on the display member 108 related to the selection of an image to be transferred. For example, a case where a file named "IMG-0001.JPG" is stored in the recording medium 110 will be described as an example. Reference numeral 300 shows an example of a display on the display member 108 in which an image stored in the recording medium 110 is played back. For example, the control unit 103 is playing back the file "IMG-0001.JPG". The user can set whether or not to transfer the image while viewing the displayed image. The operation is accepted by the operation member 109 such as a touch panel or key operation. Reference numeral 301 denotes an area showing the state of transfer management, including information such as whether the displayed image is a transferred image.

[0024] Transfer management means a state in which a transfer-related state, such as whether the image is to be sent, whether it is an image that has already been sent, or whether it is not selected as a transfer target, is associated with the image and managed. For example, when a user selects an image as an image to be transferred in the display state 300, the transfer management state is managed as "waiting for transfer". An indication indicating a transfer management state such as "waiting for transfer" is, for example, "R" 302. When a user selects a transfer target, the control unit 103 transfers the image in the "waiting for transfer" state to the external server 201 if a selected image exists. The control unit 103 may display an explicit transfer start button such as 303 and start image transfer when the transfer start button is pressed, or may start image transfer when the selected state is set in 302. The transfer start timing and transfer start conditions are not limited to these examples and can be performed in various ways. After the transfer is started by an operation on 303 and the transfer is completed, the control unit 103 manages the image as the transfer management state "transferred". The control unit 103 can display the "transferred" status, for example, by using an expression such as "O" as shown in 304.

[0025] In the above example, a case where one image displayed on the display member 108 is selected as a transfer target has been described. However, the control unit 103 may display options such as 305 that allow the user to select multiple images at once as a menu, and allow the user to select. The method of selecting an image is not limited to this embodiment, and various methods can be used. The control unit 103 can implement transfer management in various ways. For example, the control unit 103 manages the transfer management state of each image, which is "waiting for transfer," "transferred," or "not transferred," using a transfer management file. For example, the transfer management file is held as a hidden file in the recording medium 110. The control unit 103 may also update the volatile memory 104 every time the management state changes. Furthermore, the control unit 103 may record the transfer management state inside the file as meta information of the file.

[0026] (Adding voice memo data) Next, the addition of voice memo data will be described. The voice memo data is associated with the image to be transferred as related data. FIG. 3B shows a display example of the display member 108 related to the addition of voice memo data. 306 shows a display example of the display member 108 when the image file "IMG-0001.JPG" in the recording medium is reproduced by the imaging device 200. In order to add (associate) the voice memo data with the reproduced image, the control unit 103 accepts a user operation, for example, with the operation member 109, and starts recording the voice memo data. 307 shows a display element indicating a state in which a voice memo is being recorded. The voice memo data is taken in by the voice control unit 111, digitally processed by the control unit 103, etc., associated with the target image data, and recorded in the recording medium 110. When the control unit 103 displays an image to which a voice memo has been added, it displays a display element (for example, a musical note mark 308) indicating the addition of a voice memo on the display member 108.

[0027] The voice memo and image data may be associated with each other in various ways, and are not limited to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, for example, the same file name as the image is adopted, and the file is saved with a different extension. In this case, the voice memo data of "IMG-0001.JPG" is saved with the file name "IMG-0001.WAV". As another method, information on the generated voice memo file (for example, an identifier that uniquely identifies the voice data file) can be written in the header information portion of the image data. In the present embodiment, the case where the image and the voice memo data are recorded as separate files is described as an example, but the voice data may be embedded in a part of the image file.

[0028] (Manual protection setting) FIG. 3C shows an example of the display of the display member 108 related to manual protection setting. 309 shows an example of the display of the display member 108 when the image file "IMG-0001.JPG" in the recording medium 110 is played back. The control unit 103 sets protection for the image being played back in response to a user's operation. For example, when the control unit 103 receives an operation on the operation member 109, the control unit 103 displays an image detailed information setting element 310. Furthermore, when the control unit 103 receives a selection on 310, the control unit 103 displays an image protection selection element 311. When the selection element 311 indicating "to protect" the image is selected, the control unit 103 sets protection for the image and displays an icon 312 indicating that protection has been set on the display member 108. In this way, the user can easily recognize that protection has been set for the image. When setting protection for the image, the control unit 103 adds information indicating that the image has been protected to the meta information of the image, for example.

[0029] (Protection processing for transferred images) Next, a series of operations of a protection process for a transferred image according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4A. The process described below is a control for (automatically) setting protection for a transferred image after FTP transfer. Note that the series of operations of this process is realized by the control unit 103, for example, loading a program stored in the non-volatile memory 105 into the volatile memory 104 and executing it.

[0030] In S400, the control unit 103 sets protection for the image. Specifically, the control unit 103 executes the manual protection setting described in Fig. 3(c). This manual protection setting can prevent the user from accidentally deleting the image, and can be used as a marker when transferring the image later by FTP transfer.

[0031] In the description of this embodiment, an example is described in which protection is set on an image to correspond to the fact that the image has been transferred. However, other attributes such as a rating may be set so that the information can be confirmed on an external device after marking the image.

[0032] In S401, the control unit 103 further edits the image protected in S400 in response to a user operation, trimming the image to remove unnecessary portions. Note that, although the present embodiment has been described taking trimming as an example of image editing, the present embodiment can also be applied to image editing other than trimming.

[0033] In S402, when the user completes editing of the image (in S401), the control unit 103 saves the edited image as a new image (new image) in the recording medium 110. The generation of a new image in this step will be described with reference to FIG. 4B(a). When saving the result of trimming IMG_0001.JPG (410), the control unit 103 generates a new image and saves it in the recording medium 110 as a file with a different name. At this time, the control unit 103 assigns, for example, the number next to the last image recorded in the recording medium 110 as the file name. For example, if there are 10 images in the recording medium with consecutive numbers starting from IMG_0001.JPG, the newly saved image is saved as IMG_0011.JPG (411). The newly created IMG_0011.JPG (411) is saved as a file different from IMG_0001.JPG (410) that was protected in S400, and therefore does not inherit the protection attribute.

[0034] In S403, the control unit 103 adds voice memo data to the new image by the process described in Fig. 3(b). The state of the file when the voice memo data is added to the new image will be described with reference to Fig. 4B(b). In an example where voice memo data is added to IMG_0011.JPG (411), the control unit 103 creates a new voice memo file IMG_0011.WAV file (412). The control unit 103 sets the file name so as to indicate that IMG_0011.JPG (411) and IMG_0011.WAV (412) are associated information.

[0035] In S404, the control unit 103, for example, accepts a user's selection of an image to be transferred, and updates the transfer management status of the transfer management file to a "waiting for transfer" status in order to perform transfer management of the selected image. In S405, the control unit 103 executes an FTP transfer of the image to be transferred. A known technique can be used for the FTP transfer. In S406, when the FTP transfer is completed, the control unit 103 changes the transfer management status of the transfer management file to "transfer completed."

[0036] In S407, the control unit 103 sets protection on the image whose transfer has been completed. The state in which protection has been set on the image will be described with reference to FIG. 4B(c). In response to changing the transfer management state to "transfer completed" in S406, the control unit 103 reads the image file IMG_0011.JPG (411) from the recording medium 110 onto the volatile memory 104. Then, the control unit 103 sets protection on the file information of the read file, and updates the information on the recording medium 110 with the information after the setting. This update puts the image on the recording medium 110 into a state 413 in which protection has been set on IMG_0011.JPG (411). Note that, although an example in which protection is set only on the image has been described in this embodiment, the control unit 103 can similarly set protection on, for example, an audio file (audio memo data) that has been transferred.

[0037] As described above, in this embodiment, the control unit 103 sets protection on the transferred image in response to transferring the image stored in the recording medium 110 to the external server 201 (i.e., sets the image attribute to correspond to the image having been transferred). In this way, information that enables a user to determine whether an image has been transferred after image transfer can be set without any effort on the part of the user. Then, when the user views the recording medium 110 removed from the imaging device 200 on an external device such as a personal computer, the user can easily determine whether the image has been transferred based on the presence or absence of protection information.

[0038] (Embodiment 2) Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, an example will be described in which whether or not to automatically set protection after FTP transfer is controlled by user setting. Note that this embodiment differs from the above-mentioned embodiment in that it is possible to set whether or not to automatically set protection, but the configuration of the imaging device 200 and other processes are the same. Therefore, the same reference numbers are given to the same configurations and processes, and the description is omitted, and the differences will be mainly described.

[0039] The user settings according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 5(a) and (b). 500 is a setting screen for FTP transfer displayed on the display member 108, and shows a schematic state in which a menu is displayed. 501 is a menu for setting whether or not the user permits the control unit 103 to (automatically) set protection for images that have already been transferred. 502 is an item for which "Yes" or "No" can be selected. When the user selects "Yes" for item 502, the control unit 103 automatically sets protection for images whose FTP transfer has been completed in the above-mentioned S407. When the user selects "No" for item 502, the control unit 103 does not automatically set protection, and only changes the transfer management state of the transfer management file performed in S406 to "Transfer Completed".

[0040] 503 is a menu for setting whether the user allows the control unit 103 to (automatically) set protection for related files when an image has been transferred. 504 is an item for which "Yes" or "No" can be selected. If the user selects "Yes" for item 504, the control unit 103 automatically sets protection for the voice memo data for which FTP transfer has been completed. If the user selects "No" for item 504, the control unit 103 does not automatically set protection for the voice memo data.

[0041] As described above, in this embodiment, it is possible to set whether to enable or disable automatic protection (that is, it is possible to set whether or not to control attributes in response to the fact that an image has already been transferred). In this way, it is possible to deal with cases where it is not desired to set protection for images after FTP transfer is complete.

[0042] (Embodiment 3) Next, a third embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, an example will be described in which protection is automatically set after FTP transfer, and then protection of an associated file of a transferred image is released if the associated file is in a protected state. Note that this embodiment differs from the above-mentioned embodiment in that protection of an associated file is released, but the configuration of the imaging device 200 and other processing are the same. Therefore, the same reference numbers are given to the same configuration and processing, and their description is omitted, and the difference will be mainly described.

[0043] (A series of operations for removing protection from related files) A series of operations in the process of removing protection of a related file will be described with reference to Fig. 6A. Note that the series of operations in this process is realized by the control unit 103, for example, loading a program stored in the non-volatile memory 105 into the volatile memory 104 and executing it.

[0044] First, the control unit 103 executes the above-mentioned processes from S400 to S406 in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

[0045] In S600, the control unit 103 determines whether the transferred automatic protection setting described in Fig. 5 is set to "ON". If the control unit 103 determines that the automatic protection setting is set to "OFF", this series of operations ends. If the control unit 103 determines that the automatic protection setting is set to "ON", the process proceeds to S601.

[0046] In S601, the control unit 103 sets protection for the transferred image. As described with reference to Fig. 4B(c), the control unit 103 sets protection for the file information of the image file when the FTP transfer is completed and the transfer management status of the transfer management information becomes "transfer completed".

[0047] In S602, the control unit 103 judges whether the protection release setting of the original image is set to "Yes". Details will be described with reference to FIG. 6B. 500 is a setting screen for FTP transfer displayed on the display member 108. 621 is a part of the menu and is an item for setting protection release of the original image. In the above-mentioned example in which IMG_0001.JPG(410) in FIG. 4B(a) is cropped to newly generate IMG_0011.JPG(411), the original image refers to IMG_0001.JPG(410). In this way, the original image means an "original image" newly generated in relation to a certain image. An image newly generated from an original image can have related information, which may be recorded as part of the file information, or a hidden file may be created in the recording medium 110 and the related information may be written therein. Any technique may be used as a method for implementing the related information. If the control unit 103 determines that the protection release setting for the original image is set to "no," it terminates this series of operations; if it determines that the protection release setting for the original image is set to "yes," it proceeds to S603.

[0048] In S603, the control unit 103 determines whether the original image has already been transferred by FTP. The control unit 103 uses, for example, transfer management information to determine whether the image has been transferred. If the control unit 103 determines that the original image has been transferred, it ends this series of operations, and if it determines that the original image has not been transferred, it proceeds to S604.

[0049] In S604, the control unit 103 releases the protection of the original image, which can be achieved by, for example, the control unit 103 deleting the protection information from the file information or meta information.

[0050] As described above, in this embodiment, after protection is set on the transmission image after FTP transfer, if unnecessary protection is applied to the original image, the control unit 103 releases the protection (i.e., the image is not made to correspond to having been transferred). In this way, the user does not need to release the protection of the original image by himself, and troublesome operations are not required. Also, in the above-mentioned embodiment, if it is determined that the original image has been transferred, the release of protection of the original image is canceled (i.e., the attribute setting is canceled so as not to correspond to having been transferred). In this way, it is possible to prevent the protection from being released even though the original image has been transferred, making it difficult to determine whether or not the image has been transferred.

[0051] (Embodiment 4) Next, referring to FIG. 7A, a process of adding additional information to an image according to the fourth embodiment will be described. Specifically, in this embodiment, a process of adding any additional information of a user to an image (i.e., setting image attributes) after FTP transfer in a recording medium by referring to transfer management information held by the imaging device 200 will be described. In this embodiment, after shooting, the image is protected, trimmed, and a voice memo is added to the transfer candidate, and then the image is transferred to an external server, and additional information to be added to the transferred image is selected according to an operation on the menu of the display member 108, and the additional information is set. After setting the additional information, the user can check the image stored in the recording medium 110 on another device, for example, a personal computer.

[0052] The imaging device 200 according to this embodiment is substantially the same as the embodiment described above. For this reason, the same components are given the same reference numbers and the description is omitted, and the description focuses on the differences. The following operations are realized by the control unit 103 loading a program stored in the non-volatile memory 105 into the volatile memory 104 and executing it.

[0053] In S700, the control unit 103 captures an image in response to a user's instruction and stores the captured image in the recording medium 110.

[0054] In S701, the control unit 103 sets protection for images to be transferred to the external server 201 from among the captured images stored in the recording medium 110. The control unit 103 can execute the protection setting in the same manner as in S400 described above.

[0055] In S702, the control unit 103 trims the image protected in S701 and adds voice memo data. The control unit 103 can perform trimming in the same manner as in S401 described above, and can also perform addition of voice memo data in the same manner as in S403. In S703, the control unit 103 transfers the image on which the user has performed the processes in S701 and S702 to an external server. The control unit 103 can perform the process in S405 described above to transfer the image.

[0056] In S704, the control unit 103 adds any additional information selected by the user to the image stored in the recording medium 110 (transferred to the external server 201). More specifically, a description will be given with reference to FIG. 7B. 711 is a menu screen displayed on the display member 108 of the imaging device 200. 712 is a major function item for the user to add any additional information to the image stored in the recording medium 110. 713, 714, and 715 are minor items associated with the major item 712, and indicate the type of additional information to be added to the image stored in the recording medium 110 and transferred (to the external server 201). The user can select the additional information to be added to the image transferred to the external server from among these minor items. 716 is a button for executing the function of the major item 712. The control unit 103 executes the function of the major item 712 in response to the user pressing the button 716 on the display member 108. In addition, in this embodiment, the function of the main item 712 is executed by pressing the button 716, but the timing of execution is not limited to this. If a process of adding additional information to an image that has already been transferred during a transfer process to the external server 201 is performed, a load may be placed on the transfer process of the imaging device 200. Therefore, in order to prevent a load from being placed on other processes performed by the imaging device 200, such as the shooting process of the imaging device 200 and the image transfer process to the external server, the process may be executed at various times. For example, the process may be executed when the imaging device 200 is turned off, or, as in this embodiment, the process may be executed from the menu of the imaging device 200 after the image transfer to the external server is completed. Note that, in this embodiment, protection, rating, and tag are described as examples of additional information that are set as subitems, but the additional information that can be added is not limited to these.

[0057] In S705, the control unit 103 adds the auxiliary information to the image transferred in S704 by the user using the function of the main item 712. The specific process in S705 will be described with reference to Fig. 7C.

[0058] In S720, the control unit 103 accesses the transfer management file stored in the recording medium 110 and copies the transfer management information to the volatile memory 104. Thereafter, the control unit 103 searches for images that have been transferred to the external server, with reference to the transfer management file stored in the volatile memory 104. In S721, the control unit 103 acquires a list of object handles of the transferred images based on the search results of the transfer management file.

[0059] In S722, the control unit 103 judges whether the additional information described in the EXIF ​​of the image corresponding to the object handle acquired in S721 matches the additional information selected by the user in S704. For example, the control unit 103 compares the additional information described in the EXIF ​​of the image corresponding to the object handle acquired in S721 with the additional information selected by the user in S704, and ends this process if they match. If they do not match, the control unit 103 advances the process to S723. Note that if the additional information selected by the user in S704 is the same as the additional information in the EXIF, there is no need to update the additional information.

[0060] In S723, the control unit 103 assigns the additional information selected by the user in S704 to the transferred image. That is, the control unit 103 sets the image attributes desired by the user. Note that, as a method of assigning the additional information, the additional information may be added to the additional information already assigned, or may be changed to the additional information selected by the user.

[0061] By carrying out the above-mentioned processing, the user can remove the recording medium 110 from the image capturing apparatus 200 and check the supplementary information of the image stored in the recording medium 110 on an external device such as a personal computer.

[0062] In the above embodiment, the processing of S704 and S705 is performed immediately after the image is transferred to the external server 201, but the timing of S704 and S705 is not limited to this. The processing may be performed at any timing after the transfer, as long as it is before the recording medium 110 is removed from the imaging device 200.

[0063] As described above, in this embodiment, it is possible to add, at a desired timing, any additional information desired by the user, not limited to protection, to a transferred image stored in the recording medium 110 of the imaging device 200.

[0064] (Other embodiments) 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.

[0065] (Disclosure of the present specification) The disclosure of this specification includes the following imaging device, control method, and program.

[0066] (Item 1) A communication means for communicating with an external device; a selection means for selecting an image to be transferred to the external device from among the images stored in the storage means as an image to be transferred; a transfer means for transferring the image to be transferred to the external device via the communication means; a control means for controlling a predetermined attribute of the image to be transferred, The control means, in response to the image to be transferred being transferred, manages the image to be transferred as an image that has already been transmitted, and controls the specified attributes of the image to be transferred to correspond to the image having been transferred.

[0067] (Item 2) 2. The imaging device according to item 1, characterized in that controlling the predetermined attribute of an image to correspond to the image having been transferred includes setting protection for the image or setting a rating for the image.

[0068] (Item 3) 3. The imaging device according to item 1 or 2, wherein the image to be transferred is a new second image obtained by editing a first image stored in a storage unit.

[0069] (Item 4) 4. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a first setting means for setting whether or not to control the specified attribute of the image to be transferred to correspond to the image having been transferred in response to the image being transferred.

[0070] (Item 5) the image to be transferred is a new second image obtained by editing a first image stored in a storage means, The imaging device according to any one of items 1 to 6, characterized in that, when the specified attribute of the first image corresponds to the image having been transferred, in response to the transfer of the second image, which is the image to be transferred, the control means controls the specified attribute of the first image so that it does not correspond to the image having been transferred.

[0071] (Item 6) 6. The imaging device according to item 5, further comprising a second setting means for setting whether or not to control the specified attribute of the first image so as not to correspond to the fact that the image has already been transferred in response to the transfer of the second image, which is the image to be transferred.

[0072] (Item 7) The imaging device described in item 5, characterized in that when the first image is an image that has already been transferred and the specified attribute of the first image corresponds to the image having been transferred, in response to the transfer of the second image, which is the image to be transferred, the control means ceases to control the specified attribute of the first image so that it does not correspond to the image having been transferred.

[0073] (Item 8) 8. The imaging device according to any one of items 1 to 7, further comprising a generating unit that generates audio data associated with the image to be transferred.

[0074] (Item 9) the transfer means transfers audio data associated with the image to be transferred to the external device; The imaging device described in any one of items 1 to 8, characterized in that, in response to the transfer of audio data associated with the image to be transferred, the control means controls the specified attribute of the audio data to correspond to the audio data having been transferred.

[0075] (Item 10) The imaging device described in item 9 is characterized in that it further has a third setting means for setting whether or not to control the specified attribute of the audio data to correspond to the audio data having been transferred in response to the audio data associated with the image to be transferred.

[0076] (Item 11) 11. The imaging device according to any one of items 1 to 10, further comprising a fourth setting means for setting an attribute selected from among a plurality of attributes by a user operation as the predetermined attribute controlled by the control means.

[0077] (Item 12) 12. The imaging device according to item 11, wherein the control means controls an attribute selected by the user in the image transferred by the transfer means so as to correspond to the image having been transferred.

[0078] (Item 13) The imaging device described in item 12, characterized in that, when the attribute selected by the user in a transferred image indicates that the image does not correspond to the image having been transferred, the control means controls the attribute selected by the user to correspond to the image having been transferred.

[0079] (Item 14) A method for controlling an imaging device having a communication means for communicating with an external device, comprising: a selection step in which a selection means selects an image to be transferred to the external device from among the images stored in the storage means as an image to be transferred; a transfer step in which a transfer means transfers the image to be transferred to the external device via the communication means; A control step in which a control means controls a predetermined attribute of the image to be transferred, A control method for an imaging device, characterized in that, in the control process, in response to the image to be transferred being transferred, the specified attribute of the image to be transferred is controlled to correspond to the image having been transferred.

[0080] (Item 15) A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the imaging device according to any one of items 1 to 13.

[0081] The 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. Accordingly, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 101: imaging element, 103: control unit, 107: communication member, 108: display member, 110: recording medium, 200: imaging device, 201: external server

Claims

1. A means of communication with an external device, A display means that can identify whether or not protection is set on an image, A transfer means for transferring the image to be transferred to the external device via the communication means, The system includes a control means that automatically sets protection on the image after an operation to start the transfer of the image to be transferred has been performed, The image to be transferred is, Once the transmission of the image to be transferred is complete, it will be in a protected state. An imaging device characterized in that if the transmission of the image to be transferred is not completed, it is in a state where protection is not applied.

2. The control means is The imaging device according to claim 1, characterized in that, upon the transfer of the image to be transferred, the image to be transferred is managed as a transmitted image, and protection is set on the image to prevent deletion.

3. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the image to be transferred is a new second image obtained by editing the first image stored in the storage means.

4. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a first setting means for setting whether or not to set protection for the image in response to the transfer of the image to be transferred.

5. The image to be transferred is a new second image obtained by editing the first image stored in the storage means. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the control means releases the protection of the first image when the second image, which is the image to be transferred, has been transferred, if the protection of the first image is set.

6. The imaging apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a second setting means for setting whether or not to release the protection of the first image in response to the transfer of the second image, which is the image to be transferred.

7. The imaging apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the control means cancels the release of the protection of the first image when the first image is an image that has already been transferred and protection is set for the first image, in response to the transfer of the second image which is the image to be transferred.

8. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a generation means for generating audio data associated with the image to be transmitted.

9. The transfer means transfers the audio data associated with the image to be transferred to the external device. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the control means sets protection for the audio data in response to the transfer of the audio data associated with the image to be transferred.

10. The imaging apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising a third setting means for setting whether or not to set protection for the audio data in response to the transfer of the audio data associated with the image to be transferred.

11. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further characterized in that the control means sets image protection in response to user operation.

12. The control means is If automatic protection settings have been configured, the protection settings for the image will be configured in response to the transfer of the image. The imaging device according to claim 1, characterized in that, if the setting for automatic protection has not been made, the protection of the image to be transferred is not set in response to the transfer of the image.

13. A control method for an imaging device having communication means for communicating with an external device, A display step in which the display means displays whether or not protection is set on the image in an identifiable manner, A transfer means transfers the image to be transferred to the external device via the communication means, The control means includes a control step of automatically setting protection on the image after an operation to start the transfer of the image to be transferred has been performed, The image to be transferred is, Once the transmission of the image to be transferred is complete, it will be in a protected state. A control method for an imaging device, characterized in that if the transmission of the image to be transferred is not completed, the device is in a state where protection is not applied.

14. A program for causing a computer to function as one of the means of an imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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