Communication device, control method, and program

Abstract

Prevent the uploading of files that may not be allowed to be uploaded. [Solution] A communication device comprising: a time control means for managing date and time information; a file acquisition means for acquiring a file; a recording means for recording the acquisition date and time of the file based on the date and time information managed by the time control means; and a transmission control means for comparing the acquisition date and time of a file to be transmitted to an external device with the current date and time managed by the time control means, and not transmitting the file to be transmitted to the external device if the comparison result does not satisfy predetermined conditions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication device, a control method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, storage services (data servers) that upload content data captured by users via the Internet and store it on the cloud have been widely used. In addition, it has become standard to equip imaging devices such as digital cameras with communication functions, and imaging devices can also directly upload content data recorded by the devices to the cloud using their communication functions.

[0003] Some storage services provide various additional functions. As one of these additional functions, there is a function that allows users to set a recording prohibition period on the service, and content data recorded during the set period is not uploaded (even if the imaging device attempts to upload it, the server rejects it). To implement this function, when an imaging device uploads a file, it sends the creation date and time information of the file to the server. The file creation date and time depends on the date and time setting of the imaging device when the file was created, but the date and time setting of the imaging device is not always set to the correct date and time. If the file creation date and time is not correct, there is a possibility that a file created during the recording prohibition period set by the user may be uploaded.

[0004] In Patent Document 1, a method is disclosed for controlling whether content can be played back according to time, and the date and time is always kept in a correct state by synchronizing with a time reference station.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[28] ]

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0006] Patent Document 1 describes a system that can maintain the correct date and time while the device is always able to communicate. However, when an imaging device is recording, it is not always able to communicate, and the date and time settings may be incorrect. If the creation date and time of the recorded file are incorrect, the file creation date and time information sent to the server when uploading the file may be invalid. If the file creation date and time information is invalid, the server may not be able to correctly determine whether or not the upload is permitted.

[0007] This invention has been made in view of the above problems, and its purpose is to realize a technology that prevents the uploading of files that may not be allowed to be uploaded. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To solve the above problems, the imaging device of the present invention includes a time control means for managing date and time information, The system is characterized by comprising: a file acquisition means for acquiring a file; a recording means for recording the acquisition date and time of the file based on date and time information managed by the time control means; and a transmission control means for comparing the acquisition date and time of a file to be transmitted to an external device with the current date and time managed by the time control means, and not transmitting the file to be transmitted to the external device if the comparison result does not satisfy predetermined conditions. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the uploading of files that may not be allowed to be uploaded. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] A system configuration diagram showing an example of an embodiment. [Figure 2] A block diagram showing an example of the imaging device 100 of the embodiment. [Figure 3] A flowchart illustrating how setting a recording ban period on a data server correctly prevents files recorded during that period from being uploaded. [Figure 4] A flowchart illustrating an example where a data server allows recording restrictions to be set, and files recorded during those restrictions are then illegally uploaded by the data server. [Figure 5] A flowchart illustrating an example of upload suppression control when the file creation date and time are invalid. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0012] The embodiments described below are merely examples of means for realizing the present invention, and may be modified or changed as appropriate depending on the configuration of the apparatus to which the present invention is applied and various conditions. Furthermore, the embodiments can be combined as appropriate.

[0013] Figure 1 shows a system configuration of a data server 200 and an imaging device 100 that communicates with the data server 200 via a network 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Here, the imaging device 100 is an example of a communication device, and the data server 200 is an example of an external device.

[0014] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the imaging device 100 in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] The control unit 101 controls each part of the imaging device 100 according to the input signals and the program. Alternatively, instead of the control unit 101 controlling the entire device, multiple hardware components may share the processing to control the entire device.

[0016] The imaging unit 102 converts the subject light imaged by the lens included in the imaging unit 102 into an electrical signal, performs noise reduction processing, etc., and outputs digital data as image data. The captured image data is stored in the buffer memory and then undergoes predetermined calculations by the control unit 101 and is recorded on the recording medium 110.

[0017] The non-volatile memory 103 is a non-volatile memory that can be electrically erased and recorded, and stores programs and the like executed by the control unit 101.

[0018] The working memory 104 is used as a buffer memory for temporarily holding the image data captured by the imaging unit 102, an image display memory for the display unit 106, a working area of the control unit 101, etc.

[0019] The operation unit 105 is used to receive instructions from the user for the imaging device 100. The operation unit 105 includes operation members such as a power button for the user to instruct the ON / OFF of the power of the imaging device 100, a release switch for instructing shooting, a playback button for instructing the playback of image data, etc. Also, the touch panel formed on the display unit 106 described later is also included in the operation unit 105.

[0020] The display unit 106 performs display of the viewfinder image during shooting, display of the captured image data, character display for interactive operations, etc. Note that the display unit 106 does not necessarily have to be built into the imaging device 100. The imaging device 100 can be connected to an internal or external display unit 106 and only needs to have at least a display control function for controlling the display of the display unit 106.

[0021] The time control unit 107 manages date and time information. For example, the time control unit 107 updates and holds the date and time information and provides the date and time information to the control unit 101. The date and time information can be automatically updated by the time control unit 107, or can be changed by the user operating the operation unit 105. Also, it can be updated by NTP (Network Time Protocol) via the communication unit 111. <000 The recording medium 110 can record image data output from the imaging unit 102. At the same time, it can also add date and time information from the time control unit 107 as the data creation date and time (an example of acquisition date and time). The recording medium 110 may be configured to be detachable from the imaging device 100, or it may be built into the imaging device 100. In other words, the imaging device 100 only needs to have means to access the recording medium 110.

[0023] The communication unit 111 is an interface for connecting to an external device. The imaging device 100 can exchange data with an external device via the communication unit 111. The control unit 101 enables communication with the external device by controlling the communication unit 111.

[0024] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example where a recording prohibition period is set on the data server 200, and files recorded by the imaging device 100 during the set recording prohibition period are rejected for upload by the data server 200. The process shown in Figure 3 is an example of the expected correct operation. This example assumes that the date and time settings of the imaging device 100 are correct at the time of shooting. Note that the recording prohibition period here does not prohibit the imaging device 100 from recording, but rather prohibits (or restricts) the upload of files recorded during the specified period. In S401, the user sets the recording prohibition period on the data server 200. For example, the user can set the recording prohibition period using various terminals such as a PC or smartphone. The recording prohibition period may be the period from when a predetermined operation is selected by the user until another predetermined operation is selected, or any period may be specified. However, the recording prohibition period is not limited to this example.

[0025] In S402, the control unit 101 performs imaging using the imaging unit 102 during the recording prohibition period set in S401. Here, the control unit 101 may start imaging in response to user operation using the imaging device 100, or it may start imaging remotely via an external terminal such as a smartphone.

[0026] In S403, the control unit 101 saves the recording file obtained by the imaging device 100 to the recording medium 110. At that time, the date and time information obtained from the time control unit 107 is saved as the file creation date and time.

[0027] In S404, the control unit 101 requests the data server 200 to upload the recording file to be transmitted via the communication unit 111. At the same time, the control unit 101 also transmits the creation date and time of the recording file from the imaging device 100 to the data server 200.

[0028] In S405, the data server 200 compares the creation date and time of the recording file sent from the imaging device 100 with the recording prohibition period. Since the creation date and time of the recording file falls within the recording prohibition period, it returns a rejection response to the upload request sent from the imaging device 100.

[0029] Then, the control unit 101 cancels the file upload because, in response to the upload request sent by the imaging device 100 in S404, a rejection response was returned from the data server 200 in S405. As a result, the recording prohibition period set on the data server 200 functions correctly.

[0030] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example where a recording prohibition period is set on the data server 200, and files recorded by the imaging device 100 during the set recording prohibition period are allowed to be uploaded by the data server 200. The process shown in Figure 4 is an example of unauthorized operation. This example assumes that the date and time settings of the imaging device 100 are incorrect at the time of shooting.

[0031] In S501, the user sets a recording ban period for data server 200.

[0032] In S502, the control unit 101 performs imaging using the imaging unit 102 during the recording prohibition period set in S401.

[0033] In S503, the control unit 101 saves the recording file obtained from the imaging device 100 to the recording medium 110. At this time, the date and time information obtained from the time control unit 107 is saved as the file creation date and time. However, this date and time information saves a date and time that is different from the actual date and time the file was created (assuming that the date and time setting of the imaging device 100 is incorrect). Furthermore, it is assumed that this file creation date and time is outside the recording prohibition period set in S501.

[0034] In S504, the control unit 101 requests the data server 200 to upload the recorded file via the communication unit 111. At the same time, the control unit 101 also transmits the creation date and time of the recorded file from the imaging device 100 to the data server 200.

[0035] In S505, the data server 200 compares the creation date and time of the recording file sent from the imaging device 100 with the recording prohibition period. Since the creation date and time of the recording file is outside the recording prohibition period, it returns a permission response to the upload request sent from the imaging device 100.

[0036] In S506, the control unit 101 uploads the file to the data server 200 in response to the upload request sent in S504, after receiving a permission response in S505 from the data server 200. While it is expected that the upload would be rejected in S505 because the file was recorded during a recording prohibition period, the file creation date and time are incorrect, preventing the data server 200 from making a correct determination. As a result, a file that should not be uploaded is uploaded. This invention features a mechanism to prevent such unauthorized uploads from the imaging device 100.

[0037] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of unauthorized upload suppression control in an embodiment of the present invention. This flowchart shows the processing performed by the imaging device 100.

[0038] In S601, the control unit 101 detects the start of the file upload process. The trigger for starting the upload may be, for example, user operation or detection of a communication connection.

[0039] In S602, the control unit 101 reads the creation date and time of the file it intends to upload from the recording medium 110.

[0040] In S603, the control unit 101 reads date and time information from the time control unit 107.

[0041] In S604, the control unit 101 compares the file creation date and time read in S602 with the current date and time read in S603. If the comparison result shows that the file creation date and time is earlier (past) than the current date and time, the process proceeds to S605; if the file creation date and time is later (future) than the current date and time, the process proceeds to S606.

[0042] In S605, the control unit 101 sends an upload request (an example of a transmission request) to the data server 200 via the communication unit 111. The upload request is accompanied by the file creation date and time read in S602. If the data server 200 returns a permission response to the upload request (i.e., a permission response is received), the file is uploaded and the process ends. If the data server 200 returns a rejection response to the upload request (i.e., a rejection response is received), the process ends.

[0043] In S606, the control unit 101 terminates processing without uploading the file (it does not send an upload request to the data server 200).

[0044] As shown in this flowchart, if the file creation date and time is clearly invalid, such as being in the future compared to the upload date and time, the imaging device 100 can suppress the upload. This reduces the possibility of the data server 200 making a mistake in determining the recording prohibition period and causing an unauthorized upload. Note that the imaging device 100 uses a comparison with the upload date and time setting to determine whether the file creation date and time are invalid, and it is assumed that the upload date and time setting is correct. Therefore, the imaging device 100 may perform NTP (Network Time Protocol) via the communication unit 111 between S601 and S603 to update (correct) the date and time information held by the time control unit 107 to the correct current date and time. However, the upload date and time setting does not necessarily have to be NTP; it may be set automatically using other methods or manually by the user.

[0045] The present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various forms that do not depart from the spirit of the invention are also included. Some of the embodiments described above may be combined as appropriate.

[0046] For example, even if the file creation date and time is earlier (past) than the current date and time, the control unit 101 may consider it highly likely to be fraudulent if it is within a predetermined period, and may terminate the process without uploading the file.

[0047] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the file creation date and time used by the data server 200 to determine whether or not an upload is permitted is an offset value from the current date and time, and that the upload is performed immediately after the file is created. In such cases, the control unit 101 may suppress time synchronization (change of the date and time information of the imaging device 100) from the time of file creation until the completion of the upload.

[0048] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the file creation date and time used by the data server 200 to determine whether or not an upload is permitted is not date and time information, but an offset value from the current date and time, and that the file contains time zone information. In this case, the control unit 101 may send an offset value that takes into account the file's time zone information and the current time zone information.

[0049] The present invention also includes cases in which a software program that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied directly from a recording medium or via wired / wireless communication to a system or device having a computer capable of executing the program, and the program is executed.

[0050] Therefore, in order to implement the functional processing of the present invention on a computer, the program code supplied to and installed on the computer itself also realizes the present invention. In other words, the computer program itself for realizing the functional processing of the present invention is also included in the present invention.

[0051] In that case, the form of the program is irrelevant, as long as it possesses the functionality of a program, including object code, programs executed by an interpreter, and script data supplied to the OS.

[0052] The recording medium for supplying the program may be, for example, a hard disk, a magnetic recording medium such as magnetic tape, an optical / magneto-optical storage medium, or a non-volatile semiconductor memory.

[0053] Another possible method for supplying the program is to store the computer program forming the present invention on a server on a computer network, and then have connected client computers download and run the computer program.

[0054] (Other embodiments) Furthermore, the present invention can also be realized by performing the following process: that is, supplying software (program) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiment to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and having the computer (or control unit or MPU, etc.) of the system or device read and execute the program code. In this case, the program and the storage medium storing the program constitute the present invention.

[0055] Although the present invention has been described in detail above based on its preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various forms that do not depart from the spirit of the invention are also included in the present invention. Some of the above embodiments may be combined as appropriate.

[0056] Furthermore, each functional unit in each of the above embodiments (each modified example) may or may not be individual hardware. The functions of two or more functional units may be implemented by common hardware. Each of the multiple functions of a single functional unit may be implemented by individual hardware. Two or more functions of a single functional unit may be implemented by common hardware. In addition, each functional unit may or may not be implemented by hardware such as an ASIC, FPGA, or DSP. For example, the device may have a processor and a memory (storage medium) in which a control program is stored. The functions of at least some of the functional units of the device may be implemented by the processor reading and executing the control program from the memory.

[0057] The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0058] [Configuration 1] A time control means for managing date and time information, A means of obtaining a file, A recording means that records the date and time the file was acquired based on the date and time information managed by the aforementioned time control means, A transmission control means compares the acquisition date and time of the file to be transmitted to an external device with the current date and time managed by the time control means, and if the comparison result does not meet predetermined conditions, the transmission control means does not transmit the file to be transmitted to the external device. A communication device equipped with the following features.

[0059] [Configuration 2] The external device can be configured to allow setting a prohibition period that restricts the transmission of files recorded during a specified period. The communication device described in Configuration 1.

[0060] [Configuration 3] The transmission control means is If the comparison result satisfies the predetermined conditions, a transmission request requesting the file to be transmitted is sent to the external device. The communication device described in Configuration 2.

[0061] [Structure 4] The transmission control means is If the comparison result does not satisfy the predetermined conditions, the transmission request will not be sent to the external device. The communication device described in Configuration 3.

[0062] [Composition 5] The transmission control means is When a permission response is received in response to the transmission request, the file to be transmitted is sent to the external device. If a rejection response is received in response to the aforementioned transmission request, the file to be transmitted will not be sent to the external device. The communication device described in Configuration 4.

[0063] [Composition 6] The transmission control means is If the current date and time is later than the acquisition date and time of the file to be transmitted, it is determined that the predetermined conditions are met. If the current date and time are earlier than the acquisition date and time of the file to be transmitted, it is determined that the predetermined conditions are not met. A communication device described in any one of the configurations 1 through 5.

[0064] [Composition 7] The aforementioned time control means is Before comparing the acquisition date and time of the file to be transmitted to the external device with the current date and time managed by the time control means, the current date and time are corrected. A communication device described in any one of the configurations 1 through 6.

[0065] [Structure 8] The aforementioned communication device is an imaging device. A communication device described in any one of the items from Configuration 1 to Configuration 7.

[0066] [Composition 9] The aforementioned file is a recording file obtained by taking an image with the imaging device. The communication device described in Configuration 8.

[0067] [method] Managing date and time information, To retrieve the file, Based on the managed date and time information, the acquisition date and time of the aforementioned file will be recorded, The system compares the acquisition date and time of the file to be sent to the external device with the current date and time, and if the comparison result does not meet the predetermined conditions, the file to be sent will not be sent to the external device. A method for controlling a communication device, including [the specified element].

[0068] [program] On the computer, A time control function that manages date and time information, File acquisition function to retrieve files, A recording function that records the date and time the file was acquired based on the date and time information managed by the aforementioned time control function, A transmission control function that compares the acquisition date and time of the file to be sent to an external device with the current date and time managed by the time control function, and if the comparison result does not meet predetermined conditions, does not send the file to be sent to the external device. A program that makes this a reality.

Claims

1. A time control means for managing date and time information, A means of obtaining a file, A recording means that records the date and time the file was acquired based on the date and time information managed by the aforementioned time control means, A transmission control means compares the acquisition date and time of the file to be transmitted to an external device with the current date and time managed by the time control means, and if the comparison result does not meet predetermined conditions, the transmission control means does not transmit the file to be transmitted to the external device. A communication device equipped with the following features.

2. The external device can be configured to allow setting a prohibition period that restricts the transmission of files recorded during a specified period. The communication device according to claim 1.

3. The transmission control means is If the comparison result satisfies the predetermined conditions, a transmission request requesting the file to be transmitted is sent to the external device. The communication device according to claim 2.

4. The transmission control means is If the comparison result does not satisfy the predetermined conditions, the transmission request will not be sent to the external device. The communication device according to claim 3.

5. The transmission control means is When a permission response is received in response to the transmission request, the file to be transmitted is sent to the external device. If a rejection response is received in response to the aforementioned transmission request, the file to be transmitted will not be sent to the external device. The communication device according to claim 4.

6. The transmission control means is If the current date and time is later than the acquisition date and time of the file to be transmitted, it is determined that the predetermined conditions are met. If the current date and time are earlier than the acquisition date and time of the file to be transmitted, it is determined that the predetermined conditions are not met. The communication device according to claim 1.

7. The aforementioned time control means is Before comparing the acquisition date and time of the file to be transmitted to the external device with the current date and time managed by the time control means, the current date and time are corrected. The communication device according to claim 1.

8. The aforementioned communication device is an imaging device. A communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The aforementioned file is a recording file obtained by taking an image with the imaging device. The communication device according to claim 8.

10. Managing date and time information, To retrieve the file, Based on the managed date and time information, the acquisition date and time of the aforementioned file will be recorded, The system compares the acquisition date and time of the file to be sent to the external device with the current date and time, and if the comparison result does not meet the predetermined conditions, the file to be sent will not be sent to the external device. A method for controlling a communication device, including [the specified element].

11. On the computer, A time control function that manages date and time information, File acquisition function to retrieve files, A recording function that records the date and time the file was acquired based on the date and time information managed by the aforementioned time control function, A transmission control function that compares the acquisition date and time of the file to be sent to an external device with the current date and time managed by the time control function, and if the comparison result does not meet predetermined conditions, does not send the file to be sent to the external device. A program that makes this a reality.

Images