Communication device, control method, and program

Abstract

Even if the same content exists multiple times in the sending history, you can select the recipient for re-forwarding without hesitation. [Solution] A communication device comprising: transmission means for transmitting content data to an external device; display means for displaying a list screen of the transmission history of the content data; retransmission means for retransmitting the content data to the external device based on a user operation instructing retransmission of a certain content data transmission history on the list screen; and control means for restricting the user operation instructing retransmission for a portion of the transmission history of the same content data when the list screen includes the transmission history of the same content data.

Description

[[Technical Field]]

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

[0002] Applications have been provided that transfer image, video and audio files captured and recorded by an imaging apparatus such as a digital camera to an external FTP (File Transfer Protocol) server using a mobile terminal such as a smartphone.

[0003] In the above-mentioned application, the application communicates with the imaging apparatus and an external server via a network, and presents information of files stored in a medium in the imaging apparatus to a user. Furthermore, a file selected by the user can be acquired from the imaging apparatus and transmitted to the external server.

[0004] Such an application is primarily intended for use cases where cameramen working for news stations or newspaper companies immediately deliver photo and video data captured at interview sites to an in-house server. Since there are cases where a cameraman performs capturing and delivery by switching delivery destinations (transfer servers) for each interview site or each content type (still image / video), a function for switching the transfer destination server in the application is provided.

[0005] On the other hand, depending on the site, normal communication cannot be performed due to troubles caused by factors such as deterioration of the network environment or a failure of the transfer destination server, and there are cases where the requester of the coverage requests retransmission of content that has been delivered in the past.

[0006] For such cases, a function can be envisaged in which the history of transfers performed by the application to an external server is presented as an operation history that combines date and time, file name, destination, and transmission result, so that the selected file can be retransmitted again to the same delivery destination. This reduces the time and effort required for the user to search and reselect a file in response to the above-mentioned retransmission request. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2005-193447 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] With the above-mentioned features, the date and time are presented to the user as an operation history. If the same content exists in the operation history, the user may become confused about which one to select when resending. However, even if the same content is selected, a method is disclosed to process only one instance if duplicate content exists at the recipient.

[0009] However, the aforementioned prior art raises concerns that users may become confused when making selections. Furthermore, if the same content is selected, multiple copies of the selected content will be sent to the destination, resulting in unnecessary communication. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] To solve the above problems, the communication device of the present invention includes a transmission means for transmitting content data to an external device, and a display means for displaying a list screen of the transmission history of the content data. The system is characterized by comprising: a retransmission means that retransmits content data to the external device based on a user operation that instructs a user to retransmit a certain content data in the transmission history of that content data in the list screen; and a control means that restricts the user operation that instructs a user to retransmit a portion of the transmission history of the same content data when the transmission history of the same content data is included in the list screen. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, even if the same content exists multiple times in the upload history, the user can select the target for retransfer without confusion. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is a conceptual diagram showing the system configuration in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the imaging device in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a communication device in a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a sequence diagram showing communication between a communication device and an imaging device in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This sequence shows the retransfer operation from the upload history of a communication device in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This figure shows the structure of upload history information in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of a display for a communication device in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart showing the operation of the communication device in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a flowchart showing the operation of the communication device in a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of a display for a communication device in a second embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] The embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0014] It should be noted that the embodiments described below are examples of implementation means of the present invention, and may be appropriately modified or changed depending on the configuration and various conditions of the apparatus to which the present invention is applied. In addition, each embodiment may also be combined as appropriate.

[0015] <First Embodiment> <System Configuration> FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining the system configuration of the present invention.

[0016] In FIG. 1, reference numeral 100 denotes an imaging apparatus such as a digital camera. Reference numeral 200 denotes a communication apparatus as a mobile terminal, which is an information processing apparatus having a communication function as represented by smartphones and computers. Reference numeral 300 denotes a server, which is an image storage apparatus installed at a connection destination via a communication network such as the Internet.

[0017] In FIG. 1, the imaging apparatus 100 and the communication apparatus 200 are connected by wired communication or wireless communication via a connection means such as a wired cable or Wi-Fi, and a moving image file generated by the imaging apparatus 100 can be transferred to the communication apparatus 200. The communication apparatus 200 and the server 300 are connected via communication means such as mobile data communication, and information stored in the communication apparatus 200 can be transferred to the server 300 by communication such as FTP.

[0018] It should be noted that the system configuration is not limited thereto. For example, without using mobile data communication, the imaging apparatus 100, the communication apparatus 200, and the server 300 may be connected to the same network via an access point, and file transfer processing between the apparatuses may be realized.

[0019] <Configuration of Imaging Apparatus 100> Figure 2(a) is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the imaging device 100 in this embodiment. While a digital camera is described here as an example of an imaging device, the imaging device is not limited to this. For example, the imaging device may be a portable media player, a so-called tablet device, a personal computer, or other information processing device.

[0020] The control unit 101 controls each part of the imaging device 100 according to the input signals and the program described later. Alternatively, instead of the control unit 101 controlling the entire device, multiple hardware components may share the processing to control the entire device.

[0021] The imaging unit 102 consists of, for example, an optical lens unit, an optical system that controls aperture, zoom, and focus, and an image sensor that converts the light (image) introduced through the optical lens unit into an electrical image signal. Generally, CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) or CCD (Charge Coupled Device) are used as the image sensor. The imaging unit 102 is controlled by the control unit 101 to convert the subject light imaged by the lens included in the imaging unit 102 into an electrical signal using the image sensor, performs noise reduction processing, and outputs the digital data as video data. In the imaging device 100 of this embodiment, the video data is recorded on the recording medium 110.

[0022] The non-volatile memory 103 is an electrically erasable and recordable non-volatile memory that stores programs and meta-template information, which will be executed by the control unit 101 (described later).

[0023] The working memory 104 is used as a buffer memory for temporarily holding video data captured by the imaging unit 102, as well as a video display memory for the display unit 106, and as a working area for the control unit 101.

[0024] The control unit 105 is used to receive instructions from the user for the imaging device 100. The control unit 105 includes, for example, a power button for the user to turn the imaging device 100 on or off, a release switch for instructing the user to start or stop shooting, and a playback button for instructing the user to play back video data. Furthermore, it includes operating members such as a dedicated connection button for starting communication with an external device via the communication unit 111, which will be described later. The touch panel formed on the display unit 106, which will be described later, is also included in the control unit 105.

[0025] The display unit 106 displays the viewfinder image during shooting, displays the captured video data, and displays text for interactive operation. The display unit 106 does not necessarily need 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 a display control function to control the display of the display unit 106.

[0026] The voice input unit 107 is a device for inputting voice information, and the voice data converted from the voice information by the voice input unit 107 is recorded on the recording medium 110 in voice file format.

[0027] The recording medium 110 can record video data output from the imaging unit 102 and audio data output from the audio input unit 107. 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.

[0028] The communication unit 111 is an interface for connecting to an external device. In this embodiment, the imaging device 100 can exchange data with an external device via the communication unit 111. For example, video data generated by the imaging unit 102 and audio data generated by the audio input unit 107 can be transmitted to an external device via the communication unit 111. In this embodiment, the communication unit 111 includes an interface for communicating with an external device using a so-called wireless LAN in accordance with the IEEE 802.11 standard. The communication unit 111 also includes a USB interface via a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable to connect to an external device. The control unit 101 controls the communication unit 311 to realize wireless and wired communication with an external device.

[0029] In this embodiment, the communication unit 111 of the imaging device 100 has an access point mode (hereinafter referred to as AP mode) in which it operates as an access point in infrastructure mode. Furthermore, the communication unit 111 also has a client mode (hereinafter referred to as CL mode) in which it operates as a client in infrastructure mode. By operating the communication unit 111 in CL mode, the imaging device 100 in this embodiment can operate as a CL device in infrastructure mode. When the imaging device 100 operates as a CL device, it can connect to surrounding AP devices and participate in the network formed by AP devices. Also, by operating the communication unit 111 in AP mode, the imaging device 100 in this embodiment can operate as a simpler AP (hereinafter referred to as a simplified AP), although it is a type of AP, with more limited functionality. When the imaging device 100 operates as a simplified AP, the imaging device 100 forms its own network. Devices surrounding the imaging device 100 recognize the imaging device 100 as an AP device and can participate in the network formed by the imaging device 100. As described above, the program for operating the imaging device 100 is stored in the non-volatile memory 103.

[0030] In this embodiment, although the imaging device 100 is a type of AP, it is a simple AP that does not have a gateway function to transfer data received from CL equipment to an Internet provider or the like. Therefore, even if it receives data from other devices participating in the network it has formed, it cannot transfer that data to the Internet or other networks.

[0031] Next, the appearance of the imaging device 100 will be described. Figures 2(b) and 2(c) show an example of the appearance of the imaging device 100. The release switch 105a, playback button 105b, directional keys 105c, and touch panel 105d are operating components included in the aforementioned operating unit 105. The display unit 106 displays the video obtained as a result of imaging by the imaging unit 102.

[0032] The above is a description of the imaging device 100.

[0033] <Hardware configuration of communication device 200> Figure 3(a) is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a communication device 200, which is an example of a communication device according to this embodiment. Although a mobile phone is described here as an example of a communication device, the communication device is not limited to this. For example, the communication device may be an information processing device such as a digital camera with wireless functionality, a portable media player or so-called tablet device, a personal computer, or a smartphone.

[0034] The control unit 201 controls each part of the communication device 200 according to the input signals and the program described later. Alternatively, instead of the control unit 201 controlling the entire device, multiple hardware components may share the processing to control the entire device.

[0035] The imaging unit 202 converts the subject light imaged by the lens included in the imaging unit 202 into an electrical signal, performs noise reduction processing, and outputs the digital data as image data. The captured image data is stored in a buffer memory, then predetermined calculations are performed by the control unit 201, and it is recorded on the recording medium 210.

[0036] The non-volatile memory 203 is an electrically erasable and recordable non-volatile memory that stores the operating system (OS), which is the basic software executed by the control unit 201, and various programs. The program for communicating with the digital camera 100 is also held in the non-volatile memory 203 and is installed as a camera communication application. In this embodiment, the communication device 200 performs its operations by reading the program provided by the camera communication application. The camera communication application is assumed to have a program that utilizes the basic functions of the OS installed on the communication device 200 (for example, wireless LAN function, Bluetooth function, function to call other applications, etc.). The camera communication application also has a remote shooting function that allows the communication device 200 to remotely control the digital camera 100 to take pictures while viewing the live view image obtained from the digital camera 100 on the communication device 200. Furthermore, the camera communication application has a remote viewing function that allows it to remotely view image data recorded on the recording medium attached to the digital camera 100 and to receive such image data.

[0037] The OS of the communication device 200 may have a program for implementing the processing in this embodiment.

[0038] The working memory 204 is used as a buffer memory for temporarily storing image data generated by the imaging unit 202, as well as as an image display memory for the display unit 206 and as a working area for the control unit 201.

[0039] The control unit 205 is used to receive instructions from the user for the communication device 200. The control unit 205 includes, for example, a power button for the user to instruct the communication device 200 to turn on or off, and an operating component such as a touch panel formed on the display unit 206.

[0040] The display unit 206 displays image data, text for interactive operation, and so on. Note that the display unit 206 does not necessarily need to be built into the communication device 200. The communication device 200 can be connected to the display unit 206 and only needs to have at least a display control function to control the display of the display unit 206.

[0041] The recording medium 210 can record image data output from the imaging unit 202 and image data received from the data processing unit. The recording medium 210 may be configured to be detachable from the communication device 200, or it may be built into the communication device 200. In other words, the communication device 200 only needs to have means to access the recording medium 210.

[0042] The connection unit 211 is an interface for connecting to an external device. The communication device 200 in this embodiment can exchange data with an external device via the connection unit 211. In this embodiment, the connection unit 211 includes an interface for communication via an external interface. The control unit 201 enables wireless communication with the external device by controlling the connection unit 211. In this embodiment, the digital camera 100 can operate as a slave device in at least the infrastructure mode of wireless LAN communication and can participate in the network formed by surrounding APs.

[0043] The public network connection unit 212 is an interface used when performing public wireless communication. The communication device 200 can make calls and perform data communication with other devices via the public network connection unit 212. During a call, the control unit 201 inputs and outputs voice signals via the microphone 213 and speaker 214. In this embodiment, the public network connection unit 212 includes an interface for performing communication using 3G. However, other communication methods such as LTE, WiMAX, ADSL, FTTH, and so-called 4G may be used instead of 3G. Furthermore, the connection unit 211 and the public network connection unit 212 do not necessarily need to be composed of independent hardware; for example, they can be used together with a single antenna.

[0044] The short-range wireless communication unit 215 is an interface for short-range wireless connection with other external devices. The communication device 200 in this embodiment can exchange data with other external devices via the short-range wireless connection unit 215. In this embodiment, the short-range wireless connection unit 215 includes an interface for Bluetooth communication with other external devices. The control unit 201 enables Bluetooth communication with other external devices by controlling the short-range wireless connection unit 215.

[0045] Next, the appearance of the communication device 200 will be described. Figure 3(b) shows an example of the appearance of the communication device 200. The power button 205a, home button 205b, and touch panel 205c are operating components included in the aforementioned operating unit 205. When the user presses the home button 205b, the user can interrupt the use of the currently running application and display a home screen on the display unit 206 in which they can select another application.

[0046] The home screen of the communication device 200 has items corresponding to each application, allowing users to launch each application or call up applications running in the background. For example, item 221 is the camera communication application item for the communication device 200 to communicate with the digital camera 100 in this embodiment. Item 222 is the image display application item for the user to view images stored on the communication device 200. Item 223 is the SNS (Social Networking Service) application item for communicating with a server and sharing images, text, etc., with other users. In this embodiment, the camera communication application is an application provided by the manufacturer of the digital camera 100 via an application distribution site. The image display application is assumed to be an application pre-installed on the communication device 200 (i.e., an application that is standard on the OS of the communication device 200). The SNS (Social Networking Service) application is an application provided by the developer of that application via an application distribution site.

[0047] On the home screen, for example, when item 221 is pressed (touched), if the camera communication application is not already running, it will be launched and the screen will be displayed. If it is already running in the background, it will not be launched again, but the running application will be brought to the foreground and the screen will be redisplayed.

[0048] Furthermore, the communication device 200 allows users to switch or run applications without going through the home screen by inputting specific instructions to the OS. When a specific instruction is input, the currently running application is moved to the background. The application that is instructed to be switched is then either launched anew or moved from the background to the foreground and runs.

[0049] The above is a description of the communication device 200.

[0050] In the following description, it may be stated that the communication device 200 is the main processing unit, but in reality, the control unit 201 reads the program stored in the non-volatile memory 203 and performs the various processes. Similarly, in places where it is stated that the digital camera 100 is the main processing unit, the control unit 101 reads the program stored in the non-volatile memory 103 and performs the various processes.

[0051] <Explanation of Upload History Information> Next, using Figure 4, the data format of the upload history information stored by the communication device 200 in this embodiment will be described.

[0052] In this embodiment, the communication device 200 is the main component, and the process of the communication device 200 receiving data from the imaging device 100 and storing it in an application-specific folder on the non-volatile memory 203 is referred to as downloading.

[0053] Furthermore, the act of the communication device 200 sending data received from the imaging device 100 or data stored in a dedicated folder on the non-volatile memory 203 to the external server 300 is referred to as uploading.

[0054] As shown in Figure 4, the upload history information consists of the file name, date and time of capture, file path, upload date and time, upload destination, and upload result. Each item is stored in the non-volatile memory 203 for each uploaded file. Although not shown in Figure 4, the upload history information may also include thumbnails.

[0055] The file name, shooting date and time, and thumbnail are three items of data and information used to identify a file on the upload history screen, which will be described later.

[0056] In this embodiment, since the main focus is on image files captured by the imaging device 100, the information used to identify the files consists of the three items mentioned above. However, other information or data may be used for identification, taking into account cases where data other than images is being handled.

[0057] The file name is the name of the file.

[0058] The shooting date and time is information about when the image was taken, and is included in the file's metadata.

[0059] A thumbnail is an image file containing a thumbnail of an image, and is included in the file's metadata.

[0060] The file path is data that indicates the path to the actual file stored on non-volatile memory 203.

[0061] The upload date and time indicates the date and time the upload was performed.

[0062] The upload destination is a set of various settings that can be configured as shown in Figure 7(e), which will be described later, to specify the upload destination. Examples of setting values ​​will be described later in the explanation of Figure 7(d).

[0063] The upload result indicates the outcome of the upload. It shows whether the upload was successful, failed, or canceled midway.

[0064] <Processing sequence of imaging device 100 and communication device 200> This section explains the process of selecting and acquiring images recorded by the imaging device 100 using the communication device 200 and transmitting them to the server 300, using the sequence diagram in Figure 5 and the display screen diagram of the communication device 200 in Figure 7. This sequence begins when the connection between the communication device 200 and the imaging device 100 is established. At this time, the display unit 206 of the communication device displays a screen as shown in Figure 7(a).

[0065] In the T501, the user operates the communication device 200 and presses the camera content display button 701, as shown in Figure 7(a).

[0066] In T502, the communication device 200 transmits a request to the imaging device 100 to acquire file list information via the connection unit 211.

[0067] In T503, the communication device 200 receives file list information from the imaging device 100 via the connection unit 211. The file list information includes file identification information. For example, the file list information includes the IDs of each of the multiple image files held by the imaging device 100.

[0068] In T504, the communication device 200 transmits a request to the imaging device for acquiring image information, based on the file list information received by T503, via the connection unit 211, for each file.

[0069] In T505, the communication device 200 receives image information from the imaging device 100 via the connection unit 211.

[0070] For T504 and T505, the process is repeated for each file in the file list information obtained by T503.

[0071] In the T506, the communication device 200 displays thumbnail images and image information in a list on the display area of ​​the display unit 206, as shown in Figure 7(b) 705 (hereinafter referred to as "image list display"). The display area can be moved by the user scrolling the display unit 206. In addition, the user can select content from the imaging device 100 by pressing the selection unit 706, as shown in Figure 7(b). When there is a selected item, pressing the download button 707 will start the download, and pressing the upload button 707 will start the upload.

[0072] T507 through T510 show the process flow for downloading a file selected by the user from the imaging device 100 to the communication device 200.

[0073] In T507, the user presses the download button 707 as shown in Figure 7(b). In T508, the communication device 200 sends a request to the imaging device 100 to acquire the file data via the connection unit 211.

[0074] In T509, the communication device 200 receives the file data from the imaging device 100 via the connection unit 211.

[0075] In the T510, the communication device 200 saves files to an application-specific folder located in the non-volatile memory 205.

[0076] From T511 to T518, the process flow is shown in which the user selects a file, the imager 100 retrieves the file itself, and then the communication device 200 uploads it to the server 300.

[0077] In the T511, the user presses the upload button 708 as shown in Figure 7(b).

[0078] In T512, the communication device 200 refers to the currently configured upload destination.

[0079] Here, multiple upload destinations can be registered and switched between using the communication device 200. Specifically, the user presses the upload destination setting button 702 shown in Figure 7(a), which takes them to the upload destination list screen shown in Figure 7(c). On this screen, already registered upload destinations are displayed in a format similar to the list display 709. If multiple upload destinations exist, the user can switch between them by pressing the select button 710. To add a new upload destination, the user can press the add button 711 to display the upload destination setting screen shown in Figure 7(d). A new upload destination can then be set by entering the upload destination registration name, protocol, server name, port number, and login information (username, password) set for the server.

[0080] In T513, the communication device 200 refers to the currently configured upload destination information and adds file information, upload date and time, and upload destination to the upload history information, as explained using Figure 4.

[0081] In T514, the communication device 200 transmits a request to the imaging device 100 to acquire the file data via the connection unit 211.

[0082] In T515, the communication device 200 receives the file data from the imaging device 100 via the connection unit 211.

[0083] In T516, the communication device 200 saves files to the cache, which is allocated to the working memory 204.

[0084] In T517, the communication device 200 adds the path to the file saved in T516 to the upload history information.

[0085] In T518, the communication device 200 transmits the file data stored in T516 to the server 300 via the connection unit 211.

[0086] As explained above, the communication device 200 can download file data stored in the imaging device 100 and save it within the communication device. The communication device 200 can also upload the acquired file data to the server 300. When an upload occurs, it is recorded in the upload history as shown in Figure 4, allowing the user to check the history after sending and resend if necessary.

[0087] In this embodiment, an example was described in which file data is acquired from the imaging device 100 and transmitted to the server 300, but this is not the only example. For example, by pressing the content button 704 on the smartphone shown in Figure 7(a), a list of content data stored in the non-volatile memory 203 of the communication device 200, as shown in Figure 7(e), can be displayed. It is also possible to select from this list through user operation and send it to the server 300.

[0088] <Retransfer sequence from the upload history of communication device 200> Here, the process of retransferring from the upload history using the communication device 200 will be explained using the sequence diagram in Figure 6 and the display screen diagram of the communication device 200 in Figure 7. This sequence starts when the camera communication application is launched on the communication device 200. At this time, the display unit 206 of the communication device will display a screen as shown in Figure 7(a).

[0089] In T601, the user operates the communication device 200 and presses the upload history button 703 shown in Figure 7(a). The display unit 206 of the communication device 200 displays the upload history screen as shown in Figure 7(f).

[0090] In T602, the communication device 200 refers to the history information and displays the content in a list on the display unit 206. At this time, the communication device 200 displays a thumbnail image 712 based on the file data stored in the file path of the history information, and displays it on the content information display unit 714 by referring to the shooting date and time and file name. In addition, it displays the upload result icon 715 based on the upload result information of the history information. Furthermore, content with matching upload date and time information is displayed as a single unit as shown in section 716. This set of content linked to a date is an example of a transmission history.

[0091] In T603, the user operates the communication device 200 to select the content to be re-uploaded. In this process, the user can select the content to be re-uploaded by pressing the selection unit 713 shown in Figure 7(f). Selecting such a selection unit 713 is an example of a first user operation. The location of the selection unit 713 is not limited as long as it is within the range of the transmission history. For example, all areas included in the transmission history range may function as the selection unit 713.

[0092] In T604, the communication device 200 adds the content selected for re-upload to the selection list.

[0093] For T603 and T604, the process is repeated for each piece of content selected by the user in T603.

[0094] In T605, the user presses the re-upload button 717 shown in Figure 7(f). Here, pressing the re-upload button 717 is an example of a second user operation that confirms the re-upload.

[0095] In T606, the communication device 200 searches the history information for content whose file name and shooting date and time match, and then refers to the upload destination of that history.

[0096] In T607, the communication device, referring to T606, adds file information, upload date and time, and upload destination to the upload history information, as explained using Figure 4.

[0097] In T608, the communication device 200 adds the file path of the file body data to the upload history information.

[0098] In T609, the communication device 200 transmits the file data to the server 300 via the connection unit 211.

[0099] For steps T606 through T609, the process is repeated for each content item selected by the user in step T603.

[0100] As explained above, the communication device 200 utilizes the upload history information and allows the user to re-upload content that has already been uploaded, by allowing them to make their own selection.

[0101] Furthermore, the upload history screen shown in Figure 7(f) has the characteristics of a transfer history, displaying the upload results for content. In addition, the upload history screen has the characteristics of an operation history, displaying thumbnail images, file names, shooting time, upload execution time, etc., to show when and what content the user sent.

[0102] As explained above, if a user needs to re-upload content that has already been uploaded to server 300, they can do so by selecting the desired content on the upload history screen. In this case, the upload history screen may display the same content multiple times depending on the uploaded content. In that case, the user must carefully examine the thumbnail image 712 and the content information display unit 714 to determine whether the content is the same or different, in order to avoid uploading the same content multiple times.

[0103] Therefore, in this embodiment, even if multiple instances of the same content exist on the upload history screen, the user operation to instruct the system to resend only a portion of the same content is restricted. This allows users to easily select content.

[0104] <Processing flow of communication device> Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the process on the communication device 200 that allows for easy selection of content to be re-uploaded on the upload history screen, even when multiple duplicate content items exist.

[0105] This flowchart uses the timing of T602 in Figure 6 as the start.

[0106] In S800, the control unit 201 determines whether the display unit 206 has been updated. If it determines that it has not been updated, it waits for processing to begin.

[0107] Here, "update" specifically refers to the moment immediately after transitioning to the upload history screen, or when the display area is changed by the user performing a scroll operation on the display unit 206.

[0108] In S801, the control unit 201 starts repeating the process from S802 to S807 for each piece of content displayed in the display area.

[0109] In S802, the control unit 201 displays a thumbnail image. We will refer to this as the current content.

[0110] In S803, the control unit 201 refers to the upload history stored in non-volatile memory and searches for any history entries that match the file name and shooting date and time of the current content. If the control unit 201 determines that there is a match, it stores the matching history group in the working memory and proceeds to S804. On the other hand, if it determines that there is no match, it proceeds to S807.

[0111] In S804, the control unit 201 determines whether the current content is the latest history among the history group acquired in S803. Specifically, the control unit 201 refers to the upload date and time of the history information to determine if it is the latest history. If the control unit 201 determines that it is the latest history, it proceeds to S805. On the other hand, if it determines that it is not the latest history, it proceeds to S806.

[0112] In S805, the control unit 201 displays a selectable icon 718 for the current content, indicating that it is selectable, as shown in Figure 7(g).

[0113] In S806, the control unit 201 displays an unselectable icon 719 for the current content, indicating that it is unavailable for selection, as shown in Figure 7(g).

[0114] In S807, the control unit 201 determines whether it has executed the repeated process for the content of the display area. If it determines that it has been executed, it terminates the process. On the other hand, if it determines that it has not been terminated, it returns the process to S802.

[0115] As described above, when displaying the upload history, the system refers to the upload history information stored in the non-volatile memory 203 and determines whether the content is identical and the most recent in the history, thereby switching the selectability of each history item. In this way, when a user selects an item to re-upload on the upload history screen, it becomes possible to easily select the correct item even if multiple identical items exist.

[0116] In this embodiment, if duplicate content exists, an unselectable icon 719 is displayed if it is not the most recently uploaded content. However, this is not the only option. For example, instead of an unselectable icon, the background color of the content information display unit 714 may be changed to hide the selectable icon. This would make it easier to select content even if multiple identical items exist.

[0117] <Second Embodiment> In the first embodiment, an example was described in which, when displaying the upload history, the user can easily select the item to be re-uploaded by switching the selectable state of each history item. In the second embodiment, an example is described in which, when displaying the upload history, the user can easily select the item to be re-uploaded without switching the selectable state of each history item.

[0118] <Processing flow of communication device> Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the process on the communication device 200 that allows for easy selection of items to be re-uploaded on the upload history screen, even if multiple duplicate content items exist, without having to switch the selectability status of each history item.

[0119] This flowchart uses the timing of T602 in Figure 6 as the start.

[0120] In the S900, the control unit 201 determines whether the display unit 206 has been updated. If it determines that it has not been updated, it waits for processing to begin.

[0121] Here, "update" specifically refers to the moment immediately after transitioning to the upload history screen, or when the display area is changed by the user performing a scroll operation on the display unit 206.

[0122] In S901, the control unit 201 starts repeating the process from S902 to S907 for each piece of content displayed in the display area.

[0123] In S902, the control unit 201 displays a thumbnail image. We will refer to this as the current content.

[0124] In S903, the control unit 201 refers to the upload history stored in non-volatile memory and searches for any history entries that match the file name and shooting date and time of the current content. If the control unit 201 determines that there is a match, it stores the matching history group in the working memory and proceeds to S904. On the other hand, if it determines that there is no match, it proceeds to S907.

[0125] In S904, the control unit 201 determines whether at least one content item has been selected from the history group acquired in S903. If the control unit 201 determines that it has been selected, it proceeds to S905. On the other hand, if it determines that it has not been selected, it proceeds to S906.

[0126] In S905, the control unit 201 displays a selected icon 1002 for the current content, indicating that it has been selected, as shown in Figure 10. In the example shown in Figure 10, content 1003 and content 1004 are the same content, and the user has selected either content to be re-uploaded, resulting in both content having the selected icon 1002.

[0127] In S906, the control unit 201 displays an unselected icon 1005 for the current content to indicate that it is not selected.

[0128] In S907, the control unit 201 determines whether it has executed the repeated process for the content of the display area. If it determines that it has been executed, it terminates the process. On the other hand, if it determines that it has not been terminated, it returns to S902.

[0129] As described above, when displaying the upload history, the system refers to the upload history information to determine if the content is duplicated and if there is already selected content in the history, and then switches between selected and unselected states for each history entry. In this way, when users select items to re-upload on the upload history screen, even if there are multiple duplicate items, they can easily select the correct item without making duplicate selections.

[0130] Note that the selected icon 1002 is not limited to the example shown in Figure 10. It is not particularly limited as long as the target of the re-upload is identifiable.

[0131] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of its gist.

[0132] <Other Embodiments> In the above embodiment, whether a file is a chunked recording file was determined using a file naming convention, but this is not limited to that.

[0133] For example, you can determine whether a file is a chunked recording file from the information contained in the metadata file of the video data.

[0134] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of its gist.

[0135] (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.

[0136] 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.

[0137] 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.

[0138] 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.

[0139] [Configuration 1] A transmission means for sending content data to an external device, A display means for displaying a list screen of the transmission history of the aforementioned content data, Based on a user operation instructing a certain content data transmission history to be resent in the aforementioned list screen, a retransmission means resends the content data to the external device, If the list screen includes a transmission history of the same content data, the control means restricts the user operation to instruct retransmission for a portion of the transmission history of the same content data, A communication device equipped with the following features.

[0140] [Configuration 2] The user operation that instructs the retransmission includes a first user operation that selects the content data corresponding to the transmission history as the target for retransmission, and a second user operation that confirms the retransmission of the content data selected as the target for retransmission. The aforementioned retransmission means is In response to the second user operation, the content data selected by the first user operation is retransmitted to the external device. The communication device described in Configuration 1.

[0141] [Configuration 3] The control means is Among the user operations that instruct the retransmission, the first user operation is restricted. The communication device described in Configuration 2.

[0142] [Structure 4] The control means is If the list screen contains a transmission history of identical content data, the first user operation will be restricted to a portion of that transmission history of identical content data. The communication device described in Configuration 3.

[0143] [Composition 5] The control means is If the list screen contains transmission history of the same content data, the first user operation will be restricted to prevent it from being performed on transmission history other than the most recent transmission history of that same content data. The communication device described in Configuration 4.

[0144] [Composition 6] The aforementioned display means is The transmission history in which the first user operation was performed is marked in a way that identifies it as being subject to retransmission. A communication device described in any one of the items from Configuration 2 to Configuration 5.

[0145] [Composition 7] The control means is If the first user operation is performed on any of the transmission histories of the same content data, the other transmission histories of the same content data will also be displayed in a way that makes it identifiable that they are subject to retransmission. The communication device described in configuration 6.

[0146] [Structure 8] Acquisition means for acquiring the content data from the imaging device, A communication device further comprising any one of configurations 1 to 7.

[0147] [Composition 9] The aforementioned content data is image data obtained by the imaging device. The communication device described in Configuration 8.

[0148] [method] Sending content data to an external device, To display a list screen of the transmission history of the aforementioned content data, Based on the user operation instructing a certain content data transmission history to be resent in the aforementioned list screen, the content data is resent to the aforementioned external device. If the aforementioned list screen includes a transmission history of the same content data, the user operation to instruct retransmission for a portion of that transmission history of the same content data will be restricted, A control method executed by a processor, including [the specified element].

[0149] [program] A program to cause a computer to function as one of the means of a communication device described in configurations 1 through 9.

Claims

1. A transmission means for sending content data to an external device, A display means for displaying a list screen of the transmission history of the aforementioned content data, Based on a user operation instructing a certain content data transmission history to be resent in the aforementioned list screen, a retransmission means resends the content data to the external device, If the list screen includes a transmission history of the same content data, a control means restricts the user operation to instruct retransmission for a portion of the transmission history of the same content data, A communication device equipped with the following features.

2. The user operation that instructs the retransmission includes a first user operation that selects the content data corresponding to the transmission history as the target for retransmission, and a second user operation that confirms the retransmission of the content data selected as the target for retransmission. The aforementioned retransmission means is In response to the second user operation, the content data selected by the first user operation is retransmitted to the external device. The communication device according to claim 1.

3. The control means is Among the user operations that instruct the retransmission, the first user operation is restricted. The communication device according to claim 2.

4. The control means is If the list screen contains a transmission history of identical content data, the first user operation will be restricted to a portion of that transmission history of identical content data. The communication device according to claim 3.

5. The control means is If the list screen contains transmission history of the same content data, the first user operation is restricted to prevent it from being performed on transmission history other than the most recent transmission history of that same content data. The communication device according to claim 4.

6. The aforementioned display means is The transmission history in which the first user operation was performed is marked in a way that identifies it as being subject to retransmission. The communication device according to claim 2.

7. The control means is If the first user operation is performed on any of the transmission histories of the same content data, the other transmission histories of the same content data will also be displayed in a way that makes it identifiable that they are subject to retransmission. The communication device according to claim 6.

8. Acquisition means for acquiring the content data from the imaging device, A communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising the above.

9. The aforementioned content data is image data obtained by the imaging device. The communication device according to claim 8.

10. Sending content data to an external device, To display a list screen of the transmission history of the aforementioned content data, Based on the user operation instructing a certain content data transmission history to be resent in the aforementioned list screen, the content data is resent to the aforementioned external device. If the aforementioned list screen includes a transmission history of the same content data, the user operation to instruct retransmission for a portion of that transmission history of the same content data will be restricted, A control method executed by a processor, including [the specified element].

11. A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the communication device described in claim 1.

Images