COMMUNICATION DEVICE, CONTROL METHOD THEREOF, AND PROGRAM

Abstract

To provide a communication device that quickly selects an image to be transferred by a simple method and transfers the image preferentially, a control method therefor, and a program.SOLUTION: In an imaging device 100, a control unit 101 does not set an image, as the image to be transferred, that is obtained by imaging with imaging means while a setup function is turned off and sets an image, as the image to be transferred, that is obtained by imaging with the imaging means while the setup function is turned on. When first user operation is accepted via first operation means while an image is being displayed by display means, the image being displayed is set as the image to be transferred. When second user operation different from the first user operation is performed via second operation means while an image set as the image to be transferred is being displayed, the image being displayed is set to be a priority image to be transferred that is transferred preferentially over the image to be transferred.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for transferring images between devices. [Background technology]

[0002] With the recent improvement in data transfer speed via a network, imaging devices such as cameras are now capable of transferring captured images to external devices such as server computers via a network. With such an image transfer function, a user of the imaging device can specify images to be transferred as transfer targets. The images specified as transfer targets are then transferred sequentially from the imaging device to the external device. It is desirable for the user to perform an operation to specify images to be transferred in a few steps and easily, such as by pressing multiple buttons. Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for controlling whether images captured by a camera are transferred automatically or according to a user's instruction. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2010-74239 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, when images designated as transfer targets are transferred in sequence as described above, it would be convenient to have a means for allowing images that are later in the transfer order or images that are not designated as transfer targets to be moved forward in order so that they can be transferred preferentially.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to realize a technique that enables images to be transferred to be quickly selected with a simple operation and transferred preferentially. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems and achieve the object, a communication device of the present invention is a communication device, comprising: a communication means capable of communicating with an external device; an imaging means; and a display means for displaying an image. The image displayed on the display means The image to be transferred to the external device is Setting Determine The opportunity and a control means for controlling the function, When a first user operation is received while a first image that is not set as the image to be transferred is being displayed by the display means and a second image that is not set as the image to be transferred is not being displayed, the control means sets the first image as the image to be transferred, and when the first user operation is received while a first image that is already set as the image to be transferred is not being displayed by the display means and a second image that is not set as the image to be transferred is being displayed, the control means sets the second image as the image to be transferred and manages it as an image to be transferred after the first image that has already been set as the image to be transferred, When a second user operation different from the first user operation is performed while a first image set as the transfer target image is being displayed and a second image set as the transfer target image is not being displayed, the control means sets the first image as a priority transfer target image to be transferred in preference to the second image set as the transfer target image, and when the second user operation is performed while a second image set as the transfer target image is being displayed and the first image set as the priority transfer target image is not being displayed, the control means sets the second image as the priority transfer target image and manages the second image as an image to be transmitted before the first image set as the priority transfer target image. do. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, images to be transferred can be quickly selected with a simple operation and transferred preferentially. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1A is a functional block diagram of the imaging device of the present embodiment, and FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of the present embodiment. [Diagram 3] 5A to 5C are diagrams for explaining an image transfer process according to the embodiment; [Figure 4] 4 is a diagram illustrating a transfer management list used in the image transfer process of the embodiment. [Diagram 5] 11A to 11C are diagrams showing examples of display when priority transfer processing is performed during image playback according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 11A to 11C are diagrams showing examples of display when priority transfer processing is performed during image capture according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 11A and 11B are diagrams showing a display example when priority transfer processing is performed during quick review in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a display example different from that shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] 6 is a flowchart showing a priority transfer process during image playback according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] 6 is a flowchart showing priority transfer processing during image capture and quick review according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing a priority transfer process during continuous shooting according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12]10 is a flowchart showing a priority transfer process during image playback according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] 12 is a flowchart showing a modified example of the priority transfer process of FIG. 11 . [Figure 14] 11A and 11B are diagrams for explaining a method for setting a transfer order in a priority transfer process. [Figure 15] 13 is a flowchart showing a priority transfer process during image playback according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] The following describes in detail the embodiments for carrying out the present invention. Note that the embodiments described below are examples for realizing the present invention, and should be appropriately modified or changed depending on the configuration of the device to which the present invention is applied and various conditions, and the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. In addition, the present invention may be configured by appropriately combining parts of each of the embodiments described below.

[0010] In this embodiment, a system will be described in which an imaging device such as a digital camera or a communication device having a camera function transfers content such as images to an external device such as a server computer (PC) via a communication network. The imaging device of this embodiment is not limited to a digital camera, and may be, for example, a tablet device, a media player, a surveillance camera, or a medical device. The communication device having a camera function may be, for example, a smartphone, which is a type of mobile phone, a digital camera with a communication function, or a tablet device. The external device of this embodiment is not limited to a server computer, and may be, for example, a smartphone, which is a type of mobile phone, a digital camera with a communication function, a tablet device, or a personal computer (PC).

[0011] <Apparatus Configuration> With reference to FIG. 1, an outline of the configuration and functions of an image capture apparatus 100 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0012] In FIG. 1, (a) is a functional block diagram of an imaging device 100 according to this embodiment, and (b) is a rear view.

[0013] 1(a), a control unit 101 is a central processing unit (CPU) that controls the entire imaging device 100, and realizes each process of a flowchart described later by executing a program stored in a non-volatile memory 106 described later. Note that instead of the control unit 101 controlling the entire device, the entire device may be controlled by multiple hardware devices sharing the processing.

[0014] The optical system 102 includes a group of lenses including a zoom lens and a focus lens, and a shutter with an aperture function. The imaging unit 103 is an image sensor composed of a CCD, a CMOS, or the like that converts a subject image into an electrical signal. The A / D converter 104 converts an analog image signal output from the imaging unit 103 into a digital signal.

[0015] The image processing unit 105 performs resizing processing such as pixel interpolation and reduction and color conversion processing on image data such as moving images and still images captured by the imaging unit 103. The image processing unit 105 also compresses and encodes the still image data subjected to the above processing using JPEG or the like, and encodes the moving image data using a moving image compression format such as MPEG2 or H.264 to generate an image file, which is then recorded on the recording medium 111. The image processing unit 105 also performs a predetermined calculation process using the captured image data, and the control unit 101 controls the focus lens, aperture, and shutter of the optical system 102 based on the obtained calculation result, thereby performing AF (autofocus) processing and AE (autoexposure) processing. The image processing unit 105 also generates a live view image for checking the composition and focus when shooting.

[0016] The non-volatile memory 106 is an electrically erasable and recordable memory, and for example, an EEPROM or the like is used. Constants, programs, and the like for operating the control unit 101 are recorded in the non-volatile memory 106. The programs referred to here are programs for executing various flowcharts described later in this embodiment.

[0017] The working memory 107 is used as a working area for expanding constants and variables for the operation of the control unit 101, programs read from the non-volatile memory 106, etc. The working memory 107 is also used as a buffer memory for temporarily storing image data captured by the imaging unit 103, and an image display memory for the display unit 109.

[0018] The operation unit 108 is an operation means such as various switches, buttons, a touch panel, etc. that accepts user operations, and includes, for example, operation members 112-118 shown in FIG. 1(b). The configuration of each of the operation members 112-118 will be described later. The control unit 101 controls communication with an external device, image capture, display, playback, etc., based on instructions from the operation unit 108 in response to user operations. The control unit 101 also executes transfer processing of played back images and captured images, which will be described later. The control unit 101 also controls a transfer management list used in the transfer processing of this embodiment.

[0019] The display unit 109 displays a live view image during preparation for shooting, displays a captured image, displays characters for interactive operations, etc. The display unit 109 is, for example, a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The display unit 109 may be integrated with the imaging device 100, or may be an external device connected to the imaging device 100.

[0020] The recording medium 111 records image files encoded by the image processing unit 105, and reads out image files already recorded by the control unit 101. The recording medium 111 may be a memory card or a hard disk drive that is attached to the imaging device 100, or may be a flash memory or a hard disk drive built into the imaging device 100.

[0021] The communication unit 110 is an interface for communicatively connecting to an external device 200 such as a smartphone or a PC, which will be described later with reference to FIG. 2. The imaging device 100 of this embodiment can exchange data with the external device 200 via the communication unit 110. For example, the control unit 101 can transmit image data generated by the imaging unit 103 to the external device 200 via the communication unit 110. In this embodiment, the communication unit 110 includes an interface for communicating with the external device via so-called wireless LAN or WiMAX in accordance with the IEEE802.11 standard. The control unit 101 realizes wireless communication with the external device 200 by controlling the communication unit 110. The communication method is not limited to wireless LAN, and for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark) or the like can be used. Wired communication such as Ethernet (registered trademark) or USB (Universal Serial Bus) may also be used.

[0022] Here, the configuration of the operation unit 108 of the imaging device 100 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0023] The operation unit 108 includes push button type operation members such as an OK button 112, a set button 113, a playback button 114, a multi-controller 115, a shooting button 116, a rating button 117, and a magnification button 118. In addition, these operation members 112 to 118 may be in the form of touch buttons provided on a touch panel integrally configured with the display unit 109.

[0024] The OK button 112 is an operation member for sending an instruction to the control unit 101 to confirm an item or setting selected by the user on a menu screen or the like. The OK button 112 is used to have the user determine in advance whether or not final confirmation is required for settings that require final confirmation by the user, such as images to be deleted or images to be transferred.

[0025] The set button 113 is an operating member that sends an instruction to the control unit 101 to confirm an item selected by the user on a menu screen, etc. The set button 113 is a button used for user selection like the OK button 112, but is used for more general-purpose selection operations, such as when the user selects an item, image, etc. on a menu screen, etc.

[0026] The playback button 114 is an operating member that sends an instruction to play an image (an instruction to switch to a playback mode) to the control unit 101. In response to pressing the playback button 114, the control unit 101 can perform playback processing to read out image data recorded on the recording medium 111, temporarily store the data in the working memory 107, and display the data on the display unit 109.

[0027] The multi-controller 115 includes up, down, left, and right cross keys, and is an operation member that sends instructions to the control unit 101 for the user to select an item or image on a menu screen or the like. The user can move the cursor to a desired position by pressing the up, down, left, and right keys of the multi-controller 115, and select a desired item or image by pressing the set button 113.

[0028] The shooting button 116 is an operation member such as a shutter release button or a recording start button that the user operates to send a command to start shooting to the control unit 101. In response to pressing the shooting button 116, the control unit 101 starts a series of shooting processes such as shooting an image, displaying a quick review of the image immediately after shooting, and writing the image to the recording medium 111 in accordance with a program stored in the non-volatile memory 106.

[0029] Rating button 117 is an operating member that sends an instruction to assign a rating to the image being played back to control unit 101. In response to pressing of rating button 117 while an image is being played back, control unit 101 assigns a rating to the image being played back.

[0030] The enlargement button 118 is an operating member that sends an instruction to the control unit 101 to enlarge and display the image being played back. In response to the enlargement button 118 being pressed while the image is being played back, the control unit 101 enlarges the image being played back.

[0031] Next, the system configuration of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0032] In FIG. 2, in the system of this embodiment, the imaging device 100 described above is connected to an external device 200 such as a smartphone or a server computer (PC) as an image transfer destination via a network 201 that performs wireless or wired communication, and transfers the captured image. Although not shown, the external device 200 includes a control unit, a working memory, a non-volatile memory, an image processing unit, a communication unit, a display unit, an operation unit, a recording medium, and the like, similar to the imaging device 100. The network 201 is not particularly limited in communication method as long as data such as images can be transferred between devices. In this embodiment, as a use case for transferring images from the imaging device 100 to the external device 200, data communication based on FTP (File Transfer Protocol), which is one of the technologies used in the reporting business of television stations and newspapers, is assumed. In FTP, a function for automatically transferring images captured by the imaging device 100 and a function for starting image transfer by performing a predetermined operation during image playback can be used. In particular, in big events such as the Olympics, it is assumed that the photographer and the editor who processes the images are different, and in such a situation, it is required to transfer the captured images to the editor as soon as possible. In addition, as cameras' continuous shooting functions have become more powerful, it is possible to take a large number of images at once. Even in such situations, it is important to be able to quickly and easily select and transfer the images you want to transfer.

[0033] <Image Transfer Processing> Next, the image transfer processing by the imaging device 100 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0034] FIG. 3(a) illustrates an example of the display state of the display unit 109 during image playback. In response to pressing the playback button 114, the control unit 101 reads out image data recorded in the recording medium 111 and displays it on the display unit 109, while simultaneously displaying image-related information such as the file name 300 of the currently displayed image. In addition, in this embodiment, when it is determined that two specific buttons of the operation unit 108 are simultaneously pressed during image playback, the control unit 101 performs control so as to designate the currently played image as the image to be transferred. There are various configurations for which buttons the two buttons are assigned to, but it is generally desirable to assign them to a button that can be operated with the right hand and a button that can be operated with the left hand. This is because it is easy for the photographer to press the buttons simultaneously. For example, the two buttons are located on the left and right ends of the rear surface of the camera body when the camera is held in a horizontal position. In this embodiment, the image to be transferred is designated in response to the OK button 112 and the set button 113 being simultaneously pressed. Note that instead of the OK button 112, a rating button 117 or a magnification button 118 may be used. Considering the operability of buttons that are pressed simultaneously, it is easier for the user to operate the buttons if they are located at the left and right ends of the back of the camera body when the camera is held horizontally.

[0035] 3(b) illustrates a state in which a first indicator 301 is displayed on the display unit 109 superimposed on the reproduced image to indicate that the image is an image to be transferred. By displaying the first indicator 301 indicating that the reproduced image is an image to be transferred in this manner, it is possible to clearly indicate to the user that the reproduced image is an image to be transferred. Then, when an image to be transferred exists as described above and a connection with a transfer destination external device has been established by the communication unit 110, the control unit 101 performs control so as to automatically transfer the image to be transferred.

[0036] FIG. 3(c) illustrates an example of a state in which an image to be transferred is being transferred. During image transfer, a second indicator 302 displayed with a dotted line is displayed on the display unit 109, indicating that a playback image is being transferred. In the illustrated example, the icon display form is changed between the first indicator 301 and the second indicator 302, but the icon display form may be the same and the color, etc. may be changed. The icon may also be made to blink. It is only necessary to clearly indicate to the user that the image has been selected as an image to be transferred and is waiting to be transferred, and has changed to a state in which it is being transferred. FIG. 3(d) illustrates an example of a state after the transfer of the image to be transferred is completed. After the transfer of the image is completed, a third indicator 303 indicating that the transfer of the image is completed is displayed on the display unit 109. As with the second indicator 302 during image transfer shown in FIG. 3(c), the third indicator 303 may be displayed by changing the icon display form, color, etc. 3B, when the OK button 112 and the set button 113 are pressed simultaneously while the image to be transferred is being played back, the control unit 101 cancels the designation of the image to be transferred. In this embodiment, pressing the OK button 112 and the set button 113 simultaneously functions as a toggle button that switches whether or not to designate the image to be transferred.

[0037] <Transfer Management List> Next, the transfer management list for managing images to be transferred will be described with reference to FIG.

[0038] In FIG. 4, 400 is an image of an image file recorded on the recording medium 111. In the following, it is assumed that three file names, IMG_0001, IMG_0002, and IMG_0003, exist as image-related information of the image file 400 recorded on the recording medium 111, and a description will be given in accordance with each state of FIG. 3(a) to (d). In the state of FIG. 3(a), the image IMG_0001 is displayed on the display unit 109. In this state, when the control unit 101 detects that the OK button 112 and the set button 113 are pressed simultaneously, it adds the file name (IMG_0001) to the transfer management list 401 as image-related information of the image to be transferred, and sets the transfer status indicating the transfer state of the image to "waiting for transfer". Then, as shown in FIG. 3(b), a first indicator 301 indicating that the image is a transfer target image is displayed on the display unit 109. Thereafter, when the image transfer status is switched to "in progress" as shown in FIG. 3(c), the control unit 101 updates the transfer status of the image (IMG_0001) to be transferred in the transfer management list 402 to "transferring". Thereafter, when the image transfer is completed as shown in FIG. 3(d), the control unit 101 updates the transfer status of the image (IMG_0001) to be transferred in the transfer management list 403 to "transfer completed". Here, the control of the transfer management list when one image file is selected as the transfer target and the image is waiting to be transferred, being transferred, and transferred completed has been described, but it is also possible to add a plurality of images to be transferred to the transfer management list in advance as shown in 404. In this case, in response to the simultaneous pressing of the OK button 112 and the set button 113 each time the playback image is switched, the images to be transferred are added sequentially as shown in the transfer management lift 404. Then, the transfer status is updated each time each image to be transferred goes from waiting to be transferred to being transferred and transferred. The transfer management list is recorded in the non-volatile memory 106 or the recording medium 111, and is expanded in the working memory 107 when the control unit 101 uses it.

[0039] The transfer status of an image to be transferred can be "waiting for transfer", "transferring", or "transfer completed", while the transfer status of an image to be prioritized for transfer, which will be described later, can be "waiting for priority transfer", "transferring", or "priority transfer in progress".

[0040] In the above description, the transfer process of the playback image has been described, but the process of automatically transferring the captured image will also be described. The imaging device 100 of this embodiment has a function of allowing the user to select in advance whether or not to transfer the captured image on a menu screen or the like, and automatically transferring the captured image to the transfer destination when the captured image is set to be automatically transferred. Even in this case, the automatic transfer at the time of shooting can be realized by adding the captured images to the transfer management list in the order in which they were shot, just like the playback images.

[0041] In the above-mentioned transfer process of played back images and captured images, the images to be transferred are transferred in the order registered in the transfer management list, but in this case, it would be convenient if images that are later in the transfer order or images that are not specified as transfer targets could be moved to the top of the order and transferred preferentially. Such a function is particularly useful in use cases where it is required to transfer images as quickly as possible. Therefore, in this embodiment, a technology is realized that allows the images to be selected and transferred quickly with a simple operation while maintaining the button layout of the existing camera and without compromising the original operability.

[0042] The priority transfer process of this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0043] <Priority transfer process when playing images> Fig. 5 shows an example of the display when priority transfer is performed during image playback. The image to be transferred during playback in Fig. 5(a) and during playback in Fig. 5(b) is designated as described in Fig. 3(a) and Fig. 3(b). When the OK button 112 and the set button 113 are pressed simultaneously for a predetermined period of time or longer during playback of the image to be transferred 500 as shown in Fig. 5(b), the control unit 101 sets the image to be transferred 500 being played as the image to be transferred with priority transfer.

[0044] FIG. 5(c) illustrates a state in which the image 500 to be transferred is set as a priority transfer target by simultaneously pressing and holding the OK button 112 and the set button 113 in the state of FIG. 5(b). In the state of FIG. 5(c), the image related information (file name) of the image 500 to be transferred is moved to the top of the transfer management list, and the transfer status is updated to "waiting for priority transfer". Then, a fourth indicator 502 is displayed on the display unit 109 superimposed on the image 500 to be transferred, indicating that the image has been set as a priority transfer target. The fourth indicator 502 is displayed in a different form and color from the icon of the first indicator 501 so as to be distinguishable from the first indicator 501, and clearly indicates to the user that the image is a priority transfer target. In the illustrated example, the display form of the icon is changed between the first indicator 501 and the fourth indicator 502, but the display form of the icon may be the same and the color may be changed. It is only necessary to clearly indicate to the user that the image to be transferred has been changed to a priority transfer target.

[0045] Fig. 5(d) illustrates a state in which an image to be transferred with priority is being transferred. In the state of Fig. 5(d), the transfer status of the image to be transferred 500 is updated to "priority transfer in progress", and a fifth indicator 503 indicating that the image to be transferred with priority is being transferred is displayed on the display unit 109. In the illustrated example, the fourth indicator 502 and the fifth indicator 503 have different icon display forms, but the icon display forms may be the same and the colors may be different. It is only necessary to clearly indicate to the user that the image to be transferred with priority has changed from a selected state to a state in which it is being transferred.

[0046] FIG. 5(e) illustrates a state after the transfer of the image to be transferred with priority is completed. In the state of FIG. 5(e), the transfer status of the image to be transferred 500 is updated to "priority transfer completed", and the display unit 109 displays a sixth indicator 504 indicating that the transfer of the image is completed. Note that it is not necessary to distinguish the image whose transfer has been completed from a normal icon, but a different display from the normal one may be used to clearly indicate to the user that the priority transfer has been completed. As with the fifth indicator 503 during the image transfer shown in FIG. 5(d), the sixth indicator 504 may be displayed by changing the display form or color of the icon. Note that when the OK button 112 and the set button 113 are pressed simultaneously in a state where the image is set as the image to be transferred with priority as shown in FIG. 5(c), the control unit 101 cancels the setting of the priority transfer.

[0047] Here, a method of setting an image to be transferred preferentially, which is different from that shown in FIG. 5, will be described. After an image to be transferred is designated as shown in FIG. 5(b) and a first indicator 501 is displayed on the display unit 109, the OK button 112 and the set button 113 are temporarily released, and the OK button 112 or the set button 113 is pressed within a predetermined time, so that the image to be transferred 500 can be set as an image to be transferred preferentially. In this setting method, the OK button 112 and the set button 113 are simultaneously pressed to designate an image to be transferred, and then either of the buttons is pressed again within a predetermined time to set the image to be transferred preferentially. Here, in addition to the time constraint of within a predetermined time, for example, a condition of a period until the display unit 109 turns off and transitions to a shooting standby state may be used. Also, a period until the next image is played back may be used.

[0048] <Priority transfer when taking pictures> FIG. 6 shows a display example in which a priority transfer target is set when an image is captured. FIG. 6(a) shows an example of a capture standby state in which live view images are displayed one after another on the display unit 109. When the capture button 116 is pressed from this capture standby state, normal capture processing is started. Here, a use case is assumed in which an image to be captured is to be transferred preferentially over existing images to be transferred. In this embodiment, taking such a use case into consideration, when the capture button 116 is pressed with the OK button 112 pressed in the capture standby state of FIG. 6(a), one or more images captured thereafter can be set as priority transfer targets. In this case, it is better to arrange the OK button 112 in a position that can be operated with the left hand, as in this embodiment, in comparison with the capture button 116 operated with the right hand.

[0049] FIG. 6(b) illustrates a quick review state for checking an image immediately after shooting. The shot image 600 in FIG. 6(b) is an image shot with the OK button 112 pressed, and therefore has already been set as a priority transfer target at the time of quick review. Therefore, a fourth indicator 601 indicating that the image is a priority transfer target image is displayed on the display unit 109 superimposed on the shot image 600. FIG. 6(c) illustrates a state when the camera returns to a shooting standby state after quick review. Although FIG. 6(c) illustrates a state in which the camera is in preparation for the next shooting, the control unit 101 cooperates with the communication unit 110 to continue transferring the shot image in the background.

[0050] <Priority forwarding during quick review> Fig. 7 shows an example of a display when images to be preferentially transferred are set during quick review. Fig. 7(a) shows a shooting standby state in which live view images are successively displayed on the display unit 109, similar to Fig. 6(a).

[0051] Fig. 7(b) illustrates a quick review state immediately after the capture button 116 is pressed from the state of Fig. 7(a) and capture processing is performed. Here, a use case is assumed in which, when a captured image is confirmed in quick review, the confirmed image is to be transferred preferentially over existing images to be transferred. In this embodiment, taking such a use case into consideration, the OK button 112 and the set button 113 can be pressed simultaneously during the quick review of Fig. 7(b) to set the captured image 700 being reviewed as a transfer priority target.

[0052] Fig. 7(c) shows a state in which the image being quick reviewed has been set as an image to be preferentially transferred. A fourth indicator 701 is displayed on the display unit 109, indicating that the captured image 700 being quick reviewed has been set as an image to be preferentially transferred. Fig. 7(d) shows an example of a state in which the camera returns to a standby state after a quick review, similar to Fig. 6(c), with image transfer continuing in the background.

[0053] Fig. 8 shows a display example of a priority transfer target image different from that of Fig. 7. Fig. 8(a) shows a shooting standby state similar to Fig. 7(a). In the shooting standby state of Fig. 8(a), when the OK button 112 and the set button 113 are pressed simultaneously, a seventh indicator 802 indicating that the image has been designated as a transfer target image is displayed superimposed on a live view image 810 as shown in Fig. 8(b). From the state of Fig. 8(b), by pressing the shooting button 116 while pressing the OK button 112, it is possible to set one or more images captured thereafter as priority transfer targets.

[0054] FIG. 8(c) illustrates a quick review state for confirming an image immediately after shooting, similar to FIG. 7(b). The shot image 800 in FIG. 8(c) has already been set as a priority transfer target at the time of quick review, and a fourth indicator 801 indicating that the image is a priority transfer target image is displayed on the display unit 109. FIG. 8(d) illustrates a state when the shooting standby state is returned to after quick review. Although FIG. 8(d) illustrates a state in which the next shooting is in preparation, the control unit 101 cooperates with the communication unit 110 and transfer of the shot image continues in the background. Note that in FIG. 8(d), the shooting process is completed, and the fourth indicator 801 is erased.

[0055] <Priority transfer process during image playback> Next, the setting and transfer process of images to be preferentially transferred during image playback by the imaging device 100 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Note that the process of Fig. 9 is realized by the control unit 101 of the imaging device 100 loading a control program read from the non-volatile memory 106 into the working memory 107 and executing the program. The same applies to Figs. 10, 11, 12, 13, and 15 described later.

[0056] In S900, the control unit 101 acquires a transfer management list from the non-volatile memory 106 or the recording medium 111. In S901, the control unit 101 waits without proceeding to the next process until it is determined that the play button 114 has been pressed, and if it is determined that the play button 114 has been pressed, the process proceeds to S902.

[0057] In S902, the control unit 101 checks the transfer status of the image to be played back in the transfer management list. As described in Fig. 4, the transfer status includes "waiting for transfer" or "waiting for priority transfer", "transferring" or "priority transfer in progress", and "transfer completed" or "priority transfer completed". In S903, the control unit 101 displays on the display unit 109 an indicator corresponding to the transfer status checked in S902, superimposed on the played back image.

[0058] In S904, the control unit 101 waits without proceeding to the next process until it determines that the OK button 112 and the set button 113 have been pressed simultaneously, and proceeds to S905 if it determines that the OK button 112 and the set button 113 have been pressed simultaneously. In S905, the control unit 101 checks whether the image being played back exists in the transfer management list obtained in S900, and if it does not exist in the transfer management list, proceeds to S906, and if it does exist, proceeds to S907.

[0059] In S906, the control unit 101 adds the image related information (file name) of the reproduced image to the end of the transfer management list, and proceeds to S908. In S907, the control unit 101 checks whether the transfer status of the reproduced image registered in the transfer management list is "waiting for transfer" or "waiting for priority transfer", and if it is "waiting for transfer" or "waiting for priority transfer", proceeds to S920, and if not, proceeds to S908.

[0060] In S920, the control unit 101 deletes the image related information of the played image from the transfer management list. In S921, the control unit 101 erases the display of the indicator indicating that the played image is to be transferred, resulting in the state shown in Fig. 5(a). In this way, for a played image that has already been set as a transfer target or a priority transfer target, the setting can be cancelled by simultaneously pressing the OK button 112 and the set button 113 during playback.

[0061] In S908, the control unit 101 updates the transfer management list to change the transfer status of the played back image to "waiting for transfer." In S909, the control unit 101 displays an indicator indicating that the transfer status is "waiting for transfer" on the display unit 109, and the state becomes as shown in FIG. 5(b).

[0062] In S910, the control unit 101 determines whether the OK button 112 and the set button 113 are being pressed and held simultaneously, and if so, proceeds to S911 to make the currently displayed image a target for priority transfer, and if not, proceeds to S913. In S911, the control unit 101 moves the image-related information (file name) of the currently displayed image to the top of the transfer management list, and sets the transfer status to "waiting for priority transfer."

[0063] In S912, the control unit 101 displays an indicator on the display unit 109 indicating that the image is a target image for priority transfer, resulting in a state as shown in Fig. 5(c). In S913, the control unit 101 checks the communication state with the external device 200 to which the image is to be transferred via the communication unit 110, and ends the process if a connection with the external device 200 has not been established, but proceeds to S914 if a connection has been established.

[0064] In S914, the control unit 101 waits without proceeding to the next process until the transfer of the priority transfer target image is started, and proceeds to S915 when it is determined that the transfer has started. In S915, the control unit 101 updates the transfer status in the transfer management list to "priority transfer in progress".

[0065] In S916, the control unit 101 displays an indicator indicating that priority transfer is in progress on the display unit 109, resulting in a state as shown in Fig. 5(d). In S917, the control unit 101 waits without proceeding to the next process until the priority transfer is completed, and proceeds to S918 when the priority transfer is completed.

[0066] In S918, the control unit 101 updates the transfer status in the transfer management list to "Transfer Completed." In S919, the control unit 101 displays an indicator indicating that the transfer status is "Transfer Completed" on the display unit 109, resulting in a state as shown in Fig. 5(e). When the transfer of the images subject to priority transfer is completed, the transfer of images that are not subject to priority transfer and have a transfer status of "Waiting for transfer" is started.

[0067] According to the priority transfer process of FIG. 9 described above, images to be transferred with priority can be quickly set with a simple operation that can be performed immediately after the operation of specifying the images to be transferred during image playback, thereby providing a means for adequately responding to the need to transfer images as quickly as possible.

[0068] 9, the condition for setting the image to be transferred preferentially and for starting the transfer process is set when the OK button 112 and the set button 113 are pressed and held down simultaneously in S910, but the button combination and operation method are not limited to those described above. For example, the condition may be when the set button 113 is double-clicked (pressed twice in succession) while the OK button 112 is pressed, or when the OK button 112 is double-clicked while the set button 113 is pressed. The condition may also be when the OK button 112 and the set button 113 are double-clicked simultaneously.

[0069] <Preferential Transfer Processing During Quick Review> Next, with reference to FIG. 10, a description will be given of the setting and transfer processing of images subject to preferential transfer during quick review by the imaging device 100 of this embodiment.

[0070] In S1000, the control unit 101 acquires a transfer management list from the non-volatile memory 106 or the recording medium 111. In S1001, the control unit 101 waits without proceeding to the next process until it determines that the shooting button 116 has been pressed, and if it determines that the shooting button 116 has been pressed, the process proceeds to S1002.

[0071] In S1002, it is determined whether the OK button 112 was pressed when the capture button 116 was pressed, and if the OK button 112 was not pressed, the capture process is executed and the process proceeds to S1004, and if the OK button 112 was pressed, the process proceeds to S1003. In S1003, the control unit 101 performs the capture process, moves the image-related information of the captured image to the top of the transfer management list, and sets the transfer status to "waiting for priority transfer."

[0072] In S1004, the control unit 101 displays the image captured in S1003 in a quick review on the display unit 109. In S1005, the control unit 101 checks whether the image being quick reviewed exists in the transfer management list acquired in S1000, and if it does not exist, the process proceeds to S1008, and if it does exist, the process proceeds to S1006.

[0073] In S1006, the control unit 101 acquires the transfer status of the image being quick reviewed from the transfer management list. In S1007, the control unit 101 displays on the display unit 109 an indicator corresponding to the transfer status acquired in S1006 superimposed on the image.

[0074] In S1008, the control unit 101 determines whether or not quick review is ongoing, and if so, proceeds to S1009, and if the quick review has ended, ends the process. Possible conditions for ending the quick review include when a predetermined time has elapsed since the captured image was displayed, or when the user has performed a predetermined operation, etc. In S1009, the control unit 101 determines whether the OK button 112 and the set button 113 have been pressed simultaneously, and if they have not been pressed simultaneously, returns to S1008, and if so, proceeds to S1010.

[0075] In S1010, the control unit 101 checks whether the image being quick reviewed is present in the transfer management list obtained in S1000, and if it is not present in the transfer management list, the process proceeds to S1011, and if it is present, the process proceeds to S1012.

[0076] In S1011, the control unit 101 adds image-related information for the image being quick reviewed to the top of the transfer management list, sets the transfer status to "waiting for priority transfer", and proceeds to S1016. In S1016, the control unit 101 displays an indicator on the display unit 109 indicating that the image is a target for priority transfer, superimposed on the captured image, resulting in the state shown in Fig. 7(c). Thereafter, the process returns to S1008, and the process from S1008 is continued while quick review is in progress.

[0077] In S1012, the control unit 101 checks the transfer management list to see if the transfer status of the image being quick reviewed is "waiting for priority transfer", and if it is "waiting for priority transfer", proceeds to S1014, and if not, proceeds to S1013. In S1013, the control unit 101 moves the image-related information of the image being quick reviewed to the top of the transfer management list, sets the transfer status to "waiting for priority transfer", and proceeds to S1016.

[0078] In S1014, the control unit 101 deletes the image-related information from the transfer management list after the transfer status of the image subject to priority transfer changes from "waiting for priority transfer" to "transfer completed." In S1015, the control unit 101 erases the indicator indicating that the image is subject to priority transfer from the display unit 109, resulting in the state shown in Fig. 7(b). In this way, the setting of a captured image that was set as a subject to priority transfer at the time of shooting can be cancelled by simultaneously pressing the OK button 112 and the set button 113 during quick review.

[0079] 10, images to be prioritized for transfer can be quickly set by a simple operation that can be performed simultaneously with an instruction to start shooting when shooting an image, thereby providing a means for accurately responding to the need to transfer images as quickly as possible.

[0080] Although not shown in the flowchart of Fig. 10, similarly to Fig. 9, if a connection with an external device is established, image transfer starts and the transfer status becomes "priority transfer in progress". Also, when image transfer is completed, the transfer status becomes "transfer completed". The same applies to Figs. 11, 12, 13, and 15 described below.

[0081] 9 and 10, when the OK button 112 and the set button 113 are pressed simultaneously or pressed and held simultaneously, the image related information set for the priority transfer target image in S911, S1011, and S1013 is controlled to be placed at the top of the transfer management list. On the other hand, when a priority transfer target image is already present in the transfer management list, it may be configured to be added to the end of the existing priority transfer target images. What is important is that the priority transfer target image is registered in the list so as to be transferred before other transfer target images.

[0082] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figs.

[0083] In the above-mentioned first embodiment, the priority transfer process when playing back or shooting a single image has been described. In contrast, in this embodiment, the priority transfer process when shooting multiple images in continuous shooting will be described. Fig. 11 shows the process when shooting images.

[0084] In S1100, the control unit 101 acquires a transfer management list from the non-volatile memory 106 or the recording medium 111. In S1101, the control unit 101 waits without proceeding to the next process until it is determined that the shooting button 116 has been pressed, and if it is determined that the shooting button 116 has been pressed, the process proceeds to S1102.

[0085] In S1102, the control unit 101 determines whether continuous shooting is being performed with the shooting button 116 pressed, and if it determines that continuous shooting is being performed, the process proceeds to S1103, and if it determines that single shooting is being performed, the process proceeds to S1106. In S1103, the control unit 101 determines whether the OK button 112 is pressed, and if the OK button 112 is pressed, the process proceeds to S1105, and if it is not pressed, the process proceeds to S1110.

[0086] In S1104, the control unit 101 sets a flag for setting a series of images captured by continuous shooting as a priority transfer target. In S1105, the control unit 101 causes the image processing unit 105 to generate an image file from the image data captured by continuous shooting.

[0087] In S1106, the control unit 101 sets all images captured in continuous shooting after the flag was set as images to be transferred with priority. The control unit 101 adds image-related information for all images captured in continuous shooting to the top of the transfer management list, sets the transfer status to "waiting for priority transfer", and proceeds to S1107.

[0088] In S1107, the control unit 101 determines whether the OK button 112 is being pressed continuously, and if it is pressed, the process proceeds to S1108, and if it is not pressed, the process proceeds to S1109. Whether the OK button 112 is pressed or not, the continuous shot images generated in S1105 are subject to priority transfer.

[0089] In S1108, the control unit 101 determines whether the shooting button 116 is being pressed continuously. If it is pressed, the continuous shooting continues and the process returns to S1105. If it is not pressed, the continuous shooting has ended and the process proceeds to S1109.

[0090] In S1109, the control unit 101 resets the flag set in S1104. In S1110, the control unit 101 displays a quick review of the captured image. In S1111, the control unit 101 determines whether the OK button 112 has been pressed, and if the OK button 112 has been pressed, the process proceeds to S1112, and if the OK button 112 has not been pressed, the process proceeds to S1110 and executes a process of capturing a single image that is not continuous shooting.

[0091] In S1112, the control unit 101 sets the single-shot image as a priority transfer target. The control unit 101 adds image-related information of the single-shot image to the top of the transfer management list, sets the transfer status to "waiting for priority transfer", and proceeds to S1110.

[0092] According to the priority transfer process of FIG. 11 described above, images to be transferred by priority can be set quickly with a simple operation that can be performed during continuous shooting, so that a means can be provided that accurately meets the need to transfer images as quickly as possible. For example, this can be a useful means when it is better to transfer all the images taken and have the transfer destination select the images to be transferred, rather than having the photographer at the transfer source select the images to be transferred. Also, in an emergency or other case where there is no time to check the continuous shot images when images are taken in continuous shooting and to confirm which images should be transferred preferentially, the photographer can transfer the continuous shot images preferentially with minimal effort. These advantages are particularly evident in use cases where speed is required and the transfer destination has abundant resources for checking and editing images, such as the relationship between a cameraman and a news station.

[0093] FIG. 12 shows the process of playing back images captured in continuous shooting.

[0094] In S1200, the control unit 101 acquires a transfer management list from the non-volatile memory 106 or the recording medium 111. In S1201, the control unit 101 waits without proceeding to the next process until it is determined that the play button 114 has been pressed, and if it is determined that the play button 114 has been pressed, the process proceeds to S1202.

[0095] In S1202, the control unit 101 determines whether the playback image is part of an image captured by continuous shooting, and if it is determined that the image is a continuous image, the process proceeds to S1203, and if it is determined that the image is a single image, the process proceeds to S1205. The control unit 101 determines whether the image is part of an image captured by continuous shooting based on identification information added to the metadata of the continuous shooting image.

[0096] In S1203, the control unit 101 determines whether the OK button 112 and the set button 113 are being pressed and held simultaneously. If they are, the process proceeds to S1204 to set the continuous shot images selected by the simultaneous long presses as targets for priority transfer, and if not, the process ends.

[0097] In S1204, the control unit 101 moves the image-related information of only the selected image among all the images captured by continuous shooting to the top of the transfer management list, and sets the transfer status to “waiting for priority transfer.” There are various methods for selecting images to be prioritized for transfer, but for example, it is possible to set the images by simultaneously pressing buttons each time the continuous shot images are played back, similar to the designation of the images to be transferred in FIG.

[0098] In S1205, the control unit 101 determines whether the OK button 112 and the set button 113 are pressed and held simultaneously, and if they are, proceeds to S1206 to set the reproduced image as a target for priority transfer, and if not, ends the processing.

[0099] In S1206, the control unit 101 moves the image related information of the reproduced image to the top of the transfer management list, and sets the transfer status to "waiting for priority transfer."

[0100] 12, images to be transferred by priority can be set quickly with a simple operation while playing back images captured in continuous shooting, and only selected images can be thinned out and transferred from the images captured in continuous shooting. This allows the photographer at the transfer source to easily select and transfer the images he or she wants to transfer.

[0101] Next, a modification of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0102] This embodiment is a modified example of the process in Fig. 11, in which information relating to images captured in continuous shooting is added during continuous shooting, and all images captured in continuous shooting are set as images to be transferred with priority when the OK button 112 is pressed during continuous shooting. Fig. 13 shows the priority transfer process during image shooting.

[0103] In S1300, the control unit 101 acquires a transfer management list from the non-volatile memory 106 or the recording medium 111. In S1301, the control unit 101 waits without proceeding to the next process until it is determined that the capture button 116 has been pressed, and if it is determined that the capture button 116 has been pressed, the process proceeds to S1302.

[0104] In S1302, the control unit 101 generates an image file from the captured image data by the image processing unit 105. If the generated image is an image captured by continuous shooting, the control unit 101 adds information that can identify that the image is part of an image captured by continuous shooting to the metadata of the image data so that the image can be identified.

[0105] In S1303, the control unit 101 determines whether the OK button 112 has been pressed, and if the OK button 112 has been pressed, the process proceeds to S1304, and if not, the process proceeds to S1308. In S1304, the control unit 101 sets a flag for setting images captured by continuous shooting as targets for priority transfer.

[0106] In S1305, the control unit 101 searches for images that have not been set as priority transfer targets among the continuous-shot images. If the search result indicates that there is an image that has not been set as priority transfer targets in S1306, the process proceeds to S1307, and if there is no image that has not been set as priority transfer targets, the process proceeds to S1308.

[0107] In S1307, the control unit 101 adds image related information of the continuous-shot images that are not set as targets for priority transfer to the top of the transfer management list, sets the transfer status to "waiting for priority transfer", and proceeds to S1308.

[0108] In S1308, the control unit 101 determines whether the shooting button 116 is being pressed continuously, and if it is pressed, continuous shooting continues and the process returns to S1302, and if it is not pressed, continuous shooting has ended and the process proceeds to S1309. In S1309, the control unit 101 resets the flag set in S1304. In S1310, the control unit 101 displays the captured images in a quick review.

[0109] According to the above-mentioned priority transfer process of Fig. 13, images obtained by continuous shooting can be quickly set as priority transfer target images by a simple operation that can be performed during continuous shooting, so that a means can be provided that accurately meets the need to transfer images as soon as possible. For example, this can be a useful means when it is better to transfer all captured images and have the transfer destination select them rather than having the photographer at the transfer source select the images to be transferred. Also, in an emergency or other case where there is no time to check the continuous shot images when images are shot in continuous shooting and check which images should be transferred preferentially, the photographer can transfer the continuous shot images preferentially with a minimum of effort.

[0110] Next, a method for setting the transfer order of continuous-shot images set as targets for priority transfer will be described with reference to FIG.

[0111] Reference numeral 1400 illustrates an example of a setting screen for changing the transfer order of continuous shot images set as a priority transfer target. In this embodiment, in the setting screen shown in FIG. 14, one of the transfer orders "order", "skip" and "center" can be selected. Reference numeral 1401 illustrates continuous shot images. In the illustrated example, the operation when five images are shot continuously will be described. Reference numeral 1402 illustrates an example of the registered contents of the transfer management list when "order" is selected in the setting screen 1400. When "order" is selected as the priority, each image is added to the transfer management list in the order in which it was shot, and the transfer status is set to "waiting for priority transfer". As described above, the condition for setting continuous shot images as a priority transfer target is that the shooting button 116 is pressed while the OK button 112 is pressed.

[0112] Reference numeral 1403 shows an example of the registered contents of the transfer management list when "skip" is selected on the setting screen 1400. When "skip" is selected as the priority, images captured in continuous shooting that are odd-numbered or even-numbered are added to the front of the transfer management list. In the example shown, IMG_0001, IMG0003, and IMG_0005 are added to the front of the transfer management list, and IMG_0002 and IMG_0004 are added after them. This makes it possible to set similar images captured close together to be transferred later.

[0113] 1404 shows an example of the registered contents of the transfer management list when "center" is selected on the setting screen 1400. When "center" is selected as the priority, the image in the center of the images taken in continuous shooting is added to the top of the transfer management list, the images adjacent to that image are added next in order, and the remaining images are added to the end. In the illustrated example, IMG_0003 is added to the top of the transfer management list, IMG_0002 and IMG_0004 adjacent to that image are added next in order on the transfer management list, and the remaining IMG_0001 and IMG_0005 are added to the end. This makes it possible to transfer preferentially images taken near the center of the continuous shooting at a decisive moment, for example.

[0114] By setting the transfer order of the continuous-shot images to be transferred preferentially in advance as shown in Fig. 14, the images to be transferred preferentially can be transferred in a desired order without performing another operation during the continuous-shot shooting operation. This provides a means for accurately responding to the need to transfer high-priority images as quickly as possible, and can be a supplementary means for the editor at the transfer destination to select the images to be transferred, for example.

[0115] [Third embodiment] Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0116] This embodiment describes a process in which, when an operation to set an image to be transferred preferentially is performed during image playback (long press of the OK button 112 and the Set button 113 simultaneously), the setting of the image to be transferred preferentially and the transfer process are continued until the playback mode ends.

[0117] FIG. 15 shows the setting and transfer process of images to be preferentially transferred during image playback in this embodiment.

[0118] 15 are similar to the processes in S900 to S921 in FIG. 9 of the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described.

[0119] If the connection with the external device 200 is not established in S1513, or after the transfer completion state as shown in FIG. 5(e) is displayed in S1519, the process proceeds to S1522.

[0120] In S1522, the control unit 101 determines whether the playback mode is continuing, and if the playback mode is continuing, the process proceeds to S1523, and if the playback mode has ended, the process ends. Here, the conditions for ending the playback mode are assumed to be when the shooting button 116 is pressed or when the user performs a predetermined operation (for example, when the menu button for displaying a menu screen is pressed), etc.

[0121] In S1523, the control unit 101 determines whether the OK button 112 or the set button 113 has been pressed. If not, the process returns to S1523, and if pressed, the process proceeds to S1524.

[0122] In S1524, the control unit 101 checks whether the image being played back is present in the transfer management list acquired in S1500, and if it is not present in the transfer management list, the process proceeds to S1525, and if it is present, the process proceeds to S1526.

[0123] In S1525, the control unit 101 adds image related information of the image being played back to the top of the transfer management list, sets the transfer status to "waiting for priority transfer", and proceeds to S1528. In S1528, the control unit 101 displays an indicator on the display unit 109 indicating that the image is a target image for priority transfer, superimposed on the captured image, resulting in a state as shown in Fig. 5(c). Thereafter, the process returns to S1513, and the process from S1513 is continued while in the playback mode.

[0124] In S1526, the control unit 101 checks the transfer management list to see if the transfer status of the image being played is "waiting for priority transfer", and if it is "waiting for priority transfer", proceeds to S1520, otherwise proceeds to S1527. In S1527, the control unit 101 moves the image-related information of the image being played to the top of the transfer management list, sets the transfer status to "waiting for priority transfer", and proceeds to S1528.

[0125] 15 described above, images to be prioritized for transfer can be set successively during playback mode with a simple operation (such as pressing the OK button 112 or the set button 113 alone). This provides a means for accurately responding to the need to transfer images as quickly as possible.

[0126] In FIG. 15, it has been described that when the playback mode ends in S1522, the setting of images to be transferred by priority and the transfer process are terminated. However, the condition for terminating the process may be when a predetermined time has elapsed since the image was played back or when the user has performed a predetermined operation.

[0127] In each of the above-described embodiments, the condition for setting the priority transfer target image and starting the transfer process is a combination of two buttons (OK button 112 and set button 113), but it may also be a combination of three or more buttons.

[0128] In addition, in each of the above-described embodiments, the transfer status of the transfer target image and the preferential transfer target image are displayed by icons, but the display is not limited to icons, and a message display may be used. The display method includes all possible methods.

[0129] [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. [Explanation of symbols]

[0130] 101: control unit, 103: imaging unit, 108: operation unit, 109: display unit, 110: communication unit, 112: OK button, 113: set button, 116: shooting button

Claims

1. 1. A communication device, comprising: A communication means capable of communicating with an external device; An imaging means; A display means for displaying an image; a control means for controlling a function of setting the image displayed by the display means as a transfer target image to be transferred to the external device, When a first user operation is received while a first image that is not set as the image to be transferred is being displayed by the display means and a second image that is not set as the image to be transferred is not being displayed, the control means sets the first image as the image to be transferred, when the first user operation is received while the display means is not displaying a first image that has already been set as an image to be transferred, and is displaying a second image that has not been set as an image to be transferred, the control means sets the second image as the image to be transferred, and manages the second image as an image to be transferred after the first image that has already been set as an image to be transferred; when a second user operation different from the first user operation is performed while a first image set as the transfer target image is being displayed and a second image set as the transfer target image is not being displayed, the control means sets the first image as a preferential transfer target image to be transferred preferentially over the second image set as the transfer target image, A communication device characterized in that when the second user operation is performed while a second image set as the image to be transferred is being displayed and a first image set as the image to be preferentially transferred is not being displayed, the control means sets the second image as the image to be preferentially transferred and manages the second image as an image to be sent before the first image set as the image to be preferentially transferred.

2. The communication device described in Claim 1, characterized in that when the first user operation is performed while a third image that is not set as the image to be transferred is being displayed by the display means and a first image that is set as the image to be transferred preferentially is not being displayed, the control means sets the third image as the image to be transferred.

3. The communication device described in Claim 1, characterized in that when the second user operation is performed while an image set as the priority transfer target image is being displayed, the control means cancels the setting of the priority transfer target image for the image being displayed, and sets the image being displayed as an image not to be transferred.

4. The control means further controls a setting function for automatically setting an image captured by the imaging means as the image to be transferred, The communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that when the setting function is turned off, the control means does not set the image captured by the imaging means as the image to be transferred, and when the setting function is turned on, the control means sets the image captured by the imaging means as the image to be transferred.

5. A first operating means; A second operating means different from the first operating means, 2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the first user operation is accepted via the first operation means, and a second user operation different from the first user operation is accepted via the second operation means.

6. The communication device according to claim 5 , wherein the second operation means includes a touch panel.

7. 6. The communication device according to claim 5, wherein the second operating means includes a plurality of push button type operating members.

8. 8. The communication device according to claim 7, wherein the plurality of operation members are disposed at positions facing each other with the display means therebetween.

9. 9. The communication device according to claim 7, wherein the plurality of operation members are arranged on a surface facing a surface on which a lens is arranged.

10. The communication device according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the second user operation includes an operation of pressing the first operating member while pressing the second operating member, among a first operating member and a second operating member included in the plurality of operating members.

11. The communication device according to claim 10, characterized in that the first operating member and the second operating member are both used for selection, and the second operating member is used for more general selection operations than the first operating member.

12. a release button which is an operation means different from the first operation means and the second operation means; 12. The communication device according to claim 5, wherein the image capturing means captures the image in response to depression of the release button.

13. a release button which is an operation means different from the first operation means and the second operation means; the imaging means captures the image in response to pressing of the release button; 6. The communication device according to claim 5, wherein the second operation means includes at least a push button type operation member, and is disposed on the same side of the display means as the release button.

14. Further, a playback button is provided. transitioning to a playback mode in response to a user operating the playback button; 14. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein in the reproduction mode, the display means displays the image set as the image subject to preferential transfer.

15. The communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that when the first user operation is received while an image is being displayed by the display means in a state where the device is not connected to the external device, the control means sets the image being displayed as the image to be transferred.

16. 16. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein an image set as the image subject to preferential transfer and an image not set as the image subject to preferential transfer are displayed in a distinguished manner.

17. 17. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein an image set as the image to be transferred and an image not set as the image to be transferred are displayed in a distinguishable manner.

18. 18. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein an image set as the preferential transfer target image and an image set as the transfer target image are displayed in a distinguished manner.

19. 20. The communication device according to claim 18, wherein the image set as the preferential transfer target image and the image set as the transfer target image are displayed in a distinguished manner by superimposing different icons on each other.

20. An icon resembling an arrow is superimposed on the image set as the transfer target image, The communication device according to claim 19, characterized in that an icon indicating that the image is a priority transfer target image is superimposed on the image set as the priority transfer target image in addition to the icon resembling an arrow, thereby distinguishing between the image set as the priority transfer target image and the image set as the transfer target image.

21. 21. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein images that have been transferred are displayed in a manner that distinguishes them from images that have not been transferred.

22. 22. The communication device according to claim 21, wherein the transferred image set as the transfer target image and the transferred image set as the preferential transfer target image are not displayed in a distinguished manner.

23. The communication device according to claim 21 , wherein the same icon is displayed in a superimposed manner for the transferred image set as the transfer target image and the transferred image set as the preferential transfer target image.

24. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 23, characterized in that when a connection is established with the external device while an image set as the image to be transferred is recorded, the control means controls the communication device so that the image set as the image to be transferred is automatically transmitted.

25. A method for controlling a communication device capable of communicating with an external device, comprising: The communication device includes: An imaging means; A display means for displaying an image; a control means for controlling a function of setting the image displayed by the display means as a transfer target image to be transferred to the external device, The control method includes: when a first user operation is received while a first image that is not set as the image to be transferred is being displayed by the display means and a second image that is not set as the image to be transferred is not being displayed, the control means sets the first image as the image to be transferred; when the first user operation is received while the display means is not displaying a first image that has already been set as an image to be transferred, and is displaying a second image that has not been set as an image to be transferred, the control means sets the second image as the image to be transferred, and manages the second image as an image to be transferred after the first image that has already been set as an image to be transferred; when a second user operation different from the first user operation is performed while a first image set as the transfer target image is being displayed and a second image set as the transfer target image is not being displayed, the control means sets the first image as a preferential transfer target image to be transferred preferentially over the second image set as the transfer target image, A control method characterized in that, when the second user operation is performed while a second image set as the image to be transferred is being displayed and a first image set as the image to be preferentially transferred is not being displayed, the control means sets the second image as the image to be preferentially transferred and manages the second image as an image to be sent before the first image set as the image to be preferentially transferred.

26. A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 24.

Images