COMMUNICATION DEVICE, CONTROL METHOD, SYSTEM, AND PROGRAM

Abstract

To solve the problem in which: convenience may be reduced by performing control on the premise that communication is restricted according to the amount of transmitted data regardless of whether the data is transmitted to an information apparatus in the same network segment.SOLUTION: A communication device has: connection means that connects to a wireless network; reference means that refers to the upper limit of the cumulative amount of data transmitted from the communication device through the wireless network in a predetermined period; and control means that, when the data is transmitted from the communication device through the wireless network to an information apparatus in a different network segment, controls the transmission of data on the basis of the upper limit of the cumulative amount of data, and when the data is transmitted from the communication device through the wireless network to an information apparatus in the same network segment, controls the transmission of data not on the basis of the upper limit of the cumulative amount of data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to control of a wireless communication device, and more particularly to control of data communication. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, when a user has contracted with a telecommunications carrier (hereinafter referred to as a carrier) for a communication line (hereinafter referred to as a contract line), the carrier may impose communication restrictions on the user's contract line. This is to prevent a specific user from monopolizing the carrier's communication line by transmitting a large amount of data. As a method by which a carrier prevents monopolization of a communication line, a communication restriction method is known in which, when a user communicates a certain amount on a contract line, the communication speed and data transfer amount are restricted for a certain period of time.

[0003] When a user uses a line with such communication restrictions, it takes a long time to send and receive large amounts of data, such as when watching videos or transferring data to a server, making it difficult to communicate comfortably. To solve this problem, a technology has been disclosed that allows a user to select a more suitable communication line when using multiple lines with communication restrictions.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for setting an upper limit on the amount of communication traffic for each network, and disconnecting a network that has reached the upper limit, or switching to another network. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2013-126166 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The conventional technology disclosed in the above-mentioned patent document discloses a scheme to deal with communication restrictions by measuring the amount of data in communication via a network. However, the conventional technology does not take into consideration communication with information devices in the same network segment. In communication with information devices in the same network segment, communication restrictions are not imposed by the amount of data in communication via the network. Nevertheless, control based on the assumption that communication is restricted according to the amount of data transmitted, regardless of whether the information devices are in the same network segment, may reduce convenience. For example, there is a possibility that an inconvenience will occur in which the upper limit is reached even though communication is not actually restricted. Therefore, the present invention aims to reduce the possibility of such inconveniences occurring and to improve convenience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and is characterized in that whether or not to transmit data is controlled depending on a destination to which data is transmitted from the communication device through the wireless network. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a communication device that reduces the possibility of inconvenience occurring and has improved convenience. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1A is a block diagram of a digital camera according to a first embodiment, and FIGS. [Diagram 2] 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a UI screen for wireless LAN settings displayed on the digital camera according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 3] 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a system in which a digital camera communicates with an information device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4]11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a UI screen for setting an upper limit on communication traffic displayed on the digital camera according to the first embodiment; FIG. [Diagram 5] 10 is a flowchart showing a process of determining whether the vehicle is inside or outside the same segment according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 6 is a flowchart showing a process of controlling disconnection and switching of a wireless LAN connection outside the same segment in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a UI screen for automatic transfer settings displayed on a digital camera according to a second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing a process of determining whether the vehicle is inside or outside the same segment according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are examples of means for realizing the present invention, and may be appropriately modified or changed depending on the configuration of the device to which the present invention is applied and various conditions. In addition, each embodiment may be appropriately combined.

[0011] <Digital camera configuration> 1A is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a digital camera 100, which is an example of a communication device in the first embodiment. Note that, although a digital camera 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 portable media player, a so-called tablet device, or a personal computer.

[0012] The control unit 101 is one or more processors that control each unit of the digital camera 100 in accordance with input signals and programs described below. 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.

[0013] The imaging unit 102 is composed of, for example, an optical system that controls an optical lens unit, an aperture, zoom, focus, etc., and an imaging element for converting light (image) introduced through the optical lens unit into an electrical image signal. As the imaging element, a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) or a charge coupled device (CCD) is generally used. Under the control of the control unit 101, the imaging unit 102 converts subject light imaged by a lens included in the imaging unit 102 into an electrical signal using the imaging element, performs noise reduction processing, etc., and outputs the digital data as image data. In the digital camera 100 of the first embodiment, the image data is recorded in the storage medium 107 in accordance with the DCF (Design Rule for Camera File system) standard.

[0014] The non-volatile memory 103 is an electrically erasable and recordable non-volatile memory, and stores programs executed by the control unit 101, which will be described later.

[0015] The working memory 104 is used as a buffer memory for temporarily storing image data captured by the imaging unit 102, as an image display memory for the display unit 106, a working area for the control unit 101, and the like.

[0016] The operation unit 105 is used to receive instructions from the user to the digital camera 100. The operation unit 105 includes, for example, a power switch for the user to instruct ON / OFF of the power supply of the digital camera 100, a release switch for instructing shooting, and a playback button for instructing playback of image data. In addition, the operation unit 105 includes operation members such as a dedicated connection button for starting communication with an information device via a communication unit 108 described later. In addition, a touch panel formed on a display unit 106 described later is also included in the operation unit 105. The release switch has SW1 and SW2. When the release switch is in a so-called half-pressed state, SW1 is turned ON. This accepts instructions to prepare for shooting, such as AF (autofocus) processing, AE (automatic exposure) processing, AWB (auto white balance) processing, and EF (flash pre-flash) processing. In addition, when the release switch is in a so-called full-pressed state, SW2 is turned ON. This accepts instructions to shoot.

[0017] The display unit 106 displays a viewfinder image during shooting, displays captured image data, displays characters for interactive operations, etc. Note that the display unit 106 does not necessarily have to be built into the digital camera 100. The digital camera 100 can be connected to an internal or external display unit 106, and it is sufficient that the digital camera 100 has at least a display control function for controlling the display of the display unit 106.

[0018] Storage medium 107 can record image data output from imaging unit 102. Storage medium 107 may be configured to be detachable from digital camera 100, or may be built into digital camera 100. In other words, digital camera 100 only needs to have at least a means for accessing storage medium 107.

[0019] The communication unit 108 is an interface for communicating with an external device. The digital camera 100 of the first embodiment can exchange data with the external device via the communication unit 108. Note that in the first embodiment, the communication unit 108 includes an interface for communicating with the external device via a so-called wireless LAN (Local Area Network) in accordance with the IEEE802.11 standard. The control unit 101 realizes wireless communication with the external device by controlling the communication unit 108. It is possible to exchange data with the external device by connecting to the wireless LAN and performing wireless LAN communication. Note that existing technologies such as Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) (registered trademark) can be appropriately adopted as the wireless LAN communication. Note that the communication method is not limited to wireless LAN, and includes, for example, an infrared communication method.

[0020] Furthermore, the control unit 101 measures the amount of communication when communication is performed by the communication unit 108. The control unit 101 can measure the cumulative amount of communication when communicating with an external device via the connected wireless LAN. The control unit 101 can also store the measured amount of communication in the non-volatile memory 103. Furthermore, the control unit 101 can reset the cumulative amount of communication stored in the non-volatile memory 103 at any timing.

[0021] The communication unit 108 of the digital camera 100 in the first embodiment has an access point mode (hereinafter, AP mode) in which it operates as an access point in infrastructure mode. Furthermore, the communication unit 108 has a client mode (hereinafter, CL mode) in which it operates as a client in infrastructure mode. Then, by operating the communication unit 108 in the CL mode, the digital camera 100 in the first embodiment can operate as a CL device in infrastructure mode. When the digital camera 100 operates as a CL device, it can connect to a surrounding AP device and participate in a network formed by the AP device. Furthermore, by operating the communication unit 108 in the AP mode, the digital camera 100 in the first embodiment can also operate as a simple AP (hereinafter, simple AP), which is a type of AP but has more limited functions. When the digital camera 100 operates as a simple AP, the digital camera 100 forms a network by itself. Peripheral devices of the digital camera 100 recognize the digital camera 100 as an AP device and can participate in the network formed by the digital camera 100. As described above, the program for operating the digital camera 100 is assumed to be stored in the non-volatile memory 103 .

[0022] Although the digital camera 100 in the first embodiment is a type of AP, it is a simple AP that does not have a gateway function for transferring data received from a CL device to an Internet provider, etc. Therefore, even if the digital camera 100 receives data from another device participating in the network that it has formed, it cannot transfer the data to a network such as the Internet.

[0023] Next, the external appearance of the digital camera 100 will be described. Figures 1(b) and 1(c) are diagrams showing an example of the external appearance of the digital camera 100. The release switch 105a, the playback button 105b, the directional keys 105c, the power switch 105d, the menu button 105e, and the touch panel 105f are operation members included in the above-mentioned operation unit 105. In addition, an image obtained as a result of imaging by the imaging unit 102 is displayed on the display unit 106.

[0024] The above is a description of the digital camera 100.

[0025] <Data communication function explanation> Next, the data communication function installed in the digital camera will be described.

[0026] The data communication functions installed in digital cameras can be divided into two types depending on the destination of data transmission. The first type is a function that allows a digital camera and an information device to communicate within a LAN. For example, this includes a function that allows a digital camera to be remotely operated from a smart device, and a function that allows a digital camera to transmit images captured by a digital camera to a PC (personal computer) within a LAN via a wireless LAN. The second type is a function that allows a digital camera and an information device to communicate via the Internet. For example, this includes a function that allows an image captured by a digital camera to be uploaded to a cloud server. Here, when a digital camera and an information device communicate within a LAN, the information device is referred to as an information device of the same network segment. Also, when a digital camera and an information device communicate via the Internet, the information device is referred to as an information device of a different network segment. In IPv4, the same network segment refers to IP addresses with the same network part, and different network segments refer to IP addresses with different network parts. Also, in IPv6, a prefix including a routing prefix and a subnet ID corresponds to the network part in IPv4. Therefore, in IPv6, the same network segment refers to those with the same IP address prefix, and different network segments refer to those with different IP address prefixes. Note that the IP addresses may be private IP addresses or global IP addresses. Note that, hereinafter, information devices in the same network segment are also referred to as information devices within the same segment, and information devices in different network segments are also referred to as information devices outside the same segment.

[0027] <Wireless LAN settings for digital cameras> Next, we will explain the settings required when connecting a digital camera to a router via wireless LAN in order to use the data communication function.

[0028] 2(a), 2(b), and 2(c) show examples of UI (user interface) screens when configuring the digital camera 100 for wireless LAN.

[0029] We will use this UI screen diagram to explain how to set up a wireless LAN.

[0030] First, in FIG. 2(a), it is assumed that a data communication function to be used has been selected by the user. The control unit 101 of the digital camera 100 controls the display unit 106 to display a UI screen 201. The control unit 101 controls the display unit 106 to display options "Connect" and "Add connection" and to allow the user to select a connection procedure. If "Connect" is selected, a connection to the wireless LAN is made as is. In that case, the user selects an arbitrary wireless LAN from the wireless LAN settings stored in the non-volatile memory 103 and makes a connection. If "Add connection" is selected, a wireless LAN setting is added and then a connection is made.

[0031] Next, in FIG. 2(b), it is assumed that the user has selected "Add connection". When "Add connection" is selected, the control unit 101 controls the display unit 106 to display a UI screen 202 in order to add a wireless LAN setting. The UI screen displays "Easy connection" and "Manual connection", and the user is prompted to select a method for connecting to the wireless LAN. When "Easy connection" is selected, the control unit 101 performs a wireless LAN search, and controls the system to search for wireless LANs that exist in the vicinity. When "Manual connection" is selected, the user is prompted to manually set the setting values ​​required for the wireless LAN to which the user wishes to connect, such as the SSID, IP address, and password of the wireless LAN.

[0032] Next, in Fig. 2(c), it is assumed that the user has selected "easy connection." The control unit 101 controls the display unit 106 to display a UI screen 203. The UI screen 203 displays a list of discovered wireless LANs, and the user is prompted to select the wireless LAN to which the user wishes to connect. Once the wireless LAN to which the user wishes to connect has been selected, the user is prompted to set the password for the selected wireless LAN, the method for obtaining the IP address, and the like, and then the connection is established.

[0033] The above set values ​​can be stored as wireless LAN setting values ​​in the non-volatile memory 103 of the digital camera 100, and multiple values ​​can also be stored. In addition, since the values ​​are stored in the non-volatile memory 103, it is also possible to change the set values ​​later.

[0034] <System configuration diagram> Next, the system configuration in the first embodiment will be described.

[0035] FIG. 3 is a system configuration diagram when the digital camera 100, the information terminal 311, and the information terminal 312 communicate with each other. The digital camera 100, the information terminal 311, and the information terminal 312 communicate with each other via a router 331, and the digital camera 100 connects to the router 331 using a wireless LAN 321. The information terminal 311 is connected to the router 331 and exists in the same wireless network as the digital camera 100. That is, the network parts of the IP addresses of the digital camera 100 and the information terminal 311 are the same, and the two are information devices in the same network segment. The information terminal 311 and the router 331 may be connected wirelessly or by wire, as long as they are information devices in the same network segment. The information terminal 312 exists beyond the Internet 341, outside the wireless network in which the digital camera 100 exists. That is, the network parts of the IP addresses of the digital camera 100 and the information terminal 312 are different, and the two are information devices in different network segments. The information terminal 311 is, for example, a PC or a smart device, and has a function of remotely operating a digital camera. The information terminal 312 is, for example, an FTP server or a cloud server, and has a function of saving images taken by the digital camera in the server. The communication path differs depending on whether the digital camera 100 and the information terminals 311 and 312 are on the same wireless network, i.e., whether the network segments are the same or not.

[0036] First Embodiment <Setting communication volume limits> Next, we will explain how to set an upper limit on communication volume for each wireless LAN setting on a digital camera.

[0037] 4(a), 4(b), and 4(c) show examples of UI screens that allow a user to set an upper limit on communication volume for each wireless LAN setting.

[0038] First, in FIG. 4(a), a situation is assumed in which the user selects whether or not to set an upper limit on the communication amount for the wireless LAN. Here, "Yes" indicates that an upper limit on the communication amount is set for the wireless LAN. Also, "No" indicates that an upper limit on the communication amount is not set for the wireless LAN, that is, that communication is set so that there is no upper limit. The control unit 101 displays a UI screen 401 on the display unit 106. "Yes" and "No" are displayed on the screen, and the user is prompted to select whether or not to set an upper limit on the communication amount. If the user selects "Yes" 403, the control unit 101 controls the UI screen 401 to be switched to a UI screen 404. If the user selects "No" 402, the control unit 101 controls the UI screen 401 to be closed, and the setting of the upper limit is terminated.

[0039] Next, in FIG. 4(b), it is assumed that the user selects "Yes" 403. A UI screen 404 allows the user to set an upper limit on the amount of communication. A numerical value, a button 405 for increasing the numerical value, and a button 406 for decreasing the numerical value are arranged on the screen, and the user is allowed to set the upper limit on the amount of communication. After operating buttons 405 and 406, the user operates decision button 407 to move to the next screen. The control unit 101 controls the non-volatile memory 103 of the digital camera 100 to store the set upper limit on the amount of communication together with the wireless LAN setting values ​​described above.

[0040] Next, in FIG. 4(c), a scene is assumed in which the user operates the decision button 407 and then sets the timing for resetting the accumulated communication volume.

[0041] After the user sets the upper limit of the communication amount on the UI screen 404, the control unit 101 controls the display unit 106 to switch to the UI screen 409. On the UI screen 409, the user is prompted to set the timing for resetting the cumulative communication amount, i.e., a predetermined period. On the UI screen 409, a date and a button for operating the date are arranged on the screen, and the user is prompted to set the reset date every month. Here, a button 410 for increasing the numerical value, a button 411 for decreasing the numerical value, and a decision button 412 are arranged. In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the cumulative communication amount is reset at a predetermined period, but the reset may be performed by any method that allows the user to specify any timing. For example, the user may be prompted to set the number of days remaining until the reset date, or to set the device not to reset.

[0042] In this embodiment, it is assumed that this UI screen is displayed at the end of the communication settings of the digital camera, and the user is prompted to set the upper limit of the communication amount. However, since the upper limit of the communication amount can be set as long as the wireless LAN for which the user wants to set the upper limit of the communication amount is confirmed, the timing of the setting is not limited. Also, as described above, the communication setting value is stored in the non-volatile memory 103 of the digital camera 100, and therefore can be changed later. In other words, this UI screen may be displayed after the communication function is terminated, and the user may be prompted to change it.

[0043] <Processing to determine whether the segment is inside or outside the same segment> Next, a process will be described in which the digital camera 100 determines whether the information device to which data is to be transmitted is located inside or outside the same segment. That is, a process will be described in which the digital camera 100 determines whether the information device to which data is to be transmitted is located inside or outside the same segment.

[0044] 5 is a flowchart showing the process of determining whether an object is inside or outside the same segment by the digital camera 100. The process will be described in detail with reference to this flowchart.

[0045] In S501, the control unit 101 of the digital camera 100 determines whether the data communication function selected in the digital camera 100 has a communication path for communication outside the same segment. If it is not determined that the function has a communication path for communication outside the same segment, the process proceeds to S507. If it is determined that the function has a communication path for communication outside the same segment, the process proceeds to S502.

[0046] In S502, the control unit 101 performs a wireless LAN search and determines whether or not there is a connectable wireless LAN. If the control unit 101 determines that there is no connectable wireless LAN, it does not connect to the wireless LAN and ends the same segment inside / outside determination process. If the control unit 101 determines that there is a connectable wireless LAN, it advances the process to S503.

[0047] In S503, the control unit 101 connects to the wireless LAN with the highest priority. The method of determining the priority is assumed to be a method of giving priority to the wireless LAN with the largest value obtained by subtracting the cumulative communication amount from the upper limit of the communication amount. In other words, the wireless LAN is connected to the wireless LAN with the largest remaining amount of data that can be transmitted up to the upper limit, which is obtained by subtracting the cumulative data amount communicated during a predetermined period from the set upper limit of the cumulative data amount. However, any method may be used as long as it is possible to select a wireless LAN with a cumulative communication amount that does not exceed the upper limit of the communication amount.

[0048] In S504, the control unit 101 acquires the IP address of the information device with which the digital camera 100 is to communicate. The IP address is assumed to be acquired by querying a DNS server for the domain name of the information device. However, if the IP address of the information device is stored in the non-volatile memory 103 of the digital camera 100, that IP address may be used. Alternatively, the IP address may be set by the user at the timing of S504.

[0049] In S505, the control unit 101 determines whether the network portion of the IP address of the acquired information device is the same as that of the IP address of the digital camera 100. If it is determined that the network portions are not the same, the process proceeds to S506, and if it is determined that they are the same, the process proceeds to S507.

[0050] In S506, the control unit 101 determines that the information device to which the data is to be transmitted is outside the same segment, and ends the same segment / outside determination process.

[0051] In S507, the control unit 101 determines that the information device to which the data is to be transmitted is in the same segment, and ends the process of determining whether the information device is in the same segment or not.

[0052] <Communication processing outside the same segment> Next, a process in which the digital camera communicates with an information device outside the same segment will be described.

[0053] 6 is a flowchart of a process in which the digital camera 100 communicates with an information device outside the same segment. The process will be described in detail using this flowchart.

[0054] In S601, the control unit 101 of the digital camera 100 communicates data with an information device while measuring the amount of communication the digital camera 100 uses with a communication device outside the same segment, and proceeds to S602 when data communication has been performed until the amount of communication has reached a certain amount. Note that in this embodiment, the processing proceeds when data communication has been performed until the amount of communication has reached a certain amount, but the timing for proceeding with the processing is not limited as long as the method can periodically check the accumulated amount of communication. For example, the processing may proceed at regular intervals. Note that in this flowchart, the control unit 101 measures the amount of communication with an information device outside the same segment.

[0055] In S602, the control unit 101 determines whether the cumulative communication volume of the connected wireless LAN, i.e., the cumulative communication volume of the wireless LAN in communication, exceeds the upper limit of the communication volume set for the wireless LAN. If the control unit 101 determines that the upper limit of the communication volume has been exceeded, the process proceeds to S603, and if not, the process proceeds to S604.

[0056] In S603, the control unit 101 performs a wireless LAN search and determines whether there is a connectable wireless LAN. If the control unit 101 determines that there is a connectable wireless LAN, the process proceeds to S606, and if it determines that there is no connectable wireless LAN, the control unit 101 disconnects the wireless LAN and ends the communication process.

[0057] In S604, the control unit 101 performs a wireless LAN search to determine whether there is a wireless LAN different from the connected wireless LAN. If the control unit 101 determines that a different wireless LAN has been detected, the process proceeds to S605, and if it determines that a different wireless LAN has not been detected, the process proceeds to S607.

[0058] In S605, the control unit 101 determines whether or not there is a wireless LAN with a higher priority than the connected wireless LAN among the wireless LANs detected in S604. The method of determining the priority is assumed to be one of the methods described in S503. If the control unit 101 determines that there is a wireless LAN with a higher priority than the connected wireless LAN, the process proceeds to S606. If the control unit 101 determines that there is no wireless LAN with a higher priority than the connected wireless LAN, the process proceeds to S607 with the wireless LAN in communication remaining.

[0059] In S606, the control unit 101 switches the connection to a wireless LAN with a higher priority, that is, switches the connection from the wireless LAN to which the connection has been established to the wireless LAN with a higher priority.

[0060] In S607, the control unit 101 determines whether to end the communication. If the control unit 101 determines not to end the communication, the process proceeds to S601, and the above-described process is repeated until it is determined to end the communication. If the control unit 101 determines to end the communication, it disconnects the wireless LAN connection and ends the process. Note that the criteria for determining whether to end the communication may include, for example, whether data transmission is complete or a communication error has occurred.

[0061] Furthermore, when the digital camera 100 communicates with an information device in the same segment, the control unit 101 performs communication processing without referring to the upper limit of communication traffic. The control unit 101 performs a wireless LAN search, connects to the discovered wireless LAN, and performs communication. At this time, since the upper limit of communication traffic is not referred to, even if a wireless LAN whose cumulative communication traffic has reached the upper limit is discovered, the control unit 101 can connect to the wireless LAN and perform communication.

[0062] Second Embodiment In the second embodiment, a digital camera that communicates not based on the cumulative amount of data transmitted, but based on a setting for each wireless LAN setting as to whether or not the wireless LAN setting is to be used for transmitting data to an information device outside the same segment, will be described.

[0063] <Setting whether to use for communication with information devices outside the same segment> Next, a method for setting whether to use each wireless LAN setting in the digital camera for communication with an information device outside the same segment will be described. In this embodiment, an automatic transfer function will be described as an example of communication with an information device outside the same segment.

[0064] 7 shows an example of a UI screen assuming a situation where the user sets whether or not to use the wireless LAN for the automatic transfer function. First, the control unit 101 of the digital camera 100 displays a UI screen 701 on the display unit 106. "Yes" and "No" are displayed on the screen, and the user is prompted to select whether or not to use the wireless LAN for the automatic transfer function. The item selected by the user is stored as a setting value in the non-volatile memory 103 of the digital camera 100 together with the wireless LAN setting value described above. Note that in this embodiment, when "Yes" is selected, it is assumed that the automatic transfer function is permitted, and when "No" is selected, it is assumed that the automatic transfer function is restricted. Note that it may be possible to set a case where transmission is done manually instead of using the automatic transfer function.

[0065] In this embodiment, it is assumed that this UI screen is displayed at the end of the wireless LAN setting of the digital camera, and the user is prompted to set whether to use the wireless LAN for the automatic transfer function. However, as long as the wireless LAN that the user wants to set to be used for the automatic transfer function is confirmed, it is possible to set whether to use the wireless LAN for the automatic transfer function, so there is no limitation on the timing of the setting. Also, as described above, the wireless LAN setting value is stored in the non-volatile memory 103 of the digital camera 100, so it can be changed later. In other words, this UI screen may be displayed after the communication function is terminated, and the user may be prompted to change it.

[0066] <Processing to determine whether the segment is inside or outside the same segment> Next, a process for determining whether the information device to which the digital camera is sending data is located inside or outside the same segment will be described. That is, a process for determining whether the communication destination information device is an information device inside or outside the same segment will be described.

[0067] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the process of digital camera 100 for determining whether an object is inside or outside the same segment.

[0068] In S501, the control unit 101 of the digital camera 100 determines whether the data communication function selected in the digital camera 100 has a communication path for communication outside the same segment. If the function does not have a communication path for communication outside the same segment, the control unit 101 advances the process to S507. If the function has a communication path for communication outside the same segment, the control unit 101 advances the process to S802.

[0069] In S802, the control unit 101 searches for wireless LANs and determines whether or not there is a wireless LAN that has been set up for use with the automatic forwarding function. If the control unit 101 determines that there is no wireless LAN that has been set up for use with the automatic forwarding function, it does not connect to the wireless LAN and ends the same segment inside / outside determination process. If the control unit 101 determines that there is a wireless LAN that has been set up for use with the automatic forwarding function, it proceeds to S803.

[0070] In S803, the control unit 101 connects to the wireless LAN to be used for automatic transfer, and proceeds to S504. At this time, if there are multiple wireless LANs set to be used for automatic transfer, it is assumed that the most recently connected wireless LAN is selected and connected. However, the wireless LAN to be selected may be any wireless LAN set to be used for automatic transfer, and the selection method is not limited.

[0071] In S504, the control unit 101 acquires the IP address of the information device that is the communication destination of the digital camera 100. The method of acquiring the IP address is as described above.

[0072] In S505, the control unit 101 determines whether the network portion of the IP address of the acquired information device is the same as that of the IP address of the digital camera 100. If the control unit 101 determines that the network portions are not the same, the process proceeds to S506, and if the control unit 101 determines that the network portions are the same, the process proceeds to S507.

[0073] In S506, the control unit 101 determines that the information device to which the data is to be transmitted is outside the same segment, and ends the same segment / outside determination process.

[0074] In S507, the control unit 101 determines that the information device to which the data is to be transmitted is in the same segment, and ends the process of determining whether the information device is in the same segment or not.

[0075] <Communication processing outside the same segment> Next, a process in which the digital camera communicates with an information device outside the same segment will be described.

[0076] When the digital camera 100 communicates with an information device in the same segment, the control unit 101 performs a wireless LAN search, and among the wireless LANs found, connects to and communicates with only those that permit automatic transfer.

[0077] In addition, when the digital camera communicates with an information device in the same segment, the control unit 101 performs a wireless LAN search and, among the wireless LANs found, connects to and communicates with not only wireless LANs that permit automatic transfer but also wireless LANs that do not permit automatic transfer.

[0078] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by executing the following process. That is, software (programs) that realize the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments are supplied to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and the computer (or control unit, MPU, etc.) of the system or device reads and executes the program code. In this case, the program and the storage medium storing the program constitute the present invention.

[0079] Although the present invention has been described in detail based on the preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various forms within the scope of the gist of the present invention are also included in the present invention. Parts of the above-described embodiments may be combined as appropriate.

[0080] In addition, each functional unit in each of the above embodiments (variations) may or may not be individual hardware. That is, a communication system may be provided in which each functional unit is configured with individual hardware. The functions of two or more functional units may be realized by common hardware. Each of a plurality of functions of one functional unit may be realized by individual hardware. Two or more functions of one functional unit may be realized by common hardware. In addition, each functional unit may or may not be realized by hardware such as an ASIC, FPGA, or DSP. For example, a device may have a processor and a memory (storage medium) in which a control program is stored. Then, the functions of at least some of the functional units of the device may be realized by the processor reading and executing the control program from the memory.

[0081] 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.

[0082] [Configuration 1] A communication device for connecting to a wireless network, A connection means for connecting to the wireless network; A reference means for referring to an upper limit of a cumulative amount of data transmitted from the communication device through the wireless network in a predetermined period of time; a control means for controlling data transmission based on the upper limit of the cumulative data amount when a destination of the data transmission through the wireless network is an information device of a different network segment, and for controlling data transmission without based on the upper limit of the cumulative data amount when a destination of the data transmission through the wireless network is an information device of the same network segment; A communication device comprising:

[0083] [Configuration 2] The method further includes acquiring a cumulative amount of data transmitted through the wireless network during a predetermined period of time. 2. The communication device according to configuration 1.

[0084] [Configuration 3] the acquiring means acquires the cumulative amount of data transmitted to the information devices of the different network segments through the wireless network; 3. The communication device according to configuration 2.

[0085] [Configuration 4] the acquiring means does not acquire the cumulative amount of data transmitted to the information device of the same network segment through the wireless network; 4. The communication device according to configuration 2 or 3.

[0086] [Configuration 5] the control means controls transmission of data based on the upper limit of the cumulative data amount and the cumulative data amount transmitted through the wireless network when the destination of data transmission through the wireless network is an information device of a different network segment, and controls transmission of data not based on the upper limit of the cumulative data amount and the cumulative data amount transmitted through the wireless network when the destination of data transmission through the wireless network is an information device of the same network segment. 5. The communication device according to any one of configurations 1 to 4.

[0087] [Configuration 6] a selection unit that selects a wireless network to connect to based on the upper limit of the cumulative data amount and the cumulative data amount transmitted through the wireless network; 6. The communication device according to any one of configurations 1 to 5.

[0088] [Configuration 7] the selection means selects a wireless network having a large remaining transmittable data amount obtained by subtracting the cumulative data amount transmitted through the wireless network from the upper limit of the cumulative data amount. 7. The communication device according to configuration 6.

[0089] [Configuration 8] a switching means for switching from the first wireless network to a second wireless network different from the first wireless network when the cumulative amount of data transmitted through the first wireless network, which is used by the communication device to transmit data to the information device of the different network segment, reaches an upper limit of the cumulative amount of data transmitted through the first wireless network; 8. The communication device according to any one of configurations 1 to 7.

[0090] [Configuration 9] the switching means switches to the second wireless network based on an upper limit of the cumulative amount of data to be transmitted through the second wireless network and a cumulative amount of data transmitted through the second wireless network. 9. The communication device according to configuration 8.

[0091] [Configuration 10] the switching means switches to the second wireless network having a larger remaining transmittable data amount, the remaining data amount being calculated by subtracting the cumulative data amount transmitted through the second wireless network from the upper limit of the cumulative data amount to be transmitted through the second wireless network; 10. The communication device according to configuration 8 or 9.

[0092] [Configuration 11] the control means controls so as not to transmit data to an information device in a different network segment through the wireless network if a cumulative amount of data transmitted through the wireless network reaches an upper limit of the cumulative amount of data to be transmitted through the wireless network. 11. The communication device according to any one of configurations 1 to 10.

[0093] [Configuration 12] In the wireless network used by the communication device to transmit data to the information device in the different network segment, the control means terminates transmission of data through the wireless network when a cumulative amount of data transmitted through the wireless network reaches an upper limit of the cumulative amount of data to be transmitted through the wireless network. 12. The communication device according to any one of configurations 1 to 11.

[0094] [Configuration 13] the acquiring means acquires a cumulative amount of data transmitted through the wireless network during the predetermined period before connecting to the wireless network; 5. The communication device according to any one of configurations 2 to 4.

[0095] [Configuration 14] the acquiring means acquires a cumulative amount of data transmitted through the second wireless network, which is different from the first wireless network, during a predetermined period from when the first wireless network is connected to the first wireless network; 14. The communication device according to any one of configurations 2 to 4 and 13.

[0096] [Configuration 15] the acquiring means acquires a cumulative amount of data transmitted through the wireless network while connected to the wireless network; 15. The communication device according to any one of configurations 2 to 4 and 13 to 14.

[0097] [Configuration 16] The information device of the same network segment is an information device having the same network part of an IP address as the communication device, and the information device of the different network segment is an information device having a different network part of an IP address than the communication device. 16. The communication device according to any one of configurations 1 to 15.

[0098] [Configuration 17] The predetermined period is one month. 17. The communication device according to any one of configurations 1 to 16.

[0099] [Configuration 18] Further, a storage means for storing the upper limit of the cumulative data amount is provided. 18. The communication device according to any one of configurations 1 to 17.

[0100] [Configuration 19] A communication device for connecting to a wireless network, A connection means for connecting to the wireless network; an acquisition means for acquiring whether to permit or restrict data transmission from the communication device through the wireless network; When transmitting data through the wireless network set to permit data transmission, control is performed so that data is transmitted through the wireless network even if the destination of the data is an information device in a different network segment or an information device in the same network segment; a control means for controlling not to transmit data over the wireless network when a destination of the data to be transmitted through the wireless network set to restrict data transmission is an information device of a different network segment, and for controlling to transmit data over the wireless network when a destination of the data to be transmitted through the wireless network set to restrict data transmission is an information device of the same network segment; A communication device comprising:

[0101] [Configuration 20] the control means, when automatically transmitting data through the wireless network set to permit transmission of the data, controls to transmit the data through the wireless network whether the destination is an information device of a different network segment or the same network segment, when the destination is an information device of a different network segment and when the destination is automatically transmitting data through the wireless network set to restrict transmission of the data, controls not to automatically transmit the data through the wireless network, and when the destination is an information device of the same network segment and when the destination is automatically transmitting data through the wireless network set to restrict transmission of the data, controls to automatically transmit the data through the wireless network. 20. The communication device according to claim 19,

[0102] [method] A method for controlling a communication device for connecting to a wireless network, comprising the steps of: a connecting step of connecting to the wireless network; a reference step of referring to an upper limit of a cumulative amount of data transmitted from the communication device through the wireless network in a predetermined period of time; a control step of controlling data transmission based on the upper limit of the cumulative data amount when the destination of the data transmission through the wireless network is an information device of a different network segment, and controlling data transmission not based on the upper limit of the cumulative data amount when the destination of the data transmission through the wireless network is an information device of the same network segment; 13. A method for controlling a communication device, comprising:

[0103] [program] A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the communication device according to configurations 1 to 20.

[0104] [system] a connection device for connecting to the wireless network; a reference device that references an upper limit of a cumulative amount of data transmitted from the communication device through the wireless network in a predetermined period of time; a control device that controls data transmission based on the upper limit of the cumulative data amount when the destination of data transmission through the wireless network is an information device of a different network segment, and controls data transmission without based on the upper limit of the cumulative data amount when the destination of data transmission through the wireless network is an information device of the same network segment; A communication system comprising:

[0105] [system] a connection device for connecting to the wireless network; an acquisition device for acquiring whether to permit or restrict data transmission from the communication device through the wireless network; a control device which, when transmitting data through the wireless network set to permit data transmission, controls the data to be transmitted through the wireless network whether the destination is an information device of a different network segment or the same network segment, controls not to transmit data through the wireless network when the destination is an information device of a different network segment through the wireless network set to restrict data transmission, and controls to transmit data through the wireless network when the destination is an information device of the same network segment through the wireless network set to restrict data transmission; A communication system comprising:

Claims

1. A communication device for connecting to a wireless network, A connection means for connecting to the wireless network; A reference means for referring to an upper limit of a cumulative amount of data transmitted from the communication device through the wireless network in a predetermined period of time; a control means for controlling data transmission based on the upper limit of the cumulative data amount when a destination to which data is transmitted from the communication device through the wireless network is an information device of a different network segment, and for controlling data transmission not based on the upper limit of the cumulative data amount when a destination to which data is transmitted from the communication device through the wireless network is an information device of the same network segment; a selection means for selecting a wireless network to connect to based on the upper limit of the cumulative data amount and the cumulative data amount transmitted from the communication device through the wireless network; the selection means selects a wireless network having a large remaining transmittable data amount obtained by subtracting the cumulative data amount transmitted from the communication device through the wireless network from the upper limit of the cumulative data amount. A communication device comprising:

2. The method further includes acquiring a cumulative amount of data transmitted from the communication device through the wireless network during a predetermined period of time.

2. The communication device according to claim 1 .

3. the acquiring means acquires the cumulative amount of data transmitted from the communication device to the information device of the different network segment through the wireless network; 3. The communication device according to claim 2.

4. the acquiring means does not acquire the cumulative amount of data transmitted from the communication device to the information device of the same network segment through the wireless network; 3. The communication device according to claim 2.

5. the control means, when the destination to which data is transmitted from the communication device through the wireless network is an information device in a different network segment, controls transmission of the data based on the upper limit of the cumulative data amount and the cumulative data amount transmitted from the communication device through the wireless network, and when the destination to which data is transmitted from the communication device through the wireless network is an information device in the same network segment, controls transmission of the data not based on the upper limit of the cumulative data amount and the cumulative data amount transmitted from the communication device through the wireless network.

5. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second inputs are connected to the first and second inputs.

6. a switching means for switching from the first wireless network to a second wireless network different from the first wireless network when the cumulative amount of data transmitted from the communication device through the first wireless network, which the communication device uses to transmit data to an information device in the different network segment, reaches an upper limit of the cumulative amount of data transmitted from the communication device through the first wireless network; 5. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second inputs are connected to the first and second inputs.

7. A communication device for connecting to a wireless network, A connection means for connecting to the wireless network; A reference means for referring to an upper limit of a cumulative amount of data transmitted from the communication device through the wireless network in a predetermined period of time; a control means for controlling data transmission based on the upper limit of the cumulative data amount when a destination to which data is transmitted from the communication device through the wireless network is an information device of a different network segment, and for controlling data transmission not based on the upper limit of the cumulative data amount when a destination to which data is transmitted from the communication device through the wireless network is an information device of the same network segment; a switching means for switching from the first wireless network to a second wireless network different from the first wireless network when the cumulative amount of data transmitted from the communication device through the first wireless network, which the communication device uses to transmit data to an information device in the different network segment, reaches an upper limit of the cumulative amount of data transmitted from the communication device through the first wireless network, the switching means switches to the second wireless network based on an upper limit of the cumulative amount of data transmitted from the communication device through the second wireless network and a cumulative amount of data transmitted from the communication device through the second wireless network. A communication device comprising:

8. the switching means switches to the second wireless network having a larger transmittable remaining data amount, the transmittable remaining data amount being calculated by subtracting the cumulative data amount transmitted from the communication device through the second wireless network from the upper limit of the cumulative data amount transmitted from the communication device through the second wireless network, 8. The communication device according to claim 7,

9. the control means controls so as not to transmit data when a cumulative amount of data transmitted from the communication device through the wireless network to an information device in a different network segment via the wireless network reaches an upper limit of the cumulative amount of data to be transmitted from the communication device through the wireless network.

6. The communication device according to claim 5,

10. In the wireless network used by the communication device to transmit data to the information device in the different network segment, the control means terminates transmission of data from the communication device through the wireless network when a cumulative amount of data transmitted from the communication device through the wireless network reaches an upper limit of the cumulative amount of data transmitted from the communication device through the wireless network.

6. The communication device according to claim 5,

11. the acquiring means acquires a cumulative amount of data transmitted from the communication device through the wireless network during the predetermined period before connecting to the wireless network; 5. A communication device according to claim 2, wherein the communication device is a communication device including a first input / output terminal and a second input / output terminal.

12. the acquiring means acquires a cumulative amount of data transmitted from the communication device through the second wireless network, which is different from the first wireless network, during a predetermined period after the communication device has connected to a first wireless network; 5. A communication device according to claim 2, wherein the communication device is a communication device including a first input / output terminal and a second input / output terminal.

13. the acquiring means acquires a cumulative amount of data transmitted from the communication device through the wireless network while the communication device is connected to the wireless network; 5. A communication device according to claim 2, wherein the communication device is a communication device including a first input / output terminal and a second input / output terminal.

14. A communication device for connecting to a wireless network, A connection means for connecting to the wireless network; A reference means for referring to an upper limit of a cumulative amount of data transmitted from the communication device through the wireless network in a predetermined period of time; a control means for controlling data transmission based on the upper limit of the cumulative data amount when a destination to which data is transmitted from the communication device through the wireless network is an information device of a different network segment, and for controlling data transmission without based on the upper limit of the cumulative data amount when a destination to which data is transmitted from the communication device through the wireless network is an information device of the same network segment, The information device of the same network segment is an information device having the same network part of an IP address as the communication device, and the information device of the different network segment is an information device having a different network part of an IP address than the communication device. A communication device comprising:

15. Further, a storage means for storing the upper limit of the cumulative data amount is provided.

5. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second inputs are connected to the first and second inputs.

16. A communication device for connecting to a wireless network, A connection means for connecting to the wireless network; an acquisition means for acquiring whether to permit or restrict data transmission from the communication device through the wireless network; a control means for controlling data transmission from the communication device through the wireless network, when the data transmission destination is an information device of a different network segment or an information device of the same network segment, when the data transmission destination is an information device of a different network segment when the data transmission destination is an information device of a different network segment when the data transmission destination is an information device of a different network segment when the data transmission destination is an information device of the same ..., and A communication device comprising:

17. the control means controls the communication device to transmit data through the wireless network when the communication device automatically transmits data through the wireless network set to permit transmission of the data, whether the destination of the data is an information device in a different network segment or an information device in the same network segment; When a destination to which data is automatically transmitted from the communication device through the wireless network set to restrict transmission of the data is an information device of a different network segment, control is performed so that data is not automatically transmitted from the communication device through the wireless network, and when a destination to which data is automatically transmitted from the communication device through the wireless network set to restrict transmission of the data is an information device of the same network segment, control is performed so that data is automatically transmitted from the communication device through the wireless network.

17. The communication device according to claim 16,

18. A method for controlling a communication device for connecting to a wireless network, comprising the steps of: a connecting step of connecting to the wireless network; a reference step of referring to an upper limit of a cumulative amount of data transmitted from the communication device through the wireless network in a predetermined period of time; a control step of controlling data transmission based on the upper limit of the cumulative data amount when a destination of data transmission from the communication device through the wireless network is an information device of a different network segment, and controlling data transmission not based on the upper limit of the cumulative data amount when a destination of data transmission from the communication device through the wireless network is an information device of the same network segment; a selection step of selecting a wireless network to connect to based on the upper limit of the cumulative data amount and the cumulative data amount transmitted from the communication device through the wireless network; In the selection step, a wireless network having a large remaining transmittable data amount obtained by subtracting a cumulative data amount transmitted from the communication device through the wireless network from the upper limit of the cumulative data amount is selected. A method for controlling a communication device comprising:

19. A method for controlling a communication device for connecting to a wireless network, comprising the steps of: a connecting step of connecting to the wireless network; a reference step of referring to an upper limit of a cumulative amount of data transmitted from the communication device through the wireless network in a predetermined period of time; a control step of controlling data transmission based on the upper limit of the cumulative data amount when a destination of data transmission from the communication device through the wireless network is an information device of a different network segment, and controlling data transmission not based on the upper limit of the cumulative data amount when a destination of data transmission from the communication device through the wireless network is an information device of the same network segment; a switching step of switching from the first wireless network to a second wireless network different from the first wireless network when the cumulative amount of data transmitted from the communication device through the first wireless network, the first wireless network being used by the communication device to transmit data to an information device in the different network segment, reaches an upper limit of the cumulative amount of data transmitted from the communication device through the first wireless network; In the switching step, the network is switched to the second wireless network based on an upper limit of the cumulative amount of data transmitted from the communication device through the second wireless network and a cumulative amount of data transmitted from the communication device through the second wireless network. A method for controlling a communication device comprising:

20. A method for controlling a communication device for connecting to a wireless network, comprising the steps of: a connecting step of connecting to the wireless network; a reference step of referring to an upper limit of a cumulative amount of data transmitted from the communication device through the wireless network in a predetermined period of time; a control step of controlling data transmission based on the upper limit of the cumulative data amount when a destination to which data is transmitted from the communication device through the wireless network is an information device of a different network segment, and controlling data transmission not based on the upper limit of the cumulative data amount when a destination to which data is transmitted from the communication device through the wireless network is an information device of the same network segment, The information device of the same network segment is an information device having the same network part of an IP address as the communication device, and the information device of the different network segment is an information device having a different network part of an IP address than the communication device. A method for controlling a communication device comprising:

21. A method for controlling a communication device for connecting to a wireless network, comprising the steps of: a connecting step of connecting to the wireless network; obtaining whether to permit or restrict transmission of data from the communication device over the wireless network; a control step of controlling data to be transmitted from the communication device through the wireless network, when the data is to be transmitted from the communication device through the wireless network, whether the destination is an information device of a different network segment or the same network segment, controlling not to transmit data through the wireless network, when the destination is an information device of a different network segment, when the data is to be transmitted from the communication device through the wireless network, when the destination is an information device of the same ... data transmission is restricted, 13. A method for controlling a communication device, comprising:

22. A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the communication device according to claim 1.

23. a connection device for connecting to a wireless network; a reference device for referencing an upper limit of a cumulative amount of data transmitted from a communication device through the wireless network in a predetermined period of time; a control device that controls data transmission based on the upper limit of the cumulative data amount when a destination to which data is transmitted from the communication device through the wireless network is an information device of a different network segment, and controls data transmission not based on the upper limit of the cumulative data amount when a destination to which data is transmitted from the communication device through the wireless network is an information device of the same network segment; a selection device that selects a wireless network to connect to based on the upper limit of the cumulative data amount and the cumulative data amount transmitted from the communication device through the wireless network, the selection device selects a wireless network having a large transmittable remaining data amount obtained by subtracting the cumulative data amount transmitted from the communication device through the wireless network from the upper limit of the cumulative data amount. A communication system comprising:

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