Communication device, control method, and program

Abstract

To achieve both responsiveness of a communication device and a reduction in power consumption.SOLUTION: A communication device has: generation means that generates data in a first state; communication means that wirelessly communicates with an external device at a first time interval; transmission means that, in response to a transition to a second state that is more power-saving than the first state, transmits the data generated by the generation means to the external device; and control means that controls whether to cause the transmission means to transmit the data in the second state. When the control means controls to cause the transmission means not to transmit the data in the second state, the communication means performs wireless communication with the external device at a second time interval that is a time interval larger than the first time interval in the second state, and when the control means controls the transmission means to transmit the data in the second state, performs wireless communication with the external device at a time interval that is a time interval smaller than the second time interval in the second state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication device that wirelessly communicates with an external device. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, electronic devices such as digital cameras have been equipped with communication functions for connecting to external devices such as smartphones. The communication functions enable digital cameras to send image data to smartphones and to be remotely controlled from smartphones.

[0003] Digital cameras are generally battery-powered, so they are required to be in a power-saving state when not being used by the user, such as when the power is off. On the other hand, to operate the digital camera from a smartphone with good response, it is convenient for the digital camera and smartphone to be always connected wirelessly. For this reason, some digital cameras can maintain a wireless connection with external devices while reducing power consumption even when not being used by the user, such as when the power is off.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses that when a digital camera is in a power-off state, it communicates with an external device at longer intervals than when the digital camera is in a power-on state. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-121261 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Here, a use case for sending image data from a digital camera to a smartphone is assumed in which the digital camera automatically sends image data to the smartphone when the digital camera is not in use by the user and is in a power-off state. In such a use case, there may be a situation in which the user wants the digital camera to start sending the image data as soon as possible because they want to check the image data taken with the digital camera on their smartphone.

[0007] However, as in Patent Document 1, if the time interval for wireless communication is increased in response to the camera being turned off, there is a risk that the start of transmission of image data will be significantly delayed compared to when the time interval for wireless communication is not increased.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to achieve both improved response and reduced power consumption in a communication device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to achieve the above object, the communication device of the present invention generates data in a first state. a transmitting means for transmitting data generated by the generating means to the external device in response to a transition to a second state that is more power-saving than the first state; and a control means for controlling whether or not to transmit the data by the transmitting means in the second state. When the control means controls the transmitting means not to transmit the data in the second state, the communication means wirelessly communicates with the external device in the second state at second time intervals that are longer than the first time intervals, and when the control means controls the transmitting means to transmit the data in the second state, the communication means wirelessly communicates with the external device in the second state at time intervals that are shorter than the second time intervals. and when a connection with the external device is established by wirelessly communicating with the external device at a time interval shorter than the second time interval, the transmitting means transmits the data generated by the generating means to the external device. It is characterized by: [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to achieve both improved response of a communication device and reduced power consumption. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1A is a block diagram of a camera according to the first and second embodiments, and FIGS. 1B and 1C are external views of the camera according to the first and second embodiments. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of a first and second embodiment in which the camera 100 is configured with a smartphone 200, and the camera 100 communicates with the smartphone 200 via Bluetooth. [Figure 3] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing transitions of screens displayed on the display unit 106 when the camera 100 transfers captured images to the smartphone 200 via Bluetooth communication in the first and second embodiments. (a) shows the screen during preparation for transfer, (b) shows the screen during transfer, and (c) shows the screen when cancel is selected. [Figure 4] This is a sequence in the first embodiment when the camera 100 is set not to transfer captured images to the smartphone 200 via Bluetooth communication. [Figure 5] This is a sequence when the camera 100 is set to transfer captured images to the smartphone 200 via Bluetooth communication in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] In the first embodiment, the camera 100 is set to transfer captured images to the smartphone 200 via Bluetooth communication, but this is a sequence when the camera 100 is not connected to the smartphone 200 via Bluetooth communication. [Figure 7] In the first embodiment, the camera 100 is set to transfer captured images to the smartphone 200 via Bluetooth communication, but this is a sequence when the smartphone 200 is in a state where it cannot receive the transferred images. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing the process up to when the camera 100 starts transferring a captured image to the smartphone 200 via Bluetooth communication in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a sequence in the second embodiment when the camera 100 is set not to transfer captured images to the smartphone 200 via Bluetooth communication. [Figure 10] This is a sequence when the camera 100 is set to transfer captured images to the smartphone 200 via Bluetooth communication in the second embodiment. [Figure 11] In the second embodiment, the camera 100 is set to transfer captured images to the smartphone 200 via Bluetooth communication, but this is a sequence when the smartphone 200 cannot receive the transferred images. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart in the second embodiment, showing the process from the camera 100 to the smartphone 200 via Bluetooth communication until the camera 100 starts transferring a captured image. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0013] [First embodiment] <Configuration of camera 100> 1A is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a camera 100, which is an example of a communication device according to this 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 smartphone, a portable media player, a so-called tablet device, or a personal computer.

[0014] The control unit 101 has a processor for controlling each unit of the 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 pieces of hardware sharing the processing.

[0015] The imaging unit 102 includes, for example, a lens unit, an imaging element for converting an optical image of a subject formed on an imaging surface via the lens unit into an electrical signal, and an image processing unit for generating still image data or video data from the electrical signal generated by the imaging element. The imaging element is typically a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) or a charge coupled device (CCD). In the first embodiment and other embodiments, the series of processes for generating still image data or video data in the imaging unit 102 and outputting it from the imaging unit 102 is referred to as "capturing." The still image data or video data generated by the imaging unit 102 is recorded on the recording medium 110 in accordance with the DCF (Design rule for Camera File system) standard. The nonvolatile memory 103 is an electrically erasable and recordable nonvolatile memory, and stores programs executed by the control unit 101, which will be described later.

[0016] The work memory 104 is used as a buffer memory for temporarily storing image data captured by the image capturing unit 102, as an image display memory for the display unit 106, as a work area for the control unit 101, and the like.

[0017] The operation unit 105 is used by the user to receive instructions for the camera 100 from the user. The operation unit 105 includes, for example, a power button used by the user to turn the power of the camera 100 on / off, a release button used to instruct shooting, and a playback button used to instruct playback of image data. The operation unit 105 also includes operation members such as a dedicated connection button for starting communication with an external device via the wireless communication unit 111 (described later). The operation unit 105 also includes a touch panel formed on the display unit 106 (described later). The release button has a switch 1 and a switch 2. When the release button is pressed halfway, switch 1 is turned on. This allows the operation unit 105 to receive instructions for preparing for shooting, such as AF (autofocus) processing, AE (auto exposure) processing, AWB (auto white balance) processing, and EF (pre-flash) processing. When the release button is pressed fully, switch 2 is turned on. This allows the operation unit 105 to receive instructions for shooting.

[0018] The display unit 106 displays a viewfinder image during shooting, displays captured image data, and displays text for interactive operation. It also displays a lamp or the like to indicate whether the light is on, blinking, or off. Examples of such a display include the access status to the recording medium 110 (described later), and the communication status of the wireless communication unit 111 and the short-range wireless communication unit 112. Note that the display unit 106 does not necessarily have to be built into the camera 100. The camera 100 can be connected to an internal or external display unit 106, and it is sufficient that the camera 100 has at least a display control function for controlling the display on the display unit 106.

[0019] Recording medium 110 can record image data output from imaging unit 102. Recording medium 110 may be configured to be detachable from camera 100, or may be built into camera 100. In other words, camera 100 only needs to have a means for accessing recording medium 110.

[0020] The wireless communication unit 111 is an interface for connecting to an external device. The camera 100 of this embodiment can exchange data with the external device via the wireless communication unit 111. The external device is, for example, an information processing device capable of wireless communication, such as a smartphone or a personal computer. For example, image data generated by the imaging unit 102 can be transmitted to the external device via the wireless communication unit 111. Note that in this embodiment, the wireless communication unit 111 includes an interface for communicating with the external device via a so-called wireless LAN in accordance with the IEEE 802.11 communication standard. Hereinafter, wireless communication compliant with the IEEE 802.11 communication standard will be referred to as wireless LAN communication. The control unit 101 can realize wireless communication with the external device by controlling the wireless communication unit 111.

[0021] The short-range wireless communication unit 112 is an interface for wireless communication with an external device. For example, the short-range wireless communication unit 112 is configured with an antenna, a modulation / demodulation circuit for processing wireless signals, and a communication controller. The external device is, for example, an information processing device capable of wireless communication, such as a smartphone or a personal computer. The short-range wireless communication unit 112 realizes short-range wireless communication in accordance with the Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication standard by outputting a modulated wireless signal from an antenna and demodulating a wireless signal received by the antenna. Hereinafter, wireless communication in accordance with the Bluetooth communication standard will be referred to as Bluetooth communication. In this embodiment, the short-range wireless communication unit 112 includes a first short-range wireless communication unit 112a and a second short-range wireless communication unit 112b. Communication via the first short-range wireless communication unit 112a is Bluetooth communication in accordance with Bluetooth Low Energy (hereinafter, referred to as BLE). Communication via the second short-range wireless communication unit 112b is Bluetooth communication in accordance with Bluetooth Classic (hereinafter, referred to as BTC). Hereinafter, Bluetooth communication in accordance with BLE will be referred to as BLE communication, and Bluetooth communication in accordance with BTC will be referred to as BTC communication. Although both BLE and BTC are standards defined in Bluetooth, they are not compatible with each other.

[0022] Here, Bluetooth communication will be described. The connection topology of Bluetooth communication is a master-slave star network. In this embodiment, a smartphone 200 (described later) is a communication device that operates as a master (hereinafter referred to as a master device), and a camera 100 is a communication device that operates as a slave (hereinafter referred to as a slave device). The master device manages the participation of slave devices in the network and sets various parameters for wireless connections with slave devices. A master device can connect simultaneously with multiple slave devices, but a slave device can selectively establish a wireless connection with only one master device and cannot connect simultaneously with multiple master devices. Furthermore, master devices cannot establish wireless connections with each other, and slave devices cannot establish wireless connections with each other; to establish a wireless connection, one device must be the master device and the other must be the slave device.

[0023] In addition, in BLE communication, for example, the camera 100 can transmit and receive relatively small amounts of data, such as time information and GPS coordinate information, with an external device. In addition, in BTC communication, for example, the camera 100 can transmit and receive relatively large amounts of data, such as image data and video data, with an external device. In addition, BLE communication generally consumes less power than BTC communication. On the other hand, BTC communication generally has a faster communication speed than BLE communication. Note that wireless LAN communication can achieve communication at a faster speed than BLE communication and BTC communication.

[0024] In BLE communication, the master device and slave device perform synchronous communication at a predetermined time interval. This predetermined time interval is called the connection interval. Hereinafter, the connection interval is also referred to as CI. In BLE communication, the connection interval is a value between 7.5 milliseconds and 4 seconds, and is set in increments of 1.25 milliseconds. In BLE communication, the master device sets or changes the connection interval. When a slave device sets or changes the connection interval, it requests the master device to set or change the connection interval, and the master device sets or changes the connection interval in response to the request.

[0025] In this embodiment, the camera 100 pairs with the smartphone 200 (described later) and records connection information of the smartphone 200 in the non-volatile memory 103. Pairing is a process in which a master device and a slave device mutually register (record in a predetermined area) each other's connection information. The connection information may be, for example, an encryption key or a MAC address. In this embodiment, the camera 100 and the smartphone 200 mutually register their connection information, and then determine that pairing is complete when a wireless connection is established with the smartphone 200. Note that even if the connection is disconnected after it has been established, the paired state is still maintained. In other words, the concept of pairing does not refer to whether or not there is a connection, but rather refers to a state in which the master device and the slave device have mutually registered each other's connection information.

[0026] The camera 100 of this embodiment can be constantly connected to the smartphone 200 via BLE. Then, by operating the camera 100 or the smartphone 200, it is possible to automatically switch from BLE communication to BTC communication or wireless LAN communication.

[0027] Next, the external appearance of the camera 100 will be described. Figures 1(b) and 1(c) are diagrams showing an example of the external appearance of the camera 100. The release button 105a, playback button 105b, directional keys 105c, touch panel 105d, and power lever 105e are operation members included in the operation unit 105. Furthermore, an image captured by the imaging unit 102 is displayed on the display unit 106.

[0028] An example of the configuration of the camera 100 has been described above.

[0029] <System diagram> 2 is a diagram showing an example of a system in which a camera 100 according to this embodiment and a smartphone 200, which is an example of an external device, perform wireless communication with each other. In this embodiment, the camera 100 performs wireless communication with the smartphone 200 via a first short-range wireless communication unit 112a or a second short-range wireless communication unit 112b.

[0030] Here, the communication via the first short-range wireless communication unit 112a is BLE communication, and the communication via the second short-range wireless communication unit 112b is BTC communication.

[0031] The smartphone 200 is an information processing device capable of wireless communication. The smartphone 200 has, as communication means, a BLE communication unit, a BTC communication unit, a wireless LAN communication unit, and a public wireless communication unit. The smartphone 200 also has an operating system (OS) recorded in non-volatile memory, and a control unit of the smartphone 200 executes applications on the OS to realize various functions. For example, in this embodiment, the smartphone 200 has an application that can remotely control the camera 100, such as issuing a shooting instruction to the camera 100 and acquiring image data via Bluetooth communication. For example, the smartphone 200 can issue a shooting instruction to the camera 100 via BLE communication and acquire image data via BTC communication.

[0032] <Camera screen transitions when transferring image data> 3 is an example of a transition diagram of a screen displayed on the display unit 106 of the camera 100 when the camera 100 transfers image data to the smartphone 200 via BTC communication in this embodiment. In this embodiment, the process of transferring image data generated by the camera 100 to the smartphone 200 is triggered by the user turning off the power to the camera 100 via the operation unit 105. The process of transferring image data generated by the camera 100 to the smartphone 200 is also executed in response to a situation in which the camera 100 should transition to a power-saving mode, such as when the user has not performed any operation for a predetermined period of time.

[0033] The function of camera 100 to automatically transfer images to smartphone 200 when the camera is turned off can be switched on or off by the user. Hereinafter, this function will also be referred to as an automatic image transfer function. For example, the automatic image transfer function can be switched between a setting of "on" and "off," and in the explanation of FIG. 3, it is assumed that the setting is "on."

[0034] FIG. 3(a) is an example of a screen of the camera 100 while preparing to transfer image data. This screen is displayed, for example, from the time the power is turned off until the image data transfer process starts. In response to the start of image data transfer, the camera 100 displays a screen indicating that image data transfer is in progress, as shown in FIG. 3(b). The camera 100 displays, for example, a progress bar to indicate the progress of image data transfer, the number of image data items already transferred, and the total number of image data items to be transferred. In response to the completion of image data transfer, the camera 100 turns off the screen.

[0035] The user can stop the image data transfer process when the camera 100 is in the state shown in FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b). For example, the user selects the "Cancel" button on the display unit 106 shown in FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b) using the operation unit 105. In response to this operation, the camera 100 displays a screen for confirming whether or not to stop the image data transfer process, as shown in FIG. 3(c). When the user selects and confirms "Yes" on this screen using the operation unit 105, the camera 100 stops the image data transfer process to the smartphone 200 and turns off the screen. On the other hand, when the user selects and confirms "No" using the operation unit 105, the camera 100 returns to its previous state. In other words, if the "Cancel" button is pressed while the camera 100 is preparing to transfer image data, the screen changes to the screen shown in FIG. 3(a). If the "Cancel" button is pressed during the transfer of image data, the screen changes to the screen shown in FIG. 3(b).

[0036] <Sequence when image data is not transferred> FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram in this embodiment when the camera 100 is set not to transfer image data to the smartphone 200.

[0037] It is assumed that pairing for Bluetooth communication has been completed between the camera 100 and the smartphone 200. It is also assumed that a BLE connection has been established between the camera 100 and the smartphone 200 at the start of this sequence.

[0038] In addition, in the explanation of FIG. 4, it is assumed that the automatic image transfer function is set to "off."

[0039] In step S401, the first short-range wireless communication unit 112a is communicating with the smartphone 200 using BLE.

[0040] In step S402, a signal for turning off the power supply of the camera 100 is output from the operation unit 105 to the control unit 101 in response to an operation by the user.

[0041] In step S403, the control unit 101 performs processing to end the imaging processing by the imaging unit 102. Note that the processing of step S403 may be automatically executed in response to the fact that the user has not operated the camera 100 for a predetermined period of time, rather than in response to a power-off instruction from the operation unit 105 (the processing of step S402).

[0042] In step S404, the control unit 101 performs processing to turn off the screen of the display unit .

[0043] In step S405, the display unit 106 turns off the screen.

[0044] In step S406, the control unit 101 performs processing (instruction) to disconnect the BLE connection to the first short-range wireless communication unit 112a.

[0045] Here, the reason why the control unit 101 performs the process to disconnect the BLE connection is to transition the camera 100 to a power-off state and to reduce power consumption.

[0046] In step S407, the first short-range wireless communication unit 112a performs processing to disconnect the BLE connection with the smartphone 200.

[0047] In step S408, the first short-range wireless communication unit 112a notifies the control unit 101 that the BLE connection has been disconnected.

[0048] In step S409, the control unit 101 determines whether or not to execute the automatic image transfer function. In this sequence, the automatic image transfer function is set to "off," so the control unit 101 does not perform processing to execute the automatic image transfer function.

[0049] In step S410, the control unit 101 sets data related to the BLE connection contained in an advertising packet to the first short-range wireless communication unit 112a. The advertising packet is a beacon signal for notifying peripheral devices of its presence in BLE communication, and is transmitted at a predetermined time interval. This predetermined time interval may be a time interval different from the connection interval (CI) of BLE communication. The data related to the BLE connection is data related to whether or not to automatically start the BLE connection. The data related to the BLE connection transmitted in this step includes data for notifying that the BLE connection will not be automatically started.

[0050] In step S411, the control unit 101 sets a time interval for transmitting advertising packets to the first short-range wireless communication unit 112a. This time interval is set to be longer than the connection interval during BLE communication in order to reduce power consumption of the camera 100.

[0051] In step S412, the control unit 101 instructs the first short-range wireless communication unit 112a to start transmitting an advertising packet.

[0052] In step S413, the first short-range wireless communication unit 112a transmits advertising packets at the time intervals set in step S411. That is, in this embodiment, the camera 100 wirelessly communicates with the smartphone 200 in the sleep state using advertising packets.

[0053] In step S414, the control unit 101 performs control so that the camera 100 transitions to a power saving state (sleep state).

[0054] Here, the smartphone 200 receives an advertising packet from the first short-range wireless communication unit 112a after step S413, but does not automatically establish a BLE connection to the camera 100 based on the data related to the BLE connection received in step S410. Note that when the user operates the smartphone 200 to establish a BLE connection to the camera 100, the smartphone 200 executes processing for establishing a BLE connection with the camera 100. This allows the camera 100 to maintain a sleep state when not transferring images, thereby reducing power consumption.

[0055] The sequence when the camera 100 is set not to transfer image data to the smartphone 200 has been described above.

[0056] <BTC connection sequence when transferring image data> FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing the process up to the establishment of a BTC connection in the case where the camera 100 is set to transfer image data to the smartphone 200 in this embodiment.

[0057] It is assumed that pairing for Bluetooth communication has been completed between the camera 100 and the smartphone 200. It is also assumed that a BLE connection has been established between the camera 100 and the smartphone 200 at the start of this sequence.

[0058] In addition, in the explanation of FIG. 4, it is assumed that the automatic image transfer function is set to "ON."

[0059] Here, before the process of step S501 in FIG. 5, the processes of steps S401 to S408 in FIG. 4 are executed.

[0060] It is assumed that the processes from step S401 to step S408 have been executed before the process of this sequence starts (before the process of step S501 in FIG. 5).

[0061] In step S501, the control unit 101 determines whether or not to execute the automatic image transfer function. In this sequence, the automatic image transfer function is set to "execute," so the control unit 101 performs processing to execute the automatic image transfer function.

[0062] In step S502, the control unit 101 sets data regarding the BLE connection contained in the advertisement packet to the first short-range wireless communication unit 112a. In this step, the data regarding the BLE connection includes data for notifying that the BLE connection will be automatically started.

[0063] In step S503, the control unit 101 sets a time interval for transmitting advertising packets to the first short-range wireless communication unit 112a. This time interval is shorter than the time interval for the advertising packets described in step S411 of Fig. 4 so as to shorten the time until the advertising packets are received by the smartphone 200. For example, this time interval is the same as the connection interval of the BLE communication in step S401 of Fig. 4.

[0064] In step S504, the control unit 101 instructs the first short-range wireless communication unit 112a to start transmitting an advertising packet.

[0065] In step S505, the first short-range wireless communication unit 112a transmits advertising packets at the time intervals set in step S503.

[0066] In step S506, the control unit 101 performs control for the camera 100 to transition to a power saving state (sleep state).

[0067] In step S507, in response to receiving the advertising packet, the smartphone 200 automatically establishes a BLE connection with the first short-range wireless communication unit 112a.

[0068] In step S508, the first short-range wireless communication unit 112a outputs a signal indicating that a BLE connection has been established to the control unit 101.

[0069] In step S509, the control unit 101 controls to resume from the sleep state.

[0070] In step S510, the control unit 101 performs a process for causing the display unit 106 to display a screen indicating that image data transfer is to be executed.

[0071] In step S511, a screen during preparation for image data transfer as shown in Fig. 3(a) is displayed on the display unit 106.

[0072] In step S512, the control unit 101 requests the second short-range wireless communication unit 112b to start BTC communication.

[0073] In step S513, the second short-range wireless communication unit 112b establishes a BTC connection with the smartphone 200. Thereafter, the camera 100 transfers image data to the smartphone 200 by BTC communication.

[0074] The sequence until the BTC connection is established when the camera 100 is set to transfer image data to the smartphone 200 has been described above.

[0075] <BTC Connection When BLE Connection Is Not Established> Fig. 6 is a sequence diagram in the present embodiment when the camera 100 is set to transfer image data to the smartphone 200 but is not BLE-connected to the smartphone 200. It is assumed that the pairing for Bluetooth communication between the camera 100 and the smartphone 200 has been completed.

[0076] In step S601, the first short-range wireless communication unit 112a is transmitting an advertisement packet.

[0077] In step S602, a signal for turning off the power supply of the camera 100 is output from the operation unit 105 to the control unit 101 in response to an operation by the user.

[0078] In step S603, the control unit 101 performs processing to end the imaging processing by the imaging unit 102. Note that the processing of step S603 may be automatically performed in response to the user not operating the camera 100 for a predetermined period of time, rather than in response to a power-off instruction from the operation unit 105 (the processing of step S602).

[0079] In step S604, the control unit 101 performs processing to turn off the screen of the display unit .

[0080] In step S605, the display unit 106 turns off the screen.

[0081] In step S606, the control unit 101 determines whether or not to execute the automatic image transfer function. In this sequence, the automatic image transfer function is set to "Yes," but the camera 100 does not perform processing to transfer image data because a BLE connection has not been established between the camera 100 and the smartphone 200. The reason for not performing the image transfer processing is that the user may have prevented the camera 100 and the smartphone 200 from being wirelessly connected to each other because the user has not established a BLE connection between the camera 100 and the smartphone 200.

[0082] The processes from step S607 to step S611 are similar to the processes from step S410 to step S414, respectively, and therefore will not be described here.

[0083] The sequence in this embodiment when the camera 100 is set to transfer image data to the smartphone 200 but is not connected to the smartphone 200 via BLE has been described above.

[0084] <Communication when the smartphone cannot receive image data> 7 is a sequence diagram in this embodiment in which the camera 100 is set to transfer image data to the smartphone 200, but the smartphone 200 is in a state in which it cannot receive the image data. For example, the smartphone 200 may be in a state in which it cannot receive image data when it is transmitting or receiving data to or from another communication device via wireless LAN communication.

[0085] It is assumed that pairing for Bluetooth communication has been completed between the camera 100 and the smartphone 200. It is also assumed that a BLE connection has been established between the camera 100 and the smartphone 200 at the start of this sequence.

[0086] In addition, in the description of Figure 4, the automatic image transfer function is set to "Yes."

[0087] In step S701, the smartphone 200 transmits data to the first short-range wireless communication unit 112a indicating that it is in a state where it cannot receive image data.

[0088] In step S702, the first short-range wireless communication unit 112a outputs to the control unit 101 data indicating that the smartphone 200 is in a state where it cannot accept image transfer.

[0089] In step S703, a signal for turning off the power supply of the camera 100 is output from the operation unit 105 to the control unit 101 in response to an operation by the user.

[0090] In step S704, the control unit 101 performs processing to end the imaging processing by the imaging unit 102. Note that the processing in step S403 may be automatically performed in response to the user not operating the camera 100 for a predetermined period of time, rather than in response to a power-off instruction from the operation unit 105 (the processing in step S402).

[0091] In step S705, the control unit 101 performs processing to turn off the screen of the display unit .

[0092] In step S706, the display unit 106 turns off the screen.

[0093] In step S707, the control unit 101 performs processing (instruction) to disconnect the BLE connection to the first short-range wireless communication unit 112a. In step S708, the first short-range wireless communication unit 112a performs processing to disconnect the BLE connection with the smartphone 200.

[0094] In step S709, the first short-range wireless communication unit 112a notifies the control unit 101 that the BLE connection has been disconnected.

[0095] In step S710, the control unit 101 determines whether or not to execute the automatic image transfer function. In this sequence, the automatic image transfer function is set to "off." However, since the control unit 101 knows that the smartphone 200 is in a state where it cannot receive image data at the time of step S702, it determines not to execute the automatic image transfer process.

[0096] The processing from step S711 to step S715 is the same as the processing from step S410 to step S414 in FIG. 4, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0097] The above has described the sequence in this embodiment when the camera 100 is set to transfer image data to the smartphone 200, but the smartphone 200 is in a state where it cannot receive the image data.

[0098] <Camera 100 Operation> 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the camera 100 in this embodiment. This processing is realized by the control unit 101 executing a program recorded in the nonvolatile memory 103.

[0099] In step S801, the control unit 101 executes processing to turn off the power of the camera 100 in response to a user operation to turn off the power via the operation unit 105. For example, the control unit 101 controls the image capture unit 102 to end the image capture process or to turn off the display unit 106. Note that the control unit 101 may execute processing to turn off the power of the camera 100 in response to no user operation, rather than a power off operation via the operation unit 105.

[0100] In step S802, the control unit 101 disconnects the BLE connection with the smartphone 200 via the first short-range wireless communication unit 112a.

[0101] In step S803, the control unit 101 determines whether to transmit image data to the smartphone 200. For example, the control unit 101 determines whether to transmit image data to the smartphone 200 based on whether the automatic image transfer function is on or off and whether a BLE connection with the smartphone 200 has been established. If the automatic image transfer function is on and there is a wireless connection with the smartphone 200, the control unit 101 determines to transmit image data to the smartphone 200. Furthermore, if the automatic image transfer function is off or there is no wireless connection with the smartphone 200, the control unit 101 determines not to transmit image data to the smartphone 200.

[0102] First, a case where the control unit 101 determines to transmit image data to the smartphone 200 will be described.

[0103] In step S804, the control unit 101 sets data related to the BLE connection included in the advertisement packet to the first short-range wireless communication unit 112a. In this step, the data related to the BLE connection includes data for notifying that the BLE connection will be automatically started.

[0104] In step S805, the control unit 101 sets a time interval at which advertising packets are transmitted to the first short-range wireless communication unit 112a. For example, this time interval is the same as the connection interval of BLE communication.

[0105] In step S806, the control unit 101 starts transmitting an advertisement packet via the first short-range wireless communication unit 112a.

[0106] In step S807, the control unit 101 performs control for the camera 100 to transition to a power saving state (sleep state).

[0107] In step S808, the control unit 101 establishes a BLE connection with the smartphone 200 via the first short-range wireless communication unit 112a.

[0108] In step S809, in response to receiving a notification from the first short-range wireless communication unit 112a indicating that a BLE connection has been established, the control unit 101 transitions from a sleep state to a power-on state.

[0109] In step S810, the control unit 101 establishes a BTC connection with the smartphone 200 via the second short-range wireless communication unit 112b.

[0110] In step S811, the control unit 101 transmits image data to the smartphone 200 by BTC communication. When all image data to be transmitted to the smartphone 200 has been transmitted, the control unit 101 controls the camera 100 to transition to a sleep state, and ends the processing of this flowchart.

[0111] Next, a case where the control unit 101 determines not to transmit image data to the smartphone 200 in step S803 will be described.

[0112] In step S812, the control unit 101 sets data regarding the BLE connection included in the advertisement packet to the first short-range wireless communication unit 112a. In this step, the data regarding the BLE connection includes data for notifying that the BLE connection will not be started automatically.

[0113] In step S813, the control unit 101 sets a time interval for transmitting advertisement packets to the first short-range wireless communication unit 112a. For example, this time interval is longer than the connection interval of BLE communication.

[0114] In step S814, the control unit 101 starts transmitting an advertisement packet via the first short-range wireless communication unit 112a.

[0115] In step S815, the control unit 101 performs control for the camera 100 to transition to a power saving state (sleep state), and then ends the processing of this flowchart.

[0116] The operation of the camera 100 has been described above.

[0117] As described above, according to this embodiment, the camera 100 differentiates the time intervals at which advertising packets are transmitted between when image data is transmitted to the smartphone 200 in response to a power-off operation of the camera 100 and when image data is not transmitted. Specifically, the camera 100 shortens the time intervals at which image data is transmitted compared to when image data is not transmitted. This allows the camera 100 to achieve both a response when image data is transmitted and a reduction in power consumption when image data is not transmitted.

[0118] In this embodiment, the communication standard used for transmitting image data has been described as BTC, but other communication standards may be used. For example, the communication standard used for transmitting image data may be a public wireless communication standard such as 4G or 5G, or a communication standard that enables high-speed communication, such as IEEE802.11 (wireless LAN).

[0119] When the camera 100 transitions from the sleep state to the power-on state, the camera 100 wirelessly communicates with the smartphone 200 in the connection interval before the camera 100 transitions to the sleep state.

[0120] [Second embodiment] In the first embodiment, a case where the camera 100 disconnects the BLE connection in response to a power-off operation has been described. In the second embodiment, a case where the camera 100 does not disconnect the BLE connection will be described. In the second embodiment, the device configurations and system configurations of the camera 100 and the smartphone 200 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0121] <Sequence when image data is not transferred> FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram in this embodiment when the camera 100 is set not to transfer image data to the smartphone 200.

[0122] It is assumed that pairing for Bluetooth communication has been completed between the camera 100 and the smartphone 200. It is also assumed that a BLE connection has been established between the camera 100 and the smartphone 200 at the start of this sequence.

[0123] In addition, when the power is turned off using the operation unit 105, it is possible to set whether or not to transfer captured images to the smartphone 200, and in the explanation of Figure 4, it is assumed that the automatic image transfer function is set to "off."

[0124] In step S901, the first short-range wireless communication unit 112a is performing BLE communication with the smartphone 200. The connection interval at this time is defined as a first connection interval.

[0125] In step S902, a signal for turning off the power supply of the camera 100 is output from the operation unit 105 to the control unit 101 in response to an operation by the user.

[0126] In step S903, the control unit 101 performs processing to end the imaging processing by the imaging unit 102. Note that the processing of step S903 may be automatically performed in response to the user not operating the camera 100 for a predetermined period of time, rather than in response to a power-off instruction from the operation unit 105 (the processing of step S902).

[0127] In step S904, the control unit 101 performs processing to turn off the screen of the display unit .

[0128] In step S905, the display unit 106 turns off the screen.

[0129] In step S906, the control unit 101 determines whether or not to execute the automatic image transfer function. In this sequence, the automatic image transfer function is set to "off," so the control unit 101 does not perform processing to execute the automatic image transfer function. Note that, unlike the first embodiment, the control unit 101 does not perform processing to disconnect the BLE connection.

[0130] In step S907, the control unit 101 instructs the first short-range wireless communication unit 112a to communicate with the smartphone 200 at a second connection interval that is a time interval longer than the first connection interval. Note that in this embodiment, in the BLE communication between the camera 100 and the smartphone 200, the camera 100 is the slave device and the smartphone 200 is the master device.

[0131] In this embodiment, the camera 100 requests the smartphone 200 to change the connection interval to the second connection interval (corresponding to the processing in step S908). The smartphone 200 responds to the connection interval change request from the camera 100, regardless of whether or not to change the connection interval. This response includes data indicating whether or not to change the connection interval. In addition, if the connection interval is to be changed, this response also includes the timing at which the connection interval will be changed. The connection interval is changed n periods (n is a natural number equal to or less than 6) after the response to the connection interval change request is sent or received and before the connection interval is changed.

[0132] Then, at the timing when the connection interval is changed, the smartphone 200 notifies the camera 100 that the connection interval has been changed. After that, the camera 100 and the smartphone 200 communicate based on the changed connection interval (second CI). As described above, the second connection interval is a longer time interval than the first connection interval.

[0133] As a result, in the second embodiment, the camera 100 can improve the response of communication with the smartphone 200 compared to the first embodiment.

[0134] In step S908, the control unit 101 controls communication with the smartphone 200 via the first short-range wireless communication unit 112a at the second connection interval. For example, the camera 100 requests the smartphone 200 to change the connection interval to the second connection interval. The smartphone 200 responds to the change request received from the camera 100. This response includes data indicating whether or not to change the connection interval. Furthermore, if the connection interval is to be changed, this response also includes the timing at which the connection interval will be changed.

[0135] In step S909, the control unit 101 performs control so that the camera 100 transitions to a power saving state (sleep state).

[0136] In step S910, the first short-range wireless communication unit 112a continues BLE communication with the smartphone 200 in the second connection interval.

[0137] The sequence when the camera 100 is set not to transfer image data to the smartphone 200 has been described above.

[0138] <BTC connection sequence when transferring image data> FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing the process up to the establishment of a BTC connection in the case where the camera 100 is set to transfer image data to the smartphone 200 in this embodiment.

[0139] It is assumed that pairing for Bluetooth communication has been completed between the camera 100 and the smartphone 200. It is also assumed that a BLE connection has been established between the camera 100 and the smartphone 200 at the start of this sequence.

[0140] It is assumed that the processes from step S901 to step S908 in FIG. 9 have been executed before the process of this sequence starts.

[0141] In step S1001, the control unit 101 determines whether or not to execute the automatic image transfer function. In this sequence, the automatic image transfer function is set to "execute," so the control unit 101 performs processing to execute the automatic image transfer function. Here, the control unit 101 does not change the first connection interval in order to execute the image data transmission process.

[0142] In step S1002, the control unit 101 instructs the first short-range wireless communication unit 112a to transmit a request to the smartphone 200 to start transmitting image data.

[0143] In step S1003, the first short-range wireless communication unit 112a transmits to the smartphone 200 a request to start transmitting image data.

[0144] In step S1004, control is performed so that the camera 100 transitions to a power saving state (sleep state).

[0145] In step S1005, the smartphone 200 transmits a request to establish a BTC connection to the first short-range wireless communication unit 112a.

[0146] In step S1006, the first short-range wireless communication unit 112a outputs to the control unit 101 data indicating that a request for establishing a BTC connection has been received.

[0147] In step S1007, the control unit 101 performs control to return from the sleep state.

[0148] In step S1008, the control unit 101 performs processing to cause the display unit 106 to display a screen indicating that image data transfer is to be executed.

[0149] In step S1009, a screen showing preparation for image data transfer as shown in FIG. 3(a) is displayed on the display unit 106.

[0150] In step S1010, the control unit 101 requests the second short-range wireless communication unit 112b to start BTC communication.

[0151] In step S1011, the second short-range wireless communication unit 112b establishes a BTC connection with the smartphone 200. Thereafter, the camera 100 transfers image data to the smartphone 200 via this BTC communication.

[0152] The sequence up to the establishment of a BTC connection when the camera 100 is set to transfer image data to the smartphone 200 has been described above.

[0153] <Communication when the smartphone cannot receive image data> 11 is a sequence diagram in this embodiment in which the camera 100 is set to transfer image data to the smartphone 200, but the smartphone 200 is in a state in which it cannot receive the image data. For example, the smartphone 200 may be in a state in which it cannot receive image data when it is transmitting or receiving data to or from another communication device via wireless LAN communication.

[0154] It is assumed that pairing for Bluetooth communication has been completed between the camera 100 and the smartphone 200. It is also assumed that a BLE connection has been established between the camera 100 and the smartphone 200 at the start of this sequence.

[0155] In addition, in the description of Figure 4, the automatic image transfer function is set to "Yes."

[0156] In step S1101, the smartphone 200 notifies the first short-range wireless communication unit 112a that it is in a state where it cannot receive image data.

[0157] In step S1102, the first short-range wireless communication unit 112a outputs to the control unit 101 data indicating that the smartphone 200 is in a state where it cannot accept image transfer.

[0158] In step S1103, a signal for turning off the power supply of the camera 100 is output from the operation unit 105 to the control unit 101 in response to an operation by the user.

[0159] In step S1104, the control unit 101 performs processing to end the imaging processing by the imaging unit 102. Note that the processing of step S403 may be automatically performed in response to the user not operating the camera 100 for a predetermined period of time, rather than in response to a power-off instruction from the operation unit 105 (the processing of step S402).

[0160] In step S1105, the control unit 101 performs processing to turn off the screen of the display unit .

[0161] In step S1106, the display unit 106 turns off the screen.

[0162] In step S1107, the control unit 101 determines whether or not to execute the automatic image transfer function. In this sequence, the automatic image transfer function is set to "off." However, since the control unit 101 knows that the smartphone 200 is in a state where it cannot receive image data at the time of step S1102, it determines not to execute the automatic image transfer process.

[0163] The processing from step S1108 to step S1111 is the same as the processing from step S907 to step S910 in FIG. 9, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

[0164] The above has described the sequence in this embodiment when the camera 100 is set to transfer image data to the smartphone 200, but the smartphone 200 is in a state where it cannot receive the image data.

[0165] <Camera 100 Operation> 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the camera 100 in this embodiment. This processing is realized by the control unit 101 executing a program recorded in the nonvolatile memory 103.

[0166] In step S1201, the control unit 101 executes processing to turn off the power of the camera 100 in response to a user operation to turn off the power via the operation unit 105. For example, the control unit 101 controls the image capture unit 102 to end the image capture process or to turn off the display unit 106. Note that the control unit 101 may execute processing to turn off the power of the camera 100 in response to no user operation, rather than a power off operation via the operation unit 105.

[0167] In step S1202, the control unit 101 determines whether to transmit image data to the smartphone 200. For example, the control unit 101 determines whether to transmit image data to the smartphone 200 based on whether the automatic image transfer function is on or off and whether a BLE connection with the smartphone 200 has been established. If the automatic image transfer function is on and there is a wireless connection with the smartphone 200, the control unit 101 determines to transmit image data to the smartphone 200. Furthermore, if the automatic image transfer function is off or there is no wireless connection with the smartphone 200, the control unit 101 determines not to transmit image data to the smartphone 200.

[0168] First, a case where the control unit 101 determines to transmit image data to the smartphone 200 will be described.

[0169] In step S1203, the control unit 101 transmits a request to start transmitting image data to the smartphone 200 via the first short-range wireless communication unit 112a.

[0170] In step S1204, the control unit 101 performs control for the camera 100 to transition to a power saving state (sleep state).

[0171] In step S1205, the control unit 101 receives a request to establish a BTC connection from the smartphone 200 via the first short-range wireless communication unit 112a.

[0172] In step S1206, the control unit 101 transitions from the sleep state to the power-on state.

[0173] In step S1207, the control unit 101 establishes a BTC connection with the smartphone 200 via the second short-range wireless communication unit 112b.

[0174] In step S1208, the control unit 101 transmits image data to the smartphone 200. When all image data to be transmitted to the smartphone 200 has been transmitted, the control unit 101 causes the camera 100 to transition to a sleep state, and ends the processing of this flowchart.

[0175] Next, a case where the control unit 101 determines not to transmit image data to the smartphone 200 in step S1202 will be described.

[0176] In step S1209, the control unit 101 transmits a request to change to the second connection interval to the smartphone 200 via the first short-range wireless communication unit 112a.

[0177] In step S1210, the control unit 101 performs control so that the camera 100 transitions to a power saving state (sleep state), and ends the processing of this flowchart. An example of the operation of the camera 100 in this embodiment has been described above.

[0178] As described above, according to this embodiment, the camera 100 maintains the first connection interval when transmitting image data to the smartphone 200 in response to a power-off operation of the camera 100. This enables the camera 100 to shorten the time required to start transmitting image data compared to when the BLE connection is disconnected in response to a power-off operation.

[0179] [Other embodiments] The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0180] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the components can be modified and embodied in practice without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, various inventions can be created by appropriately combining multiple components disclosed in the above-described embodiments. For example, some components may be omitted from all the components shown in the embodiments. Furthermore, components from different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

Claims

1. generating means for generating data in a first state; a communication means for wirelessly communicating with an external device at a first time interval; a transmitting means for transmitting the data generated by the generating means to the external device in response to a transition to a second state that is more power-saving than the first state; a control unit that controls whether or not the data is transmitted by the transmitting unit in the second state, when the control means controls the transmission means not to transmit the data in the second state, the communication means wirelessly communicates with the external device at a second time interval that is longer than the first time interval in the second state; when the control means controls the transmission means to transmit the data in the second state, the communication means wirelessly communicates with the external device at a time interval shorter than the second time interval in the second state; the transmitting means transmits the data generated by the generating means to the external device when a connection with the external device is established by wirelessly communicating with the external device at a time interval shorter than the second time interval; A communication device comprising:

2. 2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the communication means and the transmission means communicate in accordance with different communication standards.

3. The communication device described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the control means controls the state of the communication device to transition from the first state to the second state in response to the communication device not being operated for a predetermined period of time or being operated to transition from the first state to the second state.

4. A communication device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that when the communication means transmits the data by the transmission means in the second state, in response to a transition from the first state to the second state, the communication means requests the external device to start transmitting the data by the transmission means.

5. 5. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the communication means performs synchronous communication with the external device in the first state, and performs wireless communication with the external device using a beacon signal in the second state.

6. A communication device described in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that when wireless communication is performed at the second time interval in the second state, the communication means changes to wireless communication with the external device at the first time interval in response to a transition from the second state to the first state.

7. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the control means determines not to transmit the data by the transmission means when a wireless connection with the external device is not established by the communication means, or when data indicating that the data will not be accepted is received from the external device.

8. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that when a connection with the external device is established by wireless communication with the external device at a time interval shorter than the second time interval in the second state, the transmitting means transmits data generated by the generating means to the external device after transitioning from the second state to the first state.

9. 9. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the data is image data.

10. 10. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit communicates with the external device by BLE communication, and the transmission unit transmits the data by BTC communication.

11. A method for controlling a communication device, comprising: generating data in a first state; a communication step of wirelessly communicating with an external device at a first time interval; a transmitting step of transmitting the data generated in the generating step to the external device in response to a transition to a second state that is more power-saving than the first state; a control step of controlling, in the second state, whether or not the data generated in the generating step is to be transmitted in the transmitting step; and in the communication step, if the data is not transmitted in the second state in the control step, wireless communication with the external device is performed in the second state at a second time interval that is longer than the first time interval. in the communication step, when transmitting the data in the second state in the control step, wirelessly communicating with the external device in the second state at a time interval shorter than the second time interval; a step of transmitting the data generated in the generating step to the external device when a connection with the external device is established by wirelessly communicating with the external device at a time interval shorter than the second time interval; A control method comprising:

12. A computer-readable program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

Images