communication systems

Abstract

To provide a technique in which WOL setting information is set to a communication device from an external apparatus terminal at timing intended by a user, and only a communication partner to which the WOL setting information is set returns from a power saving mode by remote operation using the WOL.SOLUTION: A first communication device comprises a communication unit that transmits, to a second communication device, a start-up packet and request information for requesting changing a WOL function to be effective or ineffective on the basis of instruction information set to a user. The second communication device comprises a communication unit that receives the request information and the start-up packet from the first communication device, and a control unit that changes the WOL function on the basis of the request information received from the first communication device. When the second communication device receives the start-up packet in a predetermined state, the control unit executes processing of starting up the second communication device, and changes the WOL function of the second communication device to be ineffective.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication system between an external device terminal and a communication device, and more particularly to a communication system that performs remote control. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, Wake-On-Lan (hereinafter referred to as WOL) has been used as a means for remotely waking up a sleeping information device such as a PC. When using WOL remotely, the information device, such as a PC, must be configured in advance to enable the WOL function. Therefore, if the WOL settings are cleared for some reason, it becomes impossible to use WOL remotely. A function to deal with such a situation has been provided. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that uses WOL to return a device to a state where it can be powered on even if the external power supply is interrupted while the WOL function is configured. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-122436 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the prior art disclosed in the above-mentioned patent document, WOL setting information is managed, and WOL is set based on that management information when the device is shut down and transitions to a standby state. At this time, the validity information of the WOL setting is stored, so the setting becomes valid thereafter and WOL is set regardless of the connected device.

[0005] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a technology that allows WOL setting information to be set in a communication device from an external device terminal at the timing intended by the user, and allows only the set communication partner to be restored by remote operation using WOL. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication system having a first communication device and a second communication device, wherein the first communication device comprises a communication unit that transmits request information and a startup packet to the second communication device requesting that a WOL function be enabled or disabled based on instruction information set by a user, and the second communication device comprises a communication unit that receives the request information from the first communication device and a control unit that switches the WOL function to enabled or disabled based on the request information received from the first communication device, and when the operation state of the second communication device is in a power saving state and the WOL function is enabled, the control unit executes a process to start up the second communication device from the power saving state and switches the WOL function of the second communication device to disabled. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technology that enables the setting of recovery by WOL by remote control at the timing instructed by a user from an external device terminal, and also to provide a technology that enables the recovery of a communication device by remote control using a WOL packet only from an external device terminal that has set up WOL. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an external device terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Conceptual diagram of embodiment 1 of the present invention [Figure 4] Flowchart diagram of a communication device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a flowchart of an external device terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a communication device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of an external device terminal according to a second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are examples of means for realizing the present invention, and may be modified or changed as appropriate depending on the configuration of the device to which the present invention is applied and various conditions. Furthermore, it is also possible to combine the various embodiments as appropriate.

[0010] The following describes an embodiment in which the communication device of the present invention is mounted on an imaging device such as a digital camera, but the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can also be applied to information processing devices such as mobile phones, portable media players, so-called tablet devices, and personal computers.

[0011] In addition, the external device terminal will be described as a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a PC) in the following embodiments, but is not limited to this. The present invention can also be applied to information processing devices such as mobile phones, portable media players, so-called tablet devices, and personal computers.

[0012] In the following, an example will be mainly described in which an external device terminal (i.e., a PC) is an example of a first communication device and a communication device (i.e., an imaging device such as a digital camera) is an example of a second communication device, but the reverse may also be true.

[0013] 1 and 2, an outline of the configurations and functions of an imaging device and a personal computer that constitute a communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0014] 1, a control unit 101 controls each unit of the image capture device 100 in accordance with input signals and a program described below. Note that instead of the control unit 101 controlling the entire device, the entire device may be controlled by having multiple pieces of hardware share the processing. The operating states of the image capture device 100 include at least an activated state and a power saving state.

[0015] The imaging unit 102 converts the subject light imaged by the lens included in the imaging unit 102 into an electrical signal, performs noise reduction processing, etc., and outputs the digital data as image data. The captured image data is stored in a buffer memory, and then undergoes predetermined calculations in the control unit 101 and is recorded on a recording medium 107.

[0016] The nonvolatile memory 103 is an electrically erasable and recordable nonvolatile memory, and stores programs to be executed by the control unit 101, which will be described later.

[0017] 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.

[0018] The operation unit 105 is used by the user to accept instructions for the imaging apparatus 100 from the user. The operation unit 105 includes, for example, operation members such as a power button used by the user to turn the imaging apparatus 100 on / off, a release switch used to instruct shooting, and a playback button used to instruct playback of image data. The operation unit 105 also includes a touch panel formed on the display unit 106, which will be described later. The release switch includes SW1 and SW2. When the release switch is pressed halfway, SW1 turns ON. This accepts instructions for performing shooting preparations such as AF (autofocus) processing, AE (auto exposure) processing, AWB (auto white balance) processing, and EF (pre-flash) processing. When the release switch is pressed fully, SW2 turns ON. This accepts instructions for performing shooting preparations such as AF (autofocus) processing, AE (auto exposure) processing, AWB (auto white balance) processing, and EF (pre-flash) processing.

[0019] The display unit 106 displays a viewfinder image during shooting, displays captured image data, displays text for an interactive operation screen, etc. The display unit 106 does not necessarily have to be built into the imaging device 100. The imaging device 100 can be connected to an internal or external display unit 106, and it is sufficient that the imaging device 100 has at least a display control function for controlling the display on the display unit 106.

[0020] The recording medium 107 can record image data output from the imaging unit 102. The recording medium 107 may be configured to be detachable from the imaging device 100, or may be built into the imaging device 100. In other words, the imaging device 100 only needs to have a means for accessing the recording medium 107.

[0021] The connection unit 108 is a communication unit built into the main body of the imaging device 100. The control unit 101 realizes communication with an external device by controlling the connection unit 108. The communication method is a wireless LAN, a wired LAN, or the like.

[0022] In FIG. 2, a control unit 201 executes a control program stored in a nonvolatile memory 202 to control the entire PC 200 .

[0023] The non-volatile memory 202 is a non-volatile memory that stores the above-mentioned programs and the like.

[0024] The working memory 203 is a volatile memory used as a working area when the control unit 201 executes a control program. The working memory 203 is also used as an area for temporarily buffering data required when communicating with the imaging device 100 via the connection unit 207.

[0025] The display unit 205 outputs a necessary display screen when the control program is executed.

[0026] The operation unit 204 is used by the user to receive instructions from the user to the PC 200. For example, it is a keyboard, a mouse, or the like.

[0027] The connection unit 207 is a communication unit built into the main body of the PC 200. The control unit 201 controls the connection unit 207 to realize communication with the imaging device 100. The communication method is a wireless LAN, a wired LAN, or the like.

[0028] (First embodiment) Hereinafter, the communication between the imaging device 100 and the PC 200 and the processing flow in each device according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 3, 4, and 5. Note that "Y" in the branches in Figures 4 to 7 indicates Yes, and "N" indicates No.

[0029] [Processing in the imaging device 100] (S401) Control unit 101 initiates connection with PC 200 via connection unit 108. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S402.

[0030] (S402) The control unit 101 performs a connection operation with the PC 200 via the connection unit 108 and determines whether the connection is successful. The connection operation includes the establishment of a link of the connection unit 108 and the logical establishment of a communication protocol via the connection unit 108.

[0031] 3, a connection is established between the image capture device 100 and the PC 200 as indicated by 301. If the connection is successful, the process proceeds to S403.

[0032] (S403) Control unit 101 determines whether any signal has been received from PC 200 via connection unit 108. If a signal has been received, the process proceeds to S404. If no signal has been received, the process proceeds to S407.

[0033] (S404) If there is a reception from the PC 200 in S403, the control unit 101 determines whether the received content is a sleep return request. If it is a sleep return request, the process proceeds to S405. If it is not a sleep return request, the process proceeds to S406. Note that the sleep return request is an example of request information.

[0034] In FIG. 3, when a sleep return request 303 is sent from the PC 200, the imaging device 100 receives the sleep return request 304 via the connection unit .

[0035] (S405) If the content received from PC 200 in S404 is a sleep resume request, control unit 101 sets flag f_wakeup=1 and proceeds to S403. Flag f_wakeup=1 is a flag for determining whether a sleep resume request has been made from PC 200. Flag f_wakeup is initialized to f_wakeup=0 at the start of connection. f_wakeup is stored in working memory 104.

[0036] (S406) If the content received from the PC 200 in S404 is not a sleep return request, the control unit 101 executes control for the received request. After execution, the process proceeds to S403. Requests other than a sleep return request may include, for example, a shooting request or a request to change shooting parameters. In other words, they are requests to operate the imaging device 100 remotely from the PC 200.

[0037] (S407) If there is no reception from the PC 200 in S403, the control unit 101 determines whether to execute auto power off. If auto power off is to be executed, the process proceeds to S408. If auto power off is not to be executed, the process proceeds to S403.

[0038] (S408) The control unit 101 transmits an event for executing auto power off to the PC 200 via the connection unit 108. After transmission, the process proceeds to S409.

[0039] 3, an auto power off execution notification 305 is sent to the PC 200 via the connection unit 108. The PC 200 receives an auto power off execution notification 306 via the communication path, and recognizes that the imaging device 100 will execute auto power off.

[0040] (S409) The control unit 101 determines whether the flag f_wakeup is 1. If the result of the determination is that f_wakeup is 1, the process proceeds to S410. If the result of the determination is that f_wakeup is not 1, the auto power off process is executed and then terminated.

[0041] (S410) The control unit 101 sets up WOL for the connection unit 108. The WOL setting is a setting that generates an interrupt to the control unit 101 when a WOL packet is received. Here, the WOL packet is an example of a wake-up packet. In other words, setting up WOL here means switching the WOL function from disabled to enabled. However, the WOL setting is not limited to this example. For example, setting up WOL may also mean switching the WOL function from enabled to disabled. In addition, when a sleep return request is received, the control unit 101 switches the WOL setting from disabled to enabled immediately before the operating state of the imaging device 100 switches from the activated state to the power-saving state (also referred to as the power-saving mode). After the setting is complete, the process proceeds to S411.

[0042] (S411) The control unit 101 clears f_wakeup. That is, f_wakeup=0 is set. That is, the control unit 101 prevents WOL setting from being automatically performed after the imaging device 100 starts up (recovers) from power saving mode by a WOL packet. After clearing, the process proceeds to S412.

[0043] (S412) The control unit 101 executes auto power off. The imaging device 100 enters a power saving mode and transitions to a state in which it will be restored by an external event. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S413. In this embodiment, the imaging device 100 transitions to the power saving mode of the control unit 101 and then transitions to a state in which it will be restored by an external event. However, a sub-CPU having an even more power-saving control unit may be installed and power to the control unit 101 may be stopped. In that case, the external event will interrupt a sub-CPU having an even more power-saving control unit than the control unit 101, and the sub-CPU will restore the control unit 101.

[0044] (S413) The control unit 101 determines whether an interrupt due to WOL has been raised. If an interrupt has been raised, the process proceeds to S414. If an interrupt has not been raised, the control unit 101 waits for an interrupt due to WOL.

[0045] 3, when a WOL packet 309 is transmitted from the PC 200, the imaging device 100 performs WOL packet reception 310 via the connection unit 108. Upon receiving the WOL packet, the connection unit 108 issues an interrupt to the control unit 101.

[0046] (S414) The control unit 101 performs processing to restore and start the imaging device 100. After restoration, the process proceeds to S401 in order to automatically perform connection processing. After restoration and start, reconnection 311 is performed.

[0047] [Processing on PC200] (S501) The control unit 201 starts a connection with the image capture device 100 via the connection unit 207. After that, the process proceeds to S502.

[0048] (S502) The control unit 201 performs a connection operation with the imaging device 100 via the connection unit 207 and determines whether the connection is successful. The connection operation includes the establishment of a link via the connection unit 207 and the logical establishment of a communication protocol via the connection unit 207. In FIG. 3, a connection is established between the imaging device 100 and the PC 200 as indicated by 301. If the connection is successful, the process proceeds to S503.

[0049] (S503) The control unit 201 determines whether the flag f_PCwakeup is 1. If the determination result shows that f_PCwakeup is 1, the process proceeds to S504. If the determination result shows that f_PCwakeup is not 1, the process proceeds to S505. f_PCwakeup is a flag for determining whether to issue a sleep recovery request to the imaging device 100 in response to an instruction from the user. f_PCwakeup is an example of instruction information (recovery instruction), and may be stored in a storage unit such as the nonvolatile memory 202.

[0050] (S504) The control unit 201 transmits a sleep return request to the imaging device 100 via the connection unit 207. After transmission, the process proceeds to S505.

[0051] 3, a sleep return request transmission 302 is transmitted to the image capture device 100 via the connection unit 207. The image capture device 100 receives a sleep return request 303 notification via the communication path and recognizes the sleep return request.

[0052] (S505) The control unit 201 determines whether the user has instructed the operation unit 204 to execute the process. If the user has instructed the operation unit 204, the process proceeds to S506. If the user has not instructed the operation unit 204, the process proceeds to S509.

[0053] (S506) The control unit 201 determines whether the process instructed by the user via the operation unit 204 is a sleep return request. If it is a sleep return request, the process proceeds to S507. If it is not a sleep return request, the process proceeds to S508.

[0054] (S507) If the process instructed by the user in S506 is a request to return from sleep, the control unit 201 sets the flag f_PCwakeup=1 and proceeds to S503.

[0055] (S508) If the process instructed by the user in S506 is not a sleep return request, the control unit 201 transmits control of the request to the imaging device 100 via the connection unit 207. After transmission, the process proceeds to S505. Requests other than a sleep return request may include, for example, a request to capture an image or a request to change imaging parameters. In other words, they are requests to operate the imaging device 100 remotely from the PC 200.

[0056] (S509) The control unit 201 determines whether any signal has been received from the imaging device 100 via the connection unit 207. If a signal has been received, the process proceeds to S510. If no signal has been received, the process proceeds to S505.

[0057] (S510) The control unit 201 determines whether the content received from the image capture device 100 is an event that will cause the image capture device 100 to execute auto power off. If it is an event that will cause auto power off, the process proceeds to S512. If it is not an event that will cause auto power off, the process proceeds to S511.

[0058] In FIG. 3, when an auto power off execution command 306 is sent from the imaging device 100, the PC 200 receives an auto power off execution command 307 via the connection unit 207.

[0059] (S511) The control unit 201 executes processing according to the content received from the imaging device 100. After execution, the processing proceeds to S505. If some abnormality occurs in the imaging device 100, the PC 200 may receive a warning from the imaging device 100, for example, that the capacity of the recording medium is full. When the PC 200 receives such a warning, the control unit 201 displays a warning on the display unit 205, etc.

[0060] (S512) The control unit 201 determines whether the flag f_PCwakeup is 1. That is, the control unit 201 determines whether a sleep return request has been sent to the imaging device 100 in advance and whether WOL has been set on the imaging device 100 side. If the result of the determination is that f_PCwakeup is 1, the process proceeds to S513. If the result of the determination is that f_PCwakeup is not 1, the process ends.

[0061] (S513) The control unit 201 determines whether a process has been executed in response to a user instruction via the operation unit 204. If the user instruction has been executed, the process proceeds to S514. If the user instruction has not been executed, the process waits until the user instruction is executed.

[0062] (S514) The control unit 201 transmits a WOL packet to the imaging device 100 via the connection unit 207. After transmission, the process proceeds to S501 to perform connection processing. After recovery startup, reconnection 311 is performed.

[0063] As described above, the imaging device 100 clears f_wakeup before returning to power-saving mode via WOL. Therefore, f_wakeup is not set when reconnecting after returning via WOL, and WOL is not set up unless it is set remotely each time a connection is reconnected. On the other hand, in the PC 200, once the user sets f_PCwakeup, it is stored in the nonvolatile memory 202. Therefore, when the PC 200 reconnects after returning via WOL, f_PCwakeup is enabled and a sleep return request is sent immediately. Therefore, once a sleep return request is made from the PC 200 in the connection between the imaging device 100 and the PC 200, WOL is repeatedly set up after the imaging device 100 returns via WOL. Furthermore, when the imaging device 100 is connected to an external device terminal other than the PC 200, WOL is not set up unless the user intentionally makes a sleep return request. Therefore, WOL is set up only when necessary.

[0064] (Second embodiment) Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, a processing flow for resetting the image capture device 100 using WOL in each of the image capture device 100 and the PC 200 that constitute a communication system according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0065] [Processing in the imaging device 100] (S601) The control unit 101 initiates a connection with the PC 200 via the connection unit 108. Then, the process proceeds to S602.

[0066] (S602) Control unit 101 performs a connection operation with PC 200 via connection unit 108 and determines whether the connection is successful. The connection operation includes the establishment of a link via connection unit 108 and the logical establishment of a communication protocol via connection unit 108. If the connection is successful, the process proceeds to S603.

[0067] (S603) The control unit 101 determines whether any signal has been received from the PC 200 via the connection unit 108. If a signal has been received, the process proceeds to S604. If no signal has been received, the process waits until a signal is received.

[0068] (S604) If control unit 101 receives a message from PC 200 in S603, it determines whether the received message is a reset request. If it is a reset request, the process proceeds to S605. If it is not a reset request, the process proceeds to S606. Note that a reset request is another example of request information.

[0069] (S605) If the content received from PC 200 in S604 is a reset request, control unit 101 sets flag f_reset=1 and proceeds to S606. Flag f_reset=1 is a flag for determining whether a reset request has been made from PC 200. Flag f_reset is initialized to f_reset=0 at the start of connection. f_reset is stored in working memory 104.

[0070] (S606) The control unit 101 sets up WOL for the connection unit 108. The WOL setting is set up so that an interrupt is issued to the control unit 101 when a WOL packet is received. After the setting is complete, the process proceeds to S603.

[0071] (S607) When a packet is received from PC 200, control unit 101 determines whether the received packet is a WOL packet. If a WOL packet is received, control unit 101 proceeds to S609. If the packet is not a WOL packet, control unit 101 proceeds to S608.

[0072] (S608) If the content received from the PC 200 in S603 is not a reset request or a WOL packet, the control unit 101 executes control for the received request. After executing control for the received request, the process proceeds to S603. Note that this request may include, for example, a request to capture an image or a request to change image capture parameters. In other words, it is a request to remotely operate the imaging device 100 from the PC 200.

[0073] (S609) The control unit 101 determines whether f_reset is 1. If the result of the determination is that f_reset is 1, the process proceeds to S610. If the result of the determination is that f_reset is not 1, the process proceeds to S603.

[0074] (S610) The control unit 101 clears f_reset. That is, f_reset = 0. After clearing, the process proceeds to S611.

[0075] (S611) The control unit 101 performs processing to restart the imaging device 100. After the restart, the control unit 101 ends the processing, but the processing proceeds to S601 in order to automatically perform connection processing after the restart.

[0076] [Processing on PC200] (S701) The control unit 201 starts a connection with the image capture device 100 via the connection unit 207. After that, the process proceeds to S702.

[0077] (S702) The control unit 201 performs a connection operation with the imaging device 100 via the connection unit 207 and determines whether the connection is successful. The connection operation includes the establishment of a link via the connection unit 207 and the logical establishment of a communication protocol via the connection unit 207. If the connection is successful, the process proceeds to S703.

[0078] (S703) The control unit 201 determines whether the user has instructed the operation unit 204 to execute the process. If the user has instructed the operation unit 204, the process proceeds to S704. If the user has not instructed the operation unit 204, the process proceeds to S707.

[0079] (S704) The control unit 201 determines whether the process instructed by the user via the operation unit 204 is a reset request. If it is a reset request, the process proceeds to S705. If it is not a reset request, the process proceeds to S709.

[0080] (S705) If the process instructed by the user in S704 is a reset request, the control unit 201 sets a flag f_PCreset=1 and proceeds to S706. Note that f_PCreset=1 is a flag for determining whether or not to send a reset request to the imaging device 100 in response to an instruction from the user. f_PCreset is an example of instruction information (reset instruction), and may be stored in a storage unit such as the working memory 203.

[0081] (S706) The control unit 201 transmits a reset request to the imaging device 100 via the connection unit 207. After transmission, the process proceeds to S703.

[0082] (S707) The control unit 201 determines whether any signal has been received from the imaging device 100 via the connection unit 207. If a signal has been received, the process proceeds to S708. If no signal has been received, the process proceeds to S703.

[0083] (S708) The control unit 201 executes processing according to the content received from the imaging device 100. After execution, the processing proceeds to S703. If some abnormality occurs in the imaging device 100, the PC 200 may receive a warning from the imaging device 100, for example, that the capacity of the recording medium is full. When such a warning is received, the control unit 201 displays a warning on the display unit 205, for example.

[0084] (S709) The control unit 201 determines whether the process instructed by the user via the operation unit 204 is a WOL transmission request. If it is a WOL transmission request, the process proceeds to S711. If it is not a WOL transmission request, the process proceeds to S710.

[0085] (S710) If the process instructed by the user is not a WOL transmission request, the control unit 201 transmits control for the request to the imaging device 100 via the connection unit 207. After transmission, the process proceeds to S703. Requests other than a WOL transmission request may include, for example, a request to capture an image or a request to change imaging parameters. In other words, they are requests to operate the imaging device 100 remotely from the PC 200.

[0086] (S711) The control unit 201 determines whether the flag f_PCwakeup is 1. That is, the control unit 201 determines whether a reset request has been sent to the imaging device 100 in advance and whether WOL has been set on the imaging device 100 side. If the result of the determination is that f_PCwakeup is 1, the process proceeds to S712. If the result of the determination is that f_PCwakeup is not 1, the process ends.

[0087] (S712) The control unit 201 clears f_PCwakeup. That is, f_PCwakeup = 0. After clearing, the process proceeds to S713.

[0088] (S713) The control unit 201 transmits a WOL packet to the imaging device 100 via the connection unit 207. After transmission, the process returns to S701 to perform connection processing.

[0089] As described above, the imaging device 100 clears f_reset before being reset by WOL. Therefore, f_reset is not set when reconnecting after recovering by WOL, and WOL is not set unless it is set remotely each time a reconnection is made. Meanwhile, the PC 200 also clears f_PCreset (discards the reset instruction) before sending WOL, so even if a reconnection is made, f_PCreset is disabled and a reset request is not sent. Therefore, in a connection between the imaging device 100 and the PC 200, WOL is not set unless the user intentionally sends a reset request from the PC 200 after the connection is made. Therefore, it is not easy to reset the imaging device 100 from another external device terminal.

[0090] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

[0091] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by executing the following process: software (program) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is 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.

[0092] Although the present invention has been described in detail above based on preferred embodiments thereof, 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.

[0093] Note that each functional unit in each of the above embodiments (variations) may or may not be individual hardware. The functions of two or more functional units may be realized by common hardware. Each of multiple 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. Furthermore, each functional unit may or may not be realized by hardware such as an ASIC, FPGA, or DSP. For example, an apparatus 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 apparatus may be realized by the processor reading and executing the control program from the memory.

[0094] 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.

[0095] [Configuration 1] A communication system having a first communication device and a second communication device, the first communication device, a communication unit that transmits, to the second communication device, request information requesting switching a WOL function between enabled and disabled and a startup packet based on instruction information set by a user; Equipped with the second communication device, a communication unit that receives the request information and a startup packet from the first communication device; a control unit that switches the WOL function between enabled and disabled based on the request information received from the first communication device; Equipped with The control unit When the startup packet is received while the second communication device is in a power saving state and the WOL function is enabled, execute a process of activating the second communication device from the power saving state and disable the WOL function of the second communication device. Communication system.

[0096] [Configuration 2] the first communication device, a storage unit for storing instruction information set by the user; 2. The communication system of claim 1 further comprising:

[0097] [Configuration 3] The communication unit included in the first communication device After the connection between the first communication device and the second communication device is started, when the instruction information is stored in the storage unit, the request information based on the instruction information is transmitted to the second communication device. 3. The communication system according to claim 2.

[0098] [Configuration 4] the instruction information includes a return instruction to enable the WOL function immediately before the operation state of the second communication device switches from an active state to a power saving state. 4. The communication system according to claim 2 or 3.

[0099] [Configuration 5] the instruction information includes a reset instruction to enable the WOL function of the second communication device when the operation state of the second communication device is in an activated state. 5. The communication system according to claim 3 or 4.

[0100] [Configuration 6] The control unit included in the second communication device enable the WOL function immediately after receiving request information based on the reset instruction from the first communication device; 6. The communication system according to configuration 5.

[0101] [Configuration 7] The control unit included in the second communication device When the startup packet is received while the second communication device is in a startup state and the WOL function is enabled, a process of restarting the second communication device is executed. 7. The communication system according to claim 6.

[0102] [Configuration 8] the first communication device, a control unit that, when instruction information including the reset instruction is stored in the storage unit, discards the instruction information including the reset instruction from the storage unit at a timing when the startup packet is transmitted to the second communication device; 8. The communication system of claim 7, further comprising:

[0103] [Configuration 9] the second communication device is a camera; 9. A communication system according to any one of configurations 1 to 8. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 100 Imaging device 101 Control section 102 Imaging unit 103 Non-volatile memory 104 Working Memory 105 Operation section 106 Display section 107 Recording Media 108 Connection 200 PC 201 Control Unit 202 Non-volatile memory 203 Working Memory 204 Operation section 205 Display section 206 Recording Media 207 Connection

Claims

1. A communication system having a first communication device and a second communication device, the first communication device, a communication unit that transmits, to the second communication device, request information requesting switching between enabling and disabling a WOL function and a startup packet based on instruction information set by a user; Equipped with the second communication device a communication unit that receives the request information and a startup packet from the first communication device; a control unit that switches the WOL function between enabled and disabled based on the request information received from the first communication device; Equipped with The control unit When the startup packet is received while the second communication device is in a power saving state and the WOL function is enabled, a process of activating the second communication device from the power saving state is executed, and the WOL function of the second communication device is disabled. Communication system.

2. the first communication device, a storage unit for storing instruction information set by the user; The communication system of claim 1 further comprising:

3. The communication unit included in the first communication device after the connection between the first communication device and the second communication device is started, when the instruction information is stored in the storage unit, transmitting the request information based on the instruction information to the second communication device; The communication system according to claim 2 .

4. the instruction information includes a return instruction to enable the WOL function immediately before the operation state of the second communication device switches from an active state to a power saving state. The communication system according to claim 2 .

5. the instruction information includes a reset instruction to enable the WOL function of the second communication device when the operation state of the second communication device is in an activated state. The communication system according to claim 3 .

6. The control unit included in the second communication device and switching the WOL function to enabled immediately after receiving request information based on the reset instruction from the first communication device. The communication system according to claim 5 .

7. The control unit included in the second communication device When the startup packet is received while the second communication device is in an active state and the WOL function is enabled, a process of restarting the second communication device is executed.

7. The communication system according to claim 6.

8. the first communication device, a control unit that, when instruction information including the reset instruction is stored in the storage unit, discards the instruction information including the reset instruction from the storage unit at a timing when the startup packet is transmitted to the second communication device; The communication system of claim 7 further comprising:

9. the second communication device is a camera; A communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

Images