Communication device and control method thereof

Abstract

To provide a communication device and a control method thereof which can acquire an image file from an imaging device and in which the usability is improved.SOLUTION: A communication device provides a screen which displays information on a data file acquired from a first external device that records the plurality of image data files in a selectable manner. The communication device, when the plurality of image data files include a main content file and a proxy content file corresponding to the main content file, displays on the screen information on the proxy content file in a higher priority than information on the main content file.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication device and a control method thereof. [Background technology]

[0002] A communication device is known that has the function of acquiring an image file recorded by an imaging device and transferring it to a server. When the imaging device has multiple slots for attaching removable recording media (Patent Document 1), the communication device can select a recording medium or slot from which to read the image file. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-169924 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, conventional communication devices are configured to always select a specific slot first. Therefore, if a user wants to acquire an image file from a slot that was not initially selected, the user must reselect the slot. Also, if the user does not know or has forgotten which slot contains the image file of the format they want to acquire, they must select each slot and display a list of image files.

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a communication device capable of acquiring image files from an imaging device and a control method thereof, which overcomes one or more of the problems with the conventional technology and has improved usability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The above object can also be achieved by providing an information acquisition means for acquiring information on a plurality of image data files from a first external device that has recorded the plurality of image data files; a display control means for providing a screen that selectably displays information on the plurality of image data files; a data acquisition means for acquiring an image data file whose information has been selected on the screen from the first external device; and a transfer means for transferring the acquired image data file from the first external device to a different second external device, wherein when the plurality of image data files include a main content file and a proxy content file corresponding to the main content file, the display control means displays information on the proxy content file on the screen in priority to information on the main content file. When the main content file and the proxy content file are recorded together on the same recording medium, the display control means displays the information of the image data files in a list on the screen so that the information of the proxy content file is displayed above the information of the main content file. This is achieved by a communication device characterized by: [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a communication device capable of acquiring image files from an imaging device, which has improved usability, and a control method for the same. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of an image transfer system according to an embodiment; [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an imaging device 100 according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 shows an example of a file structure of the imaging device 100. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication device 200 according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 shows an example of the software configuration of the communication device 200. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 shows an example of a recording rule for a content file in the imaging device 100. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of a transfer application running on the communication device 200. [Figure 8] Flowchart regarding the operation of the communication device 200 [Figure 9] Flowchart regarding the operation of the imaging device 100 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention will be described in detail below based on exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the claimed invention. Furthermore, although multiple features are described in the embodiments, not all of them are necessarily essential to the invention, and multiple features may be combined arbitrarily. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same or similar components, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0010] The following describes an embodiment of a configuration for implementing this embodiment in a smartphone, which is an example of a communication device. However, the present invention can be implemented in any electronic device capable of communicating with two or more external devices including an imaging device, such as a computer device (personal computer, tablet, media player, PDA, etc.), a game console, or a robot. These are merely examples, and the present invention can also be implemented in other electronic devices.

[0011] ●(First embodiment) <Image transfer system> 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of an image transfer system including a communication device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The image transfer system includes an imaging device 100, a communication device 200, and an information processing device 300. The imaging device 100 (first external device) is typically a digital camera or a digital video camera. The communication device 200 is a smartphone or a tablet in this embodiment. The information processing device 300 (second external device) is a server device or cloud storage that stores image files.

[0012] The imaging device 100 and the information processing device 300 each communicate with the communication device 200. The imaging device 100 and the communication device 200 can communicate with each other via a wired connection using a cable, for example, or a wireless connection. The communication device 200 and the information processing device 300 can also communicate with each other via a mobile communication network such as 4G or 5G, the Internet, or the like.

[0013] There are no particular limitations on the communication protocol between the imaging device 100 and the communication device 200, or the communication protocol between the communication device 200 and the information processing device 300. Any known communication protocol can be used. For example, when transferring an image file from the imaging device 100 to the communication device 200, PTP (Picture Transfer Protocol) or PTP-IP (PTP over TCP / IP networks) can be used. Furthermore, when transferring an image file from the communication device 200 to the information processing device 300, FTP (File Transfer Protocol) can be used.

[0014] 1, the imaging device 100 and the information processing device 300 exist on separate communication networks. However, for example, the imaging device 100, the communication device 200, and the information processing device 300 may exist on the same network provided by the same access point. However, even in this case, the image file is transferred from the imaging device 100 to the information processing device 300 via the communication device 200.

[0015] <Configuration of imaging device 100> FIG. 2A is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the imaging device 100. As shown in FIG. The control unit 101 has, for example, one or more microprocessors (hereinafter referred to as MPUs). The control unit 101 controls the operation of each block shown in Fig. 2(a) by, for example, loading a program stored in a nonvolatile memory 103 into a work memory 104 and executing it using the MPU, thereby realizing the functions of the image capture device 100. Note that at least a part of the control for realizing the functions of the image capture device 100 may be realized using a hardware circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA.

[0016] The imaging unit 102 has, for example, an imaging optical system including a lens unit including a movable lens such as a focus lens and an aperture, and a drive mechanism for the movable lens and aperture, and an imaging element. The imaging element has a plurality of pixels arranged two-dimensionally. Each pixel is provided with a photoelectric conversion element such as a photodiode. The imaging element converts the optical image formed by the lens unit into a pixel signal group (analog image signal) using the plurality of pixels. The imaging element may be, for example, a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor or a CCD (Charge Coupled Device). The imaging unit 102 performs A / D conversion and noise reduction processing on the analog image signal generated by the imaging element and outputs the result as image data.

[0017] The control unit 101 applies predetermined image processing to image data output by the imaging unit 102, and generates display image data and recording image data. The display image data is used for display on the display unit 106, for example. The recording image data is recorded on at least one of the recording media 110 and 111. The control unit 101 can also generate evaluation values ​​used for autofocus detection (AF) and automatic exposure control (AE) from the image data, and perform AF and AE based on the evaluation values.

[0018] The nonvolatile memory 103 is electrically rewritable and stores programs executed by the control unit 101, settings for the image capture device 100, GUI data, meta template information, and the like.

[0019] The working memory 104 is used as a buffer memory for temporarily storing image data, a system memory for executing programs, a video memory for the display unit 106, and the like.

[0020] The operation unit 105 is a general term for input devices for receiving instructions for the imaging apparatus 100. The operation unit 105 may include switches, buttons, keys, dials, joysticks, touch panels, etc. The input devices have names according to the functions assigned to them. For example, the input devices may include a power button used by the user to instruct the imaging apparatus 100 to power on / off, a release switch used to instruct the start / stop of shooting, and a playback button used to instruct the playback of video data. Different functions may be assigned to the same input device depending on the operating state of the imaging apparatus 100. The operation unit 105 also includes a connection button used to start communication with an external device via the communication unit 112 (described later) and a touch panel included in the display unit 106 (described later).

[0021] The display unit 106 displays live view images, captured image data, a menu screen, information about the imaging device 100, etc. The display unit 106 may be an external display device of the imaging device 100.

[0022] The audio input unit 107 is, for example, a microphone, and is used to acquire environmental sounds when shooting moving images for recording. The audio converted into an electrical signal by the audio input unit 107 is converted into audio data in a predetermined format by the control unit 101 and recorded as an audio file on the recording medium 110 and / or 111.

[0023] The recording media 110 and 111 are used as recording destinations for image data and audio data obtained by shooting. At least one of the recording media 110 and 111 may be removable from the imaging device 100. Typically, the recording media 110 and 111 are memory cards.

[0024] When using a recording medium that is removable from the imaging device 100, the imaging device 100 is provided with a mechanism for attaching and detaching the recording medium and for accessing the attached recording medium. When the recording medium is a memory card, this mechanism is called a memory slot. In this embodiment, the recording media 110 and 111 are memory cards, and the imaging device 100 has two memory slots.

[0025] The communication unit 112 is a communication interface with an external device. The communication unit 112 includes an antenna and a communication module. The communication unit 112 may have a separate communication interface for each communication standard to which it conforms. The imaging device 100 can communicate with an external device such as a communication device 200 via a wired and / or wireless connection established through the communication unit 112. For example, video data and audio data obtained by capturing an image can be transmitted to the external device via the communication unit 112. In this embodiment, the imaging device 100 and the communication device 200 communicate via a wireless connection.

[0026] In this embodiment, the communication unit 112 has a wireless LAN interface that complies with one or more of the IEEE802.11 series. The communication unit 112 also has a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface that complies with one of the USB standards. The control unit 101 controls the communication interface of the communication unit 112 to realize communication with an external device connected to the communication interface.

[0027] The wireless LAN interface of the communication unit 112 has an access point mode (AP mode) in which it operates as an access point in infrastructure mode, and a client mode (CL mode) in which it operates as a client. The operation mode of the communication unit 112 is controlled by the control unit 101. By operating the communication unit 112 in CL mode, the imaging device 100 operates as a client in infrastructure mode. When the imaging device 100 operates as a client, it can connect to a nearby access point and participate in a network formed by the access point.

[0028] Furthermore, by operating the communication unit 112 in AP mode, the imaging device 100 operates as a simple access point (simple AP). A simple AP has more limited functions than a general AP. Specifically, it does not have a gateway function for transferring data received from a client to an external network. When the imaging device 100 operates as a simple AP, the imaging device 100 forms a network. Devices surrounding the imaging device 100 recognize the imaging device 100 as an access point and can participate in the network formed by the imaging device 100. Note that, because the imaging device 100 is a simple AP, it cannot transfer data received from a client to an external network such as the Internet.

[0029] 2(b) and 2(c) are perspective views showing an example of the appearance of the imaging device 100. FIG. 2(b) shows an example of the appearance as seen from the front side (subject side), and FIG. 2(c) shows an example of the appearance as seen from the rear side (photographer side). The release switch 105a, playback button 105b, directional keys 105c, and touch panel 105d are input devices included in the operation unit 105. Furthermore, during standby for shooting or when shooting moving images for recording, the display unit 106 can function as a viewfinder by displaying a live view image on the display unit 106.

[0030] <File structure of recording media 110 and 111> Next, the file structure of the recording medium 110 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. The file structure of the recording medium 111 is the same. The recording medium 110 is assumed to be internally formatted with a file system such as exFAT (Extended File Allocation Table) that can be referenced by various OSs (Operating Systems).

[0031] The control unit 101 records the video data generated by the imaging unit 102 in MP4 file format in a directory organized by date (here, "100_0420" (the last four characters indicate the date of recording)) in the "DCIM" directory immediately under the root directory. The control unit 101 also records metadata information for the video data in XML (Extensible Markup Language) file format based on meta template information read from the nonvolatile memory 103. The metadata information is information in which information such as the category, title, and comments of the video data are recorded in association with tags in the XML file, and is used for managing the video data, etc.

[0032] In parallel with the video shooting, the control unit 101 records the audio data generated by the audio input unit 107 in the WAV file format in the "AUDIO" directory provided in the "PRIVATE" directory immediately below the root directory.

[0033] Furthermore, when video data and audio data are generated by the imaging unit 102 and audio input unit 107, the control unit 101 generates a catalog file for file management in a "CANOMSC" directory provided in the "DCIM" directory. If a catalog file already exists, the control unit 101 updates the existing catalog file. Information about the files recorded on the recording medium 110 (such as the recording date and time) is recorded in the catalog file.

[0034] Although only data recorded during video shooting has been described here, still image files can also be recorded in the same directory as video data. Also, the file formats for video data and audio data described here are merely examples, and they may be recorded in other file formats.

[0035] <Hardware Configuration of Communication Device 200> 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of communication device 200. It is assumed here that communication device 200 is a mobile computing device terminal (for example, a smartphone, a tablet, etc.) that can connect to a mobile phone network.

[0036] The control unit 201 has, for example, one or more microprocessors (hereinafter, referred to as MPUs). The control unit 201 controls the operation of each block shown in Fig. 4 by, for example, loading a program stored in a nonvolatile memory 203 into a working memory 204 and executing it using the MPU, thereby realizing the functions of the communication device 200. Note that at least a part of the control for realizing the functions of the communication device 200 may be realized using a hardware circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA.

[0037] The imaging unit 202 has, for example, an imaging optical system having a lens unit including a movable lens such as a focus lens and a drive mechanism for the movable lens, and an imaging element. The imaging element has a plurality of pixels arranged two-dimensionally. Each pixel is provided with a photoelectric conversion element such as a photodiode. The imaging element converts the optical image formed by the lens unit into a pixel signal group (analog image signal) using the plurality of pixels. The imaging element may be, for example, a CMOS image sensor or a CCD. The imaging unit 202 performs A / D conversion and noise reduction processing on the analog image signal generated by the imaging element, and outputs the result as image data.

[0038] The control unit 201 applies predetermined image processing to image data output by the imaging unit 202, and generates image data for display and image data for recording. The image data for display is used, for example, for display on the display unit 206. The image data for recording is recorded on a recording medium 207. The control unit 201 can also generate evaluation values ​​used for autofocus detection (AF) and automatic exposure control (AE) from the image data, and perform AF and AE based on the evaluation values.

[0039] The nonvolatile memory 203 is electrically rewritable and stores settings, GUI data, meta template information, etc. of the program communication device 200 executed by the control unit 201. The programs include operating system (OS) and application programs that operate in conjunction with the OS.

[0040] In this embodiment, it is assumed that the nonvolatile memory 203 stores the following application programs. A transfer application program (transfer app) that provides a data transfer function using communication between the imaging device 100 and the information processing device 300 A file management application (file management app) that manages data files received from the imaging device 100 Image management application program (image management app)

[0041] The working memory 204 is used as a buffer memory for temporarily storing image data, a system memory for executing programs, a video memory for the display unit 206, and the like.

[0042] Operation unit 205 is a general term for input devices for receiving instructions for communication device 200. Operation unit 205 may include switches, buttons, a touch panel included in display unit 206, and the like. Note that a function for giving instructions to communication device 200 by voice input via microphone 214 is also considered to be one of the input devices included in operation unit 205.

[0043] The display unit 206 displays live view images, captured image data, a menu screen, information about the communication device 200, etc. The display unit 206 may be an external display device of the communication device 200.

[0044] The recording medium 207 is used as a recording destination for image data and audio data obtained by shooting. The recording medium 207 may be removable from the communication device 200. Typically, the recording medium 207 is a memory card.

[0045] The communication unit 211 is a communication interface with an external device. The communication unit 211 may have a separate communication interface for each communication standard to which the communication unit 211 conforms. The communication device 200 can communicate with external devices such as the image capture device 100 and the information processing device 300 via a wired and / or wireless connection established through the communication unit 211. In this embodiment, the communication device 200 communicates with the image capture device 100 and the information processing device 300 via a wireless connection.

[0046] In this embodiment, the communication unit 211 has a wireless LAN interface that complies with one or more of the IEEE802.11 series. The communication unit 211 also has a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface that complies with one of the USB standards. The communication unit 211 can be an infrared communication interface, a Blu-ray disc interface, a USB 3.0 ... et The communication unit 211 may include a wireless communication module such as a Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication interface, a Wireless USB interface, etc. The control unit 201 controls the communication interface of the communication unit 211 to realize communication with an external device connected to the communication interface.

[0047] The communication device 200 may communicate directly with the imaging device 100 and the information processing device 300, or may communicate via other devices such as an access point or a repeater. As a communication protocol for image data, for example, PTP / IP (Picture Transfer Protocol over Internet Protocol) via a wireless LAN can be used.

[0048] The wireless LAN interface of communication unit 211 may have an access point mode (AP mode) in which it operates as an access point in infrastructure mode, and a client mode (CL mode) in which it operates as a client. The operation mode of communication unit 211 is controlled by control unit 201. By operating communication unit 211 in CL mode, communication device 200 operates as a client in infrastructure mode. When communication device 200 operates as a client, it can connect to a nearby access point and participate in a network formed by the access point.

[0049] The public network connection unit 213 is a communication interface used for connection to a mobile phone network. The communication device 200 provides a function for making calls to external devices via the public network connection unit 213. A user can make calls to users of external devices using a microphone 214 and a speaker 215.

[0050] Since the mobile phone network provides a data communication function, the communication device 200 can also perform data communication with external devices such as the information processing device 300 via the public network connection unit 213. The wireless communication interface of the communication unit 211 and the public network connection unit 213 may use the same antenna, or different antennas. When both the communication unit 211 and the public network connection unit 213 can be used for communication with the same external device, one with a faster communication speed can be used for communication when not making a voice call. The communication speed here may be a theoretical communication speed or a communication speed in an actual environment.

[0051] The microphone 214 is used to acquire environmental sounds when shooting moving images for recording. The sound converted into an electrical signal by the microphone 214 is converted into audio data in a predetermined format by the control unit 201 and recorded as an audio file on the recording medium 207. The microphone 214 is also used to input audio during calls via the public network connection unit 213.

[0052] The speaker 215 is used to output audio generated or played by the OS or applications, and to output audio received via the public network connection unit 213 .

[0053] <Software Configuration of Communication Device 200> Next, an example of the software configuration of the communication device 200 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 shows a schematic diagram of the programs stored in the nonvolatile memory 203.

[0054] The non-volatile memory 203 stores and records an OS 310, a file management application 306, an image management application 308, and a transfer application 301. The transfer application 301 provides a function of acquiring a data file from the imaging device 100 and transferring it to the information processing device 300. These applications 301, 306, and 308 are assumed to be installed in the communication device 200 by a known method.

[0055] When a power switch included in operation unit 205 of communication device 200 is turned on, power is supplied from a power source to each unit of communication device 200, and a startup operation of communication device 200 is initiated. In the startup operation, control unit 201 reads OS 310 from nonvolatile memory 203 to working memory 204 and executes it.

[0056] When communication device 200 is started, it becomes possible to execute applications 301, 306, and 308. For example, when the icon of application 301, 306, or 308 displayed on display unit 206 is tapped, control unit 201 executes the tapped application.

[0057] In the following description, operations that are realized by the control unit 201 executing the OS or application programs will be described as being performed by the control unit 201, the OS, or the application.

[0058] The OS 310 provides a function for controlling each unit of the communication device 200. The OS 310 also provides various services to applications. For example, in this embodiment, a function related to communication with an external device is realized by a communication service 311 provided by the OS 310.

[0059] The communication service 311 controls the on / off of the communication function, connection to an external device, and data communication with the connected external device. It also controls the provision of data obtained by the communication function to an application, and the sending and receiving of data to and from an external device in response to a request from the application.

[0060] The file management application 306 provides a file management service 307 that manages a list of data files recorded on the recording medium 207. The file management application 306 also controls reading of data files managed by the file management service 307 from the recording medium 207, and writing of data files to the recording medium 207 in response to requests from other applications.

[0061] The image management application 308 provides an image management service 309 that manages a list of image data files (still image and video data files) recorded on the recording medium 207. Unlike the file management application 306, the image management application 308 provides functions specialized for managing image data, such as a function to display a list of thumbnail images of image data files on the display unit 206 and a function to advance video files frame by frame.

[0062] In addition, the image management application 308 is an image management service. S309 The image data file management unit 204 controls the reading of image data files managed by the image data file management unit 204 from the recording medium 207, and the writing of image data files to the recording medium 207 in response to requests from other applications.

[0063] The data files managed by the file management application 306 and the image data files managed by the image management application 308 are managed in independent areas within the recording medium 207, and cannot be mutually referenced.

[0064] Next, the transfer application 301 will be described. The transfer application 301 provides the following functions: a display control function 302, a communication service control function 303, a file management service control function 304, and an image management service control function 305. The display control function 302 generates a screen to be displayed on the display unit 206. The configuration of the screen will be described later.

[0065] The communication service control function 303 of the transfer application 301 communicates with the imaging device 100 using a communication service 311 provided by the OS 310. Specifically, the communication service control function 303 acquires list information of data files held by the imaging device 100, individual file information, data files, etc. from the imaging device 100 using the communication service 311. The communication service control function 303 also reads data files stored in the recording medium 207 and transmits them to the information processing device 300 using the communication service 311.

[0066] The file management service control function 304 of the transfer application 301 stores the data files stored in the working memory 204 in the recording medium 207 using the file management service 307 provided by the OS 310 .

[0067] The image management service control function 305 of the transfer application 301 transfers the image data files stored in the working memory 204 to the image management service 300 provided by the OS 310. 9 is used to store it on the recording medium 207.

[0068] <Use of multiple recording media in the imaging device 100> The imaging device 100 has the function of generating and recording two types of data with different data amounts from a single capture. The image data with different data amounts may be data with different one or more of the following: resolution, bit rate, frame rate, color depth, and encoding method. In the case of video data, the data amount of accompanying audio data may also be different.

[0069] Of the two types of data, the data with the larger data volume is referred to as main content, and the data with a smaller data volume than main content is referred to as proxy content. Because proxy content takes less time to transmit and process images than main content, main content is suitable for applications that require high image quality and sound quality, while proxy content is suitable for applications where processing time is a priority.

[0070] For example, in the case of video data (including audio data; the same applies below) used in news programs, proxy content is more convenient than main content when immediacy is required, such as when transmitting video in real time from the local area. On the other hand, when image quality and sound quality are more important than immediacy, main content is more suitable.

[0071] Furthermore, if only the proxy content is recorded, it will be difficult to provide high-quality data in the future, so it is advantageous to record the main content as well. For this reason, the imaging device 100 has the function of recording the main content and the proxy content separately. It is also possible to set whether or not to record a metadata file in addition to the main content and the proxy content.

[0072] When recording both the main content and the proxy content, the main content is first generated, and then the proxy content can be generated by reducing the data volume of the main content (by lowering the bit rate). Note that the present invention does not depend on the method for generating the main content and the proxy content, so the main content and the proxy content can be generated using any method.

[0073] The imaging device 100 also has a continuous recording function that continues recording moving images immediately after starting up the imaging device 100. It is also possible to set whether or not to record a metadata file for moving image data captured using the continuous recording function.

[0074] 6 shows a schematic diagram of files recorded on each recording medium when the imaging device 100 is able to use the recording media 110 and 111 and is set to record both main content and proxy content. Here, both recording media 110 and 111 are removable from the imaging device 100, and the slot into which recording medium 110 is attached is referred to as the main slot, and the slot into which recording medium 111 is attached is referred to as the sub-slot.

[0075] The control unit 101 determines the recording medium on which data is to be recorded based on the recording settings stored in the nonvolatile memory 103. The recording settings include the data format or type of content to be recorded on the recording medium attached to each slot, and whether or not a metadata file needs to be recorded. For example, it is possible to set the main slot to store the main content and the sub-slot to store the proxy content, or to set the main content to store the main slot and the sub-slot to store a slow motion video. Basically, the main content (including metadata) is recorded in the main slot. Furthermore, it is assumed that data other than the main content, such as sub-content (including metadata), which is recorded simultaneously (in parallel) with the main content, is recorded in the sub-slot.

[0076] If only one of the recording media 110 and 111 is installed, the main content will be recorded on the installed recording media. If a recording media is installed but data cannot be written to it due to an abnormality or protection, it will be treated as not being installed.

[0077] <Screen Description> Next, details of the transfer application 301 will be described. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen generated by the display control function 302 of the transfer application 301 and displayed on the display unit 206. It is assumed here that the transfer application 301 displays the main slot (recording medium 110) as "SD A" and the sub-slot (recording medium 111) as "SD B."

[0078] It is assumed that the communication unit 112 of the imaging device 100 operates in AP mode to form a network. When the transfer application 301 is launched, the communication unit 211 connects to the communication unit 112 operating as an access point. It is assumed that information required to connect to the access point (SSID and password) is set in advance and stored in the non-volatile memory 203.

[0079] 7(a) shows an example of a function selection screen 701 that is displayed as an initial screen of the transfer application 301 when a wireless connection is established between the communication device 200 and the imaging device 100. The function selection screen 701 has a button 702 for selecting to display data files present in the imaging device 100, and a button 703 for selecting to display data files present in the recording medium 207 of the communication device 200.

[0080] When button 702 is tapped, communication service control function 303 communicates with imaging device 100 and acquires information about data files present in imaging device 100. Display control function 302 generates a file list display screen based on the information acquired by communication service control function 303. When button 703 is tapped, image management service control function 305 uses image management service 309 to acquire information about image data files present in recording medium 207. Based on the information acquired by image management service control function 305, display control function 302 generates a file list display screen.

[0081] Fig. 7(b) shows an example of a file list display screen 704 that is displayed when button 702 is tapped. A back button 705 is a button for returning to the function selection screen 701. Medium selection buttons 706 and 707 are buttons for selecting a medium or slot to display a list of when two recording media 110 and 111 are attached to the imaging device 100 and are readable. The example of Fig. 7(b) shows a state in which SD B (recording medium 111) has been selected, and a list of image data files (including audio data files accompanying video data files) stored on the recording medium 111 is displayed.

[0082] In this embodiment, when a list is displayed for each recording medium, priority is given to the recording medium (or slot) in which the proxy content is stored, so SD B is selected here. When the medium selection button 707 is selected in this state, a list of image data files stored in SD A (recording medium 110) is displayed. Note that the format (extension, etc.) of the data files to be displayed in the list may be changeable by settings.

[0083] In the list display, a thumbnail image 708, a file name (including extension) 710, a recording start date and time 711, and an icon 713 or 714 indicating the selection state are displayed for each data file. The thumbnail image 708 for a video data file may be one recorded in the file. For the thumbnail image 708 for audio data, an image indicating that it is audio data, which is stored in advance in the non-volatile memory 203, is used. An icon 713 is displayed for a selected data file, and an icon 714 is displayed for a non-selected data file. For example, each time an area showing information about an individual data file is tapped, the selected state and non-selected state of that data file are switched, and the display of the icons 713 and 714 is switched.

[0084] For data files related to proxy content, an icon 709 is displayed superimposed on the thumbnail image 708. In this embodiment, the display control function 302 considers data files whose filenames have a fourth letter "P" to be data files related to proxy content and adds the icon 709 to them. However, other methods of identification may be used, such as referencing information written in the header of the data file indicating whether it is main content or proxy content. In the example of Figure 7(b), all data files are determined to be data files related to proxy content.

[0085] Furthermore, for video data files for which a metadata file exists on the same recording medium, an icon 712 indicating this is additionally displayed. Here, for video data files for which a file with the extension "XML" exists and the file name is the same except for the extension, the icon 712 is added. The presence or absence of a corresponding metadata file may also be identified by other methods.

[0086] The download button 715 is a button for giving an instruction to the control unit 201 to download a data file selected on the list display screen 704 from the imaging device 100 to the communication device 200. When the control unit 201 (data acquisition means) detects an operation (tap) of the download button 715, it acquires the data file selected on the list display screen 704 from the imaging device 100. The control unit 201 (transfer means) temporarily records the acquired data file on the recording medium 207 or temporarily stores it in the work memory 204, and then transfers it to the information processing device 300. Note that a communication connection with the information processing device 300 can be established at any timing before the transfer.

[0087] Fig. 7(c) is a diagram showing another example of the list display screen 704. In this example, when two recording media 110 and 111 are attached to the imaging device 100 and are readable, only the medium selection buttons for the listed recording media are displayed. In Fig. 7(c), since the target of the list display is the recording media 111, only the medium selection button 706 is displayed.

[0088] The medium selection button 706 can be flicked left and right as indicated by arrows 716 and 717. When the medium selection button 706 is flicked right or left, the target of the list display changes to the recording medium 110. Whether the displayed medium selection button can be flicked may be indicated by an icon or the like.

[0089] 7(b) and 7(c), when button 702 is tapped on function selection screen 701, a content list of SD B on which proxy content is recorded is displayed with priority. In Fig. 7(b), the recording medium to be displayed in the list is switched by tapping medium selection button 707, and in Fig. 7(c), the recording medium to be displayed in the list is switched by flicking medium selection button 706, and the main content recorded on SD A is displayed in a list.

[0090] Fig. 7(d) is a diagram showing yet another example of the list display screen 704. In this example, when files recorded on the recording media 110 and 111 of the imaging device 100 are displayed together in a list, the files on one of the recording media (slots) are displayed preferentially. In Fig. 7(d), files 718-720 on the recording media 111 (sub-slot) are displayed preferentially (at the top), and files 721-722 on the recording media 110 (main slot) are displayed after the files on the recording media 111.

[0091] Conventionally, when file information of a device with multiple recording media is displayed using a file transfer application, the main slot is identified based on the volume label, and file information of the main slot is displayed preferentially. For example, when sorting the files in ascending alphabetical or hiragana order, the file transfer application identifies the slot with the highest volume label (name) as the main slot.

[0092] For example, in the case of the image capture device 100 of this embodiment, the volume label of the main slot is SD A and the volume label of the sub-slot is SD B, so the file transfer application identifies SD A as the main slot. Note that, depending on the regularity of the volume labels, the sorting target may be limited to a portion of the volume labels, or a method other than sorting may be used to determine the recording medium to be prioritized. For example, in the case of the volume labels of the image capture device 100, the top three characters ("SD") may be excluded from the sorting target. Furthermore, the main slot may be identified taking other conditions into consideration, such as giving a higher priority to volume labels starting with "CF" than volume labels starting with "SD."

[0093] As described above, a configuration in which file information is always displayed with priority given to the main slot among multiple slots (recording media) may not be suitable for the user's needs. For example, if a user places importance on speed of news, it is desirable that proxy content information be displayed with priority. The imaging device 100 of this embodiment is configured to record main content in the main slot and proxy content in the sub-slot. In such a case, in order to display proxy content information on the communication device 200, the user needs to switch the recording medium (slot) to be displayed in a list to the sub-slot. Furthermore, if file information for the sub-slot has not yet been acquired, it is acquired in response to a switching instruction, so it may take some time before the list is displayed.

[0094] In this embodiment, in order to solve such problems with the conventional technology, the recording medium (slot) on which file information is preferentially displayed is determined according to the type of recorded content.

[0095] Fig. 8 is a flowchart relating to the operation of the transfer application 301 in this embodiment in a state where a communication connection has been established between the communication device 200 and the imaging device 100. The operation shown in Fig. 8 can be started, for example, when the transfer application 301 is launched and an operation (e.g., tap) of the button 702 is detected in a state where the function selection screen 701 shown in Fig. 7(a) is displayed.

[0096] In S801, the control unit 201 (information acquisition means) transmits a file information acquisition request to the imaging device 100 via the communication unit 211, requesting information on each recorded file. If the imaging device 100 has multiple recording media, the control unit 201 requests file information for each recording medium. The file information may include, but is not limited to, the file name, file format, recording date and time, recording time, thumbnail image, etc. For ease of explanation and understanding, it is assumed here that all necessary file information is acquired with a single request. However, file information for one file may be acquired through multiple requests and responses.

[0097] In S802, the control unit 201 determines whether or not the control unit 201 has received file information transmitted from the imaging device 100 in response to the file information acquisition request transmitted in S801. If it is determined that the file information has been received, the control unit 201 executes S803, and if it is not determined that the file information has been received, the control unit 201 executes S802 again.

[0098] In step S803 , the control unit 201 receives the file information transmitted by the imaging device 100 via the communication unit 211 and stores it in the working memory 204 . In S804, the control unit 201 determines whether content files are recorded on multiple recording media based on the file information stored in the working memory 204. The control unit 201 can identify the main content file and the proxy content file based on the file name and extension, for example, as described above.

[0099] If it is determined that the content file is recorded on one recording medium, the control unit 201 executes S806. In S806, the control unit 201 determines that the recording medium on which the content file is recorded is to be the target of list display, and executes S807.

[0100] On the other hand, if it is determined that the content file is recorded on multiple recording media, the control unit 201 executes S805. In S805, the control unit 201 determines that the recording media on which the proxy content file is recorded are to be included in the list display, and executes S807.

[0101] In S807, the control unit 201 (display control means) displays the list display screen 704 that displays a list of information about the content files recorded on the recording medium determined to be the display target in S805 or S806.

[0102] As a result, if the main content file and the proxy content file are recorded on separate recording media so as not to be mixed, the recording media on which the proxy content file is recorded (sub-slots in the example of FIG. 6) will be the subject of the list display. Therefore, the control unit 201 displays a list display screen 704 such as that shown in FIG. 7(b) or 7(c).

[0103] If the content files are recorded on one recording medium and the main content file and the proxy content file are recorded on the same recording medium, the control unit 201 will prioritize the proxy content file in the list display. Also, if the main content file and the proxy content file are recorded on both recording media, the control unit 201 Hap In these cases, the control unit 201 can display the list so that the proxy content files are displayed higher than the main content file, as shown in Fig. 7(d), for example.

[0104] FIG. 9 is a flowchart relating to the operation of the imaging device 100, which corresponds to the operation of the communication device 200 described with reference to FIG. In S901 , the control unit 101 receives a file information acquisition request transmitted from the communication device 200 via the communication unit 112 . In step S902, the control unit 101 determines whether the recording medium from which the file information is requested is normal (readable) or not, and outputs the determination result to the operation unit 101. for The data is recorded in the memory 104.

[0105] In S903, the control unit 101 stores in the work memory 104 the file information stored in the recording medium that was determined to be readable in S902. In S904, the control unit 101 for The file information stored in the memory 104 is transmitted to the communication device 200 via the communication unit 211. If there is a recording medium that is not determined to be normal in S902, the control unit 201 responds with an error instead of the file information for that recording medium.

[0106] As described above, according to this embodiment, the communication device 200 can prioritize and display a list of proxy content suitable for cases where immediacy of transfer is required, among the content files recorded in the imaging device 100. In this case, the user does not need to be aware of the rules by which the imaging device 100 records the main content file and the proxy content files on one or more recording media. Therefore, no operation is required to display the proxy content files, and the time required for transfer to the information processing device 300 can be further reduced.

[0107] <Modification> When there are a plurality of recording media on which main content files and proxy content files are recorded together, the recording media with the highest proportion of proxy content files may be the subject of the list display.

[0108] In the above-described embodiment, proxy content files, which require immediate transfer, are prioritized in the list display. However, the user may be able to select whether to prioritize displaying the list of main content files or proxy content files. In this case, the type of content file (main or proxy) selected by the user to be prioritized is stored, and the next time the transfer application is launched, the transfer application will prioritize displaying the stored type of content file.

[0109] Alternatively, the imaging device 100 may include the content recording rules in, for example, the device information and transmit the same to the communication device 200. This allows the control unit 201 to recognize how the main content file and the proxy content files are recorded in the imaging device 100. Therefore, the control unit 201 can appropriately request the imaging device 100 for information on the content files to be displayed in a list.

[0110] 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 recording medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program.The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0111] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the following claims are appended to clarify the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0112] 100...imaging device, 104, 204...control unit, 110, 111, 207...recording medium, 200...communication device, 206...display unit, 300...information processing device

Claims

1. an information acquisition means for acquiring information on the plurality of image data files from a first external device in which the plurality of image data files are recorded; a display control means for providing a screen for selectively displaying information on the plurality of image data files; a data acquisition means for acquiring from the first external device an image data file whose information has been selected on the screen; a transfer means for transferring the acquired image data file from the first external device to a different second external device, when the plurality of image data files include a main content file and a proxy content file corresponding to the main content file, the display control means displays information of the proxy content file on the screen in priority to information of the main content file, and When the main content file and the proxy content file are recorded together on the same recording medium, the display control means displays a list of information about the image data files on the screen so that information about the proxy content file is displayed higher than information about the main content file.

2. 2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein, when the main content file and the proxy content file are recorded on separate recording media, the display control means displays the information on the screen about the recording media on which the proxy content file is recorded.

3. 3. The communication device according to claim 2, wherein the screen is configured to be able to switch the recording medium on which the information is to be displayed.

4. 4. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein, when the main content file and the proxy content file are recorded in a mixed state on each of a plurality of recording media, the display control means displays a list of information about the image data files on the screen so that information about the proxy content file is displayed higher than information about the main content file for the recording medium among the plurality of recording media that has the highest proportion of proxy content files.

5. 5. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the display control means distinguishes between the main content file and the proxy content file based on information of the plurality of image data files.

6. 6. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the display control means recognizes how the main content file and the proxy content file are recorded based on a recording rule acquired from the first external device.

7. 7. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein, when the plurality of image data files include the main content file and the proxy content file, a user can select whether information of the proxy content file or the main content file is to be given priority when displayed on the screen.

8. A method performed by a communication device, comprising: an information acquisition step of acquiring information on the plurality of image data files from a first external device in which the plurality of image data files are recorded; a display step of providing a screen that displays information on the plurality of image data files in a selectable manner; a data acquisition step of acquiring from the first external device an image data file whose information has been selected on the screen; a transfer step in which the first external device transfers the acquired image data file to a different second external device, In the display step, when the plurality of image data files include a main content file and a proxy content file corresponding to the main content file, information on the proxy content file is displayed on the screen in priority to information on the main content file; a display step of displaying information about the image data files on the screen in a list format such that information about the proxy content files is displayed above information about the main content files when the main content files and the proxy content files are recorded together on the same recording medium;

9. A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means included in the communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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