JP4030894B2 - Imaging device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a photographing apparatus having a wireless communication function.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, digital cameras having a communication function have been proposed for transmitting photographed image data. On the other hand, mobile phones with a camera function that acquire image data by photographing are also becoming popular in mobile phones (for example, Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2, etc.).
[0003]
In such a digital camera or camera-equipped mobile phone, captured image data can be temporarily stored in an internal memory and displayed on a liquid crystal monitor included in the digital camera, or attached to an e-mail and transmitted to a friend. Also, after sending the image data to the image server that manages the storage of the image data and temporarily storing the image data, the image server is accessed from a personal computer or the like to view the image, create an album, It is also possible to perform image processing and to order prints of image data from a lab store.
[0004]
On the other hand, the wireless LAN has a data communication speed much higher than that of an existing mobile phone communication network, and the communication fee is a flat-rate system. Has attracted attention as a suitable communication infrastructure. In particular, image data can be easily transmitted and received even when away from home by using hot spots that have been increasing in recent years.
[0005]
When image data is transmitted from such a digital camera using a wireless LAN, the owner of the digital camera (that is, the photographer) moves to a hot spot that provides a wireless LAN connection service and is installed in the hot spot. When the digital camera detects that it has entered the communicable area of the wireless LAN communication device, the image data stored in the internal memory is transmitted to an external image server via the wireless LAN communication device. For this reason, the owner of the digital camera can take image data and transmit the image data simply by moving to a hot spot. In particular, if the digital camera holder is in a place where the owner of the digital camera stops on a daily basis, such as a station, street corner, or convenience store, the owner of the digital camera is aware of the transmission of image data. The image data can be transmitted to the image server without any problem.
[0006]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-6-233020
[0007]
[Patent Document 2]
JP 2000-253290 A
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, if the owner of the digital camera moves from the hot spot without noticing that the image data is being transmitted, the communication state becomes unstable, and thus the image data may not be transmitted normally. . Even if it is a hot spot, the intensity of the electric field generated by the wireless LAN communication device differs depending on the location. Therefore, when moving to a location where the electric field strength is weak, the communication state becomes unstable, and image data transmission may fail. Communication may be interrupted during the transmission of.
[0009]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to prevent interruption of transmission of image data during transmission of image data.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
An imaging device of the present invention includes an imaging unit that acquires image data by imaging,
Storage means for storing image data acquired by the photographing means;
An imaging apparatus comprising: a wireless LAN communication device that communicates with a wireless LAN communication device installed in a hot spot and transmits the image data stored in the storage device to an external image server via the wireless LAN communication device In
Detecting means for detecting whether or not the photographing apparatus is within a communicable area of the wireless LAN communication device;
Control means for controlling the wireless LAN communication means so that the image data is transmitted when it is detected by the detection means that the photographing apparatus is within the communicable area;
When transmission of the image data is started, transmission start notifying means for notifying that is provided.
[0011]
The “wireless LAN communication means” connects to a wireless LAN communication device installed in a hot spot via a wireless LAN, and transmits and receives data wirelessly.
[0012]
As the “wireless LAN communication device”, for example, a device compliant with a standard standardized by IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers) is used. More specifically, it is preferable to use a device conforming to standards such as IEEE802.11a and IEEE802.11b. Moreover, you may use what can switch these standards. IEEE802.11b is a current mainstream standard using a 2.4 GHz band and standardizing a transfer rate of a maximum of 11 Mbps. IEEE802.11a uses the 5.0 GHz band and standardizes a transfer rate of up to 54 Mbps. IEEE802.11g, which uses the 2.4 GHz band and standardizes a maximum transfer rate of 54 Mbps, has also been proposed.
[0013]
“Wireless LAN communication devices” are preferably installed in places where people often stop by, such as stations, bus stops, government offices, banks, convenience stores, fast food stores, and downtown areas, and Internet cafes. A place where such a wireless LAN communication device is installed is called a hot spot.
[0014]
“Communicable area” is an area where data communication is possible by receiving radio communication radio waves transmitted by a wireless LAN communication device, and the “detection means” takes a photographing device within the communicable area at a predetermined detection cycle. Detection of whether or not there is.
[0015]
As a method of notifying that transmission of image data by the “transmission start notification means” has started, it is according to the present invention, such as by vibration, by sound, by displaying characters or images, or by a combination thereof. Any method capable of notifying the owner of the photographing apparatus that transmission of image data has started can be used.
[0016]
Note that the photographing apparatus according to the present invention may further include communication status notifying means for notifying that when the electric field strength of the wireless LAN communication device becomes a predetermined value or less during transmission of the image data.
[0017]
In this case, display means for displaying the electric field intensity generated by the wireless LAN communication device may be further provided.
[0018]
As a method of notifying that the electric field strength of the wireless LAN communication device has become a predetermined value or less by the “communication status notification means”, it is possible to use vibration, voice, text or image display, or a combination thereof. Any method capable of notifying the holder of the photographing apparatus according to the present invention that the electric field strength of the wireless LAN communication device has become a predetermined value or less can be used. In addition, it is preferable to notify that the electric field strength has become a predetermined value or less in a manner different from the transmission start notification means.
[0019]
As a method of “displaying the electric field strength”, various methods such as a method of displaying the electric field strength numerically and a method of increasing or decreasing the number of antennas to be displayed according to the electric field strength level can be used.
[0020]
In addition, the photographing apparatus according to the present invention may further include transmission completion notifying means for notifying that when the transmission of the image data is completed.
[0021]
As a method for notifying that transmission of image data by the “transmission completion notifying unit” has been completed, photographing by the present invention, such as by vibration, by sound, by displaying characters or images, or by a combination thereof, etc. Any method capable of notifying the owner of the apparatus that the transmission of the image data has been completed can be used. Note that it is preferable to notify that the transmission of the image data is completed in a manner different from the transmission start notification unit and the communication status notification unit.
[0022]
In the photographing apparatus according to the present invention, the detection unit may be a unit that interrupts the detection during transmission of the image data.
[0023]
“Suspend detection” includes a case where periodic detection is interrupted to determine whether or not it is within a communicable area and a case where the power supply of the detection circuit is shut off.
[0024]
Here, even when the photographing device according to the present invention is within the communicable area of the wireless LAN communication device, there are a large number of other photographing devices or terminal devices such as personal computers connected to the wireless LAN communication device to communicate with. In some cases, the wireless LAN communication line is congested and the data transfer rate is reduced. For this reason, only when a predetermined condition capable of transmitting image data without stress, for example, a condition that the number of terminal devices connected to the wireless LAN communication device is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold is satisfied. It is preferable that the wireless LAN communication means is controlled to transmit data.
[0025]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, the detecting means detects whether or not the photographing device is within the communicable area of the wireless LAN communication device, and when the photographing device is within the communicable area of the wireless LAN communication device, the control means Controls the wireless LAN communication means, and transmits the image data stored in the storage means to an external image server via the wireless LAN communication device. When transmission of image data is started, a transmission start notifying unit notifies that transmission of image data has started. For this reason, the owner of the photographing device can know that the transmission of the image data has started, and thus, after being notified that the transmission of the image data has been started, it does not move from that location. By doing so, it is possible to prevent communication with the wireless LAN communication device from becoming unstable and interrupting transmission of image data.
[0026]
In addition, when the field strength of the wireless LAN communication device becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value during the transmission of the image data, the communication status notification means notifies the user of the photographing device so that the field strength is a predetermined value. Thus, it is possible to prevent the transmission of image data from being interrupted even when communication with the wireless LAN communication device is likely to be interrupted.
[0027]
At this time, if the electric field strength of the wireless LAN communication means is displayed on the display means, the owner of the photographing apparatus can easily move to a place where the electric field strength exceeds a predetermined value by relying on the display.
[0028]
Further, the transmission completion means notifies that the transmission of the image data is completed, so that the owner of the photographing device knows that it is not necessary to stay in the hot spot because the transmission of the image data has been completed. Can do.
[0029]
Further, by using the detection means as means for interrupting detection of the communicable area during transmission of the image data, it is possible to prevent wasteful power consumption.
[0030]
Further, by making the control means a means for transmitting image data only when the data communication speed with the wireless LAN communication device satisfies a predetermined condition, the image data can be transmitted at a higher speed. The owner of the imaging device can shorten the time spent at the hot spot.
[0031]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing a configuration of a wireless LAN digital camera which is an embodiment of a photographing apparatus of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, a wireless LAN digital camera (hereinafter referred to as MDSC) 1 according to the present embodiment includes an imaging unit 2 that acquires image data by imaging, and a storage unit 3 that stores image data acquired by the imaging unit 2. A wireless LAN communication unit 4 that communicates with a wireless LAN communication device installed in a hot spot, a detection unit 5 that detects whether the MDSC 1 is within a communicable area of the wireless LAN communication device, and a detection unit 5 Detects that the MDSC 1 is within the communicable area of the wireless LAN communication device, the wireless LAN communication unit 4 is controlled to transmit the image data stored in the storage unit 3 to an external image server, and the MDSC 1 Control means 6 for controlling the driving of the display, display means 7 such as a liquid crystal monitor for performing various displays, and when transmission of image data is started, this is indicated in MD A transmission start notifying means 8 for notifying the user who is the owner of C1, and a communication status notifying means 9 for notifying the user when the electric field strength of the wireless LAN communication means 4 becomes a predetermined value or less during transmission of image data; And transmission completion notifying means 10 for notifying the user of the completion of the transmission of the image data.
[0032]
The photographing unit 2 includes a CCD, a photographing lens, a shutter, and the like, and acquires image data by photographing.
[0033]
As the storage means 3, a magnetically recordable semiconductor memory, an optically recordable memory, or the like provided in the MDSC 1 can be used. Note that the storage means 3 may be a memory card that is removable from the MDSC 1.
[0034]
The storage means 3 stores a WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) key necessary for communicating with a wireless LAN communication device and an ID and a password necessary for logging on to an image server described later.
[0035]
The wireless LAN communication means 4 includes a wireless LAN communication circuit, and has a function of communicating with a hotspot wireless LAN communication device using the wireless LAN and transmitting image data to the wireless LAN communication device.
[0036]
The detection unit 5 performs polling from the wireless LAN communication unit 4 at a predetermined cycle, and detects whether the MDSC 1 is within the communicable area of the wireless LAN communication device.
[0037]
The control means 6 is composed of a ROM that stores an operation program and the like, and a RAM that is a work area when the program is executed (not shown), and the detection means 5 causes the MDSC 1 to be within the communicable area of the wireless LAN communication device. When it is determined that there is, the wireless LAN communication unit 4 is controlled to transmit the image data stored in the storage unit 3 to the wireless LAN communication device.
[0038]
Generally, a digital camera can select a mode such as power “ON”, “OFF”, “standby”, and the like. For this reason, in the MDSC 1 according to the present embodiment, such a mode can be selected, and power is supplied to the wireless LAN communication unit 4 so that image data can always be transmitted in the “standby” state. When the detecting unit 5 detects that the MDSC 1 is within the communicable area of the wireless LAN communication device, control is performed so that the image data stored in the storage unit 3 is automatically transmitted to the wireless LAN communication device. The means 6 controls the wireless LAN communication means 4.
[0039]
Further, during the transmission of the image data, the control means 6 displays the electric field intensity generated by the wireless LAN communication device on the display means 7. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the electric field strength displayed on the display means 7. As shown in FIG. 2, in the present embodiment, the electric field strength generated by the wireless LAN communication device is displayed by the number of antennas 7A. The number of antennas 7A is three, and the electric field strength is the highest. As it decreases, the electric field strength decreases. The electric field strength may be displayed as a numerical value.
[0040]
Further, when transmitting the image data, the control means 6 detects the data communication speed with the wireless LAN communication device, and only when the condition is such that the image data can be transmitted efficiently. The wireless LAN communication unit 4 is controlled to perform transmission. The conditions will be described later.
[0041]
The transmission start notification means 8 is composed of a vibrator and vibrates when the wireless LAN communication means 4 starts transmission of image data. As the transmission start notifying unit 8, not only a vibrator but also a unit that emits sound, a unit that displays characters and images on the display unit 7, or a combination of a vibrator, audio, display of characters and images, and the like can be used. .
[0042]
The communication status notification means 9 is composed of a vibrator similar to the transmission start notification means 8, and vibrates when the field intensity of the wireless LAN communication device is reduced and three antennas 7A appear and two or less appear. As the communication status notifying means 9, not only a vibrator but also a device that emits sound, a device that displays characters and images on the display device 7, or a combination of a vibrator, sound, display of characters and images, and the like can be used. .
[0043]
The transmission completion notification means 10 is composed of a vibrator like the transmission start notification means 8, and vibrates when transmission of image data is completed. The transmission completion notifying unit 10 may be not only a vibrator but also a unit that emits sound, a unit that displays characters and images on the display unit 7, or a combination of a vibrator, speech, display of characters and images, and the like. .
[0044]
In this embodiment, the transmission start notifying unit 8, the communication status notifying unit 9, and the transmission completion notifying unit 10 enable the user to identify the start of image data transmission, the decrease in electric field strength, and the completion of image data transmission. Furthermore, they vibrate in different ways.
[0045]
Further, the same means as the transmission start notifying means 8, the communication status notifying means 9 and the transmission completion notifying means 10, and detecting the start of image data transmission, the decrease in electric field strength and the completion of image data transmission, Depending on the manner, the user may be notified of the start of transmission of image data, a decrease in electric field strength, and a user who has completed transmission of image data.
[0046]
FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining hot spots in the town. The hotspot is a place where wireless LAN communication equipment 20 is installed and can perform data communication by wireless LAN. Station, bus stop, government office, bank, convenience store, fast food store, downtown area, Internet cafe It is set up in various places where people often stop by. In the present embodiment, the wireless LAN communication device 20 is installed in the A store, the B store, and the C store shown in FIG. 3, and the stores in the A store, the B store, and the C store and their surroundings are hot spots. To do.
[0047]
The wireless LAN communication device 20 is connected to the Internet 30, and an image server 40 that stores and manages image data is connected to the Internet 30. In FIG. 3, a solid circle indicates an electric field intensity area where three antennas 7A appear, and a broken line indicates an electric field intensity area where two antennas 7A appear. Here, if two antennas 7A appear, it is assumed that communication by the wireless LAN can be performed generally satisfactorily.
[0048]
The image server 40 is preferably provided with a large-capacity storage device for storing image data, and is installed in a service center, a lab shop, or the like. Alternatively, the image server 40 having a slightly smaller capacity than the wireless LAN communication device 20 may be installed in a hot spot that provides a wireless LAN connection service. Furthermore, the image data once stored in the image server 40 having a slightly smaller capacity may be transferred to the image server 40 having a large capacity storage device.
[0049]
Further, after the transmission of the image data, the user can access the image server 40 using his / her personal computer and browse the image data stored in the image server 40. It is also possible to place an order for printing the browsed image data and recording it on a medium such as a CD-R or DVD-R.
[0050]
The user who is the owner of MDSC 1 receives the ID and password issued from the image server 40 and stores them in the storage means 3 in order to log on to the image server 40. The means 4 reads the ID and password from the storage means 3 and transmits them to the image server 40 to authenticate the user. Only when the user is authenticated, transmission of the image data to the image server 40 is permitted.
[0051]
Next, processing performed in the present embodiment will be described. 4 and 5 are flowcharts showing processing performed in the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the image data acquired by photographing is stored in the storage unit 3, and the MDSC 1 is in a standby state in which image data can be transmitted.
[0052]
First, the detection unit 5 monitors whether the MDSC 1 is within the communicable area of the wireless LAN communication device 20 (step S1). When step S1 is affirmed, the control unit 6 performs wireless LAN communication. It is determined whether or not the electric field intensity of the device 20 is a sufficient intensity at which three antennas 7A appear (step S2). The electric field strength is always displayed on the display means 7.
[0053]
Here, as shown in FIG. 3, if the user moves in the direction of the arrow Y1 from the point P1 and goes to the store B via the front of the store A, the user once passes the store A before passing the store A. Step S1 is affirmed in order to enter the communicable area of the store's wireless LAN communication device 20, but the electric field strength is within the broken line in front of the store A, that is, the strength that only two antennas 7A appear. Therefore, step S2 is denied.
[0054]
On the other hand, when the user enters the store B, step S1 is affirmed. Further, since the electric field strength in the store B is within the solid line, that is, sufficient strength for three antennas 7A to appear, step S2 is affirmed. The
[0055]
If step S2 is negative, the process returns to step S1. When step S2 is affirmed, the control means 6 acquires a list of SSID (Service Set Identifier) which is authentication information necessary for establishing a connection from the wireless LAN communication device 20 (step S3), and the wireless LAN communication. It is determined whether or not the device 20 is a roaming target wireless LAN communication device 20 installed by a provider to which the MDSC 1 itself subscribes and a provider capable of roaming (step S4).
[0056]
If step S4 is affirmed, roaming may be prohibited due to user settings in the MDSC 1, and therefore it is determined whether roaming is prohibited (step S5). If step S5 is affirmed, the process returns to step S1 to search for a communicable area of another wireless LAN communication device 20.
[0057]
If Steps S4 and S5 are denied, a WEP key is transmitted to the wireless LAN communication device 20 in order to establish communication with the wireless LAN communication device 20 (Step S6). When the WEP key set in the wireless LAN communication unit 4 matches the WEP key set in the wireless LAN communication device 20 and communication is established (step S7), the control unit 6 logs on to the image server 40. Are transmitted to the wireless LAN communication device 20 (step S8). As a result, the MDSC 1 can access the image server 40 and transmit image data (step S9).
[0058]
Further, the control means 6 acquires from the wireless LAN communication device 20 the number of terminal devices such as MDSC 1 and personal computers that are currently connected to the currently communicating wireless LAN communication device 20 (step S10). Instead of the number of terminal devices, the number of MAC addresses (Media Access Control Address) of communication devices such as connected terminal devices may be acquired.
[0059]
And the control means part 6 determines the congestion condition of communication between the wireless LAN communication apparatuses 20 by comparing with the predetermined threshold value Th1 in which the number of terminal devices is predetermined (step S11), and a terminal When the number of devices becomes equal to or greater than the threshold value Th1 and step S11 is affirmed, the process returns to step S1 to search for a communicable area of another wireless LAN communication device 20. If step S11 is negative, a transfer time evaluation process is performed (step S12). At this time, the value of the threshold Th1 may be reduced so that step S11 is affirmed at the next determination.
[0060]
Here, if the infrastructure to which the wireless LAN communication device 20 is connected is an optical fiber, the data transfer rate is 20 Mbps in the uplink, but in the case of ADSL, the data transfer rate is 1 Mbps in the uplink, which is 20 times as high. There is a difference. For this reason, it is preferable to change the threshold value Th1 according to the type of infrastructure to which the wireless LAN communication device 20 is connected.
[0061]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the transfer time evaluation process. First, the control means 6 calculates the total capacity of the image data stored in the storage means 3 (step S31). Then, information on the uplink data transfer rate of the currently connected wireless LAN communication device 20 (hereinafter referred to as transfer rate information) is acquired (step S32). This transfer rate information can be obtained by accessing the data transfer rate measurement site.
[0062]
Then, the total capacity of the image data is divided by the data transfer speed represented by the transfer speed information, and the transfer time required to transmit all the image data is calculated (step S33).
[0063]
Here, when 40 pieces of image data having a data capacity of 500 KB are stored in the storage means 3, the total capacity of the image data is 20 MB. When the data transfer rate represented by the transfer rate information is 500 kbps, the transfer time is about 5.3 minutes. On the other hand, when the data transfer rate is 10 Mbps, the transfer time is about 16 seconds. Even if the data transfer rate is low, the transfer time is short if the number of image data is small and the total capacity of the image data is small.
[0064]
Then, it is determined whether or not the calculated transfer time is equal to or less than a threshold value Th2 set in advance by the user (step S34). If step S34 is affirmed, transmission of image data is permitted (step S35), and transfer is performed. The time evaluation process ends. On the other hand, if step S34 is negative, the transfer time evaluation process ends.
[0065]
Returning to FIG. 5, it is determined whether or not transmission of image data is permitted in the transfer time evaluation process in step S <b> 12 (step S <b> 13). If step S <b> 13 is denied, the process returns to step S <b> 1, and other wireless LAN communication devices 20. Search the available communication area. If step S13 is positive, the control unit 6 stops the detection unit 5 (step S14), and the wireless LAN communication unit 4 starts transmitting image data (step S15). At the same time, the transmission start notification means 8 vibrates to notify the user that transmission of image data has started (step S16). While the image data is being transmitted, a process for confirming the electric field strength of the wireless LAN communication device 20 is performed (step S17).
[0066]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the electric field strength confirmation process. In the electric field strength confirmation processing, the control means 6 measures the electric field strength of the wireless LAN communication device 20 that is currently communicating by the wireless LAN communication means 4 (step S41), and the electric field strength of the wireless LAN communication device 20 is determined by the antenna 7A. It is determined whether or not the intensity is sufficient to appear three (step S42).
[0067]
Here, when the user is in the store of the store B, the electric field strength of the wireless LAN communication device 20 is sufficient in the solid line in FIG. 3, that is, three antennas 7A appear, so step S42 is affirmed. . On the other hand, when the user leaves the store B and starts moving, and the electric field strength of the wireless LAN communication device 20 comes out of the solid line region, the electric field strength is within the broken line, that is, the strength that only two antennas 7A appear. Step S42 is denied.
[0068]
When step S42 is affirmed, the electric field strength confirmation process is terminated. If step S42 is denied, the communication status notifying means 9 vibrates and notifies the user that the electric field strength has decreased (step S43). Upon receiving this notification, the user can enter the store B again and take measures to move to a communicable area with sufficient electric field strength. The electric field strength can be confirmed by the number of antennas 7A displayed on the display means 7.
[0069]
Furthermore, if the user is not aware that the communication status notification means 9 is vibrating and moves away from the communicable area of the wireless LAN communication device 20, the communication status becomes unstable. For this reason, the control means 6 has caused the communication environment to be limited because the user has left the communicable area of the wireless LAN communication device 20 so that the electric field strength has decreased so that the image data cannot be transmitted. It is determined whether or not (step S44), and if step S44 is negative, the process returns to step S41. When step S44 is affirmed, communication with the wireless LAN communication device 20 in communication is cut off (step S45), and the electric field strength confirmation process is terminated.
[0070]
Returning to FIG. 5, the control means 6 determines whether or not the communication with the wireless LAN communication device 20 in communication is interrupted in the electric field strength confirmation processing in step S <b> 17 (step S <b> 18), and step S <b> 18 is affirmed. Returning to step S1, the communication area of the other wireless LAN communication device 20 is searched. If step S18 is negative, it is determined whether or not transmission of all image data has been completed (step S19). If step S19 is negative, the process returns to step S17.
[0071]
If step S19 is affirmed, the transmission completion notifying means 10 vibrates to notify the user that the transmission of the image data has been completed (step S20). And the control means 6 interrupts | blocks communication with the wireless LAN communication apparatus 20 in communication (step S21), and complete | finishes a process.
[0072]
The image data transmitted to the image server 40 is stored in the image server 40. The user can browse the image data by accessing the image server 40 from his / her personal computer at a later date. It is also possible to place an order such as printout of image data and recording on media.
[0073]
As described above, in this embodiment, since the transmission start notifying unit 8 notifies the MDSC 1 user that the transmission of the image data has started, the user knows that the transmission of the image data has started. Can do. For this reason, after notifying that the transmission of the image data has started, the communication with the wireless LAN communication device 20 becomes unstable by preventing the user from moving from that location, and the transmission of the image data is prevented. It can be prevented from being interrupted.
[0074]
Further, the communication status notifying means 9 notifies the user that the electric field strength of the wireless LAN communication device 20 becomes insufficient with two or less antennas 7A during the transmission of the image data. Can take measures such as moving to a place where the electric field strength is sufficient, so that even if communication with the wireless LAN communication device 20 is likely to be interrupted, transmission of image data is interrupted. Can be prevented.
[0075]
At this time, if the electric field strength of the wireless LAN communication device 20 is displayed on the display means 7, the user can easily move to a place where the electric field strength is sufficient by relying on the display.
[0076]
Further, the transmission completion notifying unit 10 notifies that the transmission of the image data is completed, so that the user can know that it is not necessary to stay in the hot spot because the transmission of the image data is completed. .
[0077]
In addition, during the transmission of the image data, it is possible to prevent wasteful power consumption by stopping the detection means.
[0078]
In addition, since the image data is transmitted only when the data communication speed with the wireless LAN communication device 20 satisfies a predetermined condition, the image data can be transmitted at a higher speed. The time spent can be shortened.
[0079]
In the above embodiment, the MDSC 1 includes the transmission start notification unit 8, the communication status notification unit 9, and the transmission completion notification unit 10, but only one of the communication status notification unit 9 and the transmission completion notification unit 10 is provided. You may make it prepare.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing a configuration of a wireless LAN digital camera (MDSC) which is an embodiment of a photographing apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an antenna displayed on the display means.
FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining hot spots in town.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart (part 1) showing processing performed in the embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart (part 2) showing processing performed in the embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart of transfer time evaluation processing.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart of electric field strength confirmation processing.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Wireless LAN digital camera (MDSC)
2 Shooting means
3 storage means
4 Wireless LAN communication means
5 Detection means
6 Control means
7 Display means
8 Transmission start notification means
9 Communication status notification means
10 Transmission completion notification means

Claims (5)

Photographing means for obtaining image data by photographing;
Storage means for storing image data acquired by the photographing means;
An imaging apparatus comprising: a wireless LAN communication device that communicates with a wireless LAN communication device installed in a hot spot and transmits the image data stored in the storage device to an external image server via the wireless LAN communication device In
Detecting means for detecting whether or not the photographing apparatus is within a communicable area of the wireless LAN communication device;
Control means for controlling the wireless LAN communication means so that the image data is transmitted when it is detected by the detection means that the photographing apparatus is within the communicable area;
When transmission of the image data is started, a transmission start notification means for notifying that effect is provided ,
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detection means is means for interrupting the detection during transmission of the image data .   2. The photographing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising communication status notifying means for notifying that when the electric field strength of the wireless LAN communication device becomes a predetermined value or less during transmission of the image data.   The photographing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising display means for displaying an electric field intensity generated by the wireless LAN communication device.   The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a transmission completion notifying unit that notifies the fact when the transmission of the image data is completed. The control means is means for controlling the wireless LAN communication means so that the image data is transmitted only when a data communication speed with the wireless LAN communication device satisfies a predetermined condition. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 .

Images