JP2005286941A - Radio lan transmitter and its control method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To relatively easily manage the access point of radio LAN transmission and the valid period of AP (access point) information. <P>SOLUTION: In a two-dimensional bar code, the valid period is recorded in addition to the AP information of ESS-ID and WEP-KEY or the like for performing transmission using a radio LAN. By picking up the image of the two-dimensional code by using a digital still camera and analyzing it, the valid period is read in addition to the AP information of the ESS-ID and the WEP-KEY or the like. The read ESSID, WEPKEY and valid period are set to the digital still camera. When the valid period elapses, the set ESSID and WEPKEY are erased. The AP information can be relatively easily managed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a wireless LAN transmission device and a control method thereof.

A digital still camera has the feature that it can capture a subject and output image data representing the subject. Therefore, it can not only capture a subject and record it on a memory card, but also a printer driver. There is also a technique in which an image of a command output is captured and the printer driver is taken into a digital still camera (Patent Document 1). Image data can be transmitted from a digital still camera to a printer, and an image can be printed from the printer.
JP2003-13138

  Not only personal computers but also digital still cameras and the like can transmit image data using a wireless LAN. In transmission using a wireless LAN, setting information such as ESS-ID and WEP-KEY must be set in a device that uses wireless LAN transmission. Such setting information changes for each access point using the wireless LAN. The home access point can use the setting information for a long period of time, but the public access point in the store or the like does not use the setting information for the public access point for a long period of time. Therefore, it is necessary to delete the setting information as necessary. However, it is troublesome for the user to manage the setting information such as deleting the setting information.

  An object of the present invention is to relatively easily manage setting information used for transmission using a wireless LAN.

  The wireless LAN device according to the present invention receives setting information (AP setting information, transmission destination setting information) used for transmission using the wireless LAN and wireless LAN information (AP information, transmission destination information) including the validity period of the setting information. Input means for inputting wireless LAN information data to be represented, wireless LAN information memory for storing wireless LAN information data inputted from the input means, setting information represented by wireless LAN information data stored in the wireless LAN information memory, and Of the effective period, determination means for determining whether transmission using the setting information is not possible based on the effective period corresponding to the setting information, and transmission using the setting information by the determining means When it is determined that the wireless LAN information is not in a possible state, the corresponding wireless LAN information data is read from the wireless LAN information memory. In response to determining that the transmission using the setting information is possible by the erasing means to be removed and the determination means, the wireless communication is performed using the setting information determined to be in the possible state. A wireless LAN transmission circuit for performing LAN transmission is provided.

  The present invention also provides a control method suitable for the wireless LAN transmitter. That is, in this method, setting information used for transmission using a wireless LAN and wireless LAN information data representing wireless LAN information including the validity period of the setting information are input, and the input wireless LAN information data is stored in a wireless LAN information memory. Of the setting information and the effective period represented by the wireless LAN information data stored in the wireless LAN information memory, whether or not transmission using the setting information is possible The wireless LAN information data is erased from the wireless LAN information memory in response to the determination based on the effective period corresponding to the information, and when it is determined that the transmission using the setting information is not possible. The above setting information determined to be in a possible state when it is determined that transmission using the setting information is possible It performs wireless LAN transmission using.

  According to the present invention, the wireless LAN information data representing the wireless LAN information including the setting information used for transmission using the wireless LAN and the validity period of the setting information is input. The input wireless LAN setting information data is stored in the wireless LAN information memory.

  Whether or not transmission using the setting information represented by the wireless LAN information data stored in the wireless LAN setting information memory is possible is determined based on the corresponding effective period. In response to determining that transmission using the setting information is not possible, the corresponding wireless LAN information data is erased from the wireless LAN information memory. Further, when it is determined that the transmission using the setting information is possible, wireless LAN transmission is performed using the setting information determined to be in the possible state.

  Wireless LAN information data that cannot be transmitted using the setting information is deleted from the wireless LAN information memory. Management of setting information by the user is relatively easy.

  The input means, for example, picks up an image of a barcode on which the wireless LAN information is recorded, outputs the barcode data, and the wireless LAN information data from the barcode data output from the imaging means. It has a detecting means for detecting. In this case, the wireless LAN information memory will store the wireless LAN information data detected by the detecting means.

  Further, the valid period indicates, for example, that the valid period is valid for a certain period from when wireless LAN transmission using the setting information is first performed. In this case, a clock for measuring the time, a calculation means for calculating the expiration time of the effective period from the time when the wireless LAN transmission is first performed and the time measured by the clock, and the effective time calculated by the calculation means It will further comprise storage control means for storing data representing the expiration date and time in the wireless LAN information memory in correspondence with the setting setting information.

  FIG. 1A shows the back side of the digital still camera 1. FIG. 1B is an enlarged plan view of the mode selection dial 2.

  Referring to FIG. 1A, a shutter release button 3 is provided on the upper surface of the digital still camera 1 at the right rear corner when viewed from the back. A mode selection dial 2 is rotatably provided in front of the shutter release button 3. A wireless antenna 4 is provided at the left corner of the upper surface when viewed from the back.

  A display screen 7 is formed at the center of the back surface of the digital still camera 1. The display screen 7 displays an image obtained by imaging, an image represented by image data read from a memory card attached to the digital still camera 1, and various settings for the digital still camera 1. Images etc. are displayed.

  A macro mode setting button 5 is provided at the upper left of the display screen 7. A power switch 12 is provided on the upper side of the display screen 7. On the right side of the display screen 7, there are provided up / down / left / right keys 8, a menu button 9, an execution button 10, and a cancel button 11 used for selecting a frame to be displayed on the display screen 7, various settings and the like. . Further, an imaging lens (not shown) is provided in front of the digital still camera 1, and a USB (Universal Serial Bus) connector is formed on a side surface (a side surface not visible in FIG. 1A).

  Referring to FIG. 1B, an index 2A is formed on the left side of the mode selection dial 2. On the mode selection dial 2, a Setup character 2a, a WLAN character 2b, a USB character 2c, a Mov character 2d, a Cam character 2e, and a Play character 2f are formed at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction. ing.

  When the setup mode is set, the Setup character 2a is positioned at the index 2A. When the wireless LAN mode is set, the WLAN character 2b is positioned at the index 2A. When the USB mode is set, the USB character 2c is positioned at the index 2A. When the movie mode is set, the character 2d of Mov is positioned on the index 2A. When the camera mode is set, the Cam character 2e is positioned on the index 2A. When the playback mode is set, the Play character 2f is positioned at the index 2A.

  The setup mode is used for initial setting, the wireless LAN mode is used for communication using a wireless LAN, and the USB mode is used for data transmission / reception with a personal computer using a USB cable. The user selects the movie mode when performing movie shooting, the camera mode when shooting still images, and the playback mode when playing back moving images or still images.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the digital still camera 1.

  The overall operation of the digital still camera 1 is controlled by the CPU 20. The CPU 20 and other various circuits and devices included in the digital still camera 1 are supplied with power from the battery 43.

  The digital still camera 1 includes a system memory 34 and a nonvolatile memory 35. The system memory 34 stores a program and data for controlling the operation of the digital still camera 1. The nonvolatile memory 35 stores setting information (ESSID, WEPKEY) for communication using a wireless LAN, image data transmission destination information (transmission destination address, password, etc.) and the like as will be described later.

  The timer 36 is used to measure the elapsed time during self-timer shooting. The date and time are measured by the calendar and clock 37.

  The output signals from the above-described mode selection dial 2, shutter release button 3, up / down / left / right key 8, menu button 9, execution button 10, cancel button 11, etc. (indicated by reference numeral 39 in FIG. 2) are I / O The data is input to the CPU 20 via the (Input / Output) unit 38. When the digital still camera 1 is provided with a light emitting diode, a light emission signal is output to the light emitting element via the I / O unit 38.

  The light emission of the strobe light emitting device 5 is controlled by the strobe control device 24.

  The digital still camera 1 includes an imaging circuit 21. The imaging circuit 21 includes a CCD that images a subject and outputs an analog video signal representing the subject image, and a zoom lens for forming the subject image on the light receiving surface of the CCD. When the camera mode is selected by the mode selection dial 2, the subject is imaged by the CCD included in the imaging circuit 21. A video signal representing the subject image is supplied to the analog signal processing circuit 22. In the analog signal processing circuit 22, predetermined signal processing such as correlated double sampling, white balance adjustment, and gamma correction is performed. The analog video signal output from the analog signal processing circuit 22 is input to the analog / digital signal processing circuit 23. The analog / digital conversion circuit 23 converts the analog video signal into digital image data.

  The digital image data is input to an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) control circuit 31 via a frame memory 29, and converted into data suitable for LCD display by the LCD control circuit 31. Output data from the LCD control circuit 31 is given to the liquid crystal display device 32. An image is displayed on the display screen 7.

  An on-screen signal is also input to the LCD control circuit 31 from an OSD (On Screen Device) 30. Characters representing the date and time represented by the on-screen signal, images representing characters, and the like can be superimposed on the captured image and displayed on the liquid crystal display device 32 (display screen 7).

  When the shutter release button 3 is pressed while the camera mode is selected by the mode selection dial 2, the image data obtained as described above is temporarily stored in the frame memory 29. Image data is read from the frame memory 29 and compressed by the compression / decompression circuit 25. The compressed image data is recorded on the memory card 42 installed in the memory card slot 41 via the card interface 40.

  When the reproduction mode is selected, the image data recorded on the memory card 42 is read out and applied to the compression / decompression circuit 25 via the card interface 40. The decompression process is performed in the compression / decompression circuit 25, and the decompressed image data is input to the LCD control circuit 31 via the frame memory 29. An image represented by the image data recorded on the memory card 42 is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 32 (display screen 7).

  As described above, the digital still camera 1 includes the antenna 4 for wireless transmission using a wireless LAN. A radio interface 26 is connected to the antenna 4. Using the wireless LAN setting information stored in the non-volatile memory 35 between the digital still camera 1 and the image data receiving device (not shown) via the antenna 4, the image data using the wireless LAN is transmitted. Transmission / reception is performed.

  The digital still camera 1 is provided with a USB connector 28 and a USB function driver 27 for communicating with a personal computer or the like using a USB cable.

  In the digital still camera according to this embodiment, a two-dimensional bar code (which may be a one-dimensional or other bar code) in which AP (access point) setting information is recorded is imaged to obtain a two-dimensional bar code. The recorded AP setting information is read. The read AP setting information is stored in the non-volatile memory 35, so that the digital still camera 1 is set. Similarly, when a two-dimensional barcode in which transmission destination setting information is recorded is imaged, the transmission destination setting information is read from the two-dimensional barcode. The read destination setting information is stored in the nonvolatile memory 35. In particular, in this embodiment, not only AP setting information and transmission destination setting information (setting information) but also information indicating the validity period of the setting information is recorded in the two-dimensional barcode. Information indicating the effective period is also set in the digital still camera 1, and when the effective period elapses, the setting information and the like are deleted from the digital still camera.

  3 and 4 show an example of the AP information two-dimensional barcode and the AP information recorded in the two-dimensional barcode.

  The AP (access point) information two-dimensional barcodes Cb1 and Cb2 are valid as AP information, “AP”, title (TITLE), ESSID, WEP-KEY, and AP information. “VALID” indicating the period is recorded.

  In the AP information two-dimensional barcode Cb1 shown in FIG. 3, “24H” is recorded as VALID. The effective period is 24 hours from the first use of AP information. In the AP information two-dimensional barcode Cb2 shown in FIG. 4, “ONCE” is recorded as VALID. The use of AP information is permitted only once.

  FIG. 5 shows an example of the two-dimensional barcode for destination information and the destination information recorded in the two-dimensional barcode.

  In the transmission destination information two-dimensional barcode Cb3, “TO”, a title (TITLE), an address (ADR), a user name (USR), a password (PASS), and transmission destination information for notifying that it is transmission destination information. “VALID” indicating the valid period of the is recorded.

  In the two-dimensional barcode for destination information, “2003/12/31 23:59:59” is recorded as VALID. This VALID indicates that the user can use the destination information until December 31, 2003 at 23:59:59.

  FIG. 6 is an example of a card on which a two-dimensional barcode for AP information is recorded.

  The card 50 can be used for 24 hours from the first use of the public wireless LAN. Below the card 50, a WEP key recording area 51 and an ESSID recording area 52 are provided. In addition, an AP information two-dimensional barcode Cb1 is recorded on the right side of the recording areas 51 and 52.

  This card 50 is used for a public wireless LAN device with a variety of input devices such as a personal computer and a public wireless LAN device with a function to capture images such as a digital still camera but with insufficient input devices. It can be done.

  When a public wireless LAN is used by using a personal computer or the like, the user installs the WEPKEY recorded in the WEPKEY recording area 51 and the ESSID recorded in the ESSID recording area 52 in the personal computer. Input using the keyboard.

  When a public wireless LAN is used using a digital still camera, the user who owns the card 50 images the AP information two-dimensional barcode Cb1. Then, the AP information (see FIG. 3) recorded in the AP information two-dimensional barcode Cb1 is read by the digital still camera. The read AP information is set in the digital still camera.

  FIG. 7 is an example of an AP information management table set in the digital still camera. As described above, the AP information management table is stored in the nonvolatile memory 35.

  The AP information management table includes items of identification code, TITLE, AP setting information, and validity period. The identification code is for identifying AP information. The AP setting information includes ESSID and WEPKEY as described above. In this way, the read AP information is stored in the AP information management table.

  FIG. 8 is an example of a transmission destination information management table set in the digital still camera. As described above, the transmission destination information management table is also stored in the nonvolatile memory 35.

  The transmission destination information management table includes items of identification code, TITLE, transmission destination setting information, and validity period. The identification code is for identifying destination information. The destination setting information includes an address (ADR), a user name (USR), and a password (PASS) as described above. In this way, the read destination information is stored in the destination information management table.

  FIG. 9 is an example of the current setting status management table. The current setting status management table is also stored in the nonvolatile memory 35.

  The current setting status management table is AP setting information on the access point currently set in the digital still camera (access point that is accessed unless the setting is changed) and the digital still camera. Destination setting information about the destination information (the destination to which data is sent unless the setting is changed) is stored.

  FIG. 10 to FIG. 12 are flowcharts showing the processing procedure when the wireless LAN mode is set by the mode selection dial 2.

  When the wireless LAN mode is set, the current date and time are read from the calendar and clock 37 (step 61).

  The validity period of the AP information management table stored in the nonvolatile memory 35 is searched, and the AP information whose validity period has passed is deleted from the AP information management table based on the read date and time (step 62). Further, the current setting status management table is referred to, and when the deleted AP information is set as the current AP setting information, it is cleared and is not set (step 63).

  Further, the validity period of the transmission destination information management table stored in the nonvolatile memory 35 is searched, and the transmission destination information whose validity period has passed is deleted from the transmission destination information management table based on the read date and time. (Step 64). Similar to the AP information, the current setting status management table is referred to, and if the deleted transmission destination information is set as the current transmission destination information, it is cleared and is not set (step 65).

  After that, among the images represented by the image data recorded in the memory card 42, the last photographed image is set as an image to be displayed (step 66), and the last photographed image is digitally recorded. It is displayed on the still camera display screen 7 (step 67).

  Next, together with the last photographed image, the AP information and destination information set in the digital still camera 1 (stored in the current setting status management table) are displayed on the digital still camera 1. It is displayed on the screen 7 (step 67). If AP information and transmission destination information are not set, the portion where AP information and transmission information are to be displayed is blank.

  FIG. 13 is an example of an image displaying access points and the like.

  The set image is displayed over the entire display screen 7. Image data representing the image displayed on the display screen 7 is wirelessly transmitted to the right end of the image by pressing an area A11 and an execution button 10 for notifying the user of frame advance of the image to be displayed on the display screen 7. An area A13 for informing the user that the setting of at least one of the AP information and the destination information can be changed (newly set) by pressing the area A12 and the menu button 9 for informing . In the area A14 in the lower part of the image displayed on the display screen 7, an access point (AP: public WLAN spot) and a transmission destination (TO: OO Print Service) are displayed.

  Referring to FIG. 11, when the left arrow or the right arrow is pressed among up / down / left / right buttons 8 (YES in step 69), the image displayed on display screen 7 is changed (step 70). When the left arrow is pressed, the image one frame before is displayed, and when the right arrow is pressed, the image one frame after is displayed.

  When the execution button 10 is pressed (YES in step 71), the process proceeds to a process for transmitting image data representing the image displayed on the display screen 7. This transmission process will be described later.

  If the execution button 10 is not pressed (NO in step 71) and the menu button 9 is pressed (YES in step 72), the process proceeds to the AP information and transmission destination information setting process shown in FIGS. 14 to 17 (step 73). ). This AP information and transmission destination information setting process will also be described later. If the menu button 9 is not pressed (NO in step 72) and the mode is not changed by the mode selection dial 2 (NO in step 74), the processes in and after step 67 are repeated. If there is a mode change (YES in step 74), the changed mode is set.

  When the execution button 10 is pressed (YES in step 71), it is confirmed whether a transmission destination is set (YES in step 75). If the transmission destination is not set (NO in step 75), the display screen 7 displays that the transmission destination is not set (step 76).

  If the transmission destination is set (YES in step 75), the AP is used to connect to the set access point (step 77). If the connection to the access point is not successful (NO in step 78), the fact that the connection to the access point has failed is displayed on the display screen 7 (step 79).

  When the connection to the access point is successful (YES in step 78), the destination is connected to the set transmission destination (step 80). If the connection to the transmission destination is not successful (NO in step 81), the display screen 7 displays that the connection to the transmission destination has failed (step 85).

  If the connection to the transmission destination is successful (YES in step 81), the image data representing the image displayed on the display screen 7 is read from the frame memory 29 and transmitted from the wireless antenna 4 to the transmission destination (step 83). ). If the transmission of the image data is not successful (NO in step 84), the fact that the transmission has failed is displayed on the display screen 7 (step 85). If the transmission of the image data is successful (YES in step 84), a message indicating the successful transmission is displayed on the display screen 7 (step 86).

  14 to 17 are flowcharts showing the AP information and transmission destination information setting process (the process of step 73 in FIG. 11).

  As described above, when the menu button 9 is pressed in the wireless LAN mode, the process proceeds to AP information and transmission destination information setting processing. Then, on the display screen 7 of the digital still camera 1, an image for selecting whether to select AP information setting (AP selection) or transmission destination information (transmission destination selection) as shown in FIG. Is displayed (step 91).

  In the selected image, the frame number (001-0001) of the image to be transmitted is displayed at the top. The characters “AP selection” and “transmission destination selection” are displayed in the approximate center of the selected image. One of these characters is surrounded (focused) by the cursor C21. The selected image includes an area A21 for notifying the user of the movement method of the cursor C21 and an area A22 for notifying the user of the selection method of AP information or transmission destination information.

  In the area A21, the cursor C21 is moved upward when the up / down / left / right button 8 is pressed (the cursor C21 surrounds the AP selection character), and the cursor C21 is moved down when the down arrow is pressed. The message of moving in the direction (enclosing the destination selection character) is displayed. The area A22 displays that the process surrounded by the cursor C21 is selected by pressing the menu button 9.

  If the menu button 9 is pressed when the cursor C21 encloses the AP selection character, the process proceeds to access point setting processing. If the menu button 9 is pressed when the cursor C21 encloses the destination selection character, the process proceeds to a destination setting process.

  Returning to FIG. 14, it is determined whether the AP is selected or the destination is selected (steps 92 and 93). First, it is assumed that a transmission destination is selected (NO in step 92, YES in 93).

  When transmission destination selection is executed, a transmission destination selection image shown in FIG. 19 is displayed on the display screen 7 of the digital still camera 1 (step 94).

  Referring to FIG. 19, in the transmission destination selection image, the transmission destination (title) (XXX) already stored in the transmission destination information management table of the non-volatile memory 35 of the digital still camera 1 is almost at the center. Print Service, Internet Album Service, ○ × Photo Shop) are displayed. One of the transmission destinations is surrounded by a cursor C31. The destination stored in the current setting status management table is first surrounded by the cursor C31.

  On the right side of the transmission destination selection image, an area A31 for informing the user of the moving method of the cursor C31, an area A32 for informing the user of the selection method, an area A33 for informing the user of the registration deletion method, and a new registration method to the user A notification area A34 is displayed.

  In the area A31, it is displayed that the cursor C31 is moved upward when the up / down / left / right button 8 is pressed and the cursor C31 is moved downward when the down arrow is pressed. The area A32 displays that the transmission destination surrounded by the cursor C31 is selected when the execution button 10 is pressed. The area A33 displays that the registration of the transmission destination surrounded by the cursor C31 is deleted when the cancel button 11 is pressed. The area A34 displays that the new registration process of the transmission destination is started when the menu button 9 is pressed.

  Returning to FIG. 14, when the menu button 9 is pressed when the transmission destination selection image is displayed on the display screen 7 (YES in step 95), the display screen 7 displays a two-dimensional barcode for transmission destination information. (See FIG. 5) The image of the photographing instruction of the transmission destination information two-dimensional barcode is displayed facing the digital still camera 1 (step 104). A two-dimensional barcode for transmission destination information is photographed by the user, and reading processing of transmission destination information recorded on the barcode is performed (step 105). Details of this reading process will be described later.

  If the barcode reading process is not successful (NO in step 106), a message indicating that the reading of the transmission destination has failed is displayed on the display screen 7 (step 110). The reading information two-dimensional barcode is read again as necessary. If the barcode reading process is successful (YES in step 106), the read transmission destination information is analyzed (step 107). If the read destination information is correct and correct (YES in step 108), then the read destination setting information is stored in the current setting management table as the current destination setting (step in FIG. 15). 111). An effective period is extracted from the read destination information (step 112).

  If the extracted valid period is only once (VALID = ONCE) (YES in step 113), the access point / destination setting process is regarded as successful and the process ends. If the valid period is only once, data transmission to the set transmission destination is prohibited, so that transmission destination information is not stored in the transmission destination management table.

  If the extracted valid period is not limited to one time (NO in step 113), it is confirmed whether the read destination setting information (address, user name, password) is already stored in the destination information management table. (Step 114). If it has already been stored in the transmission destination information management table (NO in step 114), it is determined that the access point / transmission destination setting process is successful, and the process ends. Duplicate registration processing in the transmission destination information management table such as transmission destination information is avoided.

  If the read destination setting information is not already stored in the destination information management table (NO in step 114), it is confirmed whether it is valid for a predetermined time from the first use (step 115). If it is valid for a predetermined time from the first use (YES in step 115), the current time is read from the calendar and clock 37 (step 116). An effective period is calculated from the read current time and an effective predetermined time (step 117). The calculated effective period and transmission destination information are stored in the transmission destination information management table together with the title (step 119).

  If it is not valid for a predetermined time from the first use (NO in step 118), it is confirmed whether the expiration date is indefinite (step 120). If it is indefinite (YES in step 121), the valid period is stored in the destination information management table together with the title and destination information as an indefinite period (step 121).

  If there is no expiration date information in the read destination information, it is determined that the expiration date is not indefinite (NO in step 120), and the read destination information is stored in the digital still camera. A sentence for confirming whether or not is displayed on the display screen 7 (step 122). When this confirmation display is performed and the execution button 10 is pressed by the user (step 123), the valid period is stored in the transmission destination information management table together with the title and transmission destination information as an indefinite period (step 121). When the cancel button 11 is pressed by the user (step 121), the storage processing of the transmission destination information in the transmission destination information table is stopped.

  Returning to FIG. 14, if the menu button 9 is not pressed (NO in step 95), the process changes depending on which button is pressed. When the cancel button 11 is pressed (YES in step 96), the transmission destination surrounded by the cursor C31 (focused) is deleted from the transmission destination information management table (step 97). In addition, the cursor C31 moves to the first (top) transmission destination (step 98). When the up arrow or down arrow of the up / down / left / right button 8 is pressed (YES in step 99), the cursor C31 moves up or down in accordance with the depression (step 100). When the execution button 10 is pressed (YES in step 101), the transmission destination surrounded by the cursor C31 is set as the transmission destination of the image data (step 102). Then, the set transmission destination is stored in the nonvolatile memory 35 (step 103).

  When AP selection is executed (YES in step 92), the AP selection image shown in FIG. 20 is displayed on the display screen 7 of the digital still camera 1 (step 131).

  In the AP selection image, similarly to the transmission destination selection image, an access point (home, public WLAN spot, office) stored in the digital still camera is displayed at almost the center. Of the stored access points, the access point (title) set in the current setting status management table is surrounded by the cursor C41. Initially, the cursor C41 may surround the set access point.

  On the right side of the transmission destination selection image, an area A41 for informing the user of the movement method of the cursor C41, an area A42 for informing the user of the selection method, an area A43 for informing the user of the registration deletion method, and a new registration method to the user. A notification area A44 is displayed.

  In the area A41, it is displayed that, of the up / down / left / right buttons 8, the cursor C41 moves up when the up arrow is pressed, and the cursor C41 moves down when the down arrow is pressed. The area A42 displays that the transmission destination surrounded by the cursor C41 is selected when the execution button 10 is pressed. The area A43 displays that the registration of the transmission destination surrounded by the cursor C41 is deleted when the cancel button 11 is pressed. The area A44 displays that the new registration process of the transmission destination is started when the menu button 9 is pressed.

  Referring to FIG. 16, when menu button 9 is pressed (YES in step 132), the process proceeds to AP information reading processing.

  Similar to the reading process of the destination information, the digital still camera 1 is directed to the AP information two-dimensional bar code (see FIGS. 3 and 4) on the display screen 7 of the digital still camera 1, and the AP An instruction to shoot the information two-dimensional barcode is displayed (step 141). The two-dimensional barcode for AP information is read (step 142). If the reading process is successful (YES in step 143), the read information is analyzed (step 144). If the read information conforms to the AP information standard and is correct (YES in step 145), the read AP setting information is stored in the current setting management table as the current AP setting information (step 151). .

  Similar to the transmission destination information described above, if the extracted valid period is one time only (VALID = ONCE) (YES in step 153), the access point / destination setting process is successful and the process ends. To do. If the valid period is only once, re-access to the set access point is prohibited, and storage of transmission destination information in the AP information management table is prohibited.

  If the extracted effective period is not one time only (NO in step 153), it is confirmed whether or not the read AP information (ESSID, WEPKEY) is already stored in the AP information management table (step 154). If it is already stored in the AP information management table (NO in step 154), the access point / destination setting process is regarded as successful and the process ends. Duplicate registration processing in the AP information management table such as AP setting information is avoided.

  If the read AP information is not already stored in the AP information management table (NO in step 154), it is confirmed whether it is valid for a predetermined time from the first use (step 155). If it is valid for a predetermined time from the first use (YES in step 155), the current time is read from the calendar and clock 37 (step 156). An effective period is calculated from the read current time and an effective predetermined time (step 157). The calculated effective period and AP setting information are stored in the AP information management table together with the title (step 159).

  If it is not valid for a predetermined time from the first use (NO in step 158), it is confirmed whether the expiration date is indefinite (step 160). If it is indefinite (YES in step 161), the validity period is stored in the AP information management table along with the title and AP information as indefinite (step 161).

  If there is no expiration date information in the read AP information, it is determined that the expiration date is not indefinite (NO in step 160), and whether or not the read AP information is stored in the digital still camera. Is displayed on the display screen 7 (step 162). When this confirmation display is performed and the execution button 10 is pressed by the user (step 163), the valid period is stored in the AP information management table together with the title and AP information as an indefinite period (step 161). When the cancel button 11 is pressed by the user (step 161), the process of storing the AP information in the AP information table is stopped.

  If the menu button 9 is not pressed (NO in step 132), processing corresponding to the pressed button is performed.

  When the cancel button 11 is pressed (YES in step 133), the access point surrounded by the cursor C41 is deleted (step 134), and the head access point is surrounded by the cursor C41 (step 135). When the up arrow or down arrow of the up / down / left / right button 8 is pressed (YES in step 136), the cursor C41 moves up or down (step 137). When the execution button 10 is pressed (YES in step 138), the access point surrounded by the cursor C41 is set as an access point (step 139). The set access point is stored in the nonvolatile memory 35 (step 140).

  In the above-described embodiment, AP information, transmission destination information, etc. are recorded on the two-dimensional barcode. By imaging the two-dimensional barcode, the AP information, transmission destination recorded on the two-dimensional barcode. Information is read and set in the digital still camera, but AP information, transmission destination information, etc. are not necessarily recorded in the two-dimensional barcode. For example, encrypted AP information and transmission destination information may be notified to the user, and the user may input the AP information and transmission destination information.

(A) is a perspective view of a digital still camera, and (B) shows a mode selection dial. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of a digital still camera. A two-dimensional barcode for AP information and AP information are shown. A two-dimensional barcode for AP information and AP information are shown. A two-dimensional barcode for transmission destination information and transmission destination information are shown. It is an example of the card | curd in which the two-dimensional barcode for AP information is recorded. It is an example of an AP information management table. It is an example of a transmission destination information management table. It is an example of the present setting condition management table. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of wireless LAN mode. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of wireless LAN mode. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of wireless LAN mode. It is an example of the image displayed on a display screen. It is a flowchart which shows an access point transmission destination setting process procedure. It is a flowchart which shows an access point transmission destination setting process procedure. It is a flowchart which shows an access point transmission destination setting process procedure. It is a flowchart which shows an access point transmission destination setting process procedure. It is an example of the image displayed on a display screen. It is an example of the image displayed on a display screen. It is an example of the image displayed on a display screen.

Explanation of symbols

1 Digital Still Camera 2 Mode Selection Dial 3 Shutter Release Button 4 Antenna 5 Strobe 7 Display Screen 8 Up / Down / Left / Right Button 9 Menu Button
10 Run button
11 Cancel button
20 CPU
26 Wireless interface (wireless LAN transmitter circuit)
35 Nonvolatile memory (wireless LAN information memory)
37 Calendar and clock
Cb1, Cb2 2D barcode for AP information
Cb3 2D barcode for destination information

Claims (4)

Input means for inputting wireless LAN information data representing wireless LAN information including setting information used for transmission using the wireless LAN and a validity period of the setting information;
A wireless LAN information memory for storing wireless LAN information data input from the input means;
Of the setting information and the valid period represented by the wireless LAN information data stored in the wireless LAN information memory, whether or not transmission using the setting information is possible is made effective according to the setting information. Judgment means for judging based on the period,
When the determination means determines that transmission using the setting information is not possible, the corresponding wireless LAN information data is erased from the wireless LAN information memory, and the determination means A wireless LAN transmission circuit for performing wireless LAN transmission using the setting information determined to be in a possible state when it is determined that transmission using the setting information is possible;
A wireless LAN transmission device comprising: The input means is
Imaging means for imaging a barcode on which the wireless LAN information is recorded and outputting barcode data; and detection means for detecting the wireless LAN information data from the barcode data output from the imaging means ,
The wireless LAN information memory stores wireless LAN information data detected by the detecting means;
The wireless LAN transmission device according to claim 1. The validity period indicates that the validity period is valid for a certain period from when the wireless LAN transmission using the setting information is first performed,
A clock for measuring time,
Calculating means for calculating the expiration time of the effective period from the time when the wireless LAN transmission is first performed and the time measured by the clock; and data representing the expiration date and time of the effective period calculated by the calculating means. Storage control means for storing in the wireless LAN information memory corresponding to
The wireless LAN transmission device according to claim 1, further comprising: Input wireless LAN information data representing wireless LAN information including setting information used for transmission using the wireless LAN and a validity period of the setting information;
Store the input wireless LAN information data in the wireless LAN information memory,
Of the setting information and the valid period represented by the wireless LAN information data stored in the wireless LAN information memory, whether or not transmission using the setting information is possible is made effective according to the setting information. Judgment based on period,
In response to determining that transmission using the setting information is not possible, the corresponding wireless LAN information data is deleted from the wireless LAN information memory,
When it is determined that transmission using the setting information is possible, wireless LAN transmission is performed using the setting information determined to be in the possible state.
A method for controlling a wireless LAN transmitter.

Images