JP2005229498A - Photographing apparatus and photographing method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a photographing apparatus and a photographing method in which photographing itself is controlled to be performed, control can also be performed in a stage where a captured image is utilized, it can be rightly controlled whether or not photographing is permitted even in the case that a plurality of photographing apparatuses or a number of objects possible to be photographed are present while being concentrated within a narrow range, and it can be more precisely controlled whether or not photographing is permitted in accordance with the purchase of an article, the lapse of time or entering or leaving to and from a predetermined zone. <P>SOLUTION: A photographing apparatus comprises: a means for sending a signal toward a space where a photographing means photographs; a means for receiving a response signal from a device that receives the sent signal; and a means for controlling the photographing means into a photographing enabled or disabled state in accordance with contents of the received response signal. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The invention according to the present patent application (hereinafter also simply referred to as “the present invention”) transmits a signal in the direction in which an image is to be taken, for example, an item attached to the subject to be taken, such as an IC tag. The present invention relates to an image capturing apparatus and an image capturing method for returning a response signal after receiving a signal and capturing various images according to the content of the response signal and performing various controls on the captured image information.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a news report support system including an example of a conventional photographing apparatus.

  The news report support system includes a mobile terminal device 900 and a ground station 920. In addition, a monitor 919 that is a display device connected to the mobile terminal device 900 and news information broadcast from the ground station 920 are received. For example, there is a television receiver 928 installed in each home.

  The mobile terminal device 900 and the monitor 919 are mounted on, for example, a helicopter (not shown), and the mobile body control unit 918 of the mobile terminal device 900 first acquires information on the landscape image during the flight of the helicopter. A processing start command is sent to the position information acquisition unit 912, the camera information acquisition unit 913, and the image acquisition unit 911.

  The position information acquisition unit 912 receives a command from the moving body control unit 918, acquires position information using, for example, a built-in GPS (not shown), and sends the position information to the moving body control unit 918.

  The image acquisition unit 911 receives a command from the moving body control unit 918, takes a landscape image with a built-in CCD camera (not shown), for example, and sends the image information to the moving body control unit 918.

  The camera information acquisition unit 913 receives designation from the moving body control unit 918, acquires camera angle (shooting angle) information at the time of landscape image shooting as a set of horizontal angle and elevation angle, and also acquires focal length information at the time of shooting. And sent to the mobile control unit 918.

  The moving body control unit 918 stores the collected information as a landscape image file.

  When the moving body control unit 918 stores the landscape image file, the moving body control unit 918 extracts an outline from the acquired landscape image information and instructs the image processing unit 910 to divide the landscape image into a plurality of regions.

  In accordance with this instruction, the image processing unit 910 performs differentiation processing based on the density difference in the landscape image to extract a contour line, and performs region division by labeling with the contour line as a boundary.

  When the area division of the landscape image is finished, the moving body control unit 918 sends the header information of the landscape image file to the map information management unit 914 and gives an instruction to calculate the visual field space.

  The map information management unit 914 calculates the visual field space and calculates whether or not each vertex constituting the structure exists in the internal region of the visual field space for each structure. Determining the structure that exists inside.

  In addition, since there are structures that can be seen from the viewpoint and structures that cannot be seen in the structure existing in the visual field space, only the structures that can be seen from the viewpoint are extracted. It is necessary to remove the surface that is obstructed. Therefore, the map information management unit 914 next performs hidden surface processing to create a CG image region.

  Further, the map information management unit 914 obtains three-dimensional coordinates before projection conversion for each vertex coordinate of the two-dimensional figure constituting the CG image area, and stores the correspondence between them in the internal memory as link information. This link information is used to determine which structure is a projected view of each two-dimensional region.

  Next, the map information management unit 914 performs region division of the CG image based on the line data remaining after the hidden line is deleted.

  When the CG image region dividing process is completed, the moving body control unit 918 instructs the label information creating unit 915 to associate the divided region of the CG image with the divided region of the landscape image.

  Based on this instruction, the label information creation unit 915 associates the divided area of the CG image with the divided area of the landscape image by the template matching method.

  The label information creation unit 915 further obtains information to be superimposed and displayed for each partial area of the landscape image, and stores it as label information together with position information to be superimposed and displayed.

  The label information creation unit 915 transmits the created label information to the moving body control unit 918.

  When the mobile body control unit 918 receives the label information, the mobile body control unit 918 instructs the label information output unit 916 to output the label information to a display device such as a monitor 919, and acquires the image stored as a landscape image file. The original landscape image information taken by the department is output to the monitor 919.

  The monitor 919 superimposes and displays the original landscape image information sent from the moving body control unit 918 and the label information sent from the label information output unit 916 on the screen.

  Thereby, on the display screen of the monitor 919, various information on the building such as various buildings and the names and owners of the buildings, the date of construction, and the like are superimposed and displayed on the original landscape image. be able to.

  When the label information output unit 916 outputs the label information, the label information output unit 916 notifies the mobile unit control unit 918 of the output completion, and when the mobile unit control unit 918 receives this output completion notification, An instruction is sent to the ground station 920 to transmit the camera position, camera angle, focal length, and image size at the time of shooting.

  Based on this instruction, the communication processing unit 917 wirelessly transmits the original image information captured by the image acquisition unit 911, the camera position, the camera angle, the focal length, and the image size at the time of shooting to the ground station 920.

  In the ground station 920, the communication processing unit 921 receives these pieces of information, and, similar to the processing in the mobile terminal device 900, the map information management unit 922 accesses the map database to extract structures in the visual field space and hide them. Only the structures that are actually visible are extracted by the surface processing, the label information creation unit 923 creates label information including the names and related information of these structures and the display position, and the label information output unit 924 displays the position in the label information. The structure name or related information is superimposed on the position in the image corresponding to the information, and the broadcast unit 927 broadcasts the superimposed image.

  For example, a television receiver 928 installed in a home or the like receives the broadcast video and displays it. As a result, the viewer of the television receiver 928 can, for example, view the name and owner of the building, etc., the date of construction, and various other information related to the building in the news video shot by a camera mounted on a helicopter or the like. Can be viewed.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a use state of a camera system which is an example of a conventional photographing control apparatus.

  For example, a state in which authentication processing by wireless communication is performed between a wireless communication medium such as a non-contact IC card 935 carried by a user and a camera 930 with a user authentication function within a predetermined distance of about 1 m is shown. Yes.

  A photographer takes and operates a camera 930 with a user authentication function, and takes a picture of a person carrying a non-contact IC card 935.

  At that time, the camera 930 with a user authentication function and the non-contact IC card 935 communicate with each other wirelessly in a state of approaching about 1 m, and exchange authentication information with each other to authenticate the other party.

  Therefore, it is possible to take a picture after confirming a mutually valid photographer and photographed person.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a camera system which is an example of this conventional photographing control apparatus.

  This camera system includes a camera 930 with a user authentication function (hereinafter simply referred to as a camera 930 unless there is a possibility of misunderstanding for simplicity of description), and a removable storage medium used by being inserted into the camera 930. 968 and a non-contact IC card 935 that performs wireless communication with the camera 930 (hereinafter simply referred to as the card 935 unless there is a possibility of misunderstanding for the sake of simplicity).

  Wireless communication between the camera 930 and the card 935 is performed via the antenna unit 967 and the antenna unit 974, respectively.

  The camera 930 includes a file creation unit 951, a header information creation unit 952, a storage unit 953, an image display unit 954, a user interface unit 955, a control unit 956, and an image acquisition unit connected to the antenna unit 967 via an internal bus. Unit 957, work memory unit 958, program ROM unit 959, file management unit 961, storage medium control unit 962, authentication information storage unit 963, user information storage unit 964, authentication processing unit 965, and wireless communication terminal reading unit 966 It is configured.

  The card 935 includes an authentication unit 973, a control unit 972, a unique information storage unit 971, and other user operation units (not shown) that are connected to the antenna unit 974 via an internal bus.

  Note that it is not always necessary to have all of these configurations. For example, a user operation unit or the like may not exist.

  In order to enable wireless communication within a predetermined distance of about 1 m between the camera 930 and the card 935, for example, it complies with standards such as BlueTooth using a microwave 2.45 GHz band, IrDA using infrared rays, etc. Thus, the communicable distance can be adjusted.

  The working memory unit 958 buffers the data sent from the wireless communication terminal reading unit 966 via the antenna unit 967 and the data in the middle of various processes, and stores the program stored in the program ROM unit 959. Used to load.

  The image acquisition unit 957 is a camera unit including, for example, a lens and a CCD (photoelectric element). The image acquisition unit 957 takes an image, converts it into electronic data, and stores it in the storage unit 953.

  The image information stored in the storage unit 953 is converted into a file by the file creation unit 951, file header information is added by the header information creation unit 952, and the file management unit 961 records the image information in the storage medium 968 via the storage medium control unit 962. Saved.

  Further, the image information stored and saved in the storage unit 953 and the storage medium 968 is read in accordance with an operation performed by the user interface unit 955 and displayed on the image display unit 954.

  The image display unit 954 is a flat display device using a liquid crystal panel, for example.

  The user information storage unit 964 is a storage unit that stores information unique to the user of the camera 930, and the authentication processing unit 965 includes the authentication information stored in the authentication information storage unit 963, the card 935, the antenna unit 967, and the wireless unit. Authentication with the unique information of the card received via the communication terminal reading unit 966 is performed.

  In the card 935, the control unit 972 constantly monitors the presence or absence of wireless communication using the antenna unit 974.

  As shown in FIG. 7, when the camera 930 approaches about 1 m of the card 935, the control unit 972 of the card 935 receives wireless communication from the camera 930 via the antenna unit 974.

  Upon receiving this wireless communication from the card 935, the control unit 972 transmits its own unique information stored in the unique information storage unit 971 to the card 935.

  The camera 930 receives this unique information, and the authentication processing unit 965 performs authentication. This is already as described above.

  Further, when the authentication processing unit 965 of the camera 930 succeeds in this authentication, the authentication processing unit 965 next transmits its own authentication information stored in the authentication information storage unit 963 to the card 935 via the antenna unit 967.

  The card 935 receives the authentication information transmitted from the camera 930, and the authentication unit 973 performs authentication.

  In this way, the card 935 and the camera 930 authenticate each other, and only when this authentication is successful, the control unit 956 enables various operations performed using the user interface unit 955, and the authentication is not successful. In such a case, all the various operations performed using the user interface unit 955 are invalidated and no operation is accepted.

  With such a camera system, the camera operator and the person to be photographed are mutually authenticated, and only when the authentication is successful, shooting with the camera is performed, and when the authentication is not successful, shooting with the camera is not performed.

When this camera system takes a wrong camera shot, for example, when a doctor takes a medical photograph of a patient, the doctor in charge prevents the patient from taking a medical photograph and the entertainer or politician is against his will. It is possible to prevent the camera and the audience from taking a picture.
JP 2000-050156 A JP 2001-014277 A

  However, in such a conventional report support system, it is possible to perform various processing and control on image information captured by the camera, but it is not possible to control what is captured by the camera itself. It was.

  In addition, in the camera system which is another conventional technique, it is possible to control the camera image itself, but it is not possible to perform control at the stage where the image captured by the camera is used. Since authentication with the 930 is only performed by judging that the distance between the two is below a certain level from the radio wave status, the authentication may fail in the case where a plurality of cameras and cards are concentrated in the vicinity. If there is a person who refuses authentication near the person who is actually copying, the person who is actually copied can authenticate, but the person nearby will refuse the authentication. In some cases, communication with a person who refuses to do so could result in authentication failure, making camera photography impossible.

  In order to solve the above problems, the present invention adopts the following configuration.

  The invention described in claim 1 of the present patent application includes an imaging means, a means for transmitting a signal in a spatial direction to be imaged by the imaging means, and a response signal from a device that has received the transmitted signal. An imaging apparatus comprising: a receiving unit; and a first control unit that controls the imaging by the imaging unit according to the content of the received response signal.

  The invention described in claim 2 of the present patent application restricts the use of image information photographed by the photographing means instead of or in addition to the first controlling means. The imaging device according to claim 1, comprising two control means.

  In the invention described in claim 3 of the present patent application, the restriction on the use of the photographed image information performed by the second control means is the restriction on the image quality of the image and the display of the image. The imaging device according to claim 2, comprising one or more of a restriction and a restriction of transferring the image information to the first other device.

  In the invention described in claim 4 of the present patent application, the second control means for restricting use of the captured image information encrypts the image information or adds digital watermark information. The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the use of the image information is restricted by:

  In the invention described in claim 5 according to the present patent application, the signal transmitted in the predetermined spatial direction includes time information at which the signal is transmitted. It is an imaging device.

  In the invention described in claim 6 according to the present patent application, the signal transmitted in the predetermined spatial direction includes information specifying the device that performed the transmission. The imaging device according to the item.

  The invention described in claim 7 of the present patent application is that the device that receives the transmitted signal is an IC tag having a wireless communication function, which is added to an object to be photographed by the photographing means. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

  In the invention described in claim 8 according to the present patent application, the content of the response signal includes information on whether or not the object to be photographed has been purchased. The imaging device according to the item.

  The invention described in claim 9 of the present patent application is the photographing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the information regarding whether or not the purchase has been made is a countermeasure for preventing falsification.

  In the invention described in claim 10 of the present patent application, the content of the response signal is determined by comparing the time information at which the transmission is performed and a photographing limit period stored in the IC tag. The imaging device according to any one of Items 7 to 9.

  The invention described in claim 11 of the present patent application has means for measuring the distance to the object to be photographed, and according to the distance to the object to be photographed measured by the means for measuring. The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein a transmission angle of the signal transmitted in the predetermined spatial direction is set to a predetermined range centering on the imaging direction.

  In the invention described in claim 12 according to the present patent application, the control performed by the first control unit or the second control unit is controlled by a signal from a second other device. It is an imaging device given in any 1 paragraph of Claims 1-11.

  In the invention described in claim 13 of the present patent application, the control performed by the first control means or the second control means, which is controlled by a signal from the second other device, One or more of the start of the control performed by the first control unit or the second control unit and the end of the control performed by the first control unit or the second control unit The imaging device according to claim 12, comprising:

  In the invention described in claim 14 according to the present patent application, the control status performed by the first control unit or the second control unit is notified to the third other device. It is an imaging device of any one of Claim 13.

  The invention described in claim 15 of the present patent application is that either one or both of the second other device and the third other device purchases the object to be photographed. The imaging device according to claim 12, wherein the imaging device is a device having information on the image.

  In the invention described in claim 16 according to the present patent application, the apparatus that receives the transmitted signal determines whether to transmit the response signal according to the strength of the received signal. 15. The photographing apparatus according to any one of 15 above.

  In the invention described in claim 17 according to the present patent application, the shooting history information performed by the shooting unit is transmitted to a fourth other device. It is an imaging device of description.

  In the invention described in claim 18 according to the present patent application, the imaging history information transmitted to the fourth other device is recorded and stored by the fourth other device. Device.

  The invention described in claim 19 of the present patent application is that the photographing device is a digital camera, a mobile phone with a camera, a portable personal computer with a camera, a stationary personal computer with a camera, or a portable information terminal with a camera. Or a camera-equipped audio player, a camera-equipped video player, a camera-equipped position measurement device, a device that includes these functions as a part thereof, or another electronic device that has a function of taking an image as a part thereof The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

  The invention described in claim 20 of the present patent application is an imaging method performed using imaging means, the procedure of sending a signal in a spatial direction to be taken by the imaging means, and the sent signal Is a photographing method having a procedure for receiving a response signal from the apparatus that has received the image and a procedure for controlling the photographing by the photographing means to be possible or impossible according to the content of the received response signal.

  In the present invention, by adopting the above-described configuration, it is possible to control the photographing itself and also to perform the control at the stage where the photographed image is used.

  Even in the case where there are a plurality of photographing devices and a large number of subjects that may be photographed concentrated in a narrow range, it is possible to correctly control whether or not photographing is possible.

  Furthermore, it is possible to realize fine control of whether or not photographing is possible in accordance with purchase of goods, passage of time, entry / exit to a predetermined area, and the like.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a camera-equipped mobile phone 121 and an IC tag 125 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the camera-equipped cellular phone 121 and IC tag 125 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG.

  In this embodiment, the camera-equipped mobile phone 121 is described as an example of the photographing apparatus according to the present invention. However, the photographing apparatus according to the present invention is not limited to the camera-equipped cellular phone 121, and may be a digital camera or a camera. Portable personal computer with camera, stationary personal computer with camera, portable information terminal with camera, audio player with camera, video player with camera, position measuring device with camera, or a device including these functions as a part thereof Alternatively, other electronic devices having a part of the function of capturing an image, or any other device having a photographing function may be used.

  In this embodiment, the IC tag 125 is described as an example of an embodiment that receives a signal transmitted from the camera-equipped mobile phone 121 and transmits a response signal. This is not limited to the IC tag 125. For example, it is an IC card, an IC chip, a component, device, apparatus, or the like containing these, and receives a signal and sends a response signal thereto. Anything can be used as long as it can be transmitted.

  The camera-equipped mobile phone 121 transmits and receives signals for controlling the photographing of the camera unit 161 and the storage unit 164 and the image 172 for capturing an image and storing the image, in addition to the telephone unit 166 that performs a function as a telephone. A transmission unit 162, a reception unit 163, and a control unit 165 for controlling the whole.

  The camera-equipped mobile phone 121 converts the voice into an electric signal by the telephone unit 166 and transmits it as a telephone communication signal 171. Alternatively, the telephone unit 166 receives the telephone communication signal 171 and converts it into a voice. Output as audio.

  The telephone unit 166 is a microphone for converting sound into an electric signal, or the like, or a speaker for converting an electric signal into sound, or a modulation unit for communicating an electric signal converted into an electric signal as a telephone communication signal. It has an operation unit for performing operations as an antenna or a telephone, for example, dialing, a display unit for confirming the operation status, and many other parts, but these are essentially the same as a normal mobile phone Since it is a thing, illustration and description are abbreviate | omitted.

  Unless otherwise specified in the camera-equipped mobile phone 121 of this embodiment (hereinafter, sometimes simply referred to as “mobile phone 121”), the telephone unit 166 performs operations, confirmation of operation status, calls as a normal phone, and the like. Use the part you have.

  The mobile phone 121 can capture an image 172 using the camera unit 161.

  For this purpose, the camera unit 161 includes a CCD, a lens mechanism, and the like, which are semiconductor imaging elements, and can capture an image 172 by operating the operation unit included in the telephone unit 166.

  When the user tries to take an image 172 by operating the operation unit, the control unit 165 receives a shooting preparation signal from the operation unit of the telephone unit 166 and attempts to take the shooting confirmation signal 131 via the transmission unit 162. Send in direction.

  In the usage pattern diagram of the camera-equipped mobile phone 121 and the IC tag 125 according to the first embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 2 (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as “usage pattern diagram”), the cellular phone 121 is a product ( Book) 123 (hereinafter simply referred to as “product 123”), the camera unit 161 is directed in the direction of the product 123, and the shooting confirmation signal 131 is sent in the direction of the product 123. .

  At the same time, the camera unit 161 sends a highly directional electromagnetic wave (for example, a light beam) in the direction and receives the reflected wave, thereby measuring the distance from the camera unit 161 to the product 123.

  Note that this method of measuring the distance to the object to be imaged is one example, and an ultrasonic wave may not necessarily be transmitted, and the distance to the object to be imaged may be measured by any other method. However, since it is not directly related to the essence of the present invention, a detailed description is omitted.

  Next, the control unit 165 calculates a shootable range from the measured distance to the imaging target, the focal length of the lens, the distance between the lens and the imaging device, and the size of the imaging device. The method for calculating the imageable range is not necessarily limited to such a method. For example, a method using a pattern recognition technique and various other methods are conceivable, and any method may be used. Since it is not directly related to the essence of the present invention, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The transmission unit 162 receives information about the imageable range from the control unit 165, and transmits the image capture confirmation signal 131 so as to cover the imageable range.

  Note that this embodiment is merely an example, and is not necessarily limited to the embodiment in which the shooting confirmation signal 131 is transmitted only in a specific direction as described above. In other embodiments, the direction is wider or narrower. The photographing confirmation signal 131 may be sent in the direction.

  In addition, the method of sending the imaging confirmation signal 131 so that the transmission unit 162 covers the imageable range is the imaging confirmation signal using an electromagnetic wave having a wavelength such that the diffusion range just covers the imageable range as a carrier wave. 131 may be transmitted, or scanning may be performed so as to cover the entire imageable range while transmitting the imaging confirmation signal 131 using an electromagnetic wave having a higher directivity as a carrier wave. However, since it is not directly related to the essence of the present invention, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  In this manner, in this embodiment, the shooting confirmation signal 131 can be transmitted to an object to be accurately shot, and a shooting prohibition signal 133 or a shooting to be described later from an object other than the object to be shot. It can be controlled so that the permission signal 137 is not received.

  On the contrary, it is possible to control so that the situation where the photographing confirmation signal 131 does not reach the IC tag 125 (to be described later) attached to the subject to be photographed does not occur.

  As shown in FIG. 2, an IC tag 125 is attached to a product (book) 123 that is an object to be photographed. The IC tag 125 is a rectangular parallelepiped whose maximum length is 1 mm or less, for example, and is attached so that it cannot be seen at a glance where the normal product 123 is attached.

  If it is easily known that the IC tag 125 is attached, a person who tries to do something illegal takes the IC tag 125 or prevents electromagnetic waves from reaching the IC tag 125. In order to prevent such unauthorized attempts. However, it is not necessarily limited to such an embodiment, and it can be easily understood that a larger IC tag 125, an IC tag 125 having a different shape, or an IC tag 125 is attached to other embodiments. Such an IC tag 125 may be used.

  The IC tag 125 has a receiving unit 183, and the receiving unit 183 receives the shooting confirmation signal 131.

  The photographing confirmation signal 131 received by the receiving unit 183 is sent to the control unit 185. When the control unit 185 receives the photographing confirmation signal 131, the content of the photographing control data table 187 stored in the storage unit 184 is confirmed.

  In this embodiment in which the shooting confirmation signal 131 is sent only in a specific direction, but in the embodiment in which the shooting confirmation signal 131 is sent in a wider direction as in the other embodiments described above, a plurality of ICs are used. There is a possibility that the tag 125 receives the photographing confirmation signal 131.

  In such other embodiments, for example, all of the IC tags 125 that have received the imaging confirmation signal 131 may perform the subsequent processing, and one or more ICs may be processed by any method. In another embodiment, the tag 125 is selected, and only the selected IC tag 125 performs the subsequent processing.

  The method of selecting one or more IC tags 125 includes, for example, a method of selecting the IC tag 125 that has received the strongest electromagnetic wave by comparing the strength of the electromagnetic wave of the received imaging confirmation signal 131, A method of selecting an IC tag 125 whose intensity of the electromagnetic wave is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, a method of selecting information based on the result of the IC tags 125 exchanging information with each other, There are other methods, and any of these methods may be used.

  In the shooting control data table 187, for example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, information regarding whether or not the product 123 to which the IC tag 125 is attached has been purchased, and the maximum period during which shooting of the product 123 is prohibited. Is remembered.

  If the data stored in the shooting control data table 187 indicates that the purchase has been completed, the control unit 185 returns the shooting permission signal 137 to the mobile phone 121. If the shooting prohibition period has already passed, the shooting permission signal 137 is returned to the mobile phone 121. If the shooting prohibition period has not yet passed, the shooting prohibition signal 133 is sent. Return to the mobile phone 121.

  At this time, during the photographing prohibition period, the IC tag 125 stores the photographing restriction data table 187 in the storage unit 184 as a photographing prohibition time limit, and the current time is included in the photographing confirmation signal 131 sent from the mobile phone 121.

  The control unit 185 can determine whether or not the photographing prohibition period has already passed by comparing these data.

  Note that this method is in this embodiment. In other embodiments, the current time is not necessarily included in the shooting confirmation signal 131, and other signals such as the current time transmitted from a radio clock, For example, the current time included in the GPS signal, the current time included in various radio broadcasts or various television broadcasts, or the current time transmitted from various other servers, etc. It may be determined whether or not it has passed.

  Note that the contents of the shooting control data table 187 are also examples in the present embodiment. In other embodiments, for example, purchase information indicating whether the purchase has been made or not purchased may be used. The information related to the shooting prohibition time limit is not necessarily limited to the date, but only the year, the year, or the date in addition to hours, minutes, and seconds. It may also be included, and may be other information, for example, information indicating whether or not photographing is directly possible, or other information.

  Furthermore, depending on the embodiment, information on whether or not the product 123 has been purchased, the maximum period during which photography of the product 123 is prohibited, and the like, which are stored in the shooting control data table 187 in the IC tag 125, All or a part of the photographing prohibition signal 133 or the photographing permission signal 137 transmitted to the mobile phone 121 based on the information of the information such as encryption, digital watermarking, etc. Measures are being taken. This is because, if such unauthorized tampering is performed, an image 172 that cannot be originally captured is captured, and this situation is prevented.

  In the mobile phone 121 that has transmitted the shooting confirmation signal 131, the reception unit 163 receives the shooting prohibition signal 133 or the shooting permission signal 137 and passes the information to the control unit 165.

  The control unit 165 discriminates information relating to whether or not photographing is possible received from the receiving unit 163, and if the information represents photographing permission, notifies the camera unit 161 that photographing is possible, and if the information represents photographing prohibition. If so, the camera unit 161 is notified that the photographing is impossible.

  As described above, the user's operation for shooting is performed using the switch of the operation unit included in the telephone unit 166, and a shooting instruction for the image 172 that is performed by the operation is sent to the camera unit 161. Even if the camera unit 161 is notified, the actual shooting is not performed unless the camera unit 161 is notified that the above shooting is possible.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the camera unit 161 is notified that shooting is impossible, and it is finally determined whether or not the camera unit 161 actually performs shooting. However, this method is only used in this embodiment. In other embodiments, the control unit 165 holds the information about the possibility of shooting not possible without sending the information to the camera unit 161, and The control unit 165 receives a shooting instruction for the image 172 made by the included operation unit, and sends shooting instruction information to the camera unit 161 only when shooting is possible. If shooting is not permitted, the shooting instruction information is sent to the camera unit. It may be controlled not to send to 161.

  Alternatively, such an embodiment is also an example, and in other embodiments, for example, even when the photographing prohibition signal 133 is received from the IC tag 125, the photographing of the image 172 by the camera unit 161 is not necessarily performed. For example, although the camera unit 161 captures the image itself, it is prohibited to store the captured image information in the storage unit 164, or it is possible to store the image capacity but the image capacity that can be stored It may be an embodiment that limits the quality of image information, degrades the quality of image information, for example, resolution, brightness, saturation, sharpness, etc., or limits the period and capacity that can be stored.

  Furthermore, such an embodiment is also an example, and in another embodiment, for example, even when the imaging prohibition signal 133 is received from the IC tag 125, the camera unit 161 does not necessarily capture the image 172. For example, the display unit included in the telephone unit 166 is prohibited from displaying captured images, or the number of images that can be displayed is not limited or prohibited. The image quality may be limited, or the displayable period may be limited. Alternatively, for example, it is prohibited to transmit a photographed image as a telephone communication signal 171 to a communication unit included in the telephone unit 166. Alternatively, the number of images that can be transmitted and the image quality may be limited, or the transmission period may be limited. The telephone communication signal 171 from the 66 may be a preferred embodiment for limiting the use in devices that received the transmitted image data after being transmitted to another device.

  And as a concrete means for restricting the use of images taken by such various methods, the image information cannot be decrypted unless the image information is encrypted and a specific decryption key is used. Unauthorized use can be restricted by adding digital watermark information.

  In this embodiment, by controlling in this way, for example, when a product (book) 123 to which an IC tag 125 is added is displayed at a store such as a bookstore or the like, it is displayed on a part or all pages of this book without permission. It is possible to prevent an event called so-called digital shoplifting or electronic shoplifting, in which the described items are photographed.

  In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the product (book) 123 to which the IC tag 125 is added is purchased next.

  When the product (book) 123 is paid for at a bookstore counter, for example, and the purchase procedure is performed, the terminal device (not shown) installed at the bookstore counter at the same time, for example, the seller at the store, Confirming that the product 123 has been purchased by the cash register POS or cash register POS having a function of cash in and out, and at the same time, purchase information in the photographing control data table 187 in the IC tag 125 is displayed. It is rewritten from “Not” to “Done” (see FIG. 2).

  The rewrite of the photographing control data table 187 in the IC tag 125 may be performed by using a receiving unit 183 by a wireless signal, and the IC tag 125 is attached to the terminal device and directly connected thereto. The embodiment may be performed using any communication means other than the above.

  For example, in the embodiment performed by wireless signals as described above, when a purchase of a book is input to a cash register 141 installed at a counter of a bookstore or the like, the cash register 141 is attached to the IC tag attached to the book. A wireless signal for instructing to rewrite the purchase information in the photographing control data table 187 to “done” is sent to 125.

  The IC tag 125 attached to the purchased book receives the wireless signal at the receiving unit 183 and sends the information to the control unit 185.

  The control unit 185 receives and decodes the information, and rewrites the purchase information in the imaging control data table 187 in the storage unit 184 from “not yet” to “completed” in accordance with the instruction.

  As described above, for example, after a product (book) 123 displayed at a bookstore or the like is purchased and processed, a part of the page or the like is about to be photographed by the mobile phone 121. .

  Also at this time, as described above, the photographing confirmation signal 135 is transmitted from the mobile phone 121 to the product (book) 123.

  The photographing confirmation signal 135 and its transmission method are the same as those in the case of the photographing confirmation signal 131, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  The IC tag 125 attached to the product (book) 123 receives the photographing confirmation signal 135 by the receiving unit 183. This has already been described above.

  Then, knowing that the subject is about to be photographed, the control unit 185 confirms the contents of the photographing control data table 187 in the storage unit 184. Since this has already been described above, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  只 This time, as described above, the purchase procedure for the product (book) 123 is performed, so the purchase information in the imaging control data table 187 has been rewritten from “not yet” to “completed”.

  Therefore, the control unit 185 determines that and sends a photographing permission signal 137 from the transmission unit 182 to the mobile phone 121.

  The cellular phone 121 receives the photographing permission signal 137 transmitted from the IC tag 125 by the receiving unit 163, and the signal is sent to the control unit 165.

  The control unit 165 receives and decodes the signal to know that the image 172 is permitted to be taken.

  Therefore, the control unit 165 does not limit the shooting of the image 172 as described above or does not limit the shooting of the image 172 but does not limit the use of the image 172, and the camera unit 161 captures the image 172. The image information can be stored in the storage unit 164, and the image information can be displayed on a display unit included in the telephone unit 166, or the image information can be transmitted from the telephone unit 166 as a telephone communication signal 171.

  Alternatively, in another embodiment, information indicating permission of photographing may be sent from the control unit 165 to the camera unit 161. For example, information indicating permission to store image information from the control unit 165 to the storage unit 164 may be used. For example, the control unit 165 may send information indicating image information display permission or transmission permission to the telephone unit 166.

  In this embodiment, by controlling in this way, for example, when a product (book) 123 to which an IC tag 125 is added is displayed at a store such as a bookstore or the like, it is displayed on a part or all pages of this book without permission. It is possible to prevent a so-called digital shoplifting or electronic shoplifting event in which the described items are photographed, and at the same time, after the product (book) 123 to which the IC tag 125 is added has been properly purchased, It is possible to control the product 123 and a part of the product 123 to be freely photographed.

  In the present embodiment, the control unit 185 of the IC tag 125 confirms the purchase information in the shooting control data table 187 in the storage unit 184, and sends the shooting prohibition signal 133 or the shooting permission signal 137 to the mobile phone 121 according to the contents. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to such a method. For example, in another embodiment, the purchase information itself in the imaging control data table 187 in the storage unit 184 of the IC tag 125 is transmitted to the mobile phone 121, and the mobile phone The content may be confirmed by the user 121, and the mobile phone 121 itself may be photographed or the use restriction of the photographed image may be controlled based on the confirmation result.

  In the present embodiment, only the product (book) 123 has been described as an object to be photographed by the mobile phone 121. However, the subject to be photographed by the mobile phone 121 is not necessarily limited to such a book or product. It does not matter.

  For example, even a celebrity, a politician, a person who performs various other occupations, a person who is not, or a general person, often does not want to be photographed or does not want to be photographed.

  In such an embodiment, the IC tag 125 is added not to the product (book) 123 but to a person who does not want to take a picture. In this embodiment, the IC tag 125 does not need to be small as described above, and it is sufficient if a person who does not want to take a picture can carry it in a pocket, for example.

  In this embodiment, the shooting confirmation signal 131 is transmitted in a direction to cover the person who does not want to shoot, depending on the distance from the mobile phone 121 to the person who does not want to shoot and the size of the person who does not want to shoot. The

  However, this is also an embodiment, and in other embodiments, the imaging confirmation signal may not necessarily be transmitted only in such a direction, and the imaging may be performed in a narrower direction or a wider direction. An embodiment in which a confirmation signal is transmitted may be used.

  In this embodiment, since it is unlikely that an object is purchased like the product (book) 123, purchase information is not necessary in the shooting control data table 187, and a shooting prohibition time limit or some other shooting is performed. It may contain information to be restricted.

  The prohibition or restriction of photographing does not change depending on the presence or absence of purchase, but when the prohibition or restriction of photographing changes due to a change in the intention of the person, for example, the content of the photographing control data table 187 changes accordingly. You can change.

  In this embodiment, for example, the shooting control data table 187 includes various forms of prohibition of shooting and restriction of use, such as prohibition of shooting itself, limitation of the resolution of the shooting that can be performed, limitation of the time that can be captured, and the like. Can be stored, and shooting is prohibited or controlled according to the contents stored in the shooting control data table 187.

  In this embodiment, for example, if a person who has been forbidden to take a picture completely in the past thinks that photography may be permitted if the resolution is below a certain resolution due to a change in his intention, photography control By changing the contents of the data table 187 in such a manner, it is possible to limit the shooting according to one's intention.

  Regardless of the state of restriction of photographing by the mobile phone 121, the photographed history information and the restricted history information are transmitted to a server installed by another device, for example, a public institution or a private institution, An embodiment in which the information is recorded and stored in the server may be used.

  In such an embodiment, when any need arises, for example, when, where, where, and by whom, the person was photographed due to some incident, accident, crime, or some other private situation When it becomes necessary to know the information, it can be confirmed by referring to the recorded contents.

  Furthermore, an embodiment in which such an inquiry is not permitted to anyone but only to a person having a certain authority may be permitted.

(Embodiment 2)
Since the second embodiment of the present invention is the same as the first embodiment of the present invention in many respects, the description of the same portion will be omitted, and only a different portion will be described. Therefore, unless otherwise specified, the portions not described in this embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment of the present invention.

  FIG. 3 shows a usage pattern diagram of the camera-equipped mobile phone 221 (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as “mobile phone 221”) and the IC tag 225 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  In the present embodiment, purchase information is not stored in the imaging control data table 287 of the IC tag 225. Instead, a product (book) 223 that is a product to which the IC tag 225 is attached, for example, a book. A product code (for example, a number such as “01734”) is stored (hereinafter, simply referred to as “product 223”).

  When the camera unit 161 of the mobile phone 221 tries to shoot the product 223 and the transmitting unit 162 of the mobile phone 221 transmits the shooting confirmation signal 231 in the direction of the product 223, the IC tag 225 that has received the shooting confirmation signal 231 A product code signal 233 including this product code (for example, 01734) is transmitted to the mobile phone 221.

  The mobile phone 221 receives the transmitted product code signal 233 by the receiving unit 163 and takes out the product code (for example, 01734) by the control unit 165, but the control unit 165 of the mobile phone 221 receives the product code (for example, , 01734) is not stored, so that shooting cannot be performed, or use of the captured image is restricted and other controls are performed.

  Assume that the product 223 is purchased. At that time, for example, the cash register 241 that is a terminal device installed at the counter of the store reads the product code (for example, 01734) from the IC tag 225 attached to the purchased product 223, and the product code (for example, 01734). , 01734) is transmitted to the mobile phone 221 owned by the product purchaser.

  As a result, a product code (for example, 01734) can be stored in the mobile phone 221 of the product purchaser.

  Then, when the camera unit 161 of the cellular phone 221 tries to photograph the product 223 and the transmission unit 162 of the cellular phone 221 transmits the photographing confirmation signal 235 in the direction of the commodity 223, the IC tag 225 that has received the photographing confirmation signal 235 receives the photographing tag 225. A product code signal 237 including this product code (for example, 01734) is transmitted to the mobile phone 221. This series of processing is the same as before the product 223 is purchased.

  The cellular phone 221 receives the transmitted product code signal 237 at the receiving unit 163, and the control unit 165 extracts the product code (for example, 01734).

  Since the control unit 165 of the mobile phone 221 stores the product code (for example, 01734) transmitted from the cash register 241 when the product 223 is purchased, the control unit 165 can take a photograph and the photographed image. Can be used freely.

  The product code (for example, 01734) transmitted from the cash register 241, the product code signal 233 transmitted from the IC tag 225 attached to the product 223 or the product code (for example, 01734) included in the product code signal 237, There may be an embodiment in which any countermeasure for preventing falsification is taken, or an embodiment in which no countermeasure for preventing falsification is taken.

(Embodiment 3)
Since the third embodiment of the present invention is the same as the first or second embodiment of the present invention in many respects, the description of the same part will be omitted and only a different part will be described. Therefore, unless otherwise specified, the portions that are not described in this embodiment are the same as those in Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

  FIG. 4 shows a usage pattern diagram of the camera-equipped mobile phone 321 (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as “mobile phone 321”) and the IC tag 325 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

  In the present embodiment, the IC tag 325 does not have a shooting control data table.

  Instead, the IC tag 325 of this embodiment includes a shooting history information storage unit 333.

  Then, the camera unit 161 of the mobile phone 321 tries to photograph the product 323, and the transmission unit 162 of the mobile phone 321 transmits a photographing confirmation signal 331 in the direction of the product 323. In this embodiment, the photographing confirmation signal 331 includes specific information of the mobile phone 321, for example, the phone number of the mobile phone 321 and other information that can specify the mobile phone 321. .

  The IC tag 325 attached to the product 323 to be photographed receives the photographing confirmation signal 331, extracts the unique information of the mobile phone 321 included therein, and stores the unique information in the photographing history information storage unit 333. To do. At this time, not only storing the unique information but also the date and time information when the photographing confirmation signal 331 including the unique information is received, information regarding the received position, and various other information such as the photographing confirmation including the unique information. The shooting confirmation signal 331 including the weather information at the date and time when the signal 331 is received and the specific information thereof further includes information related to the shooting function of the camera unit 161 of the mobile phone 321, such as resolution, lens brightness, focal length, and other information. May be included, and these may be stored at the same time.

  Then, the cellular phone 321 that has transmitted the shooting confirmation signal 331 can directly capture the image 172 and store it in the storage unit 164.

  In this embodiment, the photographing permission signal 137 and the photographing prohibition signal 133 are not sent from the IC tag 325 to the mobile phone 321.

  The IC tag 325 that receives the photographing confirmation signal 331 including the unique information of the mobile phone 321 and stores the unique information and other information in the photographing history information storage unit 333 is used to store the unique information and other information stored therein. All or a part is transmitted to the server 350, for example.

  Transmission of these pieces of information to the server 350 may be performed by wireless communication, for example, or may be performed by some direct electrical connection.

  The server 350 is not necessarily limited to a computer. For example, in the embodiment in which the mobile phone of the owner of the product 323 with the IC tag 325 or the IC tag 325 is directly attached to the person, the person May be a mobile phone owned by or any other device.

  The server 350 can store all or a part of the unique information and other information sent from the IC tag 325 and display them on the display unit, and the operator can confirm the stored contents and display contents, The state when the product 323 or person with the IC tag 325 is photographed, for example, the photographed mobile phone 321 can be identified, or other information can be known.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, the server 350 transmits the image information use restriction mail 335 to the specified mobile phone 321 through the Internet or other networks, and receives the image information use restriction mail 335. The use of the image at 321 can be restricted.

  Alternatively, if the image information use restriction mail 335 can be transmitted earlier than the mobile phone 321 captures the image 172, the capturing of the image 172 itself by the mobile phone 321 can be prohibited or restricted.

  Or conversely, instead of the image information use restriction mail 335, the server 350 transmits an image shooting or image use permission mail to the mobile phone 321. If the mobile phone 321 does not receive this mail, the image 172 is taken. It is also possible to use an embodiment in which the image cannot be used or the photographed image cannot be used.

  In addition, the image information use restriction mail 335 and the mail that permits the taking and use of the opposite image may be an embodiment in which measures for preventing falsification are taken. Therefore, an embodiment in which no countermeasure is taken may be used.

  Alternatively, in this embodiment, the mobile phone 321 specific information and other information are transmitted to the IC tag 325, and the server 350 receives these information from the IC tag 325. The server 350 may receive the information directly from the mobile phone 321.

(Embodiment 4)
Since the fourth embodiment of the present invention is the same as the first embodiment, the second embodiment, or the third embodiment of the present invention in many respects, the description of the same part is omitted, and only a different part is described. To do. Therefore, unless otherwise specified, portions not described in this embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment, the second embodiment, or the third embodiment of the present invention.

  FIG. 5 shows a usage pattern diagram of the camera-equipped mobile phone 421 (hereinafter also simply referred to as “mobile phone 421”) and the IC tag 425 according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

  In the present embodiment, when the mobile phone 421 owner tries to enter a certain area such as an art museum, a movie theater, a store, a baseball field, or the like, for example, An imaging restriction signal 471 is received from a terminal device 451 such as a computer having a wireless communication function provided at the entrance of the museum.

  Then, in an area such as an art museum, when an object, for example, a work of art 423 is to be photographed by the camera unit 161 of the mobile phone 421, the transmitting unit 162 of the mobile phone 421 An imaging confirmation signal 431 is transmitted to the IC tag 425 attached to the product 423.

  The IC tag 425 receives the photographing confirmation signal 431 and transmits a photographing prohibition / restriction signal 435 to the mobile phone 421.

  The cellular phone 421 receives the photographing prohibition / restriction signal 435, and prohibits photographing of the image 172, restricts use, and performs other processing.

  Alternatively, as in the third embodiment, the embodiment may be such that the unique information of the mobile phone 421 is sent to the IC tag 425, and this unique information is sent to a server (not shown) and other devices. It may be a form.

  Alternatively, the mobile phone 421 receives some special procedure, for example, a state in which a special fee is paid, together with the photographing restriction signal 471 from the terminal device 451, and in such a state, the restriction on photographing is relaxed. The embodiment may be used.

  When the owner of the mobile phone 421 leaves the area, the mobile phone 421 receives a shooting restriction release signal 473 from the terminal device 453 installed in the area, for example, the exit of the museum, and thereby the above-described shooting restriction. Is released.

  In this embodiment, for example, in a museum, a movie theater, a baseball field, or other various places, it is possible to prevent a photograph of a predetermined thing or a person from being taken without permission, or to specify a person who has taken the photograph.

  As described above, according to the present invention, for example, when a product (book) 123 to which an IC tag 125 is added is displayed at a store such as a bookstore, it is written on some or all pages of the book without permission. It is possible to prevent an event called so-called digital shoplifting or electronic shoplifting, in which a photographed item is photographed, and at the same time, after a product (book) 123 to which the IC tag 125 is added has been legitimately purchased, Control can be performed so that a part of the product can be photographed freely.

  Or, for example, even entertainers, politicians, or other people who do various professions, people who are not, or people who are not ordinary people, often do not want to be photographed or do not want to be photographed. is there.

  Such a person can prevent himself / herself from being photographed by another person's camera-equipped mobile phone or the like without permission, for example, by carrying the IC tag 125 in a pocket, and its industrial use The nature is extremely large.

Block configuration diagram of camera-equipped mobile phone 121 and IC tag 125 according to the first embodiment of the present invention Usage diagram of camera-equipped mobile phone 121 and IC tag 125 according to the first embodiment of the present invention Usage diagram of camera-equipped mobile phone 221 and IC tag 225 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention Usage form diagram of camera-equipped mobile phone 321 and IC tag 325 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention Usage diagram of camera-equipped mobile phone 421 and IC tag 425 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention Block diagram of a news support system including an example of a conventional imaging control device Usage situation diagram of a camera system which is an example of a conventional photographing control device Block configuration diagram of a camera system which is an example of a conventional photographing control device

Explanation of symbols

121,221,321,421 Mobile phone with camera 123,223,323 Product (book)
125, 225, 325, 425 IC tag 131, 135, 231, 235, 331, 431 Shooting confirmation signal 133 Shooting prohibition signal 137 Shooting permission signal 141, 241 Register 161 Camera unit 162, 182 Transmitter 163, 183 Receiver 164 184 Storage unit 165, 185 Control unit 166 Telephone unit 171 Telephone communication signal 172 Image 187, 287 Shooting control data table 233, 237 Product code signal 333 Shooting history information storage unit 335 Image information use restriction mail 350 Server 423 Art work 435 Shooting prohibition Limit signal 451,453 Terminal device 471 Shooting limit signal 473 Shooting limit release signal

Claims (20)

Photographing means;
Means for sending a signal in a spatial direction to be photographed by the photographing means;
Means for receiving a response signal from a device that has received the transmitted signal;
First control means for controlling the photographing by the photographing means to be possible or impossible according to the content of the received response signal;
An imaging apparatus having Instead of the first control means or in addition to the first control means,
Having second control means for restricting the use of image information taken by the photographing means;
The imaging device according to claim 1. The restriction on the use of the captured image information performed by the second control means is as follows:
Including one or more restrictions of image quality of the image, restrictions on display of the image, and restrictions on transferring the image information to the first other device,
The imaging device according to claim 2. The second control means for restricting the use of the captured image information restricts the use of the image information by encrypting the image information or adding digital watermark information.
The imaging device according to claim 2 or claim 3. The signal transmitted in the predetermined spatial direction includes time information when the transmission is performed,
The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The signal transmitted in the predetermined spatial direction includes information for specifying the device that performed the transmission,
The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The device that has received the transmitted signal is an IC tag having a wireless communication function, which is added to an object to be photographed by the photographing means.
The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The content of the response signal includes information regarding whether or not the object to be photographed has been purchased.
The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 7. The information on whether or not the purchase has been made is a measure for preventing falsification,
The imaging device according to claim 8. The content of the response signal is determined by comparing the time information at which the transmission is performed and the photographing restriction period stored in the IC tag.
The imaging device according to any one of claims 7 to 9. Means for measuring the distance to the object to be photographed;
Depending on the distance to the object to be photographed measured by the measuring means, the sending angle of the signal sent in the predetermined spatial direction is set to a predetermined range centered on the photographing direction.
The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 10. The control performed by the first control means or the second control means is:
Controlled by a signal from a second other device,
The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 11. Control performed by the first control unit or the second control unit, which is controlled by a signal from the second other device,
One or two of the start of the control performed by the first control unit or the second control unit and the end of the control performed by the first control unit or the second control unit Including the above,
The imaging device according to claim 12. The control status performed by the first control unit or the second control unit is notified to the third other device.
The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 13. Either one or both of the second other device and the third other device is a device having information regarding whether or not the object to be photographed has been purchased.
The imaging device according to any one of claims 12 to 14. The device that has received the transmitted signal determines whether to transmit the response signal according to the strength of the received signal.
The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 15. The photographing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein photographing history information performed by the photographing unit is transmitted to a fourth other device. The photographing apparatus according to claim 17, wherein photographing history information transmitted to the fourth other device is recorded and stored by the fourth other device. The photographing device is a digital camera, a camera-equipped mobile phone, a camera-equipped portable personal computer, a camera-equipped stationary personal computer, a camera-equipped personal digital assistant, an audio player with a camera, a video player with a camera, or a camera. An attached position measuring device, a device including these functions as a part thereof, or another electronic device having a function of taking an image as a part thereof,
The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 18. A shooting method using a shooting means,
A procedure for sending a signal in a spatial direction to be photographed by the photographing means;
A procedure for receiving a response signal from a device that has received the transmitted signal;
A procedure for controlling the photographing by the photographing means to be possible or impossible according to the content of the received response signal;
A photographing method comprising:

Images