DE102010019527A1 - A portable video recorder and image reproduction unit provided in a personal computer for use with a memory card used with the recorder - Google Patents

Abstract

A portable video recorder (10) has a memory card (14), a card reader / writer (13) which reads data from or writes to a memory card, an operation part (12) on which a specific operation is input when an image is to be reproduced on the memory card (14) when a recorded image data set is to be read from the memory card (14) or when a setting of the apparatus for recording or reproducing an image is changed, an access unit (20a) taking an image via the card reader recorder (13) on the memory card or reading a recorded image data set from the memory card, and a control unit (20) recording the image or reproducing the recorded image data set. The memory card (14) and / or the internal memory are provided with an identification code. The access unit (20a) will be changed with respect to the memory card (14) or settings of the device recorded in the internal memory when an input code on the operation part (12b) corresponding to the identification code is changed.

Description

The The present invention relates to a portable video recorder which Images provided by an image capture unit a memory card or pictures on the memory card recorded, reproduced, and in particular such portable video recorder provided with security means, the loss or theft of data from the memory card or an internal memory of the portable Vi deorekorders prevented and that further a simple change of the settings of the Prevent device.

The The invention further relates to an image reproduction unit comprising a recorded on a memory card, plays the pictures taken by the portable video recorder are stored, and in particular such an image reproduction unit, which is provided with safeguards which is an arbitrary reproduction the image data sets recorded on the memory card prevented by a third person or a third party.

Memory cards The different standards have been customary as an external storage medium for small digital equipments like cell phones and digital cameras used. The memory cards are small and lightweight and have a large storage capacity.

The Japanese patent application JP-A-2,009 to 60,196 discloses a video camera as an example of one of the mentioned small digital equipments. The disclosed video camera has a camera head and a portable video recorder as in 1 the aforementioned publication is shown. The portable video recorder has a card slot formed in a bottom, as in FIG 2 shown. A memory card is removable to be inserted into the card slot. An image captured by the camera head is converted into image data recorded on the memory card. The data stored on an external storage medium, such as a memory card, is intangible. Accordingly, the owner of the unit or the like has a difficulty in noticing the loss or theft of image data if lost or stolen. In view of this problem, a security feature is added to the data by encryption or the like.

The Japanese patent application JP-A-2002-7216 discloses a security system for a fixed disk. In the disclosed security system, security data D1 stored on a hard disk is compared with security data D2 stored on a memory card. The hard disk can be accessed if an identity between the security data D1 and D2 is detected.

There a portable video recorder is small and lightweight, it is possible that the device body is lost or stolen can be and thereby in the hands of a third person or a third party. Correspondingly, if a memory card like an external storage medium in the card reader remained, the security system described above has a free one Allow access to the memory card, resulting in loss of data, which are stored on the memory cards, leads. Further could if a portable video device lost goes, the settings of the device free from a third Person to be changed, who obtains the device has, whereupon there is a possibility that the device not returned to its owner.

There the memory card inserted in the portable video recorder is, smaller and lighter than the portable video recorder, consists Continue the possibility of having a device body in the hands of a third person as a result of a loss or theft falls. If only the memory card falls into the hands of the third person and none Security measures have been taken on the memory card, there is a possibility that the on the memory card stored images, for example, reproduced on a personal computer become.

It It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a portable Video recorder and an image reproduction unit provided in a personal computer for a memory card used with the VCR is to create, which can prevent both recorded Image data on the memory card deleted or stolen and the settings of the device body can be changed.

The present invention is directed to a portable video recorder. In one embodiment, the portable video recorder comprises: a memory card; a card reader / writer that reads or writes data from or to the memory card; a monitor that displays an image to be recorded on the memory card or to be reproduced from the memory card; an operation part on which a certain operation is inputted when an image is to be recorded on the memory card, when a recorded image data set is to be read from the memory card or when a setting of the apparatus for recording or reproducing an image is to be changed;
a circuit board with an access unit, the one Records image on the memory card via the card reader / writer or reads a recorded image data set from the memory card and with a control unit that records the image or reproduces the recorded image data set, and with an internal memory in which the settings of the device are stored the control unit includes a recording unit provided with a coding function for performing an encoding of an image signal transmitted from an imaging device to the portable video recorder into predetermined image data representing an image to be stored on the memory card via the card reader / -writer forms an image data set on the memory card based on the image data converted by the encoding function, thereby guiding a video recording controller; a reproduction control unit provided with a decoding function of decoding image data representing an image data set recorded on the memory card into a predetermined image signal, the reproduction control unit writing the recorded image data record via the card reader / writer by the decoding function to provide an image that is displayed on the monitor is displayed reads, whereby a control for the video playback is performed; and a display control unit that performs a control for display when an image signal displayed on the monitor from an imaging device to the portable video recorder or when the image processed by the reproduction control unit is displayed on the monitor; wherein, when a predetermined recording operation is performed on the operation part, the image transmitted from the imaging device is viewed on the monitor and an element to be recorded is stored on the memory card and when a predetermined reproduction operation is performed on the operation part has been reproduced recorded on the memory card image data set and displayed on the monitor, characterized in that the memory card and / or the internal memory are provided with an identification code; and the access unit is changed with respect to the memory card or the settings of the device recorded in the internal memory when an entry code is changed at the operation part of the device that matches the identification code.

Corresponding the embodiment described above, the portable video recorder the video control unit, which records image data on the memory card and the reproduction control unit that stores the recorded image data from the memory card to reproduce the image. The identification code is either on the memory card and / or the internal memory set. Only if an input code on the operating part of the Unit is set, matches the identification code, is allowed to store image data on the memory card or access to the unit can be started to be recorded To read image data from the memory card or the settings of the device body can be changed. Below, access to the memory card and the internal Memory will be limited to the person having the input code, the with the identification code, inputs. Corresponding can save the image data stored on the memory card are protected against loss or theft by a third party and the settings of the device body can be protected from the third Person to be changed freely.

In another embodiment, the portable video recorder is further characterized by a first fuse unit provided at a stage in front of the control unit for limiting the access unit, the memory card being provided with an access password as the identification code; the first securing unit is an authentication unit that authenticates that the memory card protected by the access password is inserted, the result of the authentication being supplied to the card reader / writer, a first determining unit that determines whether the first input password is the one at the operating part has been entered with the access password carried by the memory card authenticated by the authentication unit, a first rejection unit rejecting the access unit if the first entry password does not match the access password and a first admission unit comprising the access unit allowing the recording control unit to be activated or to allow the reproduction control unit to a limited extent when the first input password matches the access password; and
if a memory card is inserted in the card reader / writer, the first backup unit ( 25 ) determines whether the first input password matches the access password, the memory card access unit is started, and a control sequence proceeds to the control unit.

According to the above-described configuration, the memory card is protected by the predetermined access password, and the first backup unit is provided. The access unit provided at the stage after the first storage unit can not be started until the first entry password on the operation part that is inputted matches with the access password. As a result, the portable video recorder be protected from being used by a third party even if he or she inserts a new memory card in the event that the portable video recorder has been lost or stolen.

Further can access the password protected memory card not rejected by the first rejection unit until a proper access password on the control panel of the portable video recorder has been entered. Consequently can be lost in the case where the portable video recorder gone or stolen, the recorded on the memory card Image data from being protected by a third party, which has come into the possession of the portable video recorder considered to become.

at In another embodiment, the internal memory with a default security password as the identification code Mistake. In a case where the settings of the device body changed with regard to image recording and image reproduction are changed by changing a control parameter of the control unit to any value by the input to the operating section, the recorder further has a second fuse unit which protected by the security password and an entrance, the at the operating part with respect to the internal memory, on which the control parameter has been recorded has been invalidated. The second storage unit has a second determination unit that determines whether the second Input password that has been input to the operating part, matches the security password and a second one Rejection unit that controls the access regarding of the internal memory prevents when the second determination unit determines that the second input password does not match the security password and a second admission unit providing access regarding internal memory releases the input operation to the control unit allows the recorded contents of the internal memory can be changed when the second determination unit determines that the second input password corresponds to the security password. The access unit will started by the first backup unit and the control sequence proceeds to the control unit and then determines the second Securing unit, whether the second input password, the at the operating section entered is identical to the backup password. The control parameter used by the control unit becomes changed to any value, causing the recording control unit the settings of the device body with respect to an image recorded on the memory card from the storage unit has been changed, the recorded image data, the from the reproduction control unit or an image displayed on the Monitor screen is represented by a display control unit, reproduced.

at the embodiment described above determines the first fuse unit, if the first input password matches the access password of the memory card, whereby the memory card is certified. After that, the access unit started. When the settings of the device body changed will be, for example, the record size, the recording speed when recording an image or the like, the second input password becomes at the operating area entered. The second fuse unit is provided for determining whether the second input password matches the backup password. The settings of the portable recorder are therefore determined by the Medium of the two fuse units changed. Consequently can prevent the settings of the unit free by a third person who received it unlawfully has to be changed.

at In yet another embodiment, the access password recorded on the internal memory when the first determination unit the first backup unit determines that the input password matches the access password. If a given Recording operation has been performed on the operation section, the recording control unit is started, avoiding the first control unit which records the image recorded by the image-confirmation unit has been transferred to the memory card as soon as possible.

To In the embodiment described above, the user can perform a video recording without missing a closure option when suddenly a scene occurs that needs to be recorded.

One Image recorded by the image acquisition unit becomes initially recorded on an available storage space, even if the entry of an access password is not in the recording is required. As a result, the recorded Image data to be protected in this case. Continue to be Data written over an existing record if the available memory space is filled with data is. As a result, the recorded image data be protected from being viewed by a third person who illegally received the portable video recorder.

The invention further provides an image reproduction unit in a personal computer for use with a memory card used with a portable video recorder, the image reproduction unit comprising a memory card on which an image is recorded on the memory card or from which an image is read, a card reader having the recorded image data set read from at least the memory card, the image reproducing unit reproducing and displaying the recorded image data set recorded on the memory card of the portable video recorder, the image display unit being characterized by: a third fuse unit arranged in a stage in front of the image display unit the personal computer is provided for limiting reproduction and displaying the recorded image data set by the image display unit read via the card reader from the memory card, the third security unit ei a conversion unit and a post-conversion authentication unit, the conversion unit encodes the recorded image data set read from the storage unit, thereby generating a post-conversion image data set provided with a conversion password of an identification code decoding the post-conversion image; wherein the post-conversion image data set is temporarily recorded on an external storage medium of the personal computer;
the post-conversion authentication unit determines whether a third input password inputted to an input unit of a keyboard personal computer that matches the conversion password allows the post-conversion authentication unit to reproduce the post-conversion image data set by the image display unit when it has been determined; that the third input password matches the conversion password; when the image recorded by the portable video recorder is reproduced by the personal computer, the recorded image data set is encoded by the third security unit, thereby being formed into the post-conversion image data set; and the post-conversion image data set is decoded by the conversion password and thereafter reproduced and displayed by the image reproduction unit of the personal computer.

Corresponding The training described above can be lost even if one memory card has been taken or stolen, the recorded image data set, which is located on the memory card, Do not be considered on a personal computer that does not match the third security unit is provided. As a result, can the image data sets stored on the memory card be protected from a third person who Memory card has been acquired illegally, to be considered.

The The invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to FIG the accompanying drawings explained. Showing:

1 a perspective view of a portable video recorder according to an embodiment in accordance with the present invention;

2 another perspective view of a portable video recorder;

3 a card slot of the portable video recorder;

4 a schematic block diagram of a control unit, which is provided in the portable video recorder;

5 a sequence of the operations of the portable video recorder and the contents displayed on the monitor screen;

6 Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing a control sequence of the control unit and operations of the first and second security units;

7 a perspective view of a portable video recorder, which reproduces the connection with a personal computer; and

8th a flowchart representing the operation of a third security unit in the portable video recorder according to another embodiment.

A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS 1 to 6 described. It is going on first 1 Referenced. The portable video recorder 10 according to the first embodiment is via a cable 3 with a camera unit 2 connected, creating a video camera 1 is formed. The portable video recorder 10 , hereinafter referred to as "recorder", has a monitor screen 11 is arranged on the front side thereof, an operating portion 12 , which is provided on the lower front and the two side surfaces and a card reader / writer 13 which is provided on the bottom, as in the 1 and 2 shown.

The signal processing is performed on an image reproduced by the camera unit represented by dashed lines, so that image is converted into image data transmitted through the cable 3 , which is also shown in dashed lines, to the recorder 10 is transmitted. It is desirable that the camera unit 2 an analog camera is that using the NTSC or PAL system. A digital camera can be used instead of the analog camera.

The card reader / writer 10 has a card slot 13a into a memory card 14 is inserted, making it into the card reader / writer 13 arrives as in 3 shown. The card reader / writer 13 is for writing data to the memory card 14 educated. Accordingly, a recorded image data set generated by the recording control unit, which will be described later, can be stored on the memory card 14 is recorded by recording coded image data. The card reader / writer 13 is further designed to read data stored on the memory card 14 are recorded. Accordingly, the recorded image data sets from the memory card 14 to be read. The recorded image record taken from the memory card 14 can read on the monitor screen 11 by a reproduction control unit and a display control unit, both of which will be described later. The memory card is an external storage medium having a flash memory or the like and further an electric data erasable and writable ROM and a card-shaped housing accommodating the ROM. An SD card is used as a memory card in this embodiment 14 used.

The monitor screen 11 at the front of the recorder 10 has a liquid crystal, an organic electroluminescence (EL) or the like, and reproduces an image from the camera 2 is taken so that a displayed image can be viewed when an image of the object is to be recorded. Next, if a recorded image record on the memory card 14 is reproduced on the monitor screen, the recorded image data set is reproduced and displayed.

The operating section 12 has a record button 12a on, at the lower middle part of the front of the recorder 10 is mounted and two radio buttons 12b and 12c on both sides of the record button 12a are arranged. The operating section 12 also has a circuit breaker 12d , an enter key 12e and a menu button 12f on, all on the right side of the recorder 10 are arranged. One USB input-output connector 12g and a power input port 12h are further on the left side of the recorder 10 assembled.

The record button 12a is depressed so that a recording operation is carried out when an image taken by the camera unit 2 to the memory card 14 has been transmitted. In this case, recording is performed after the recorder 10 in a recorder standby state or a one-touch recording, depending on the time duration of depressing the record button 12a , as will be described later.

If a picture on the memory card 14 is recorded, a desired image from a list of recorded image data sets that can be displayed on the monitor 14 is selected by pressing either one or both of the selection keys 12b . 12c , Either one or both of the selection keys 12b . 12c are further actuated when a first input password has been input from a first security unit and when a second input password has been input from a second security unit, as will be described later.

The enter key 12e is depressed when the input of parameters and the like are selected or changed by operating either one or both of the select buttons 12b . 12c What is to be determined.

The menu key 12f is depressed when a setting menu for adjusting various settings of the device 10 to open. Further, a menu to be changed is selected by either one or both selection keys 12b . 12c when parameters are to change settings such as picture quality and recording time.

A circuit breaker 12d has a slide construction and is formed on one side with a slide switch which turns on or off the voltage and a stop which is disposed opposite to the slide switch for holding the circuit breaker 12d ,

A port for a USB cable is with the USB input / output port 12g used when the recorder 10 connected to a personal computer.

A connection of the power cable is inserted in the power input connection 12h when the recorder is operated through the household network. The USB input / output port 12g and the power connection 12h are with a connection cover 15 covered.

The recorder 10 has a circuit board (not shown) on which a control circuit, a power supply and the like are formed. Devices such as a central processing unit (CPU) and an internal memory are further arranged on the circuit board. The circuit board and these devices serve as one first security unit 25 , a second security unit, the access unit 20a and the control unit 20 ,

An identification code becomes the ROM of the memory card 14 assigned by an identification code assignment unit provided in a personal computer. Whether a code on the control panel 12 is specified, identical to the identification code is determined. Access to the memory card is only allowed if the input code matches the identification code. The identification code has a pattern derived from numerical conversion of a fingerprint, vein, or iris or a password having a plurality of digits and / or characters. An access password used in the embodiment has an arbitrary set of four to six characters. The access password is used in the case where the first security unit is deleted, the access unit 20a is started and the control unit is operated when the card reader / writer 13 a picture on the memory card 14 records or a recorded image data set from the memory card 14 read. Since the access password by the identification code assignment unit of the personal computer separate from the recorder 10 is set, the access password can be protected from it, from the operating section 12 of the recorder 10 to be overwritten.

The first security unit 25 , which has been invalidated by the access password, determines whether the memory card 14 assigned with an access password. Next, if the first input password entered in the operating section 12 has been specified, matches the access password. The access unit 20a started, leaving the memory card 14 accessible and the control unit 20 is executable.

An identification code is provided by the identification code assignment unit located on the personal computer or the operating section 12 is provided associated with the internal memory on the printed circuit board of the video recorder 10 is provided. Whether a code on the control panel 12 is specified with the identification code provided on the internal memory is determined. Access to the internal memory is allowed only if the input code matches the identification code. A security password used in the embodiment has arbitrarily selected four or six characters. When using the security password, the first security unit is bypassed so that the access unit is started and the control unit is operated. The second security is then skipped so that control parameters of the control unit are changed to change the settings of the device body. The settings of the device body can. protected by a third party as a result of the provision of the security password intended to change the settings of the device body.

The second security unit determines whether the internal memory is accessible to allow changing the control parameters of the control unit so as to change the settings of the device body when the first security unit 25 has been passed over, such that the access unit 20a has been started and the control unit 20 is executable. If the second input password, that on the control section 12 is specified with the security password, the control parameters are changed so that the settings of the device body are changeable.

The control unit 20 of the video recorder 10 has a recording control unit 20 , a reproduction control unit 22 and a display control unit 23 on. An access unit 20a is at a stage in front of the control unit 20 provided an image on the memory card 14 record or record a recorded record from the memory card 14 read.

The recording control unit 21 has an encoding function for encoding an image signal received from the camera unit 2 to the recorder 10 in a predetermined image data optimum for recording on the memory card 14 is transmitted. The image data generated by the encoding function 21a Be converted via the card reader / writer 13 on the memory card 14 recorded in a predetermined format. A recorded image data set is stored in the memory card 14 generated.

In the foregoing embodiment, the camera unit transmits 2 an analog picture that is converted in accordance with the NTSC or PAL system. Analog signals of the analog image are compressed and converted into a FAT system, which makes it on the memory card 14 is stored.

The reproduction control unit 22 has a decoding unit 22a for decoding image data of the predetermined format composing the recording image data into predetermined image signals when the recorded image data sets are stored on the memory card 14 have been read. The of the decoding function 22a decoded image signals are controlled so that visible images and audible sounds on the monitor 10 appear and so on from the display control unit 23 to be reduced.

The display control unit 23 performs a control for viewing an image on the monitor screen 11 based on the image signals provided by the camera unit 2 to the recorder 10 and a controller for reproducing and displaying the data from the reproduction control unit 22 on the monitor screen 11 on.

The analogue image taken by the camera unit 2 is transmitted digitally from the recording control unit 21 changed so on the monitor screen 11 to be represented. Accordingly, a recorded object can be confirmed by the preview when the image is reproduced on the monitor screen. Next is when a recorded image data set on the memory card 14 is stored, and is on the monitor screen 11 is to represent the record in an image decoded for the resolution of the monitor screen 11 suitable is.

The control unit 20 of the recorder 10 Changes the settings of the device body by optionally changing an initial set of control parameters in the following manner. The number of frames per second (the number of frames per second) can be set to a predetermined value. As a result, the recording speed can be adjusted when an analog picture taken by the camera unit 2 recorded and transferred to the memory card 14 recorded in the video recorder 10 is set in the unit of frames in each time sequence. Accordingly, the recorder can record images including still images and motion pictures on the memory card 14 record.

A resolution or image quality of the recording image data set can be set to a predetermined value. As a result, when an analog picture signal is received from the camera unit 2 is encoded in image data, an image data set having a predetermined capacity in accordance with the storage capacity of the memory card 14 respectively.

Corresponding Optionally, by freely adjusting the recording speed settings, resolution, image quality and the like a picture with a high quality over a short Time to over a picture with a low quality about to be recorded a long time.

Further There are three recording modes that allow recording with just picture, recording picture as well as sound and recording only of sound. Each of the recording modes can to be selected for adjustment. The setting of a Combination of the budding recording speed, Resolution and picture quality and recording mode are stored in the internal memory until the settings be changed.

The memory card 14 also has a conversion password, which is necessary if a recorded record on the memory card 14 recorded, reproduced and reproduced on a reproducing unit provided in a personal computer. The conversion password will be described in detail with reference to a second embodiment.

The recorder 10 , which is configured as described above, will work as follows. After the recorder 10 is connected to the power supply, a start screen m1 is displayed and an authentication screen m2 is displayed, which requires the input of a password, as in 5 shown. The first input password is sent to the operation section 12 entered so that he can access the password on the memory card 14 is set corresponds to. In this case, where the memory card 14 not in the card reader / writer 13 is inserted or if there is no control password in the memory card 14 is plugged in, a screen m3 will be displayed to indicate that the memory card is 14 can not be detected.

When the first input password matches the access password, a file set list containing the list of recorded image records stored on the memory card 14 recorded image records corresponds to the monitor screen 11 is displayed and a screen m4 is displayed on which the settings relating to the recording on the memory card 14 be adjusted and control parameters of the control unit of the recorder 10 , On the other hand, if the first input password does not match the access password, it will be displayed on the monitor 14 a picture m5 displayed that the password 15 is not correct and the authentication image m2 again requests the password to be received. If the first input password does not match the access password three times, the recorder will become 10 automatically turned off. As a result, the recorded image data set that is on the memory card can be protected from being viewed by a third party even if the recorder 10 lost or stolen.

The first security unit 25 is in operation for the memory card 14 , as in 6 shown in the background of the authentication image m2, which requires the receipt of a password, as in 5 shown.

The first security unit 25 is usually performed in the following steps. The recording control unit 21 is designed such that a one-touch recording is carried out, wherein the first security unit is bypassed. Hereinafter, the operation of the first safety unit will be described in the case where the circuit breaker 12d is turned on.

When the circuit breaker 12d is switched on (step 100 ) determines if the circuit breaker 12d has been held (step 105 ). When the circuit breaker 12d has been held, it becomes the recorder 10 not allowed to be switched on (step 110 ). On the other hand it becomes the recorder 10 allowed to turn on when the circuit breaker 12d is not held (step 115 ). The step 100 is based on the assumption that the memory card 14 correctly inserted in the reader / writer (step 90 ).

In the step 120 It will determine if the memory card is properly inserted in the card reader / writer 13 is used. When the memory card 14 is not inserted correctly in the card reader / writer, or no access password on the memory card 14 is set, an error message will appear on the monitor 11 indicated (step 125 ) and the recorder 10 is switched off (step 130 ). In contrast, the control sequence proceeds to the step 135 if the memory card is inserted correctly.

At the step 135 determines if the recorder 10 by depressing the record button 12a has been started or whether the recorder 10 through the circuit breaker 12d has been started. Because the recorder 10 in this case through the circuit breaker 12d has been started, the control sequence proceeds to the step 140 continued. If, on the other hand, the record key 12a has been depressed, the control sequence proceeds to the step 335 which will be described later.

At the step 140 the authentication image m2 will be on the monitor 11 is displayed to request entry of the access password. The access password consists of randomly chosen figures or characters with four or six elements. A figure or character becomes the first input password through the selection keys 12b and 12c and enter 12e of the operating section 12 entered (step 145 ). The memory card 14 is authenticated depending on whether the first input password matches the access password (step 150 ). If the first input password used in the step 145 entered with the access password of the memory card 14 matches, the first input password is recorded in the internal memory. As a result, the first password on the internal memory is compared with the access password of the memory card 14 , whereby the input of the first input password can be avoided.

The control sequence moves to step 155 if the authentication in the step 150 is successful. If, on the other hand, the authentication failed, a new input of the first input password is requested (step 160 ). In this embodiment, the recorder 10 switched off if the input of the first input password is twice in vain (step 165 ).

In the step 155 will make a list of recorded image records on the memory card 14 on the monitor 11 displayed. In this case, an image taken by the camera unit 2 has been transmitted as the background of the list. The recorded image data set is in the step 170 played. The settings of the recorder 10 be in the step 175 changed. The recording will be in the step 180 started. Each of these steps 170 . 175 and 180 can be selected.

If the recorded image data set on the monitor 11 is to display a desired one of the recorded records from a list by the selection keys 12b and 12c selected (step 185 ) and the Enter key 12e (Step 190 ), which makes it on the monitor 11 is reproduced and displayed (step 195 ). When the reproduction of the recorded record thus selected is completed (step 200 ), will gain access to the memory card 14 prevented by an auto-logout process (step 205 ), the authentication image m2 will be on the monitor again 11 shown (step 140 ). Accordingly, the first input password must be in the step 145 when the same recorded image data set is to be reproduced as previously recorded or another recorded image data set is selected and reproduced. This reentry operation can be cleared by changing the settings of the recorder 10 , If no recorded image data set is to be reproduced, the switch becomes 12d switched off (step 210 ), so that the operation of the recorder 10 is ended (step 215 ).

The record button 12a is first depressed ( 220 ) when recording is to start (step 180 ). In this case, it is determined whether the record button 12a has been depressed for a predetermined time or longer, for example one second or longer (step 225 ). When the record button 12a has not been depressed for the given time or longer, an image is taken by the camera unit 2 has been transferred to the monitor 11 considered and the recorder 10 changes to a recording standby state (step 230 ). When the record button 12a is pressed again (step 235 ), the recording starts (step 240 ). If, on the other hand, the record key 12 has been depressed for the predetermined time or longer, the control sequence jumps to the step 240 so that recording starts.

When recording is to end, the Enter key will be 12e depressed for a predetermined time or longer, for example two seconds or more (step 245 ) or the record button 12 is for a predetermined time or longer, for example two seconds or more (step 250 ), depressed. If both the record button 12a as well as the enter key 12e has been depressed for the given time or longer, recording is terminated (step 255 ). As a result, the recording can be prevented from being erroneously terminated when the enter key 12a or the record button 12e is touched during the recording.

A captured image set of image data successively to the memory card 14 have been transferred to the memory card 14 recorded. At the end of the recording, record identification information including the recording date, the recording time, the record name, and the like is assigned to the recorded record, whereupon the record picture data set is completed (step 260 ). It then determines if the voltage switch 12e has been switched off (step 265 ). When the circuit breaker 12e off, the recorder can 10 be turned off (step 215 ). If, on the other hand, the circuit breaker 12e is not turned off, the control sequence advances to the step 270 so that automatic authentication is performed. The first input password recorded on the internal memory is compared with the access password of the memory card 14 , as described above.

It will then determine if the recorder 10 by pressing the record button 12a has been started in the one-touch recording. In this case, since the recording control unit proceeds 21 once interrupted, the control sequence to the recording process or after the step 180 and an image taken by the camera unit 2 has been transferred, is on the monitor 11 until the recording button is depressed again (step 220 ). Since the following process is the same as that in the recording step by the recording control unit 21 As described above, a description of the following process will be omitted.

Changing the settings of the recorder 10 (Step 175 ) will now be described. When the menu button 12f has been depressed (step 280 ), a determination screen for requesting input of the security password regarding the second security unit is displayed (step 285 ). The determination screen for requesting input of the security password is following the destination image m2 for requesting input of the access password. It is determined whether the second input password by the selection keys 12e and or 12c and enter 12e of the operating section 12 at the step 290 with the security password stored on the internal memory of the recorder 10 is set (step 295 ). When the second input password matches the security password, a setting menu is opened and a setting to be changed is made by the selection keys 12b and or 12c selected, whereby the control parameters of the recording control unit 21 , the playback control unit 22 and the display control unit 23 can be changed or adjusted (step 300 ). On the other hand, if the second input password does not match the safe-device password, the recorder becomes 10 switched off (step 305 ).

When the menu button 12f is pressed, the setting menu is closed and the process for changing the setting is changed (step 310 ) and access to the memory card 14 is prevented by the auto logout (step 205 ). The authentication image m2 will be on the monitor 11 represented (step ( 140 ). Accordingly, the input of the first input password is required when the recording control unit 21 or the reproduction unit 21 or the playback control unit 22 is performed. The recorder 10 can be done by turning off the circuit breaker 12d be turned off (step 210 ) when no image data set is being played back or no recorded image is being recorded (step 215 ).

The following describes the case where the recording control unit 21 performs the one-touch recording, the first backup unit 25 is skipped when the record button 12e is depressed for the given duration.

When the record button 12e is depressed (step 315 ) determines if the record button 12e is depressed for a predetermined time or longer, for example for a second or longer ( 320 ). When the record button 12a is not depressed for the given time or longer, the recorder will 10 not switched on (step 325 ). If, on the other hand, the record key 12a has been depressed for the given amount of time or longer, the recorder becomes 10 switched on (step 330 ). This can prevent a malfunction in which recording is permitted only by touching the record button 12a , The step 315 is based on the assumption that the memory card 14 correctly in the card reader / writer 13 is inserted (step 90 ).

In the step 120 will determine if the memory card 14 correctly in the card slot 13a is used. When the memory card 14 not correctly in the memory slot 13a is inserted or if no other word of the memory card 14 is assigned an error message on the monitor 11 shown (step 125 ) and the recorder 10 is switched off (step 130 ). If the memory card is inserted correctly, the control sequence advances to the step 135 continued.

At step 135 will determine if the recorder 10 by depressing the record button 12a or the circuit breaker 12d has been started. Even if the recorder 10 by depressing the record button 12a has been pressed, the control sequence advances to the step 335 continued. At the step 335 will determine if the memory card 14 already from the recorder 10 has been authenticated. When the memory card from the corder 10 has been authenticated for the first time, the control sequence proceeds to the step 140 away, whereupon the control unit 20 can not be operated until the first input password to the control section 12 has been entered, as described above.

The first input password is recorded on the internal memory when the memory card is already from the recorder 10 has been authenticated. Accordingly, the recorded first input password becomes the access password of the memory card 14 so that an automatic authentication is performed (step 270 ). The control sequence proceeds to the step 275 where it is determined if a One Touch recording has been started, in which the record button 12a has been depressed to the recorder 10 to start. Because the recorder 10 from the record button 12a has been started, the control sequence proceeds to the step 240 so that recording starts. If one-touch recording has been selected and the recording has been completed, the control sequence advances to the normal recording process in step 180 and the subsequent process at step 180 and the subsequent steps as is the case when the recorder 10 through the circuit breaker 12d is started. An image taken by the camera unit 2 is viewed on the monitor until the record button 12a is depressed again. The subsequent processing is the same as in the above-described recording step by the recording control unit 21 , a description of the subsequent processing is therefore omitted.

The 7 and 8th show a second embodiment. As in 7 shown is the recorder 10 via the USB cable 6 with the personal computer 5 connected. The second embodiment is directed to a case where a recorded record is taken from the memory card 14 that into the card reader / writer 13 of the recorder 10 or a housing is read or in which a recorded image on the memory card 14 of the recorder 10 on the personal computer 5 provided with a card reader having a reading unit which captures a recorded image set at least from the memory card 14 can be read.

If the recorder 10 via the USB cable 6 with the personal computer 5 is a copy (a not yet converted record) of the recorded image data set on the memory card 14 has been stored to the personal computer 5 transfer. The personal computer 5 is provided at least with an image display unit that includes image reproduction software that displays an image on the monitor and a third security unit that includes conversion software that decodes the transmitted recorded image data set and restricts the reproduction.

The image reproduction unit converts the recorded image data set by the recorder 10 recorded in an optimal format for reproduction and presentation on the personal computer 5 when recording the converted record on the personal computer 5 and reproducing and displaying the record on the personal computer 5 ,

The third fuse unit is provided at a stage in front of the image reproduction unit and decodes the recorded image data set provided by the recorder 10 has been transferred to the personal computer to form the not yet converted record. The third security unit further determines whether the decoded untransformed data set can be decoded into an audible and visible data set (hereafter referred to as a "converted data set") and whether the third input password resides on an input unit of the personal computer 5 has been entered, corresponds to a conversion password. When the third input password matches the conversation password, the third backup unit decodes the decoded untransformed data set, thereby forming the converted data set so that the data set can be reproduced by the image reproduction unit.

The conversion password can be found on any memory card 14 can be set, but can also be chosen so that it has a plurality of memory cards 14 is common. If the conversion password is on each memory card 14 has been set, the confidentiality of the memory card 14 be improved. On the other hand, the recorded image data sets can be more easily controlled if the conversion password is set as a password common to a plurality of memory cards.

The recorded image data set may be protected from being viewed on a personal computer on which conversion software is not installed if the unconverted data set is encoded by the third security unit before the unconverted data set is retrieved from the memory card 14 to the personal computer 5 is reproduced. Since the conversion password with respect to the image transfer to the personal computer 5 on the memory card 5 is set, a recorded image data set can be prevented from being stored on the personal computer 5 even if the recorded image data set is from the memory card, for example 14 is transmitted directly to the personal computer without going through the recorder 10 to be led.

The following processing is done by the personal computer 5 performed with the memory card 14 recorded image data set on the personal computer 5 can be considered. First, it is determined whether a memory card of which an image is to be viewed is inserted in the card reader of the personal computer 5 is used or whether the recorder 10 with the personal computer 10 connected (step 505 ). If it is determined that the recorder 10 with the personal computer 5 is started and the third backup unit is started (step 510 ,

If the conversion software does not work with the personal computer 5 is installed, an image revolution software is activated (step 515 ). If the converted record from the memory card 14 to the personal computer 5 is selected (step 520 ), an error message appears on the monitor of the personal computer 5 is displayed to inform you that the converted record can not be played back (step 525 ) and the activated image revolution software is terminated (step 526 ). On the other hand, if the conversion software is activated (step 510 ) and the converted data set is selected on the conversion software (step 530 ) displays an image requesting the input of the conversion password (step 535 ). When the third input password is entered on a keyboard, a mouse, or the like (step 540 ) is determined by a comparison authentication whether the third input password matches the conversion password (step 545 ). If the third input password does not match the conversion password, an error message will be displayed on the monitor of the personal computer 5 displayed to inform you that the post-conversion record can not be converted (step 550 ) and the conversion software is terminated (step 555 ).

If the third input password matches the conversion password, the decoded pre-conversion record is decoded and a post-conversion folder is designated for storing the post-conversion record that has been converted to a reproducible format by the image reproduction software. The post-conversion record is stored in the post-conversion folder (step 560 ). The image reproduction software is launched? (Image 565 upon completion of storing the post-conversion record. If the post-conversion record is selected in the post-conversion folder (step 570 ), the post-conversion record with the image reproduction software (step 575 ) reproduced. When the reproduction of the post-conversion record thus selected is completed, the conversion software and the image reproduction software are terminated (step 580 ).

As described in the first and second embodiments, the security password is stored in the internal memory of the recorder 10 set. The access password and the conversion password are stored on the memory card 14 set on the by the recorder 10 recorded image is saved. As a result, even if the memory card and the recorder 10 lost on the memory card 10 stored image data set before a reproduction by a third person who lost the memory card 14 or the recorder 10 has been taken possession of. It can thus be prevented that the recorded contents are used by a third person.

Even in the case where the memory card 14 or the recorder 10 stolen by a third party, the recorded image data sets can not be reproduced unless the third person recognizes the password. Accordingly, the settings of the recorder 10 be protected by a change or the recorded image data set can be protected from loss, even if the recorder 10 or the memory card 14 lost due to negligence on the part of the owner or stolen by a third person.

The foregoing description and drawings are merely illustrative of the principles and are not meant in a limiting sense. Various changes and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications are within the scope of protection as defined by the appended claims.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• - JP 2009-60196 [0004]
• - JP 2002-7216 [0005]

Claims (5)

A portable video recorder with: a memory card ( 14 ); a card reader / writer ( 13 ), the data from or to the memory card ( 14 ) reads or writes; a monitor ( 11 ), which represents an image on the memory card ( 14 ) or from the memory card ( 14 ) is to be reproduced; an operating part ( 12 ) on which a specific operation is entered when an image on the memory card ( 14 ) is recorded when a recorded image data record from the memory card ( 14 ) or when a setting of the apparatus for recording or reproducing an image is to be changed; a circuit board with an access unit ( 20a ), which takes a picture of the card reader / writer ( 13 ) on the memory card ( 14 ) or a recorded image data set from the memory card ( 14 ) and with a control unit that records the image or reproduces the recorded image data set, and with an internal memory in which the settings of the device are stored, wherein the control unit ( 20 ) comprises a recording unit provided with a coding function for performing an encoding of an image signal transmitted from an imaging device to the portable video recorder into predetermined image data stored on the memory card ( 14 ) to be stored image, and that via the card reader / writer ( 13 ) an image data set on the memory card ( 14 ) based on the image data converted by the encoding function, whereby a controller for video recording is guided; a reproduction control unit ( 22 ), which has a decoding function of decoding image data which is stored on the memory card ( 14 represented image record, is provided in a predetermined image signal, wherein the reproduction control unit ( 22 ) the recorded image data set via the card reader / writer ( 13 ) by the decoding function to create an image on the monitor ( 11 ), thereby executing a video playback control; and with a display control unit ( 23 ) which performs a control for display when an image signal transmitted from an imaging device to the portable video recorder on the monitor ( 11 ) or if the image displayed by the reproduction control unit ( 22 ) has been processed on the monitor ( 11 ) is pictured; wherein, when a predetermined recording operation is performed on the operation part, the image transmitted from the imaging device is displayed on the monitor (FIG. 11 ) and an element to be recorded on the memory card ( 14 ) and wherein, when a predetermined reproducing operation is performed on the operation part (FIG. 12 ) has been executed on the memory card ( 14 recorded image data set and displayed on the monitor ( 11 ), characterized in that: the memory card ( 14 ) and / or the internal memory are provided with an identification code; and the access unit ( 20a ) regarding the memory card ( 14 ) or the settings of the device which are recorded in the internal memory, if an entry code on the operating part ( 12 ) of the device that matches the identification code is changed. The portable video recorder according to claim 1, further characterized by a first fuse unit ( 25 ) located at a stage in front of the control unit ( 20 ) is provided to the access unit ( 20a ), where: the memory card ( 14 ) is provided with an access password as an identification code; the first backup unit ( 25 ) an authentication unit that authenticates that the memory card protected by the access password ( 14 ), the result of the authentication to the card reader / writer ( 13 ), a first determining unit that determines whether the first input password received at the operating part ( 12 ) with the access password supplied by the memory card ( 14 ), authenticated by the authentication unit, matches a first rejection unit representing the access unit ( 20a ) if the first entry password does not match the access password and a first admission unit that 20a ), so that the recording control unit ( 20 ) or the reproduction control unit ( 20 ) to a limited extent when the first input password matches the access password; and if a memory card ( 14 ) into the card reader / writer ( 13 ), the first fuse unit ( 25 ) determines whether the first input password matches the access password, the access unit ( 20a ) for the memory card ( 14 ) is started and a control sequence to the control unit ( 20 ) progresses. The portable video recorder according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: the internal memory is provided with a predetermined backup password as the identification code; in a case where the settings of the apparatus with regard to image recording or image reproduction are changed by changing a control parameter of the control unit ( 20 ) into an arbitrary value by an input provided on the operating part ( 12 ), the recorder further comprising a second security unit protected by the backup password and having an input to the operator ( 12 ) invalidates the internal memory on which the control parameter is recorded; wherein the second securing unit comprises a second determining unit which determines whether the second one on the operating part ( 12 ), a second rejection unit that prohibits the entry of the internal memory when the second determination unit determines that the second entry password does not match the save password, and a second admission unit that reviews the entry operation with respect to the internal storage wherein the entry operation on the operation panel to change the contents recorded in the internal memory when the second determination unit determines that the second entry password matches the save password; the access unit ( 20a ) is started by the first fuse unit and the control sequence to the control unit ( 20 ), and the second protection unit then determines whether the second entry password contained in the operation part ( 12 ) has been entered, matches the backup password; and the control parameter supplied by the control unit ( 20 ) is changed to any value, the recording control unit ( 21 ) the setting of the device with respect to an image stored on the memory card ( 14 ) from the recording control unit ( 21 ) the recorded image data set produced by the reproduction control unit ( 20 ) or an image displayed on the monitor ( 11 ) from the display control unit ( 23 ) changes. The portable video recorder according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first determination unit of the first security unit ( 25 ) determines that the specified password matches the access password, the access password is recorded on the internal memory, and when a predetermined recording operation is performed on the operation part (FIG. 12 ), the recording control unit ( 21 ), the first backup unit ( 25 ) is bypassed, whereby the image transmitted from the imaging unit on the memory card ( 14 ) is recorded as fast as possible. An image reproduction unit used in a personal computer ( 5 ) for use with a memory card ( 14 ), which is used with a portable video recorder, wherein the image reproduction unit a memory card ( 14 ) on which a picture on the memory card ( 14 ) or from which an image is read, a card reader which stores the recorded image data record from at least the memory card ( 14 ), wherein the image reproduction unit records the recorded image data set stored on the memory card ( 14 ) is recorded, reproduced and displayed by the portable video recorder, the image display unit being characterized by: a third fuse unit located in a stage in front of the image display unit of the personal computer ( 5 ) is provided for limiting the reproduction and for displaying the recorded image data record by the image display unit, which can be read from the memory card via the card reader ( 14 ), wherein the third backup unit comprises a conversion unit and a post-conversion authentication unit, the conversion unit encodes the recorded image data set read from the storage unit, thereby generating a post-conversion image data set provided with a conversion password of an identification code having the post-conversion image decoded, wherein: the post-conversion image data set is temporarily stored on an external storage medium of the personal computer ( 5 ) is recorded; the post-conversion authentication unit determines whether a personal computer attached to an input unit of a keyboard computer ( 5 inputted third input password corresponding to the conversion password, the post-conversion authentication unit allows the image reproduction unit to reproduce the post-conversion image data set when it is determined that the third input password matches the conversion password; if that through the portable video recorder ( 10 ) recorded image of the personal computer ( 5 ) is reproduced, the recorded image data set is encoded by the third security unit, thereby being formed into the post-conversion image data set; and the post-conversion image data set is decoded by the conversion password and thereafter by the image reproduction unit of the personal computer ( 5 ) is reproduced and displayed.