JP2000066293A - Password recorder and image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a third person from freely performing printing from photographic film without permission by a photographer or an owner by providing a recording means for recording password data in at least either the specified area of photographic sensitive material or a housing in which the photographic sensitive material is housed. SOLUTION: After a signal outputted from an input key part 516 is inputted in a controller 509 equipped with a CPU and a RAM, it is converted into character information by the controller 509, outputted to a display 528 and displayed on the display 528. The password data for permitting printing confirmed by depressing a set button provided at the key part 516 is stored in the RAM. When a film cartridge is loaded and the film is taken up by two to three frames at the leading edge, the password data for permitting printing is recorded at the leading edge part of the photographic film 110. Thus, the third person is prevented from freely printing the film.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a password recording apparatus and an image forming apparatus, and more particularly, to a password data recording apparatus used for judging whether a printing operation of a photographed image is appropriate for each photographic film or frame. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that performs image processing by collating password data.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional photographic developing system, a photographic photosensitive material such as a photographed photographic film (hereinafter referred to as a photographic film) or a developed photographic film on which a negative image or a positive image is formed is requested to be printed. In this case, it is not necessary to prove that the photographer is the photographer or the owner of the requested photographic film, and it is difficult to prove the photographer, so that the photographic film can be printed freely even by the photographer or the owner. In other words, even if the photographic film requested to be printed is a found or stolen product, it can be printed, and thus there is a possibility that problems such as infringement of copyright and infringement of the portrait right of the person being photographed may occur.

[0003] In order to solve such a problem, Japanese Patent Application No. 3-31863 discloses an optical system in which a copyright conceived by a photographer is optically recorded on a photographic film so as to clarify the existence of a copyright. Light devices have been proposed. In this copyright device, it has been proposed at the same time to permit the imprinting of the copyright by collating an element such as a fingerprint that clarifies the identity of the photographer with a mark registered in the copyright device. I have.

In the case of a camera, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. Hei 6-250248 discloses a configuration in which the camera is activated only when the registered password is confirmed to match when the camera is used. Some proposals have been made to prohibit free use by the finder.

[0005]

However, the copyright device disclosed in Japanese Patent Application No. 3-31863 is merely for writing information such as a photographer on a photographic film to clarify the copyright. Therefore, photographic film printing is possible. Therefore, there is a drawback that it is not possible to protect complete copyright and portrait right.

In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-250248, it is possible to prevent the use of the camera itself by a third party.
It is possible to print a photographic film taken by this camera, which also has the disadvantage that it cannot protect full copyright and portrait rights.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus capable of preventing a third party from printing on a photographic material such as a photographic film without permission of the photographer or the owner.

[0008]

In order to achieve the first object, a password recording apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention forms an image recorded on a photographic photosensitive material by collating with a predetermined data. Input means for inputting password data for judging whether or not the operation to be performed is performed, and at least one of a specific area of the photographic light-sensitive material and a housing for storing the photographic light-sensitive material, the password input from the input means. Recording means for recording data.

The writing of password data for judging the suitability of an operation for forming an image recorded on a photographic material is performed by magnetically recording the magnetic data on a magnetic recording layer formed partially or entirely on the photographic material. Alternatively, a storage device such as an IC chip may be provided in a photographic photosensitive material or a cartridge for storing the photographic photosensitive material, and password data may be recorded in the storage device. of course,
The information may be recorded on both the magnetic recording layer formed on the photographic material and the electric circuit provided on the cartridge or the like. Examples of the password to be recorded include characters such as hiragana, katakana, kanji, alphanumeric characters, and Greek characters, various types of symbols, figures and marks such as squares and triangles, and combinations thereof. In addition, various types can be selected as long as they fulfill the function of encryption.

[0010] The password recording device may be configured to be integrated into the camera, or may be configured as an independent device. When integrated with the camera, password data for judging whether or not an operation for forming an image recorded on a photographic photosensitive material in the camera before or after shooting, or simultaneously with shooting is recorded. It can be. The writing of the password data may be performed together with other information, or may be performed independently.

In the case where the password recording device is independently constructed, it is connected to a camera and recorded on a photographic material by a password recording means in the camera before or after photographing, or at the same time as photographing, as described above. Password data for judging the suitability of the operation to form a new image, or a password on a photographic photosensitive material that has been taken out of a camera and that has a negative or positive image after development. It is possible to record password data for judging whether the operation of forming an image recorded directly on the photographic material by the recording means is appropriate.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the password recording apparatus according to the first aspect, a password reading means for reading the password data recorded on at least one of a photographic photosensitive material and a housing; A password determining unit that compares read password data read by the unit with input password data input from the input unit and outputs a match signal when the read password data matches the input password data; The password recording means, when a match signal is output from the password determination means, the password data recorded in at least one of a specific area of the photographic material and a housing for storing the photographic material, Rewriting with another input password data input from the input means And it features.

That is, the invention according to claim 2 is provided with a configuration in which password data for judging whether or not the operation of forming an image recorded on a photographic photosensitive material already recorded is appropriate is replaced with another password data. When the password recording unit rewrites the password data, the password determining unit compares the already recorded password data with the password data input from the input unit and determines that they match. The password recording means is configured to rewrite the password data with another password data. By providing such a password determination unit, unauthorized rewriting of password data can be prevented.

Further, the image forming apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention is to input password data for judging whether the operation of forming an image recorded on a photographic material is appropriate or not by collating with predetermined data. Input means, a password reading means for reading password data recorded in at least one of a specific area of the photographic photosensitive material and a housing for storing the photographic photosensitive material, read password data read by the password reading means, A password judging unit for comparing the input password data inputted from the input unit and outputting a coincidence signal when the read password data and the input password data coincide with each other; and a coincidence signal is outputted from the password judging unit. And permission means for permitting normal printing.

In the image forming apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention, at the time of printing, the password determining means compares the password data presented by the requester with the password data read by the password reading means to determine whether they match. When the password data presented by the requester and the password data read by the password reading device are determined to be the same, the permitting device permits normal printing when the password data is read. If there is an error in the data, normal printing is not permitted. When normal printing is not permitted, the permission means selects and performs at least one of warning, print stop, and print separate processing. In addition, when the permission means issues a warning, it not only alerts the operator by issuing an alarm, displaying a warning on a monitor or the like, but also cancels the printing,
It is also possible to carry out a process such as placing a print separately.

That is, since printing is not performed unless password data is known, it is possible to identify a case where a third party prints from a photographic material without permission. Of course, you can see that the password data does not match even if it is printed in the case of a picked photographic material or a stolen photographic material that does not know the password data, so the copyright and portrait right are based on this. Can be protected.

[0017]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of a camera equipped with a password recording device of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
An embodiment of an image forming apparatus that controls printing based on password data will be described with reference to FIGS.

(Configuration of Camera) FIGS. 1 to 3 show a schematic configuration of a camera 500 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, this camera 500 records on a photographic photosensitive material such as a photographic film (hereinafter referred to as a photographic film) by collating with predetermined data on the back side of a casing 502. An input key unit 516 for inputting password data (hereinafter, referred to as print permission password data) for determining whether or not the operation of forming the formed image is appropriate, a finder 518 indicating a field of view, and operation buttons. A unit 526 and a liquid crystal display 528 are provided.

An input key section 516 is provided for the photographer to input print permission password data to be given to the photographic film before or after the photographing. A signal corresponding to a specific character, numerical value, symbol, or graphic (hereinafter, simply referred to as character) is output. Input key section 516
Is output to a control device 509 having a CPU, a RAM, and a ROM, converted into character information by the control device 509, output to a display 528, and displayed on the display 528. Also, the input key unit 51
The password data for print permission confirmed by pressing the set button provided in 6 is stored in the RAM.

The operation button unit 526 is used for setting the date and time, imprinting the date and time, using or not using a strobe,
A button unit for performing various settings such as a self-timer. The liquid crystal display 528 displays the above-described password data for print permission, the date and time input from the operation button unit 526, the number of shots, and the like.

On the upper surface side of the casing 502, three kinds of dial type knobs 504, 506, 508 (hereinafter simply referred to as operation knobs 504, 506, 508).
And a shutter button 524.

The operation knobs 504, 506, and 508 are each rotatable about an axis, have a click feeling by changing the operating force at a plurality of rotation angle positions, and can be held at a predetermined rotation angle. ing. These operation knobs 504, 506, and 508 perform camera mode setting and adjustment for adjusting photographing conditions such as fine adjustment of shutter speed, aperture, and exposure amount, which will be described later, and output the information to the control device 509. I have.
Since these mechanisms are well known, the description is omitted.

The release signal of the shutter button 524 is
A photographing control signal is inputted to the control device 509 and outputted to a photographing optical system (not shown). Since these mechanisms are also well known, the description is omitted.

A photographic film 11 is provided inside the camera.
A magnetic head 510 for recording password data for print permission on the magnetic recording layer 116 formed at the end in the width direction of 0 is provided at a position shifted from an image area formed by an imaging optical system (not shown). The magnetic head 510 records password data for print permission on the leading end of the photographic film 110 when the film cartridge 122 is loaded and the leading end of the film for two to three frames is wound up. The mode and the recording mode for each frame that records the print permission password data corresponding to the position of the next frame to be shot for that frame, and the print permission password data for only the selected frame from that frame Also, the recording mode of the selected frame to be recorded at the previous position can be set. In these modes, password data is transmitted at the time of frame advance,
Alternatively, it can be recorded when the film is rewound.

Also, as shown in FIG.
Is supplied with power from a power supply 511, input information from the input key unit 516, and operation knobs 504 and 50.
6 and 508, a release signal from the shutter button 524 and a film frame feed signal from the motor 514 are input.

A motor 514 fits on a spool of a film cartridge 122, which will be described later, and rotates to rotate the photographic film 1 based on a photographing control signal from a controller 509.
The control unit 50 sends out the film frame feed signal for each frame.
The controller 509 can recognize the current frame number on the photographing optical axis based on the film frame feed signal from the motor 514. Further, the motor 514 is configured to be rotatable forward and backward so that the photographic film can be fed out or rewound to a specific frame position when the password data for print permission recorded on the film is changed. .

Further, an IC provided in a film cartridge 122 (see FIG. 4) described later is provided from the control device 509.
A pin-shaped movable terminal 522 corresponding to each terminal 102 (see FIG. 4) of the chip 100 protrudes. This movable terminal 5
Reference numeral 22 has a distal end portion bent at a substantially right angle, and has its own elastic force. This tip is the IC chip 100 of the film cartridge 122 loaded in the casing 502.
, And maintains a predetermined contact pressure by elastic force.

FIG. 4 shows a camera 50 according to the present embodiment.
0 shows a film cartridge 122 to be loaded into the cartridge. In this embodiment, a case is described in which a photographic film (APS film) 110 of 240 size is applied.

The film cartridge 122 has a projection 12 of a spool (not shown) provided in a casing 124 and a hole 12 of the negative film 110 having the structure shown in FIG.
In this structure, the negative film 110 is wound up by fitting 0 into the casing 124 and housed in the casing 124. The shaft end of the spool projects out of the casing 124,
The configuration is such that the negative film 110 is taken in and out of the film cartridge 122 by rotating the shaft end of the spool on the camera side.

The IC chip 100 as a recording medium is embedded in the film cartridge 122. The IC chip 100 is provided with a plurality of (six in the present embodiment) terminals 102, and the main body of the IC chip 100 is buried, but the terminals 102 are exposed from correspondingly provided rectangular holes 104. are doing.

This IC chip 100 has an input key unit 5
16, whether or not the print permission password data output by the control device 509 based on the signal output from the printer 16 is recorded, the print permission password data, and the image recorded on the negative film 110 accommodated in the cartridge. Print information, operation knobs 504, 506, 5
Print conditions and the like set by the operation 08 are recorded via the movable terminal 522. Also, this IC chip 1
In 00, in addition to the print conditions, the photographer can freely edit and process edited and processed data, format data order data of the image data, and the like.

As shown in FIG. 5, the negative film 110 accommodated in the casing 124 has a magnetic recording layer 116 as shown in FIG.
Is provided. In the present embodiment, the magnetic recording layer 1
16 stores password data for print permission together with shooting information and the like. The print permission password data is recorded on the IC chip 100 and the photographic film 110 as described above, and is also read out when reading an image from the photographic film 110 taken out of the film cartridge 122 to determine whether or not the print is appropriate. It is possible to do. The password data for print permission is stored in the magnetic recording layer 116 formed on the film.
And an IC chip.
Optical information (barcode 112) is recorded on the negative film 110, and the barcode indicates a negative film ID (hereinafter, film ID).

Although not specifically shown, a cartridge ID is recorded in advance on the outer peripheral surface of the cartridge 122 by a bar code and characters (numeric characters). Basically, the cartridge ID matches the film ID.

Here, the operation of the camera of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. First, when the film cartridge 122 is loaded, the control device 509 of the camera 500 performs the operation shown in the flowchart of FIG. That is, first, in step 200,
IC chip 1 of loaded film cartridge 122
Read 00. Next, based on the read result, it is determined in step 202 whether password data for print permission is recorded. If password data for print permission is not recorded, step 2
The process proceeds to 04 to determine whether or not to add password data.

If it is determined in step 204 that the password data for print permission is to be given, the process proceeds to the next step 206, where 1 is set for each photographic film.
It is determined whether the password data for print permission is recorded or the password data for print permission is recorded for each frame.

In the case of recording the password data for print permission for each photographic film, the process proceeds to the password data assigning process 1 in step 208. In the password assigning process 1, a process for assigning one print permission password data to one photographic film is performed.
For example, when the film cartridge 122 is loaded and the film of the top two or three frames is wound up, one print permission password data is recorded on the magnetic recording layer 116 of the photographic film, or before or after the photographing is completed. Such,
Recording the password data for one print permission on the IC chip at the time of the photographer's convenience.
Of course, it is also possible to record the password data for print permission on the IC chip at the same time as recording the password data for print permission on the magnetic recording layer 116 of the photographic film.

If the print permission password data is to be recorded for each of the latter frames, the flow shifts to password assignment processing 2 in step 210, and print permission password data is assigned to each of the frames to which the password is to be assigned. Perform processing. For example, password data for print permission is recorded on a magnetic recording layer 116 formed on a photographic film corresponding to a frame to which a password is to be assigned before or after shooting, or before or after shooting. Recording password data for print permission in association with the frame number of the IC chip at the convenience of the photographer. Of course, also in this case, when the password data for print permission is recorded on the magnetic recording layer 116 formed on the photographic film corresponding to the frame to which the password is to be applied, the data is recorded simultaneously with the frame number of the IC chip. You can also If it is determined in step 204 that password data for print permission is not added, the operation ends at that point.

If the print permission password data is recorded, the flow shifts to step 212 to determine whether print permission password data is to be added. If it is determined in step 212 that password data for print permission is to be added, step 21
The process proceeds to the password change process of FIG.
The password data for print permission is given through the processing of, and the password change processing ends. If it is determined in step 212 that the password data for print permission is not to be added, the operation ends at that point.

Here, the password assigning process 1 in step 208 will be described with reference to FIG. That is, when it is determined in step 206 in FIG. 6 that the password data for print permission is added to each photographic film, the process proceeds to step 300 in FIG. 7 and the password data for print permission input from the input key unit 516 is input. Is stored in the RAM in the control device 509. When the input of the password data for print permission is completed, the process proceeds to step 302, where the password data for print permission is recorded in a predetermined recording area such as the leading or trailing end of the photographic film or the IC chip 100 of the film cartridge.
The operation ends.

The password assigning process 2 in step 210 will be described with reference to FIG. That is, FIG.
If it is determined in step 206 that password data for print permission is not added to each photographic film, the process proceeds to step 400 in FIG.
The password data for print permission input from the printer 6 is stored in the RAM in the control device 509. The password data for print permission input at this time may be individual for each frame or may be the same.

When the input of the password data for print permission is completed, the flow shifts to step 402, where it is determined whether or not to input all the frames. If it is determined that all frames are to be input, the process proceeds to step 412, where the password data for print permission is placed at a position corresponding to the frame to which the password is to be applied at the time of frame advance before or after shooting. Is recorded, the password assignment process ends. If it is determined in step 402 that the input is not performed for all the frames, the process proceeds to step 404 to detect the edge of the frame to be photographed, and step 406
It is determined based on the information input to the control device 509 whether or not to add the print permission password data to the frame detected in.

If it is determined in step 406 that the frame is a frame to which password data for print permission is to be added, the flow shifts to step 408, where a password is assigned before or after shooting, for example, during frame advance. After recording the password data for print permission at the position corresponding to the target frame, the process proceeds to step 410 to determine whether there is a next frame. If it is determined in step 406 that the frame does not include the print permission password data, the process immediately proceeds to step 410 to determine whether there is a next frame.

If it is determined in step 410 that there is a next frame, the process returns to step 404 to detect the edge of the frame to be photographed. If it is determined in step 410 that there is no next frame, the password assignment process ends.

Here, a case where photographing is performed using the above-described camera 500 while giving print permission password data for each frame will be described. First, after loading the film 110 into the camera 500, the operation knob 5
04 sets the mode of the camera. The mode of the camera is a mode in which the same print permission password data is added to the designated frame (hereinafter, referred to as mode 1).
And a mode in which the same print permission password data is assigned to all frames (hereinafter, referred to as mode 2).
A mode in which different print permission password data is assigned to a designated frame (hereinafter, referred to as mode 3), and a mode in which different print permission password data is assigned to all frames (hereinafter, mode 4). And a mode in which password data for print permission is not provided (hereinafter referred to as mode 5).

Here, a case where the mode of the camera 500 is set to mode 1 will be described. After the mode of the camera is set to mode 1 by the operation knob 504, password data for print permission is input from the input key unit 516.

Magnetic head 5 for recording password data for print permission on magnetic recording layer 116 of film 110
In this case, the reference numeral 10 is provided at a position shifted forward from the image forming area of the optical system. Therefore, when the film 110 is loaded into the camera 500, the motor
Up to three frames are automatically sent out, and the first frame to be photographed is placed in the image forming area of the optical system (searching for the beginning).
When the frame is caught, the print head password data is recorded by the magnetic head 510 at a position corresponding to the top frame.

After the photographing of the first frame, the second frame is sent out by the motor 514 and arranged in the image forming area of the optical system, and the control unit 509 sends password data for print permission to the second frame. When the instruction to give is given, when the second frame is sent out by the motor 514, the magnetic head 51 is moved to a position corresponding to the second frame.
0 prints password data for print permission.

After the photographing of the second frame, the third frame is sent out by the motor 514 and arranged in the image forming area of the optical system. When the instruction to give the data is not issued, the third frame is arranged in the image forming area of the optical system without recording the password data for print permission by the magnetic head 510.

By repeating the above, the same print permission password data is given to the designated frame of one photographic film. In the above description, the password data for print permission is recorded before photographing. However, the password data for print permission may be recorded after photographing. Further, a configuration may be adopted in which password data for print permission is recorded after all shooting is completed.

When it is determined in step 212 in FIG. 6 that the password data for print permission is to be changed, the flow shifts to step 600 in FIG. 9, and the password for print permission recorded on the photographic film is input from the input key unit 516. It is determined whether print permission password data (hereinafter referred to as old password data) to be compared with the data has been input. If not, the process proceeds to step 602 to instruct input of the old password data. When the input is confirmed, the process proceeds to step 604. If it is determined in step 600 that the old password data has been input, the process proceeds to step 604.

In step 604, the old password and FIG.
In step 200, it is determined whether the print permission password data (hereinafter referred to as read password data) read from the photographic film is the same. Step 604
If it is determined that the old password data and the read password data are not the same, the process proceeds to step 610 to stop changing the print permission password data, sound an alarm, and perform the print permission password data change operation. Terminate.

If it is determined in step 604 that the old password data and the read password data are the same, the flow shifts to step 606 to input new print permission password data (hereinafter, referred to as new password data). To instruct. When the input of the new password data is confirmed, the process proceeds to step 608, where the old password data is deleted, the new password data is recorded, and the process of changing the print permission password data is completed.

In the above password change processing, new password data is added to the read old password data. Therefore, when the old password data is added to each photographic film, the new password data is If the old password data is assigned to each frame, the new password data is assigned to each frame.However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The new password data can be assigned to each photographic film even if the old password data is assigned to each frame even if the new password data is assigned to each photographic film.

In this embodiment, the case where the APS film 110 is applied is described, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and can be applied to all photographic films.

(Configuration of Digital Lab System) FIG.
FIG. 11 shows a schematic configuration of a digital laboratory system 10 which is an embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 11, the digital lab system 10 includes a line CCD scanner 14, an image processing unit 1
6, a laser printer unit 18 and a processor unit 20. The line CCD scanner 14 and the image processing unit 16 are integrated as an input unit 26 shown in FIG. Processor 2
0 is integrated as the output unit 28 shown in FIG.

The line CCD scanner 14 includes a light source 66 for irradiating the photographic film 110 with light, a light diffusion plate 72 for diffusing the light from the light source 66, a film carrier 74 for conveying the photographic film, and a frame image transmitted therethrough. A lens unit 76 for imaging light, a line CCD 30, and a magnetic recording layer 116 formed at a widthwise end of the photographic film.
A magnetic head 64 as password reading means for reading password data for print permission from (see FIG. 5);
The print control unit 12 is a password determining unit that compares output information from the magnetic head 64 with input information from a keyboard described later.

Although only a single lens is shown as the lens unit 76, the lens unit 76 is actually a zoom lens composed of a plurality of lenses. Note that a selfoc lens may be used as the lens unit 76. In this case, it is preferable that both end surfaces of the SELFOC lens are as close to the photographic film 110 and the line CCD 30 as possible.

The line CCDs 30 are arranged in a line along the width direction of the photographic film 110 on which a plurality of CCD cells are conveyed, and a sensing unit provided with an electronic shutter mechanism is provided with three lines parallel to each other at intervals. Each of the R, G, and B color separation filters is attached to the light incident side of each sensing unit (a so-called three-line color CCD). The line CCD 30
The light receiving surfaces of the respective sensing units are arranged so as to coincide with the image forming point positions of the lens unit 76.

Although not shown, the line CCD 3
A shutter is provided between the lens unit 0 and the lens unit 76.

The photographic film readable by the line CCD scanner 14 includes, for example, a 135-size photographic film, a 110-size photographic film, and a photographic film having a transparent magnetic recording layer 116 (240-size photographic film: Photographic films of 120 size and 220 size (Brownie size). In the present embodiment, a digital lab system 10 in which a 240-size photographic film (APS film) 68 is applied will be described.

The line CCD scanner 14 first reads the print permission password data magnetically recorded by the magnetic head 64 for each frame image to be read or for each photographic film to be read.
Output to

The print control unit 12 outputs print permitting password data (hereinafter referred to as input password data) presented by the print requester, which is input from a keyboard 16K of the image processing unit 16 described later. . The print control unit 12 compares the input password data with the read password data read by the magnetic head 64 to determine whether they are the same, and if they are the same, causes the line CCD 30 to execute reading, and executes the input password data and the read password. When it is determined that the data is different, an alarm is sounded, and the line CCD 30 is stopped to stop reading. The operation of the print control unit 12 will be described later in detail.

When the print control unit 12 determines that the input password data matches the read password data, normal reading by the line CCD 30 is executed, and the read image is output to the A / D conversion unit 32 and the A / D conversion unit 32 outputs the read image. / D conversion and output to the image processing unit 16 as digital image data.

Image data (scanned image data) output from the A / D converter 32 is input to the image processor 16, and image data obtained by photographing with the digital camera 34 or the like, a document (for example, Image data obtained by reading a reflection original or the like with a scanner 36 (flatbed type), image data generated by another computer and recorded in a floppy disk drive 38, MO drive or CD drive 40, and a modem 42 It is configured such that communication image data and the like (hereinafter, these are collectively referred to as file image data) received via an external device can be input from the outside.

The image processing unit 16 performs image processing such as various corrections such as a color gradation processing unit 46, a hypertone processing unit 48, and a hyper sharpness processing unit 50, and sends the image data to the laser printer unit 18 as recording image data. Output. Also,
The image processing unit 16 outputs the image data subjected to the image processing to an external device as an image file (for example, FD, MO, C
D, etc., and transmission to other information processing equipment via a communication line, etc.).

The laser printer unit 18 includes R, G, and B laser light sources 52, and controls a laser driver 54 to record image data (temporarily stored in the image memory 56) input from the image processing unit 16. Is applied to the photographic printing paper, and scanning exposure (in the present embodiment, mainly the polygon mirror 58 and the fθ lens 60) is performed.
An image is recorded on the photographic paper 62 by an optical system using the same. Further, the processor unit 20 includes a laser printer unit 18.
The photographic paper 62 on which an image has been recorded by scanning exposure is subjected to color development, bleach-fixing, washing, and drying.
Thus, an image is formed on the printing paper.

Here, the operation of the print control unit 12 will be described with reference to FIGS. First, in step 700, the print control unit 12
Based on output information from the magnetic head of the D scanner 14, print permission password data is recorded only in the leading edge region of the photographic film, or print permission password data is recorded for each individual image data. It is determined whether or not password data for print permission is recorded.

If the password data for print permission is not recorded at all, step 710 is a mode in which the reading by the line CCD 30 is executed to perform the printing process, and the reading by the line CCD 30 is stopped so that printing cannot be performed. One of the modes 712 and 712 is selected in advance. By providing this mode selection, it is possible to cope with a case where an image is shot using a camera to which print permission password data cannot be assigned.

If the print permission password data is recorded, the flow shifts to the next step 702 to determine whether the print permission password data is recorded for each frame. When the password data for print permission is not recorded for each frame, that is, when the password data for print permission is recorded for each photographic film, the process proceeds to the password confirmation processing 1 of step 704 and is read. It is determined whether the password data for print permission matches the password data for print permission presented by the requester.

If the print permission password data is recorded for each frame, the flow shifts to the password confirmation processing 2 in step 706, where the read password data read for each frame and the frame for each frame presented by the requester are displayed. It is determined whether the input password data matches.

Here, the password confirmation processing 1 in step 704 will be described with reference to FIG. That is,
When it is determined in step 702 in FIG. 12 that password data for print permission is recorded for each photographic film, the process proceeds to step 800 in FIG.
The print permission password data recorded at the leading end of the photographic film is read and temporarily stored as read password data.

Thereafter, the flow shifts to step 802, where it is determined whether or not the print permission password data presented by the print requester has been input from the keyboard 16K.
If the password data for print permission has not been input, the flow proceeds to step 804 to instruct the monitor to enter a comment prompting the input of the password data for print permission, and then returns to step 802 to return the print permission password from the keyboard 16K. Determine whether password data has been entered.

At step 802, the keyboard 16
If the input of the password data for print permission presented by the print requester from K is confirmed, the password is temporarily stored as input password data, and the process proceeds to step 806.
It is determined whether the input password data and the read password data are the same. If it is determined in step 806 that the input password data and the read password data are not the same, the process proceeds to step 810, in which reading by the line CCD 30 is stopped so that printing cannot be performed, an alarm is sounded, and the printing operation is stopped. .

If it is determined in step 806 that the input password data and the read password data are the same, the flow shifts to step 808, where the reading by the line CCD 30 is executed, and the image data is printed.

The password confirmation process 2 in step 706 will be described with reference to FIG. That is, when it is determined in step 702 in FIG. 12 that the password is recorded for each frame, the process proceeds to step 900 in FIG. 14, and first, the leading edge of the frame to be read is detected. When an edge is detected, the process proceeds to step 902, where it is determined whether print permission password data is recorded at a position corresponding to the detected frame.

If it is determined in step 902 that the password data for print permission is not recorded, the flow shifts to step 904 to determine whether printing is possible. In this case, one of a mode in which the reading by the line CCD 30 is executed by the mode selection to perform the printing process and a mode in which the reading by the line CCD 30 is stopped and the printing is not performed are selected in advance. By providing this mode selection, for example, printing is permitted only for frames to which password data for print permission is not provided, and conversely, for frames to which password data for print permission is not provided. Also, it is possible to take measures depending on the case, such as protecting the copyright and the proprietary right by making printing impossible.

If it is determined in step 902 that print permission password data is recorded, the print permission password data is read and temporarily stored as read password data. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step 906, where it is determined whether the print permission password data presented by the print requester has been input from the keyboard 16K. If the password data for print permission has not been input, the flow proceeds to step 908 to instruct the monitor to input a comment for prompting the input of the password data for print permission, and then returns to step 906 to return the print permission password from the keyboard 16K. Determine whether password data has been entered.

At step 906, the keyboard 16
If the input of the print permission password data presented by the print requester from K is confirmed, it is temporarily stored as input password data, and the process proceeds to step 910.
It is determined whether the input password data and the read password data are the same. If it is determined in step 910 that the input password data is not the same as the read password data, the flow advances to step 914 to stop reading of the frame by the line CCD 30 so that printing cannot be performed, and an alarm is sounded. Is stopped, and the routine goes to Step 916.

If it is determined in step 910 that the input password data and the read password data are the same,
Proceed to step 912 to execute the line CC for the frame.
After the reading by D30 is executed and the printing process of the image data is performed, the process proceeds to step 916.

In step 916, it is determined whether there is a frame to be printed next. If there is a frame to be printed, the process returns to step 900 to detect the leading edge of the frame to be read next, and the next detected frame is detected. The above operation is repeated for frames. If there are no frames to be printed, the reading operation ends.

As described above, the digital lab system 10 according to the present embodiment reads the read password data obtained by reading the print permission password data formed on the magnetic recording layer 116 at the end in the width direction of the photographic film and the request password data. Line C against the input password data presented by the user
Since it is configured to determine whether to perform reading by the CD 30, it is possible to prevent a third party from printing without permission from the photographer or the owner without permission, and protect copyright and ownership.

In the present embodiment, the case where the password data for print permission is magnetically recorded on the end of the photographic film 110 is described. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The print permission password data is recorded on the magnetic recording layer 116 formed on the entire surface of the film, and the print permission password data is read together with the image reading. The print permission password is stored in the IC chip provided on the film cartridge. Data may be electrically recorded, and password data for print permission may be read from the IC chip of the film cartridge when the photographic film is set in the digital lab system 10.

In the above description, the digital lab system 10 for electrically reading an image recorded on a film has been described. For example, a configuration in which a negative image is directly printed from a negative film on photographic paper, developed, and then printed. The present invention can be applied to a conventionally used lab system, such as a lab system described above. In this case, the print control unit 12 may control the on / off of the light source to prevent a negative image from being printed on photographic paper.

In the present embodiment, when it is determined that the input password data and the read password data are not the same, the image reading is stopped so that printing cannot be performed, an alarm is sounded, and the printing operation is performed. Although it is configured to be stopped, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, for example, printing can be performed, but an alarm is sounded, or a configuration that prompts the worker's attention such as displaying on a monitor screen, or sounding an alarm or It is possible to adopt a configuration in which prints obtained without sounding are separately provided, or a configuration in which printing is stopped without sounding an alarm.

[0085]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a password data for print permission specific to a photographer or an owner can be added to a photographed photographic material, so that a photograph requested at the time of printing can be provided. It is possible to determine whether the photosensitive material is a request from the photographer or the owner, and to prevent the third party from printing without permission of the photographer or the owner.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the first aspect, in addition to the read password data obtained by reading the password data for print permission from the photographic photosensitive material and the requester presenting and inputting the same. Since the input password data can be collated with the input password data, it is possible to prevent the password data for print permission from being illegally rewritten.

Further, according to the third and fourth aspects of the present invention, the password data for print permission is read from the photographic film of the photographic light-sensitive material, and is compared with the password data for print permission presented by the requester. In order to take measures such as making an unusual print such as sounding an alarm or placing it separately or not, it is clear that the password data was printed without matching even if it was printed. To achieve the effect of protecting copyright and portrait right based on this, and preventing a third party from printing photographic light-sensitive materials without permission of the photographer or owner. .

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a camera according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory rear view schematically showing an electrical connection of the camera shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a control block diagram mainly showing an IC chip of the camera shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a film cartridge.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the photographic film stored in the film cartridge shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing performed by the camera shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a flow of a password assigning process 1 in step 208 shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a flow of a password assigning process 2 in step 210 shown in FIG. 6;

9 is a flowchart showing a flow of a password change process in step 214 shown in FIG.

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a digital laboratory system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a schematic configuration diagram of a digital laboratory system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing performed in the digital laboratory system shown in FIGS. 10 and 11;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a flow of a password confirmation process 1 in step 704 shown in FIG.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a flow of a password confirmation process 2 in step 706 shown in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Digital laboratory system 12 Print control part 14 Line CCD scanner 16 Image processing part 16K keyboard 18 Laser printer part 20 Processor part 26 Input part 28 Output part 30 Line CCD 32 A / D conversion part 64 Magnetic head 100 IC chip 102 IC chip Terminals 110 Photo film 122 Film cartridge 500 Camera 502 Casing 504, 506, 508 Operation knob 509 CPU 511 Power supply 514 Motor 516 Input key section 518 Finder 524 Shutter button 526 Operation button unit 528 Liquid crystal display

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. An input means for inputting password data for judging whether or not an operation for forming an image recorded on a photographic light-sensitive material is appropriate by collating with predetermined data, and Recording means for recording the password data input from the input means on at least one of an area and a housing for storing a photographic photosensitive material. 2. A password reading means for reading the password data recorded on at least one of a photographic photosensitive material and a housing, read password data read by the password reading means, and an input inputted from the input means. Password judgment means for comparing the password data with the read password data and outputting a match signal when the read password data and the input password data match, wherein the password recording means outputs a match signal from the password judgment means. The password data recorded in at least one of the specific area of the photographic light-sensitive material and the housing for storing the photographic light-sensitive material is replaced with another input password data input from the input means. The password recording device according to claim 1, wherein 3. An input means for inputting password data for judging the suitability of an operation for forming an image recorded on a photographic light-sensitive material by collating the data with predetermined data; Password reading means for reading password data recorded on at least one of the area and the housing storing the photographic photosensitive material; read password data read by the password reading means; and input password data input from the input means. A password judging unit that outputs a match signal when the read password data matches the input password data, and a permitting unit that permits normal printing when the password judging unit outputs a match signal. An image forming apparatus comprising: 4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said permitting means selects and performs at least one of warning, print stop, and print separate processing when a match signal is not output from said password judging means. The image forming apparatus as described in the above.