JP2001350759A - External database reference type device related to image/video - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a video-related device with which service conditions including the permission conditions of the copy, reproduction and equipment control of still pictures or video can be designated from an external database and these devices can be automatically and exactly operated on the basis of these designated service conditions. SOLUTION: A copy source image 2 is read by a scanner part 31 and an identification code embedded as an electronic watermark is read with an ID detecting part 32. While using that identification code as a key, related information of the copy source image 2 (such as copy permission conditions, photographing data, photographing target data, copyright data, the information for decision on whether the copy source image is revised from an original picture and the original image information of the copy source image) is inquired through a control part 33 and an external interface part 34 to an external database 5. On the basis of the inquiry result, the control part 33 generates required image information in an image data generating part 35 and an image print part 36 prints out this information as a copy 4.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an apparatus for copying or reproducing still images such as photographs and posters or moving images and the like.
In particular, the present invention relates to a video-related device such as a reproduction device of a still image or a video in which an identification code (ID) is embedded by a method such as a digital watermark, a video reproduction device, and a video device control device. It is a technology that can be used for copying, converting, and reproducing images such as still images or moving images such as images and posters, and can be used for a system for obtaining originals / original images / original images of photographs and images.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An example of a conventional duplication apparatus of this type is as follows.
A copy machine 103 as shown in FIG. 15 is provided, and a scanner unit 1031, an image generation unit 1035, an image print unit 1036, and a control unit 103 for controlling them
Only had three. Therefore, for example, when searching for information related to a copy source image such as a copy permission condition, a human makes an inquiry to an external database (DB) 105 using visual information such as an object appearing in the copy source image 102 as a key, and The copy machine 103 is operated on the basis of this to obtain a copy 104.

An example of a conventional reproducing apparatus for this kind of video is a television receiver for scramble broadcasting. In a scramble broadcast television receiver or the like, whether or not reproduction is possible is controlled based on the presence or absence of a descrambling key.

[0004]

However, since the conventional copy machine has a configuration in which a human accesses an external database using visual information on a copy source image as a key, the original image is surely identified in search. I couldn't do that. In addition, there is no assurance that the operation will be performed correctly because a human operates the copy machine so as to comply with the related information such as the copy permission condition which is the external DB access result. This is a problem that can be applied to duplication and reproduction of a video such as a moving image.

On the other hand, a conventional scrambled broadcast television receiver has a problem that reproduction and recording can be performed if a descrambling key is present, and at that time, conditions for permission of reproduction and recording cannot be reflected. Was. In addition, it is difficult to control the playback of the recorded or digital video captured image after the descrambling has been performed, and processing such as device control by superimposing control information on video data and adding information to video is also required. Does not work with video that has undergone digital video capture of video, etc. If the control signal is transmitted along with the video data by superimposing data on the signal portion that does not overlap the actual display portion of the video signal (actually used for text broadcasting etc. ), The loss of superimposed signals due to analog-to-digital conversion, digital-to-analog conversion, and code conversion. Code conversion is a frequent occurrence in digital video distribution, and can only be used with a specific signal system. The control method is not appropriate, and the information added to the part independent of the video is separated from the video data. Is easy, separation of incorrect control data, can lead to the use, there is a problem that such.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to solve these problems so that service conditions including permission conditions for duplication, conversion / playback, and device control of still images and videos can be designated from the outside. The operation of the device that performs conversion / playback and control of video equipment is controlled in accordance with the specified service conditions,
Copy machines and video playback devices that automatically and accurately realize
An object of the present invention is to provide a video-related device such as a video device control device.

[0007]

The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems by the means listed below.

[0008] One of the means is a means for taking in an input still image or video as digital information, a digital, a means for reading an identification code embedded in the still image or video from the digital information, and a digital; Means for inquiring of an external database using a key as a key, and means for duplicating a still image or a video related to the digital information or performing video conversion / reproduction or video equipment control based on the result of the query. External database reference type image /
It is a video-related device.

Alternatively, the inquiry means inquires of the external database for permission information for duplication or video conversion / reproduction or video equipment control, and performs digital, duplication or video conversion / reproduction or video equipment control. The above-mentioned external database reference type image / video related apparatus is characterized in that the duplication or the video conversion / reproduction or the video equipment control is performed only when the inquiry result permits.

[0010] Alternatively, the inquiring means may provide the external database with permission information such as the number of pixels that can be copied (resolution), image quality (degree of distortion), gradation (number of colors), part (range), and the like. Means for performing digital, duplication or video conversion / playback or video device control, if the inquiry result permits, the duplication or video conversion so as to conform to the license conditions. The external database reference type image / video related apparatus described above, which performs reproduction or video equipment control.

Alternatively, the means for inquiring may include, for example, photographing data (the photographing location, photographing date, photographing date,
Photographer, photographing apparatus, photographing conditions, etc.), photographing object data (name of the model photographed in the copy source image, building name, etc.), copyright data (copyright holder, copyright personality of the copy source image) Inquiry about the input still image or video related information such as related information (metadata) related to the copy source image such as the copyright holder, portrait right holder, etc.), advertising data (information on related products and dealers etc.) Means for performing digital, duplication or video conversion / playback or video equipment control, wherein the duplication or video conversion / playback or video equipment is configured to include the relevant information if the inquiry result permits. The above-mentioned external database reference type image / video-related apparatus is characterized by performing control.

[0012] Alternatively, the inquiring means may include an input static image such as outline information of copy source image information, histogram information of colors and gradations, and image frequency information together with the permission information with respect to the external database. Or to query information for determining whether or not the video is an original original still image or a modification of the original video, and perform digital, duplication or video conversion / playback or video device control The means can perform the duplication, the video conversion / playback, or the control of the video device, or can determine that the reorganization has been added only when it is determined that the reorganization has not been performed when the inquiry result is permitted. In such a case, the duplication or video conversion / playback or video device control is performed so as to include a notification message to that effect. An external database reference type image / video-related device of the above that, characterized in that.

Alternatively, the inquiry means inquires of the external database about the order of the original still image or original video of the input still image or video, and the digital, copy or video conversion / reproduction or video equipment Means for performing the control, when the result of the inquiry permits, and for performing the duplication or the video conversion / reproduction or the video device control based on the information of the obtained original still image or original video. An image / video related device according to the above-mentioned external database, which is characterized by the above.

Alternatively, the reading means may also read digital watermark data other than the identification code embedded in the input video, and the means for performing digital, duplication, video conversion / playback, or video equipment control may be a digital video recorder. Means for acquiring a parameter of a use condition of the apparatus, and means for determining a playback mode or control content such as video playback / display quality based on the inquiry result, the read digital watermark information and the parameter. The external database reference type image / video related apparatus according to the above, wherein the apparatus performs video conversion / reproduction or video equipment control based on the determined reproduction mode or control content.

[0015] Alternatively, a means for managing the history of the video conversion / reproduction or video device control based on the inquiry result, the digital watermark data, and the parameter is added. It is a video-related device.

Alternatively, the means for acquiring the parameter is
Among information stored in the device designated by the means for determining the reproduction mode or control content, such as a user profile, a user's device operation status, a device state, device control information, and a video reproduction / display quality. The above-mentioned external database reference type image / video-related apparatus is characterized in that the apparatus acquires all or a part of the apparatus.

Alternatively, the means for performing the duplication or the video conversion / reproduction or the video device control may convert the quality of the video, prohibit the reproduction of the entire program or a specific scene in the video, or control the reproduction of the video based on the determined reproduction mode. The external database reference type image / video-related apparatus is characterized in that one or more of video display conversion and reproduction of the display prohibition of the object and the audio quality change are performed.

Alternatively, the means for duplicating or converting / reproducing a video or controlling a video device may include, based on the determined reproduction mode, prohibition of audio reproduction, separate video to a specific scene or object in the entire program or video. Or performing image conversion / reproduction of at least one of replacement of a still image or an object, superimposition of another information on a video, and addition of another audio, wherein the external database reference type image / video is used. Related devices.

Alternatively, the means for performing the duplication or the video conversion / reproduction or controlling the video equipment performs the video conversion / reproduction of releasing the scramble applied to the video and stopping the release based on the determined reproduction mode. An image / video related device according to the above-mentioned external database, wherein

Alternatively, the means for performing the duplication or the video conversion / reproduction or controlling the video equipment permits or prohibits the change of the video reproduction speed and the reproduction position such as fast forward, rewind, and skip based on the determined control contents. The above-mentioned external database reference type image / video-related apparatus is characterized by controlling the video equipment.

Alternatively, the means for performing the duplication or the video conversion / reproduction or controlling the video equipment controls the video equipment for scheduled recording based on the program recording reservation information which is the determined control content. An image / video related device according to the above-mentioned external database, which is characterized by the above.

According to the present invention, in an image / video-related apparatus such as a copy machine, a video reproducing apparatus, and a video apparatus control apparatus, an identification code (content ID) embedded in an input original or input video to be copied by a digital watermark is used. Reads and inquires the external database using the identification code, confirms service conditions and the like corresponding to the identification code based on the inquiry result, and confirms whether or not permission or permission conditions for video conversion / reproduction, control of video equipment, etc.
It is possible to automatically and accurately perform billing, image processing, video conversion / reproduction, video device control, and the like.

[0023]

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

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the principle of the present invention.
According to the present invention, in an image / video-related apparatus such as a copy machine, a video reproduction apparatus, and a video apparatus control apparatus, an identification code (content ID) embedded in an input original or an input video to be copied is read, and the ID is read by the identification code. Inquires of an external database such as a management center, etc., and confirms service conditions such as permission and permission conditions for duplication, video conversion / playback, control of video equipment, etc. corresponding to the identification code,
Realization of a system that can automatically and accurately perform permission / prohibition of permission and permission conditions for video conversion / playback, control of video equipment, etc., billing, image processing, video conversion / playback, video equipment control, etc. It is.

Referring to FIG. 1, a case where a document photographed by a digital camera (including a CE machine or the like) is copied using a copy machine having a scanner and a printer as an example will be described.

Data (metadata 1) photographed by a digital camera is created by an industry standard DFC (design rule for camera file system), and is photographed data compressed by, for example, JPEG, date, and device ID.
And uploaded to a personal computer or the like via USB.

In a personal computer or the like, for example, an e-mail address or a user name is automatically acquired from a registry or the like and added to the metadata 1 and the metadata 2 is added.
Adding metadata 3 generated by inputting the use permission information such as availability of the original data and the latest information, copy conditions, etc. from a keyboard or the like as exemplified as a new function,
For example, the ID is registered in the database of the ID management center according to a predetermined standard. On the other hand, in a personal computer or the like, a document is printed out by embedding an identification code (content ID) based on a digital watermark in photographing data, and is viewed by another person.

To copy this original, first,
The original is read from the scanner by the copy machine according to the present invention, the content ID is read out by the digital watermark, and the ID management center is inquired. The ID management center returns the data and information of the CID new function service corresponding to the content ID according to the ID registration from the personal computer or the like. Examples of CID new function services include:
Confirmation of copy permission range, acquisition of originals, acquisition of whole (partial) images, related latest information, insertion of advertisements, superimposition of metadata,
For example, individual watermark insertion by a copy person or the like can be mentioned. Upon receiving these, the copy machine automatically performs image processing, charging, and copying based on the data and information of the CID new function service.

Although the case of copying an original (still image) by a digital camera has been described as an example in the description of FIG. 1, the same applies to the case of performing conversion / reproduction of video such as a moving image and control of video equipment. However, this does not cause a difference in the effects of the present invention.

<First Embodiment> FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of an external database reference type copy machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is an original image, 2 is a copy source image created from the original image 1, 3 is a copy machine, 4 is a copy, and 5 is an external database (DB). In the copy machine 3, 31 is a scanner unit, 32 is an ID detection unit, and 33 is a control unit. 34 is an external interface unit, 35 is an image generation unit, and 36 is an image print unit.

In the copy machine 3 of the present embodiment, the copy source image 2 is read by the scanner unit 31, and an identification code (ID) embedded in the copy source image 2 by digital watermark from the read digital information from the scanner unit 31.
Is read by the ID detection unit 32, and the control unit 33 and the external interface unit 34 use the read identification code as a key.
Related information (for example, copy permission conditions, photographing data, photographing object data, copyright data, and a copy of the original image 1 from which the copy original image was originally modified) , And the original image information of the original image 1 of the copy source image 2). The result of the inquiry is passed to the control unit 33 through the external interface unit 34,
The control unit 33 controls necessary image generation in the image data generation unit 35 based on the inquiry result,
The generated image information is transmitted to the image printing unit 36.
To print out as copy 4.

In this embodiment, the external database 5 is accessed by using an identification code embedded in the copy source image 2 by a digital watermark and capable of uniquely identifying the original image 1, and the read result thereof is used. The most main feature of the copy machine 3 is that processing is performed so as to conform to the related information.

In the present embodiment, since the identification code embedded in the copy source image 2 is used as a key for inquiring the external database 5, the image can be identified with certainty. Also, if printout in only black and white 8 gradations is permitted for the inquiry result, the image for printout is automatically converted in the machine so as to meet the conditions, and then printed. Is generated, so that the operation can be realized accurately.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the operation of FIG.
Reference numerals 21 to 25 denote copy source images (analog still images printed on paper) in which identifiers (IDs) 1001 to 1005 are embedded with digital watermarks, respectively.
After being read by the scanner unit 31 and converted into digital information, the digital watermark is detected by the ID detection unit 32. Thereafter, the control unit 33 makes an inquiry to the external database 5 in which information on the copy source image is stored by using the identifiers 1001 to 1005 as keys via the external interface 34 connected to a communication line such as the Internet. Reference numerals 51 to 55 indicate the contents of the data records stored in the external database 5 and corresponding to the identifiers 1001 to 1005, respectively.

When the copy source image is 21 in which the identifier 1001 is embedded, a corresponding data record 51 is stored in the external database 5 by the external interface 3.
4, and is returned to the control unit 33. Data record 5
1, the control unit 33 erases the digital information read by the scanner unit 31 by the image generation unit 35 and prints out the blank paper 41 by the image print unit 36. I do.

When the copy source image is 22 in which the identifier 1002 is embedded, the corresponding data record 52 is stored in the external database 5 by the external interface 3.
4, and is returned to the control unit 33. Data record 5
2 indicates that “copy permission is permitted”, but specifies that “the number of pixels is 352 × 240 or less as a copy condition”. Therefore, in the control unit 33, the digital information read by the scanner unit 31 is subjected to pixel thinning processing or the like by the image generation unit 35 so as to have 352 × 240 pixels.
Print out a copy 42 of 0 pixels.

If the copy source image is 23 in which the identifier 1003 is embedded, the corresponding data record 53 is stored in the external database 5 from the external interface 3.
4, and is returned to the control unit 33. Data record 5
3 includes "copy permitted" and includes information "author: Taro Yamada" as reference information. Therefore, the control unit 33 generates image information in which a message "Taro Yamada" is superimposed on the digital information read by the scanner unit 31, and the image generation unit 35 generates the image information. Print out copy 43.

When the copy source image is 24 in which the identifier 1004 is embedded, the corresponding data record 54 is stored in the external interface 5 by the external interface 3.
4, and is returned to the control unit 33. Data record 5
4, "copy permitted" is included, but reference information includes "histogram information: red 80%, yellow 20%, and blue 40%" regarding the original image of the copy source image 24. If the histogram information for each color component of the digital information read by the scanner unit 31 is significantly different from the information of the original image, the copy source image 24 may have been restructured such as partial extraction of the original image. High in nature. Therefore, the image generation unit 35 generates image information on which the message “possibility of reorganization” is superimposed,
The image print unit 36 prints out a copy 44 on which the message is superimposed.

When the copy source image is 25 having the identifier 1005 embedded therein, the corresponding data record 55 is stored in the external database 5 from the external interface 3.
4, and is returned to the control unit 33. Data record 5
5 is “copy permitted”, and further includes the digital information itself of the original image of the copy source image 25. In the control unit 33, a full-color, high-definition image image is generated by the image generation unit 35 using the digital information of the original image contained in the data record 55 without using the digital information read by the scanner unit 31.
Then, the image print unit 36 prints out a copy 45 having a richer color tone and a larger number of pixels and having a higher quality than the copy source image 25 used for scanning.

<Embodiment 2> FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a video reproducing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, 61
Is a decoder, 62 is a digital watermark information detector, 63 is a reproduction mode determiner, 64 is a parameter management unit, and 65 is a video converter. Although not shown in the figure, the reproduction mode determination unit 63 includes an external interface unit for accessing an external database.

In this embodiment, at least an identification code is embedded in the encoded video data by a digital watermark, and this is read out by the digital watermark information detector 62, and the read-out identification code is used as a key by the reproduction mode determiner 63. Related information (for example, permission conditions such as reproduction and recording, copyright data, and input encoded video data obtained by modifying the original encoded video data from the original video are added to the external database via the external interface means. For inquiring whether or not the encoded video data is the original video data of the encoded video data). The result of the inquiry is passed to the reproduction mode determiner 63 through the external interface means. The reproduction mode determiner 63 creates a control command based on the result of the inquiry and the operation parameters from the parameter management unit 64, and generates a necessary command. In this case, it is sent to the video converter 65 together with the original video data. When reproduction or the like is permitted, the video converter 65 performs a video conversion process based on these inputs and outputs video data.

The details are as follows. Encoded video data is input to the decoder 61, and the decoder 61 decodes the video data to generate video data. The decoded video data is supplied to a video converter 65 and a digital watermark information detector 62.
Is input to The digital watermark information detector 62 extracts an identification code (content ID or the like) and control information embedded as a digital watermark from the input video data. The extracted identification code and control information are input to the reproduction mode determiner 63. In addition to this, an operation parameter is input from the parameter management unit 64 to the reproduction mode determination unit 63.
The parameter management unit 64 acquires a device operation such as a user operation on the video playback device, a playback status of the user's profile video, and the like, and further acquires information for managing a playback mode, which is managed in the device. Is output to the reproduction mode determiner 63. The reproduction mode determiner 63 inquires of the external database about relevant information on the encoded video data using the identification code as a key, and obtains the result of the inquiry. It should be noted that the control information may include a part of the related information that does not interfere. The reproduction mode determiner 63
The video playback mode is determined based on the above input, and control commands and original video data are output to the video converter 65.

As shown in FIG. 6, the video converter 65 converts the video data obtained from the decoder 61 or the original video data obtained from the external database by the reproduction mode determiner 63 from the reproduction mode determiner 63. Is converted and output based on the control command. The storage device in the video converter 65 stores a specific video prepared locally to be replaced with a display prohibited part in the video data conversion processing.

As shown in FIG. 7, the reproduction mode determiner 63 not only outputs a control command to the video converter 65, but also has a totaling means 631 to reproduce video based on digital watermark data and parameters. It is also possible to have a function of collecting and storing histories.

Note that the digital watermark information detector 62 can have an independent decoder inside the decoder 61 for video reproduction. FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of the video reproducing apparatus in this case.

A similar configuration is possible in all the drawings after FIG.

FIG. 8 shows a configuration example of the parameter management unit 64. The parameter management unit 64 acquires the parameters used by the reproduction mode determiner 63. Parameter management unit 6 in FIG.
In 4, the user profile acquisition unit 641 acquires the profile status of the user who is currently viewing. The user operation obtaining unit 642 obtains information on the user's operation on the terminal, for example, information such as reproduction start, skip, pause, channel change, stop, and subtitle display request. Device status acquisition unit 64
Numeral 3 acquires the status of video playback and other device statuses. For this reason, it has a function of storing parameters such as a continuous video playback time and a function of monitoring the status of the video playback device. The acquired contents include, for example, device performance, video continuous display time, and current time. The control content management unit 644 manages information related to device control provided from outside the device, such as a control content based on the control information and a list of video playback modes. Further, it has a function of acquiring data from the storage device 645 based on an instruction from the reproduction mode determiner 63. The controller 646 controls each unit and outputs information from these units.

In an actual apparatus, the parameter management unit 64 includes a user profile management unit 641, a user operation acquisition unit 642, a device state acquisition unit 643, and a control content management unit 6.
44 may have only a part of the functions.

The acquisition of the user profile file is performed by using the database 647 or the card reader 648 in the video reproducing apparatus.
To obtain the information from an IC card inserted into the video playback device or from a network through the network connection device 649. These may be implemented only partially.

When configuring an actual video display terminal,
As shown in FIG. 9, a receiver 7, a video data reading device, and the like are added in front of the video reproducing device 6. Further, a display device 8 and a recording device are added at the subsequent stage of the video reproduction device 6.

An example of conversion by the video converter according to this embodiment will be described below. The video reproduced by this device is the original video converted by the video converter 65.

(1) Quality conversion The quality of the displayed image such as resolution, number of colors, number of frames, and screen size is changed. -Prohibit display of a certain program or a certain scene. Prohibit the display of certain objects in certain scenes. -Change the audio quality. -Replace the display prohibited part with a specific video prepared locally.

As shown in FIG. 6, the specific video prepared locally is obtained from the video converter 65 or from a storage device accessible from the video converter 65. The data is obtained through the parameter management unit 64 or the video converter 65.
Get directly.

(2) Display of video additional information Data is superimposed and displayed on the video based on the information embedded as a digital watermark. For example, there is a display sub-audio of subtitle text broadcast program related information of a movie.

(3) Scramble release / release stop <Embodiment 3> FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a third embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 10, the control content determiner 66 is configured to
As in the case of the playback mode determiner according to the embodiment, it has a function of making an inquiry to an external database using an identification code embedded in a video by a digital watermark and read. The output of the control content determiner 66 is input to the controller 67, and the controller 67 controls the decoder 61A. As for the control content of the decoder 61A, the same video conversion as in the first embodiment can be performed. However, in the present embodiment, display prohibition of a specific scene / frame / portion or the like can be performed by stopping the video data generation itself in the decoder 61A. Also, descrambling control at the compression code level of the video becomes possible. For this reason, the image can be more strongly protected than in the first embodiment.

<Embodiment 4> FIG. 11 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
It is a figure showing the example of the apparatus control apparatus by the example of 1st Embodiment.

Encoded video data is input to the decoder 61, which decodes the video data to generate video data. The decoded video data is input to the digital watermark information detector 62. In the digital watermark information detector 62,
An identification code or control information embedded as a digital watermark is extracted from the input video data. The extracted identification code and control information are input to the control content determiner 66. As in the third embodiment, the control content determiner 66 has a function of making an inquiry to an external database using the identification code embedded in the video by the digital watermark and read as a key. In addition to this, an operation parameter is input from the parameter management unit 64 to the control content determiner 66. The parameter management unit 64 acquires a device state such as a user operation on the device incorporating the device control device, a user profile, and a video use status of the device incorporating the device control device, and further manages the device status in the device. The information for determining the control content to be obtained is obtained, and the information is output to the control content determiner 66. The control content determiner 66 determines the control content for the device based on these inputs, and outputs a control command and original video data to the controller 67A. The controller 67A controls components such as a display device and a recording device.

<Embodiment 5> FIG. 12 shows an example in which the apparatus shown in FIG. 11 is incorporated in a video display device, a recording device or a video data reading device.

The controller 67A is the data access controller 72
Control. The data access controller 72 controls the storage device 7
The coded video data is obtained from the outside of the device such as 1 and output to the decoder 61. For example, when video data is stored on a disc, this corresponds to a function of acquiring video data from the disc. The present embodiment corresponds to a case where it is necessary to control the coded video data to be decoded, such as fast-forward or rewind. The display control performed in this example includes the following. -Prohibition of fast-forward, rewind, skip, etc. In this case, the operation permission / non-permission of the user operation such as the video skip acquired from the parameter management unit 64 is determined by the control content determiner 66, and the data access control is performed through the controller 67A. The container 72 is operated. -Reservation and display of specific video based on recording reservation In this case, based on the reservation information managed in the device, the reserved video is identified using the control information extracted from the digital watermark,
The control content determiner 66 and the controller 67A instruct the display and recording of the reserved video.

FIG. 13 shows an example in which a device control device is added to a video recording device. In the device of FIG. 12, data output to a recording device or the like is controlled, whereas in FIG.
The recording device 8A is controlled by the controller 67B.

FIG. 14 shows an example in which the device control device is incorporated in a video recording device. The recording device in FIG. 12 records the decoded video data, whereas the recording device 8B in FIG. 14 records the video data in an encoded state. Controller 67
The control of the recording device 8B by B is the same as in FIG.

The controller can control a plurality of devices / apparatus / components.

Next, which of the watermark data and the local data should have the program function and which should have the parameter function? To consider.

Examples of criteria for determining the conversion contents are as follows: user profiles such as age, gender, address,
Payment amount, member level, license, etc.

As examples of control information embedded as a digital watermark, identification code (ID), caption, I
PR information, keywords, attributes, permitted ranges, and the like.

The control content determiner determines a control command to the video converter or the controller as a function of the input. Therefore, there may be various patterns in information for embedding each control information as a digital watermark, information managed in the apparatus, and embedded information as a digital watermark depending on which part of the user profile is managed.

According to the present invention, it is necessary to embed an ID as a digital watermark. Using this ID as a key, an inquiry is made to an external database for a service relating to the reproduction mode and device control, and the result of the inquiry and the ID
The video playback mode and control content are determined based on the information for determining the playback mode and control content described and managed for each video.

[0069]

As described above, according to the present invention, a copy source image or video data is reliably identified by an identifier embedded in a digital watermark or the like, and is used as a key to match an external database. Based on the result of the inquiry, it automatically performs image generation of copy, conversion / playback of video, video recording, device control, etc., eliminating ambiguity when accessing an external database. Conditions can be accurately maintained. Regarding video conversion / playback, video recording, and device control, control information is not easily erased even for various code conversions of video, and reproduction control of video content via various distribution channels is reliably performed while protecting it. be able to.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the principle of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a copy machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an operation example of the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a video reproduction device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram showing a modification of the video reproduction device according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a video converter according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a reproduction mode determination device according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a parameter management unit according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a video display terminal according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of a video device control device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram of a video device control device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of installation of a video device control device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a modified example of the example of installation of the video equipment control device according to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing another modification of the example of incorporating the video equipment control device according to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a configuration diagram of a conventional copy machine.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Original picture 2, 21-25 ... Copy source image 3 ... Copy machine 31 ... Scanner part 32 ... ID detection part 33 ... Control part 34 ... External interface part 35 ... Image generation part 36 ... Image printing part 4, 41-45 ... Copy 5 ... External database 51-55 ... Data record 6 ... Playback device 61, 61A ... Decoder 62, 62A ... Digital watermark information detector 63 ... Playback mode determiner 64 ... Parameter management unit 65 ... Video conversion unit 66 ... Control contents Detector 67, 67A, 67B ... Controller 7 ... Receiver 71 ... Storage device 72 ... Data access controller 8 ... Display device 8A ... Display / recording / video signal output device 8B ... Recording device

Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat II (reference) G06T 1/00 310 G06T 1/00 310Z 5C064 500 500B 5C076 H04N 1/387 H04N 1/387 5/91 7/173 610Z 7 / 08 5/91 P 7/081 7/08 Z 7/173 610 (72) Inventor Sachiko Irie 2-3-1 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Inside Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (72) Inventor Junichi Kishigami 2-3-1 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation F-term (reference) 5B021 AA01 BB01 BB04 CC02 CC05 EE01 QQ04 5B057 AA11 BA02 CD05 CD11 CE01 CE08 CE11 DA06 DB02 DB09 5B075 KK54 KK68 ND06 PQ02 PQ03 5C053 FA15 GB05 GB06 HA29 JA24 KA24 LA11 LA14 5C063 AB03 AB07 AC01 AC02 AC10 CA23 CA34 CA36 DA07 EB01 5C064 BA01 BA07 BB05 BC16 BC18 BC20 BC25 BD02 BD08 BD09 5C076 AA14 BA06

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. A means for capturing an input still image or video as digital information, a means for reading an identification code embedded in the still image or video from the digital information, and an external database using the read identification code as a key An external database reference type, comprising: a unit for duplicating a still image or a video related to the digital information or performing a video conversion / reproduction or a video device control based on the result of the inquiry. Image / video related equipment. 2. The inquiring means inquires of the external database for permission information for duplication or video conversion / reproduction or video equipment control. The means for duplication or video conversion / reproduction or video equipment control is: 2. The external database reference type image / video related apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the duplication or the video conversion / reproduction or the video device control is performed only when the inquiry result permits. 3. The inquiring means inquires the external database about permission conditions together with permission information, and the duplication or video conversion / reproduction or video equipment control means determines whether or not the inquiry result indicates permission. 2. The external database reference type image / image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the condition is satisfied, the duplication or the video conversion / reproduction or the video device control is performed so as to meet the conditions of the license.
Video related equipment. 4. The means for inquiring is for inquiring the external database for information related to a still image or a video input together with permission information, and the means for performing the duplication or the video conversion / reproduction or the video device control is 2. The external database reference type according to claim 1, wherein when the inquiry result permits, the duplication or the video conversion / reproduction or the video device control is performed so as to include the related information. Image / video related equipment. 5. The inquiring means determines whether or not the still image or the video input together with the permission information to the external database has been modified from the original original still image or the original video. Means for performing the duplication or the video conversion / reproduction or the video device control is performed only when the inquiry result permits and when it can be determined that no reorganization has been added. Performs the duplication or video conversion / playback or video equipment control, or performs the duplication or video conversion / playback or video equipment control to include a notification message to the effect that it can be determined that the reorganization has been added The external database reference type image / video related apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: 6. The inquiring means inquires of the external database about obtaining an original still image or an original video of the input still image or video, wherein the duplication or the video conversion / reproduction or the video device control is performed. Means for performing the duplication or video conversion / reproduction or video device control based on the obtained original still image or original video information when the inquiry result permits. 2. The image / video related device according to claim 1, wherein the external database is referred to. 7. The means for reading also reads digital watermark data other than the identification code embedded in the input video, and the means for performing the duplication, the video conversion / reproduction, or the video device control includes the present apparatus. Means for acquiring a parameter of the use condition of, and means for determining a reproduction mode or control content based on the inquiry result, the read digital watermark information and the parameter, and the determined reproduction mode or control 2. A video conversion / reproduction or video equipment control based on contents.
7. The external database reference type image / video related apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 6. 8. A reference to an external database according to claim 7, further comprising means for managing a history of said video conversion / reproduction or video device control based on said inquiry result, said digital watermark data and said parameters. Type image / video related equipment. 9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the means for acquiring the parameter acquires all or a part of the information stored in the device designated by the means for determining the reproduction mode or the control content. 9. An external database reference type image / video related apparatus according to claim 7. 10. The means for duplicating or converting / reproducing a video or controlling a video device includes converting the quality of the video, prohibiting the reproduction of the entire program or a specific scene in the video, and controlling the reproduction of the video based on the determined reproduction mode. 10. An external database reference type image / image according to claim 7, wherein at least one of video prohibition and audio quality change of the object is converted and reproduced. Video related equipment. 11. The means for duplicating or converting / reproducing a video or controlling a video device includes, based on the determined reproduction mode, prohibition of audio reproduction, separate video for a specific scene or object in the entire program or video. 11. The method according to claim 7, wherein at least one of the following operations is performed: replacing a still image or an object, superimposing another information on a video, and adding another audio.
The external database reference type image / video related apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6. 12. The means for duplicating or converting / reproducing a video or controlling a video device performs a video conversion / reproduction for releasing a scramble applied to a video and stopping the release based on the determined reproduction mode. The external database reference type image / video-related apparatus according to any one of claims 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11, wherein: 13. The duplication or video conversion / reproduction or video device control means performs video device control of permitting / prohibiting change of video reproduction speed and reproduction position based on the determined control content. The external database reference type image / video related apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, wherein: 14. The method according to claim 1, wherein the means for performing the duplication or the video conversion / reproduction or the video device control is to control the video device for programmed recording based on the program recording reservation information which is the determined control content. 9. The image / video related apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the external database reference type image / video related apparatus.