JP2002073567A - Picture bank system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a picture bank system which can be applied to a small terminal equipment, is not illegally used by a third person, and which does not raise the cost of terminal equipment. SOLUTION: When a file name (identifier) specifying an individual file in a picture preservation part 220 and a fingerprint pattern (detection pattern) detected by a digital camera-side from a digital camera (terminal equipment) through the Internet 6, a fingerprint pattern collation part 240 reads a fingerprint pattern (collation pattern) which is stored in accordance with the file name in the picture preservation part 220 and collates the detection pattern with the collation pattern. Only when they mutually match, a whole control part 270 permits the access of the digital camera to the individual file.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image bank system comprising a terminal device and an image server connected via a network, and more particularly to a security technique for preventing a terminal device from illegally accessing an image server. .

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, an image bank service for storing image data transmitted from a user via the Internet in a server at a service center has been implemented. The user captures data of an image captured by a digital camera or the like into a personal computer and transmits the captured image data to a service center. The server of the service center stores the transmitted image data in a personal file for each user, and the stored image data is provided for browsing by the user. When subscribing to the service, the user is given a personal identification number (hereinafter, referred to as “ID number”) as a password. By inputting the ID number from a personal computer,
Access to the personal file on the server of the service center is permitted, and transmission or browsing of image data becomes possible.

A system for directly connecting a digital camera to a server has also been developed (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-16 / 1999).
No. 4282). In digital cameras, an ID card is used because it is difficult to provide a numeric keypad for inputting an ID number. By passing the ID card through a card reader provided in the digital camera body, the ID number magnetically recorded on the ID card is read, and the access to the server's personal file is permitted by the read ID number. Done. However, in such a system, if the ID card is lost, there is a possibility that the ID card may be illegally used by a third party who has obtained the ID card.

Therefore, use of an IC card as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-184992 has been studied in place of the ID card. The IC card has a detection unit that detects a fingerprint pattern of the user. The user inserts the IC card into the main body device within a predetermined time after pressing a predetermined finger pad against the detection unit. The IC card includes a fingerprint pattern (hereinafter, referred to as a “detection pattern”) detected by the detection unit and an IC card.
Fingerprint patterns stored in the card in advance (hereinafter,
This is called a "matching pattern." ), And outputs a use permission signal to the main unit only when the two patterns match.

Therefore, the ID number is also stored in the card, and the ID number is output to the digital camera main body only when the detection pattern matches the collation pattern. This makes it possible to authenticate a person who is authorized to use the digital camera without providing a numeric keypad or the like on the digital camera body, and to prevent unauthorized use by a third party.

[0006]

However, when the above method is employed, since a very complicated fingerprint pattern must be stored in the IC card, the IC card requires a large memory capacity. It will be expensive. It is conceivable to store the collation pattern in the digital camera, but this time, the digital camera is not only expensive, but also the digital camera can be used only by a specific individual (a person whose fingerprint is registered in the digital camera). It loses versatility.

[0007] In view of the above problems, the present invention can be applied to a small terminal device such as a digital camera in which it is difficult to input a password, is not illegally used by a third party, and
It is an object of the present invention to provide an image bank system that can realize a system that does not increase the cost of a terminal device.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, an image bank system according to the present invention comprises a terminal device and an image server connected via a network.
An image bank system for storing image data transmitted from a terminal device in a storage area allocated to each user of the system in an image server, wherein the terminal device detects an individual-specific physical characteristic pattern. And a transmitting unit for transmitting the detection pattern to the image server, wherein the image server receives a detection pattern transmitted from the terminal device, and a storage unit for storing a verification pattern for collating with the detection pattern. Receiving means, and an access permitting means for comparing a received detection pattern with a matching pattern stored in the storage means, and permitting the terminal device to access the storage area only when both match. It is characterized by having.

Further, the physical characteristic pattern is a fingerprint pattern, and the detecting means is an IC card having a fingerprint detecting function and detachable from the terminal device main body.
In advance, an identifier that specifies the storage area is stored,
The transmitting unit reads an identifier from the storage unit, transmits the read identifier and the detection pattern in pairs, the storage unit stores a matching pattern in association with the identifier, and the receiving unit includes: Further, an identifier transmitted from the terminal device is received, and the access permitting unit reads out a matching pattern corresponding to the received identifier from the storage unit, and compares this with the received detection pattern.

Further, the terminal device is a digital camera. Further, the terminal device is a personal computer, and the personal computer has a receiving unit for receiving an identifier and a password, and the transmitting unit is configured to receive the detection information obtained from the detecting unit or a reception unit received by the receiving unit. Send one of the information to the image server,
The storage unit of the image server further stores a password in association with an identifier, the receiving unit,
Further, upon receiving the reception information transmitted from the personal computer, the access permitting unit reads the password corresponding to the identifier of the received reception information from the storage unit when the reception unit receives the reception information, And the received password is checked, and only when the two match, the personal computer is permitted to access the storage area.

[0011]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image bank system 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the image bank system 1
The personal computers 2 to 5 installed in a general home or office, the digital camera 100, and the center server 200 are configured to be connected via a network (in the illustrated example, the Internet) 6. Image data transmitted from the central server 20
The image data stored in the image storage unit 220 of the digital camera 10
0 and can be displayed on those display screens. Note that a user of the image bank system 1 is given an ID number (password) for authenticating that the user is authorized to use the system, and the image storage unit 220 is provided with a personal-specific information. A storage area (personal file) is secured. As will be described later, a fingerprint pattern of a predetermined finger of the user (in this example, the right index finger) is stored in the center server 2 as information for specifying the individual user. Hereinafter, this fingerprint pattern is referred to as a “collation pattern”.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are external views of the digital camera 100 constituting the image bank system 1. FIG. 2A is a front view, FIG. 2B is a rear view, and FIG. 2C is a bottom view. I have. As shown in the figure, the digital camera 1
Reference numeral 00 denotes a main body 110 and an imaging unit 130. The imaging unit 130 photoelectrically converts the optical image of the subject into an image signal, and the main unit 110 performs predetermined signal processing on the image signal captured by the imaging unit 130 and displays the image signal on the LCD 111. Recording on the IC card 112, transfer to the personal computer, transmission to the center server 200, images recorded on the IC card 112 and the center server 200
Is reproduced on the LCD 111.

The image pickup unit 130 is provided with a macro zoom lens 131 which can freely move back and forth from the front.
At an appropriate position inside the imaging unit behind the macro zoom lens 131, a CCD color area sensor (hereinafter, referred to as a CCD color area sensor) is provided.
It is simply called “CCD sensor”. ) 301 (FIG. 4). In addition, the imaging unit 130 is provided with an optical finder 132 and a light control sensor 133 that receives flash light reflected by a subject. Also,
A green OK lamp and a red NG lamp (both not shown) are provided in the optical viewfinder 132.
The role of these lamps will be described later.

An antenna 113 is provided to be able to protrude and retract from the upper surface of the main body 110. This antenna 113 is used to communicate with the radio base station 7 (FIG. 1). On the back of the main body 110, an LCD (Liquid Crys
tal Display) 111 is provided, and a reproduced image is displayed on the LCD. In addition, the main body 110 includes
A power switch 114 is provided on an upper portion on the back side, and each time the power switch 114 is pressed, the power switch 114 is alternately switched between an on state and an off state.

Further, on the right side of the power switch 114 when viewed from the rear side, a mode switch 115 employing a four-contact slide switch is provided. By sliding the mode changeover switch 115, switching between the photographing mode, the transmission mode, the reproduction mode 1, and the reproduction mode 2 can be performed. The shooting mode is a mode in which a subject is shot and the obtained image data is stored in the IC card 1.
This is a mode in which the data is stored in No. 12. In the transmission mode, the subject is photographed, and the obtained image data is stored in the center server 2.
This is a mode for transmitting to 00. In the reproduction mode 1, the image stored in the personal file in the image storage unit 220 of the center server 200 is transmitted to the digital camera 100, and the transmitted image is transmitted to the LC of the digital camera 100.
This is a mode for reproducing on D111. Playback mode 2 is
In this mode, an image recorded on the IC card 112 mounted on the main body 110 is reproduced on the LCD 111.

A connection button 116 is provided at a lower portion of the back of the main body 110. The connection button 116 is a button for receiving an instruction to start connection to the center server 200 in the transmission mode or the reproduction mode 1 described above. Next display key 117 is displayed on the right side of LCD 111.
A thumbnail image display key 117 including a and a previous display key 117b is provided. The thumbnail image display key 117 is a key for displaying a thumbnail image of image data stored in the center server 200 or the IC card 112. The thumbnail image will be described later.

On the upper surface of the main body 110, a frame feed button 118 used to select one frame from the thumbnail images displayed in one set of four frames (frames).
a, 118b are provided. The button 118a is a button for selecting a thumbnail image in a direction in which the frame number is increased (direction of shooting order).
Is a button for selecting a thumbnail image in a direction in which the frame number decreases.

When viewed from the back, an erase button 119 is provided on the upper surface of the main body 110 on the left side of the frame feed buttons 118a and 118b. The delete button 119 is a button for deleting image data recorded on the IC card 112 and image data stored in the center server 200. Further, a shutter button 120 is provided on the upper surface of the main body on the right side of the frame feed buttons 118a and 118b when viewed from the rear side.

A green OK lamp 121 and a red NG lamp 1 are arranged on the upper rear surface of the main body 110 in a horizontal direction.
22 are provided. These lamps 121, 12
Reference numeral 2 plays a role similar to that of the lamp provided in the optical viewfinder 132. In the transmission mode, when the connection button 116 is pressed and access to the personal file of the center server is permitted, O
When the K lamp is turned on and access is prohibited, the NG lamp is turned on.

A battery loading chamber 123 and a card loading chamber 124 for the IC card 112 are provided inside the main body 110. Openings (loading ports) provided on the lower surfaces of the loading chambers 123, 124 are provided. ) Is closed by a clamshell type opening / closing lid 125. In addition, the main unit 110 has a built-in flash 126 on the front side, an external connection terminal 127 for connecting an external device such as a personal computer, and an AC terminal for converting the power of a commercial power supply to a DC power of a predetermined voltage on the side. A power supply terminal 128 for connecting an adapter (not shown) is provided.

The IC card 112 is provided (issued) to a subscriber of the service provided by the image bank system 1. FIG. 3A is an external view thereof, and FIG.
Shows a part of the functional block diagram. As shown in FIG. 3A, the IC card 112 has a switch 401 and a detection window 402a which is a part of a pattern detection unit 402 described later, and has a button-type battery (not shown) set therein. )
Driven by

As shown in FIG. 3B, the IC card 112 stores a file name, which is an identifier for identifying a personal file assigned in the center server 200, and a telephone number required for communication with the center server 200. The digital camera 100 has an image memory 404 for storing image data photographed by the digital camera 100.

FIG. 4 shows a data array in the image memory 404. In each frame, a tag portion, high-resolution image data (1 million pixels) and thumbnail image data (4800 pixels) compressed by the JPEG method are recorded. Tag information is recorded in the tag information area, high-resolution image data is recorded in the main image area, and thumbnail image data is recorded in the thumbnail image area. Therefore, the tag information, the high-resolution image data, and the thumbnail image data in each frame number are not physically connected in the image memory 404 in a physically continuous manner, but are logically related. Also, the frame numbers are assigned in order from the first, and when the image data corresponding to the intermediate frame number is deleted, a process of filling the frame number is performed (the frame numbers after the erased frame number are replaced with the frame numbers). One by one).

Referring back to FIG. 3, the pattern detecting section 402 detects a fingerprint pattern of a finger, and its detection technique is known, for example, as disclosed in JP-A-11-184992. , Detailed description of which is omitted, and only a brief description is given. Pattern detector 402
Is a light source and a two-dimensional photo sensor (both not shown)
And outputs a current value or a voltage value with respect to a light receiving level detected by each of a large number of light receiving elements constituting the two-dimensional photo sensor in a serial format or a parallel format.

When the switch 401 is turned on, the CPU 405 starts time counting by an internal timer (not shown), and within a predetermined time, the unevenness of the object surface (the finger surface in this example) pressed against the detection window 402a surface. Is detected, and the detected pattern of unevenness is stored. Whether the finger is pressed on the surface of the detection window 402a is determined by whether or not the output of the two-dimensional photo sensor of the pattern detection unit 402 has changed.
Reference numeral 405 creates fingerprint pattern information (hereinafter, referred to as “detection pattern”) from the output of the changed two-dimensional photosensor, and stores it in the detection pattern storage unit 406. Also, C
The PU 405 exchanges information with the digital camera 100 or a personal computer via the input / output unit 407. The CPU 405 is connected to the digital camera 100 main body 11.
When the fingerprint pattern is removed from 0, the fingerprint pattern stored in the detection pattern storage unit 406 is deleted. This allows
Even if the IC card 112 is lost, unauthorized use by a third party can be prevented.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram schematically showing the circuit configuration of the digital camera 100. Note that, in this drawing, components that are operated by the photographer, such as the switches and buttons described with reference to FIG. 2, are collectively described as an operation unit OP, and are provided in the imaging unit 130 and the main unit 110. The OK lamp and the NG lamp are collectively described as lamps LM.

The optical image of the object formed by the lens 131 is photoelectrically converted by the CCD sensor 301 into an analog image signal. The analog image signal is reduced by the signal processing circuit 302 to reduce noise of the image signal and to reduce the image signal. CDS (correlated double sampling) processing and AGC (auto gain control) for level adjustment
After the processing, the image data is converted into a digital image signal (hereinafter simply referred to as “pixel data”) by the A / D converter 303. Note that the timing control circuit 304
U (not shown), and generates a reference clock for the A / D converter 303 and the timing generator 306. The timing generator 306 generates a reference clock based on the reference clock.
A drive control signal for the D sensor 301 is generated.

The black level of the pixel data output from the A / D converter 303 is corrected to a reference black level by a black level correction circuit 307, and a white balance correction process is performed by a WB circuit 308. , Γ
The γ characteristic is corrected by the correction circuit 309 and output to the image memory 310. The image memory 310 is a memory for storing pixel data output from the gamma correction circuit 309, and has a storage capacity for one frame. That is, when the CCD sensor 301 has n rows and m columns (n and m are positive integers) of pixels, the CCD sensor 301 has a storage capacity for pixel data of n × m pixels, and each pixel data has a corresponding capacity. Is stored at the pixel position where

The VRAM 311 is a buffer memory for pixel data reproduced and displayed on the LCD 111.
It has a storage capacity of pixel data corresponding to the number of pixels of 11. In the photographing mode, each pixel data of an image photographed by the image pickup unit 130 every 1/30 (second) is A
After undergoing predetermined signal processing by the / D converters 303 to γ correction circuit 309, the signals are stored in the image memory 310 and transferred to the VRAM 311 via the overall control unit 305 and displayed on the LCD 111 (live view display). ). Thus, the photographer can visually recognize the subject in the image displayed on the LCD 111. Also, in the reproduction mode, images and ICs transmitted from the center server 200 are displayed.
The image read from the card 112 is transferred to the overall control unit 305.
After being subjected to predetermined signal processing in, the data is transferred to the VRAM 311 and reproduced and displayed on the LCD 111.

The flash control circuit 312 is a circuit for controlling the light emission of the built-in flash 126,
Based on the control signal 05, the control unit controls whether the built-in flash 126 emits light, the light emission timing and the light emission amount when the shutter button 120 (FIG. 2) is fully pressed. The control of the light emission amount is performed in cooperation with the dimming circuit 313. That is, the reflected light of the flash light from the subject is received by the light control sensor 133 simultaneously with the start of the exposure,
When the amount of received light reaches a predetermined light amount (specified light emission amount) set by the overall control unit 305, the dimming circuit 313 outputs a dimming signal notifying the fact to the overall control unit 305, and the overall control unit 305 As soon as the light control signal is received, the flash control circuit 312 outputs a light emission stop signal instructing stop of flash light emission. As a result, the light emission amount of the built-in flash 126 is controlled to a predetermined light emission amount.

The RTC 314 is a clock circuit for managing the shooting date and time, and is driven by a built-in battery (not shown) instead of the battery 317 loaded in the battery loading chamber 123 (FIG. 2). The card I / F 315 is an interface for writing image data to the IC card 112 and reading out image data, a file name, a telephone number, and a detection pattern.

The communication I / F 316 is wireless (the antenna 11
3) or wired (via the external connection terminal 127) to communicate with an external device. As described above, the digital camera 100 is supplied with power from two power sources, the battery 317 and the AC adapter. Under the control of the control unit 305, the power supply from the battery 317 is cut off.

The overall control unit 305 is composed of a microcomputer, and organically controls the driving of each unit of the image pickup unit 130 and the main unit 110, and controls the digital camera 100.
The overall operation is controlled and the center server 20 is controlled.
0 is controlled. The operation state of the switches of the operation unit OP is detected by the overall control unit 305 and provided for control.

The general control unit 305 converts high resolution image data (100 pixels) from pixel data stored in the image memory immediately after (immediately after) the shutter button 120 (FIG. 2) is pressed.
Million pixels) and thumbnail image data for thumbnail display (hereinafter,
This is called “thumbnail image data”. ) To create. The thumbnail image data is data of 4800 pixels. Tag information (exposure value, shutter speed, photographing date / time, presence / absence of flash, etc.) on the photographed image is added thereto, compressed by the JPEG method, recorded on the IC card 112, or transmitted to the center server 200. High resolution data (with tag information) to the center server 200
Only high-resolution data and thumbnail image data (with tag information) are sent to the IC card 112.
Is recorded.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a personal computer 500 used in the present image bank system 1. FIG.
FIG. 6B shows a part of a functional block diagram. As shown in FIG. 6A, the personal computer 500 has a main unit 5 provided with a display unit 511 made of a CRT.
10 and input means 520 including a keyboard 521 and a mouse 522.
Twelve mounting parts 512 are provided.

As shown in FIG. 6B, the personal computer includes a communication processing unit 531 for connecting to the Internet 6, an image storage unit 532, and a card interface 533.
The image data is read from the IC card 112 via the card interface 533 and taken into the image storage unit 532, the image data stored in the image storage unit 532 is transmitted to the center server 200,
Alternatively, image data stored in the center server 200 is read. The overall control unit 534 controls the respective units in an integrated manner, and executes the above-described processing and the processing described later using a flowchart.

FIG. 7 is a part of a functional block diagram of the center server 200. As shown in the figure, the center server 200 includes a communication processing unit 210 for connecting to the Internet 6, an image storage unit 220, and an ID number matching unit 23.
0, a fingerprint pattern matching unit 240, a thumbnail image creation unit 250, a storage / deletion unit 260, and an overall control unit 270.

The image storage unit 220 is a digital camera 10
Where the image data sent from 0 is stored,
It consists of a plurality of personal files specified by the file name. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a data array of one personal file. As shown in the figure, the personal file includes a header information storage area 220a and an image information storage area 220b. The header information storage area 220a has a file name, an ID number, and a fingerprint that are identifiers for identifying the personal file. A pattern (collation pattern) is stored. As described above, the ID number is an identification number for authenticating a person who is permitted to use the system (a person permitted to access the file). This is a fingerprint pattern of a person who is permitted to use. Since the image information storage area 220b has basically the same configuration as the image memory 404 of the IC card 112, detailed description is omitted, but the personal file (image information storage area 220b) contains only high-resolution image data. Is saved, and the thumbnail image is not saved.

Returning to FIG. 7, when there is an access with a file name and an ID number from the personal computer, the ID number collating unit 230 receives the file name corresponding to the file name transmitted from the personal computer in accordance with the instruction of the overall control unit 270. Is compared with the transmitted ID number, and the result of the comparison (whether or not both ID numbers match) is checked by the overall control unit 2.
Notify 70.

When there is an access with a file name and a detection pattern from the digital camera 100 or the personal computer, the fingerprint pattern collating unit 240 converts the file corresponding to the file name transmitted from the personal computer in accordance with the instruction of the overall control unit 270. The stored matching pattern is compared with the transmitted detection pattern, and the matching result (whether or not both patterns match) is notified to the overall control unit 270.

The thumbnail image creating section 250 creates four thumbnail images in ascending order of frame numbers from the personal file specified by the overall control section 270 and outputs the thumbnail images to the overall control section. Hereinafter, these four frames (four frames) of thumbnail images are referred to as “thumbnail image sets”. The storage / deletion unit 260 stores image data accompanied by tag information transmitted from the digital camera 100 in the image storage unit 220, or deletes image data (including tag information) instructed by the overall control unit 270. to erase.

The overall control unit 270 includes the digital camera 10
0 and the personal computer 500 (hereinafter, both may be collectively referred to as “terminal devices”) in response to various requests transmitted from the server 200. The various requests include an image data storage request and an image data transmission request. When an access with an image data storage request is attempted from a terminal device, the overall control unit 270
Checks the presence / absence of a file name, the presence of a fingerprint pattern (detection pattern) or the presence of an ID number, and compares the fingerprint pattern (collation pattern) stored corresponding to the presented file name with the detection pattern. Only when they match, an access permission notification to the file is transmitted to the terminal device as a message, otherwise, a non-permission notification is transmitted as a message. Further, when image data is subsequently transmitted from the terminal device, the overall control unit 270
It instructs the storage / deletion unit 220 to store the transmitted image data in the image storage unit 220.

When an access with an image data transmission request is attempted from the terminal device, the overall control unit 270 checks whether a file name is presented, whether a fingerprint pattern (detection pattern) or an ID number is presented, Only when the fingerprint pattern (collation pattern) stored corresponding to the presented file name matches the detection pattern,
The access permission notification to the file and the non-permission notification in other cases are transmitted to the terminal device as messages.

In the case of the permission notification, the overall control unit 270
Causes the thumbnail image creation unit 250 to create the thumbnail image, and transmits the thumbnail image to the digital camera 100. Further, when a “next display” request or a “previous display” request is received from the terminal device, the thumbnail image generating unit 250 generates a thumbnail image (thumbnail image set) corresponding to the request and transmits the thumbnail image to the terminal device. Further, the overall control unit 270
When the terminal device receives an instruction to delete image data from the terminal device, it instructs the storage / deletion unit 260 to delete the image data for which the deletion instruction has been issued from the image storage unit 260.

Next, control contents of the digital camera 100 will be described with reference to flowcharts shown in FIGS. Note that the digital camera 100
The condition for performing each operation is that the IC card is mounted. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a process executed when the transmission mode is selected by the mode switch.

First, when the IC card 112 is mounted (Yes in step S2), the process waits for the connection button 116 to be pressed (step S4). During this time, if the power is turned off or the mode is switched to another mode (step S
(Yes in 6), the program shown in the flowchart is temporarily terminated. When the connection button 116 is turned on (Yes in step S4), the telephone number, the file name, and the fingerprint pattern (detection pattern) are read from the IC card 112 (steps S8 and S10) and connected to the center server 200 (step S12). Receives a message from the center server 200 (step S1).
4).

If the content of the received message is a non-permission notice (No in step S16), the NG lamp is turned on for a predetermined time (for example, 20 seconds) (step S18).
Exit this program. If the content of the received message is a permission notification (Yes in step S16), the OK lamp is turned on (step S20), and the pressing of the shutter button 120 is waited (step S22). During this time,
If the power is turned off or the mode is switched to another mode (Yes in step S24), the OK lamp is turned off (step S26), and the program shown in the flowchart is ended once.

When the shutter button 120 is pressed,
Photographing is performed (step S28), and image data obtained by the photographing is transmitted to the center server 200 (step S30). FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a process executed when the reproduction mode (“1” or “2”) is selected by the mode switch.

First, when the IC card 112 is inserted (Yes in step S102), the reproduction mode is checked. If the reproduction mode is not "1", that is, if the reproduction mode is "2" (step S102). No in S104),
The thumbnail images in the IC card 112 are displayed for four frames (thumbnail image set) (step S106), and when there is a delete instruction by the delete button 119 (step S10).
8), the designated thumbnail image data and the corresponding high-resolution image data are stored in the IC card 112.
From the image memory 404 (step S11).
0). Further, when a next display instruction or a previous display instruction by the next display button 117a or the previous display button 117b is received (Y in step S112 or step S114).
es) The next or previous thumbnail image set is displayed (step S106). Then, the power is turned off or the mode changeover switch 115
Is switched to another mode (step S11).
(Yes in 6), the program shown in the flowchart is temporarily terminated.

If it is determined in step S104 that the reproduction mode is set to "1", the process waits until the connection button 116 is pressed (Yes in step S118).
The telephone number, file name, and fingerprint pattern (detection pattern) are read from the IC card 112 (steps S119, S120), connected to the center server 200 (step S122), and a message from the center server 200 is received (step S124). .

If the content of the received message is a non-permission notice (No in step S126), the NG lamp is turned on for a predetermined time (step S128), and the process is terminated. If the content of the received message is a permission notification (Yes in step S126), a thumbnail image (thumbnail image set) transmitted following the permission notification is received (step S130), and displayed on the LCD (step S130). Step S132). In this state, the delete button 119
(YES at step S134)
s), an instruction to delete the designated thumbnail image data is transmitted to the center server (step S13)
6). Further, when a next display instruction or a previous display instruction by the next display button 117a or the previous display button 117b is received (Y in step S138 or step S140).
es), and instructs the center server 200 to transmit the next or previous thumbnail image set (steps S142 and S144). Then, when the power is turned off or the mode is switched to another mode by the mode switch (Yes in step S146), the program shown in the flowchart is temporarily terminated.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a process of connecting the personal computer 500 to the center server. The program whose contents are shown in the flowchart is
It starts when an access destination is selected on an access destination selection screen (not shown). The corresponding telephone number is automatically set by selecting the access destination.

First, when the IC card 112 is mounted on the IC card mounting section 512 (step S204)
Yes), read the file name and fingerprint pattern (detection pattern) from the IC card 112 (step S).
204, S205), and connects to the center server 200 (step S206). On the other hand, if the IC card 112 is not mounted (No in step S202),
A reception screen for the file name and the ID number as shown in FIG. 2 is displayed on the display unit 511, and the operator of the personal computer is prompted to input.

Returning to FIG. 11, when a file name and an ID number are input from the keyboard 521 (step S20).
8, S210), and connects to the center server 200 (step S212). Then, after connection with the center server, a message transmitted from the center server is received (step S214), and in the case of a permission notification (Yes in step S216), access to the personal file is permitted (step S218). In the case of the non-permission notification (No in step S220), the fact that access to the personal file is prohibited is displayed on the display unit 511 (step S22).
0).

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a process in the center server 200 for an access request from a terminal device. If there is a connection request from the terminal device (Yes in step S302), a request without presentation of a file name (No in step S304), a request without any of a fingerprint pattern (detection pattern) and an ID number (in step S306) No, step S308308) is ignored.

If there is a request accompanied by the file name presentation and the detection pattern (Yes in steps S304 and S306)
s) The fingerprint pattern (collation pattern) stored in the corresponding file of the image storage unit 220 is read (step S310), and the detection pattern and the collation pattern are collated (step S312). Also, file name and ID
If there is a request with a number (Yes in step S304)
s, No in S306, Yes in S308), reads the ID number stored in the corresponding file of the image storage unit 220 (Step S314), and compares the read ID number with the transmitted ID number (Step S314). S31
6).

Step S312 or step S316
If the two match as a result of the collation at step (step S
(Yes in 318), the center server 200 permits the terminal device that has made the connection request to access the file (step S320). If the two do not match (No in step S318), the center server 200 Access to the file is prohibited (step S322).
Here, access refers to writing image data to a file and reading image data from a file.

Although the present invention has been described based on the embodiments, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, the following embodiments can be considered. (1) In the above embodiment, a fingerprint pattern is used as a physical feature pattern used for personal authentication, and a fingerprint pattern detecting means (IC card) for detecting the fingerprint pattern is provided. However, information used for authentication is not limited to the fingerprint pattern. . For example, an iris pattern detection unit may be provided using an iris pattern of an eyeball. The point is that any physical characteristic pattern peculiar to an individual, which can be detected by a so-called biometrics technique, may be used. (2) In the above embodiment, when the IC card is removed from the digital camera body, the fingerprint pattern stored therein is erased. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Over time,
You may delete it. By doing so, IC
Even if the card is lost without being attached to the digital camera body, unauthorized use by a third party can be prevented. Further, even if the digital camera itself is lost while the IC card is mounted, unauthorized use (illegal access to the center server) by a third party can be prevented. (3) In the above embodiment, the IC card is mounted inside the digital camera body, and information is exchanged between the two. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the IC card and the digital camera body are attached and detached via a cable. It is good also as a structure which makes it free. (4) In the above embodiment, the fingerprint detection unit is provided on the IC card. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the fingerprint detection unit may be provided on the digital camera main body, and the detected fingerprint pattern may be directly transmitted to the center server. In this case, the file name (identifier) of the personal file and the telephone number necessary for communication with the center server may be recorded on a simple magnetic card instead of an IC card, and may be used, or image data may be stored. You may make it memorize | store in a memory card and use this.

[0059]

As described above, according to the image bank system of the present invention, a physical characteristic pattern peculiar to an individual is detected, and access is permitted based on the detected pattern. Unlike this, since a keyboard or the like need not be provided, the present invention can be applied to a small terminal device.

Further, since access is permitted according to a characteristic pattern peculiar to an individual, unauthorized use by a third party can be prevented. Furthermore, since the matching pattern to be matched with the detection pattern is provided on the image server side, the cost of the terminal device can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image bank system.

FIG. 2A is a front view of a digital camera.
(B) is a rear view of the digital camera. (C)
FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the digital camera.

FIG. 3A is an external perspective view of an IC card.
(B) is a part of a functional block diagram of the IC card.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a data array of an image memory in an IC card.

FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically illustrating a circuit configuration of the digital camera.

FIG. 6A is an external view of a personal computer (personal computer). (B) is a part of a functional block diagram of the personal computer.

FIG. 7 is a part of a functional block diagram of a center server.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a data array in a file in an image storage unit.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart when a transmission mode is selected in the digital camera.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart when a reproduction mode is selected in the digital camera.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a process of connecting a personal computer to a center server.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an input screen of a personal computer for inputting a file name and an ID number.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a process for an access request from a terminal device in the center server.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image bank system 2 Center server 2-5 Personal computer 100 Digital camera 112 IC card 200 Center server 210 Communication processing part 220 Image storage part 230 ID number collation part 240 Fingerprint pattern collation part 260 Image storage part 270 Overall control part 305 Overall control part 402 pattern detection unit 403 connection information storage unit 405 CPU 500 personal computer 520 input means 534 overall control unit

Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Hiroyuki Deyama 2-3-13 Azuchicho, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Inside Osaka International Building Minolta Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Masashi Takano 2-chome, Azuchi-cho, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka No. 3-13 Osaka International Building Minolta Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Yoshihiro Hara 2-13-13 Azuchicho, Chuo-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture Osaka International Building Minolta Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Daisetsu Toyama Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture 2-13-13 Azuchicho, Chuo-ku Osaka International Building Minolta Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 5B047 AA25 5B050 BA10 DA01 FA19 GA07 GA08 5B085 AE23 AE26 BG07

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. An image server comprising a terminal device and an image server connected via a network, wherein image data transmitted from the terminal device is stored in a storage area in the image server allocated to each user of the system. An image bank system, wherein the terminal device includes: a detecting unit configured to detect a physical characteristic pattern unique to an individual; and a transmitting unit configured to transmit the detected pattern to an image server. The image server compares the detected pattern with the detected pattern. Storage means for storing a matching pattern for receiving, a receiving means for receiving a detection pattern transmitted from a terminal device, and matching the received detection pattern with a matching pattern stored in the storage means, and the two match. And an access permitting means for permitting the terminal device to access the storage area only when the image data is stored. Stem. 2. The physical characteristic pattern is a fingerprint pattern. The detection means has a fingerprint detection function, is an IC card detachable from the terminal device main body, and specifies the storage area in advance. The transmitting unit reads the identifier from the storage unit, transmits the read identifier and the detection pattern in a pair, and stores the matching pattern in association with the identifier. The receiving unit further receives an identifier transmitted from the terminal device; the access permitting unit reads out a matching pattern corresponding to the received identifier from the storage unit, and compares the matching pattern with the received detection pattern. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein
Image bank system as described. 3. The image bank system according to claim 1, wherein the terminal device is a digital camera. 4. The terminal device is a personal computer, the personal computer having a receiving unit that receives an identifier and a password, and the transmitting unit is configured to detect information obtained from the detecting unit, One of the accepted reception information is transmitted to the image server, the storage unit of the image server further stores a password in association with an identifier, and the reception unit is further transmitted from a personal computer. Upon receiving the reception information, when the reception means receives the reception information, the access permission unit reads out a password corresponding to the identifier of the received reception information from the storage unit, and compares the read password with the received password. 3. The image storage device according to claim 2, wherein the personal computer is permitted to access the storage area only when the two match. Link system.