JP2002077710A - Image pickup device with user recognizing function - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To acquire permission to use a limited function by easily inputting a complicated password to an image pickup device. SOLUTION: A composite camera device 101 is provided with a function constraining means 112 so that any specific function can be prevented form being used unless a password is inputted. The composite camera device 101 is operated by a camera controller 102, and the specific value of the state information of the camera such as zoom magnification is displayed on a monitor device 103. The value is selected so that a password can be inputted, and when the inputted value is made coincident with the value of a password storing means 111, the function constraining means 112 is released. Thus, it is possible to easily input a password, and to acquire permission to use a specific function whose use is limited.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image pickup apparatus having a user recognition function, and more particularly, to an image pickup apparatus having a password input and registration function for restricting use of a compound camera in which a camera, a rotation mechanism, a zoom mechanism and a power supply are combined. The present invention relates to an imaging device with a user recognition function.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image pickup apparatus in which a camera, a rotation mechanism, a zoom mechanism, and a power supply are integrated, use of a specific function of the image pickup apparatus is restricted. A password is registered in the image capturing apparatus, and a means for releasing use restriction by inputting the password is provided in the camera operation means. For example,
A table of numbers or characters is displayed on a monitor of the imaging apparatus, and a password is registered or input by selecting several digits or characters from the table.

[0003]

However, in the conventional imaging apparatus, it is necessary to have numbers and characters to be input in a table, and there is a problem that the amount of programs is increased. Further, since the displayed numbers and characters are selected one by one and the password is input, there is a problem that it takes time to register and input the password.

The present invention solves the above-mentioned conventional problems,
It is an object of the present invention to provide an imaging device with a user recognition function that allows a user to easily enter a password to obtain a use permission.

[0005]

According to the present invention, there is provided an imaging apparatus having a user recognition function.
Operation determining means for determining an operation instruction signal for the camera, display means for displaying on the display device state information as a result of operating the camera according to an instruction from the operation determining means,
An input operation determining unit that determines a password input operation, a specific function driving unit that drives a specific function unit of the camera, a function restricting unit that restricts or sets the operation of the specific function driving unit, and a password storage unit that stores a password. When the input operation determination unit determines that the password input has occurred, the status information value displayed on the display unit is compared with the password in the password storage unit, and if the password information matches, the restriction of the function restriction unit is released. Or a comparison control means to set,
A main control unit that controls the operation determination unit, the input determination unit, the function restriction unit, the display unit, and the comparison control unit, and that holds the state information of the camera is provided.

With this configuration, it is possible to easily input a password, obtain permission to use the restricted camera function, and set restrictions on the use of the camera function.

[0007]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to FIGS.

(First Embodiment) In a first embodiment of the present invention, a specific image quality information value is displayed by operating a camera, the value is selected and input as a password, and a stored value is stored. This is an imaging apparatus with a user recognition function that releases the function restriction if the values match.

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of an imaging device with a user recognition function according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, the composite camera device 101 includes an input operation determination unit 107, an operation determination unit 108, a main control unit 109,
This is a device having comparison control means 110, password storage means 111, function restriction means 112, specific function drive means 113, and display means 114.

[0010] The input operation determination means 107 is
This is a means for determining an input operation from 02. Operation determination means
108 is a unit for determining an operation from the camera control device 102. The main control unit 109 is a unit that controls each unit inside the composite camera device 101. The comparing means 110 is means for comparing the input password with the stored password. The password storage unit 111 is a unit that stores the set password. The function restricting means 112 is a means for restricting functions of the camera when a password is set. The specific function driving unit 113 is a unit that drives the specific function unit. The display unit 114 is a unit that causes the monitor device 103 to display a password and the like. The camera control device 102 is a device for operating the composite camera device 101. The monitor device 103 is a device for displaying the position information, zoom information, and image quality information held by the composite camera device 101 under the control of the display unit 114.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the imaging apparatus with a user recognition function according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 2, step 21 (S21)
This is a step of displaying a password input screen. Step 22 (S22) is a step of displaying image quality information.
Step 23 (S23) is a step of displaying specific image quality information by operating the camera. Step 24 (S24)
This is a step of performing a password input determination operation while displaying specific image quality information. Step 25 (S25) is a step of comparing with the stored password. Step 26 (S26) is a step of releasing the function restriction.

The operation of the imaging apparatus with a user recognition function according to the first embodiment of the present invention configured as described above will be described. In step 21 (S21) of FIG.
When a password input request operation is performed from the camera control device 102 of the composite camera device 101 shown in FIG.
The password input screen is displayed on the monitor device 103 by the main control means 109 and the display means 114.

In step 22 (S22), image information such as gain, shutter speed, and lens aperture, which are one of the camera status information held by the main control means 109 of the multifunction camera device 101, are displayed via the display means 114. To display on the monitor device 103.

In step 23 (S23), when the camera is operated by the camera control device 102 to adjust the image quality of the camera, the operation judging means 108 judges that the operation is an image quality adjustment operation. In response to an instruction from the operation determining means 108, the main control means 109
The adjusted image quality information value is displayed on the monitor device 103 via the display means 114.

In step 24 (S24), when a password input determination operation is performed from the camera control device 102 while a specific image quality information value is displayed, the input operation determination means 10
7 determines that the operation is a password input operation. The value of the displayed image quality information is selected as a password, and the main control unit 109 executes a password input process.

In step 25 (S25), the entered password is compared with the password registered in the password storage unit 111 in advance by the comparison control unit 110. If not, the process returns to step 21.

In step 26 (S26), if the passwords match, the comparison control means 110 releases the function restriction by the function restriction means 112.

As described above, the image quality information value, which is the status information of the camera, is displayed on the monitor, the image quality information value is changed by operating the camera, and the numerical value obtained by adjusting the image quality is used as a password. Can be entered in a short time without having to use

As described above, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the user operates the camera to display a specific image quality information value, selects the value, and inputs it as a password in the first embodiment of the present invention. In addition, since the function restriction is released when they match with the stored value, the password can be easily input in a short time without having a data table.

(Second Embodiment) In a second embodiment of the present invention, a specific zoom magnification value is displayed by operating a camera, the value is selected and input as a password, and the stored value is stored. This is an imaging apparatus with a user recognition function that releases the function restriction if the values match. The basic configuration of the imaging device with a user recognition function according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the imaging apparatus with a user recognition function according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 3, step 31 (S31)
This is a step of displaying a password input screen. Step 32 (S32) is a step of displaying the zoom magnification. Step 33 (S33) is a step of displaying a specific zoom magnification by operating the camera. Step 34 (S3
Step 4) is a step of performing a password input determination operation with a specific zoom magnification displayed. Step 35 (S
Step 35) is a step of comparing with the stored password. Step 36 (S36) is a step of releasing the function restriction.

The operation of the imaging apparatus with a user recognition function according to the second embodiment of the present invention configured as described above will be described. In step 31 (S31) of FIG.
When a password input request operation is performed from the camera control device 102 of the composite camera device 101 shown in FIG.
The password input screen is displayed on the monitor device 103 by the main control means 109 and the display means 114.

In step 32 (S32), a zoom magnification, which is one of the camera status information held by the main control means 109 of the multifunction camera device 101, is displayed on the monitor device 103 via the display means 114.

In step 33 (S33), when the camera is operated by the camera controller 102 to adjust the zoom magnification of the camera, the operation determining means 108 determines that the operation is a zoom magnification adjustment operation. In response to an instruction from the operation determination unit 108, the adjusted zoom magnification is displayed on the monitor device 103 via the main control unit 109 and the display unit 114.

In step 34 (S34), when a password input operation is performed from the camera control device 102 while a specific zoom magnification is displayed, the input operation determining means 10
7 determines that the operation is a password input operation. The displayed zoom factor value is selected as the password,
The main control unit 109 executes a password input process.

In step 35 (S35), the entered password is compared with the password registered in the password storage unit 111 in advance by the comparison control unit 110. If not, the process returns to step 31.

In step 36 (S36), if the passwords match, the comparison control means 110 releases the function restriction by the function restriction means 112.

As described above, by displaying the zoom magnification, which is information possessed by the camera, on the monitor, operating the camera to change the zoom magnification, and using the zoom magnification as a password, it is possible to have numbers and characters as a table. Not
You can enter a password in a short time. By using the information based on the zoom magnification as the password, a larger amount of information is used as the magnification information than the image quality adjustment information, so that a simple and complicated password can be set.

As described above, in the second embodiment of the present invention, the user operates the camera to display a specific zoom magnification value, selects the value, and inputs the value as a password. In addition, since the function restriction is released when the password is compared with the stored value, the complicated password can be input easily in a short time.

(Third Embodiment) In a third embodiment of the present invention, a specific vertical position information is displayed by operating a camera, the value is selected and inputted as a password, and stored. This is an imaging device with a user recognition function that releases the function restriction if the values match with each other. The basic configuration of the imaging device with a user recognition function according to the third embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the imaging device with a user recognition function according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 4, step 41 (S41)
This is a step of displaying a password input screen. Step 42 (S42) is a step of displaying vertical position information. Step 43 (S43) is a step of displaying specific vertical position information by operating the camera. Step 44 (S44) is a step of performing a password input deciding operation with specific vertical position information displayed.
Step 45 (S45) is a step of comparing with the stored password. Step 46 (S46) is a step of releasing the function restriction.

The operation of the imaging apparatus with a user recognition function according to the third embodiment of the present invention configured as described above will be described. In step 41 (S41) of FIG.
When a password input request operation is performed from the camera control device 102 of the composite camera device 101 shown in FIG.
The password input screen is displayed on the monitor device 103 by the main control means 109 and the display means 114.

In step 42 (S42), the vertical position information, which is one of the camera status information held by the main control means 109 of the composite camera device 101, is displayed on the monitor device 103 via the display means 114. .

In step 43 (S43), when the camera control unit 102 performs a vertical rotation operation of the camera to adjust the vertical position of the camera, the operation determining means 108
Judge that the operation is a vertical position adjustment operation. Operation determination means 108
The vertical position information at the time when the camera is controlled is displayed on the monitor device 103 via the main control means 109 and the display means 114 in accordance with the instruction from.

In step 44 (S44), the camera controller 102 is displayed with the specific vertical position information displayed.
, The input operation determining means 107 determines that the input operation is a password input operation.
The value of the displayed vertical position information is selected as a password, and the main control unit 109 executes a password input process.

In step 45 (S45), the input password is compared with the password registered in the password storage unit 111 in advance by the comparison control unit 110. If not, the process returns to step 41.

At step 46 (S46), if the passwords match, the function restriction by the function restriction means 112 is released.

As described above, the vertical position information, which is the information possessed by the camera, is displayed on the monitor, the vertical position is changed by operating the camera, and the vertical position information is used as a password. Can be entered in a short time without having to use By using the information based on the vertical position information as the password, a larger amount of information than the zoom magnification information is provided as the vertical position information, so that a simple and complicated password can be set.

As described above, in the third embodiment of the present invention, the user operates the camera to display the specific vertical position information, selects the value, and selects the password. , And the function restriction is released when they match with the stored value, so that a complicated password can be easily input in a short time.

(Fourth Embodiment) In a fourth embodiment of the present invention, a specific horizontal position information is displayed by operating a camera, its value is selected and inputted as a password, and stored. This is an imaging device with a user recognition function that releases the function restriction if the values match with each other. The basic configuration of the imaging device with a user recognition function according to the fourth embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the imaging device with a user recognition function according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 5, step 51 (S51)
This is a step of displaying a password input screen. Step 52 (S52) is a step of displaying horizontal position information. Step 53 (S53) is a step of displaying specific horizontal position information by operating the camera. Step 54 (S54) is a step of performing a password input deciding operation with specific horizontal position information displayed.
Step 55 (S55) is a step of comparing with the stored password. Step 56 (S56) is a step of releasing the function restriction.

The operation of the imaging apparatus with a user recognition function according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention configured as described above will be described. In step 51 (S51) of FIG.
When a password input request operation is performed from the camera control device 102 of the composite camera device 101 shown in FIG.
The password input screen is displayed on the monitor device 103 by the main control means 109 and the display means 114.

In step 52 (S52), the horizontal position information, which is one of the camera status information held by the main control means 109 of the composite camera device 101, is displayed on the monitor device 103 via the display means 114. .

In step 53 (S53), when the camera control device 102 performs a horizontal rotation operation of the camera to adjust the horizontal position of the camera, the operation determining means 108
Judge that this is a horizontal position adjustment operation. Operation determination means 108
The horizontal position information at the time when the camera is controlled is displayed on the monitor device 103 via the main control means 109 and the display means 114 in response to the instruction from.

In step 54 (S54), the camera controller 102 is displayed with the specific horizontal position information displayed.
, The input operation determining means 107 determines that the input operation is a password input operation.
The value of the displayed horizontal position information is selected as a password, and the main control unit 109 executes a password input process.

In step 55 (S55), the entered password is compared with the password registered in the password storage unit 111 in advance by the comparison control unit 110. If not, the process returns to step 51.

In step 56 (S56), if the passwords match, the function restriction by the function restriction means 112 is released.

As described above, the horizontal position information, which is information possessed by the camera, is displayed on the monitor, the horizontal position is changed by operating the camera, and the horizontal position information is used as a password. Can be entered in a short time without having to use By using the information based on the horizontal position information as the password, a larger amount of information is used as the horizontal position information than the vertical position information, so that a simple and complicated password can be set.

As described above, in the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the user operates the camera to display the specific horizontal position information, selects the value, and selects the password. , And the function restriction is released when they match with the stored value, so that a complicated password can be easily input in a short time.

(Fifth Embodiment) In a fifth embodiment of the present invention, image quality information, zoom magnification, vertical position information,
This is an imaging apparatus with a user recognition function that inputs a plurality of combinations of horizontal position information as a password, compares the values with the stored combinations of passwords, and releases the function restriction if they match. The basic configuration of the imaging device with a user recognition function according to the fifth embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the imaging apparatus with a user recognition function according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 6, step 61 (S61)
This is a step of displaying a password input screen. Step 62 (S62) is a step of displaying a plurality of image quality information, zoom magnification, vertical position information, and horizontal position information. Step 63 (S63) is a step of displaying a specific value of a plurality of image quality information, zoom magnification, vertical position information, and horizontal position information by operating the camera. Step 64 (S64) is a step of performing a password input deciding operation with a specific value displayed for a plurality of image quality information, zoom magnification, vertical position information, and horizontal position information. Step 65
(S65) is a step of comparing with the stored password. Step 66 (S66) is a step of releasing the function restriction.

The operation of the imaging apparatus with a user recognition function according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention configured as described above will be described. In step 61 (S61) of FIG.
When a password input request operation is performed from the camera control device 102 of the composite camera device 101 shown in FIG.
The password input screen is displayed on the monitor device 103 by the main control means 109 and the display means 114.

In step 62 (S62), a plurality of camera state information, zoom magnification, vertical position information, and horizontal position information, which are status information of the camera, held by the main control means 109 of the composite camera apparatus 101 are displayed on the display means. It is displayed on the monitor device 103 via 114.

In step 63 (S63), when the camera controller 102 operates the camera to adjust any of the image quality, zoom magnification, vertical position, and horizontal position of the camera, the operation determining means 108 , Image quality, zoom magnification, vertical position, or horizontal position. In accordance with an instruction from the operation determining unit 108, the image quality information of the result of operating the camera, the zoom magnification, and the like are displayed on the monitor device 103 via the main control unit 109 and the display unit 114.
The vertical position information and the horizontal position information are displayed.

In step 64 (S64), when an operation of password input determination is performed from the camera control device 102 in a state where specific image quality information, zoom magnification, vertical position information, and horizontal position information are displayed, an input operation determination is made. The means 107 determines that the input operation is a password input operation. The values of the displayed image quality information, zoom magnification, vertical position information, and horizontal position information are selected as a password, and the main control unit 109 executes a password input process.

In step 65 (S65), the entered password is compared with the password registered in the password storage unit 111 in advance by the comparison control unit 110. If not, the process returns to step 61.

In step 66 (S66), if the passwords match, the function restriction by the function restriction means 112 is released.

As described above, the image quality information, the zoom magnification, the vertical position information, and the horizontal position information, which are the information possessed by the camera, are displayed on the monitor, and the image quality,
Change the zoom magnification, vertical position, horizontal position,
By using a combination of image quality information, zoom magnification, vertical position information, and horizontal position information as a password, a password can be input in a short time without having numbers or characters as a table. By using a combination of the image quality information, the zoom magnification, the vertical position information, and the horizontal position information as a password, a wider range of choices can be made than in a case where the information is fixed to a specific type of information, and various passwords can be easily set. It becomes possible.

As described above, in the fifth embodiment of the present invention, an image pickup apparatus with a user recognition function is provided by combining a plurality of combinations of image quality information, zoom magnification, vertical position information, and horizontal position information. The configuration is such that the function restriction is released when the password is entered as a password, compared with the value of the stored combination of passwords, and when they match, various passwords can be input easily in a short time.

(Sixth Embodiment) In a sixth embodiment of the present invention, image quality information, zoom magnification, vertical position information,
This is an imaging apparatus with a user recognition function that inputs a plurality of combinations of the horizontal position information as a password, compares the password with a stored combination of passwords, and if the passwords match, releases the corresponding function restriction. The basic configuration of the imaging device with a user recognition function according to the sixth embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the imaging device with a user recognition function according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 7, step 71 (S71)
This is a step of displaying a password input screen. Step 72 (S72) is a step of displaying image quality information, zoom magnification, vertical position information, and horizontal position information. In step 73 (S73), a plurality of image quality information, zoom magnification, vertical position information, and horizontal position information are determined.
This is a step of displaying a specific value by operating the camera.
Step 74 (S74) is a process for determining specific image quality information, zoom magnification,
This is a step of performing a password input determination operation with the vertical position information and the horizontal position information displayed. Step 75 (S75) is a step of comparing with the stored password. Step 76 (S76) is a step of releasing the corresponding function constraint.

The operation of the imaging apparatus with a user recognition function according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, configured as described above, will be described. In step 71 (S71) of FIG.
When a password input request operation is performed from the camera control device 102 of the composite camera device 101 shown in FIG.
The password input screen is displayed on the monitor device 103 by the main control means 109 and the display means 114.

In step 72 (S 72), the image quality information, zoom magnification, vertical position information, and horizontal position information, which are camera state information, held by the main control unit 109 of the composite camera device 101 are displayed via the display unit 114. To display on the monitor device 103.

In step 73 (S73), when the camera controller 102 operates the camera to adjust the image quality, zoom magnification, vertical position, and horizontal position of the camera, the operation determination means 108 It is determined that the operation is for adjusting the zoom magnification, the vertical position, and the horizontal position. In response to an instruction from the operation determining means 108, the main control means 109 and the display means 114
, Image quality information, zoom magnification, vertical position information, and horizontal position information as a result of operating the camera are displayed on the monitor device 103 via the.

In step 74 (S74), when a password input operation is performed by the camera control device 102 in a state where specific image quality information, zoom magnification, vertical position information, and horizontal position information are displayed, an input operation determination is made. The means 107 determines that the input operation is a password input operation. The values of the displayed image quality information, zoom magnification, vertical position information, and horizontal position information are selected as a password, and the main control unit 109 executes a password input process.

In step 75 (S75), the input password is compared with the password registered in the password storage means 111 in advance by the comparison control means 110. If they do not all match, the process returns to step 71.

In step 76 (S76), the function restriction by the function restriction means 112 is released for the function corresponding to the combination whose password matches.

As described above, the image quality information, the zoom magnification, the vertical position information, and the horizontal position information, which are the information possessed by the camera, are displayed on the monitor.
Any one of zoom magnification, vertical position, and horizontal position
By changing at least one of them and using a combination of the image quality information, the zoom magnification, the vertical position information, and the horizontal position information as the password, the password can be input in a short time without having a number or a character as a table. By using two or more combinations of image quality information, zoom magnification, vertical position information, and horizontal position information as a password, more information can be used than with one type of information, and a complicated password can be set easily. It becomes possible to do. Since the functions to be released can be restricted by the combination of the information that matches the entered password, the level of users to be used can be divided into groups and a password can be assigned that can be assigned the level of functions to be released It becomes possible to do.

As described above, in the sixth embodiment of the present invention, an image pickup apparatus with a user recognition function is provided by combining a plurality of combinations of image quality information, zoom magnification, vertical position information, and horizontal position information. If the password is entered as a password and compared with the stored value of the combination of passwords, the corresponding function restriction is released, so that a complicated password can be input easily in a short time.

(Seventh Embodiment) A seventh embodiment of the present invention is directed to image quality information, zoom magnification, vertical position information,
Enter all of the horizontal location information as a password,
This is an imaging device with a user recognition function that releases the function restriction when all match with the stored values. The basic configuration of the imaging device with a user recognition function according to the seventh embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the imaging apparatus with a user recognition function according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 8, step 81 (S81)
This is a step of displaying a password input screen. Step 82 (S82) is a step of displaying any of image quality information, zoom magnification, vertical position information, and horizontal position information. Step 83 (S83) is a step of displaying a specific value among image quality information, zoom magnification, vertical position information, and horizontal position information by operating the camera.
Step 84 (S84) is a step of performing a password input determination operation while any one of the image quality information, the zoom magnification, the vertical position information, and the horizontal position information is displayed. Step 85 (S85) is a step of comparing with the stored password. Step 86 (S86)
Is a step for checking whether all the passwords match. Step 87 (S87) is a step of releasing the function restriction.

The operation of the imaging apparatus with a user recognition function according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention, configured as described above, will be described. In step 81 (S81) of FIG.
When a password input request operation is performed from the camera control device 102 of the composite camera device 101 shown in FIG.
The password input screen is displayed on the monitor device 103 by the main control means 109 and the display means 114.

In step 82 (S 82), image quality information, zoom magnification, vertical position information, and horizontal position information, which are camera state information, held by the main control unit 109 of the composite camera apparatus 101 are displayed via the display unit 114. To display on the monitor device 103.

In step 83 (S83), the camera controller 102 operates the camera to adjust the image quality, zoom magnification, vertical position, and horizontal position of the camera. It is determined that the adjustment operation is any one of the zoom magnification, the vertical position, and the horizontal position.
In response to an instruction from the operation determination unit 108, the image quality information, zoom magnification, vertical position information, and the like when the camera is controlled are displayed on the monitor device 103 via the main control unit 109 and the display unit 114.
The horizontal position information is displayed.

In step 84 (S84), when a password input operation is performed by the camera control device 102 in a state where specific image quality information, zoom magnification, vertical position information, and horizontal position information are displayed, an input operation determination is made. The means 107 determines that the input operation is a password input operation. The values of the displayed image quality information, zoom magnification, vertical position information, and horizontal position information are selected as a password, and the main control unit 109 executes a password input process.

In step 85 (S85), the input password is compared with the password registered in the password storage means 111 in advance by the comparison control means 110. If not, the process returns to step 81.

In step 86 (S86), the process returns to step 82 and repeats until all passwords match.

In step 87 (S87), when all the passwords match, the function restriction by the function restriction means 112 is released.

As described above, the image quality information, the zoom magnification, the vertical position information, and the horizontal position information which are the information possessed by the camera are displayed on the monitor, and the camera is operated to
By sequentially changing any of the zoom ratio, vertical position, and horizontal position, and using all combinations of image quality information, zoom ratio, vertical position information, and horizontal position information as a password, numbers and characters can be used as a table. Quickly enter passwords without having to. Image quality information,
By using all combinations of the zoom magnification, the vertical position information, and the horizontal position information as the password, a large amount of information can be used and a complicated password can be easily set.

The combination of image quality, zoom, and position information is used as a password, so that each image quality adjustment information, zoom magnification information, vertical position information, a larger amount of information than only the vertical position information, and a plurality of passwords are all matched. Therefore, a complicated password can be set.

As described above, in the seventh embodiment of the present invention, the image pickup apparatus with the user recognition function is operated by operating the camera to obtain specific image quality information, zoom magnification, vertical position information, and horizontal position information. Is displayed, one of the values is selected and entered as a password, a plurality of passwords are sequentially entered, and the stored values are compared with each other. Enter passwords quickly and easily.

(Eighth Embodiment) In an eighth embodiment of the present invention, a camera is operated to display any one of specific image quality information, zoom magnification, vertical position information, and horizontal position information. Then, the value is selected, entered as a password, compared with the stored value, and when they match, the imaging device with the user recognition function that releases the function restriction corresponding to the password. The basic configuration of the imaging device with a user recognition function according to the eighth embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the imaging apparatus with a user recognition function according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 9, step 91 (S91)
This is a step of displaying a password input screen. Step 92 (S92) is a step of displaying any of image quality information, zoom magnification, vertical position information, and horizontal position information. Step 93 (S93) is a step of displaying any one of specific image quality information, zoom magnification, vertical position information, and horizontal position information by operating the camera. Step 94 (S94) is a step of performing a password input determination operation while any of the specific image quality information, zoom magnification, vertical position information, and horizontal position information is displayed.
Step 95 (S95) is a step of comparing with the stored password. Step 96 (S96) is a step of releasing the corresponding function constraint.

The operation of the imaging apparatus with a user recognition function according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention configured as described above will be described. In step 91 (S91) of FIG.
When a password input request operation is performed from the camera control device 102 of the composite camera device 101 shown in FIG.
The password input screen is displayed on the monitor device 103 by the main control means 109 and the display means 114.

In step 92 (S92), any one of image quality information, zoom magnification, vertical position information, and horizontal position information, which are camera state information, held by the main control means 109 of the composite camera apparatus 101 is displayed on the display means. It is displayed on the monitor device 103 via 114.

In step 93 (S93), when one of the image quality, zoom magnification, vertical position, and horizontal position of the camera is adjusted by operating the camera by the camera control device 102, the operation determining means 108 Is determined to be any one of the adjustment operations of the image quality, the zoom magnification, the vertical position, and the horizontal position. Any of image quality information, zoom magnification, vertical position information, and horizontal position information when the camera is controlled is displayed on the monitor device 103 via the main control unit 109 and the display unit 114 in response to an instruction from the operation determination unit 108. Is displayed.

In step 94 (S94), the camera control unit 102 displays any one of the specific image quality information, zoom magnification, vertical position information, and horizontal position information.
, The input operation determining means 107 determines that the input operation is a password input operation.
Any one of the displayed image quality information, zoom magnification, vertical position information, and horizontal position information is selected as a password, and the main control unit 109 executes a password input process.

In step 95 (S95), the input password is compared with the password registered in the password storage means 111 in advance by the comparison control means 110. If not, the process returns to step 91.

At step 96 (S96), if the passwords match, the function restriction corresponding to the password by the function restriction means 112 is released.

As described above, any one of the image quality information, zoom magnification, vertical position information, and horizontal position information, which are the information possessed by the camera, is displayed on the monitor, and the camera is operated to display the image quality, zoom magnification, and vertical position information. By changing either the horizontal position or the horizontal position, and using the image quality information, zoom magnification, vertical position information, and horizontal position information as the password, the password can be set in a short time without having a table with numbers and characters. Can be entered. By releasing the restriction by the function restricting means for restricting a specific function every time one password input is completed, a lot of information can be used and a complicated password can be easily set.

As described above, in the eighth embodiment of the present invention, the image pickup apparatus with the user recognition function is operated by operating the camera to obtain specific image quality information, zoom magnification, vertical position information, and horizontal position information. Is displayed, select the value, enter it as a password, compare it with the stored value, and if it matches, remove the function restriction corresponding to that password, so that complex passwords can be easily created in a short time Can be entered.

(Ninth Embodiment) In a ninth embodiment of the present invention, a camera is operated to display any one of specific image quality information, zoom magnification, vertical position information, and horizontal position information. The user selects the value, inputs the value as a password, compares the value with a stored value, and when the value matches the order, releases the function restriction corresponding to the password. The basic configuration of the imaging device with a user recognition function according to the ninth embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the imaging device with a user recognition function according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 10, step 101 (S101)
Is a step of displaying a password input screen. Step 102 (S102) is a step of displaying any one of image quality information, zoom magnification, vertical position information, and horizontal position information. In step 103 (S103), specific image quality information, zoom magnification, vertical position information,
This is a step of displaying any of the horizontal position information. Step 104 (S104) is a step of performing a password input determination operation while any of the specific image quality information, zoom magnification, vertical position information, and horizontal position information is displayed. Step 105 (S105) is a step of comparing the stored password with its order. Step 106 (S106) is a step for checking whether input of all passwords has been completed. Step 107
(S107) is a step of releasing the function restriction.

The operation of the imaging device with a user recognition function according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention configured as described above will be described. In step 101 (S101) of FIG. 10, when a password input request operation is performed from the camera control device 102 of the composite camera device 101 shown in FIG.
The determination is made in step 7, and the password input screen is displayed on the monitor device 103 by the main control means 109 and the display means 114.

At step 102 (S102), any one of the image quality information, zoom magnification, vertical position information, and horizontal position information, which is the camera state information, held by the main control means 109 of the composite camera device 101 is displayed on the display means. It is displayed on the monitor device 103 via 114.

In step 103 (S103), the camera is operated by the camera control device 102 to determine the image quality of the camera.
When one of the zoom magnification, the vertical position, and the horizontal position is adjusted, the operation determining unit 108 determines that the adjustment operation is any one of the image quality, the zoom magnification, the vertical position, and the horizontal position. Any of image quality information, zoom magnification, vertical position information, and horizontal position information when the camera is controlled is displayed on the monitor device 103 via the main control unit 109 and the display unit 114 in response to an instruction from the operation determination unit 108. Is displayed.

In step 104 (S104), the camera control unit 10 displays any one of the specific image quality information, zoom magnification, vertical position information, and horizontal position information.
When an operation of determining a password input is performed from 2, the input operation determining means 107 determines that the input operation is a password input operation. Any one of the displayed image quality information, zoom magnification, vertical position information, and horizontal position information is selected as a password, and the main control unit 109 executes a password input process.

In step 105 (S 105), the comparison control means 110 compares the input password with the password registered in the password storage means 111 in advance and its order. If not, the process returns to step 101.

In step 106 (S106), the process returns to step 102 and repeats the password input until all the password inputs are completed.

In step 107 (S107), if all the passwords and their order match, the function restriction by the function restriction means 112 is released.

As described above, any one of the image quality information, zoom magnification, vertical position information, and horizontal position information, which are information possessed by the camera, is displayed on the monitor, and the camera is operated so that the image quality, zoom magnification, vertical By changing either the direction position or the horizontal position, and using the image quality information, zoom magnification, vertical position information, horizontal position information and their order as a password, the password can be stored without having numbers or characters as a table. Can be entered in a short time.

As described above, in the ninth embodiment of the present invention, the image pickup apparatus with the user recognition function is operated by operating the camera to obtain specific image quality information, zoom magnification, vertical position information, and horizontal position information. Is displayed, select the value, enter it as a password, compare it with the stored value, and if the value matches the order, remove the function restriction corresponding to that password. You can input easily in a short time.

(Tenth Embodiment) In a tenth embodiment of the present invention, a camera is operated to display any one of specific image quality information, zoom magnification, vertical position information, and horizontal position information. This is an imaging device with a user recognition function that selects the value and registers it as a password.

FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram of an imaging device with a user recognition function according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention. The imaging apparatus with a user recognition function according to the tenth embodiment differs from the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment in that a registration operation determining unit 115 for registering a password is provided. In FIG. 11, the composite camera device 104 includes an input operation determination unit 107, an operation determination unit 108, and a main control unit 109.
, Comparison control means 110, password storage means 111, function restriction means 112, specific function driving means 113, display means 11
4 and a registration operation determination unit 115.

The input operation judging means 107 is the camera control device 1
This is a means for determining an input operation from 02. Operation determination means
108 is a unit for determining an operation from the camera control device 102. The main control unit 109 is a unit that controls each unit inside the composite camera device 101. The comparing means 110 is means for comparing the input password with the stored password. The password storage unit 111 is a unit that stores a password. The function restricting means 112 is a means for restricting functions of the camera when a password is set.
The specific function driving unit 113 is a unit that limits a function.
The display unit 114 is a unit that causes the monitor device 103 to display the password. The camera control device 102 is a device for operating the composite camera device 101. Monitor device 103
Is a device for displaying position information, zoom information, and image quality information held in the composite camera device 101 under the control of the display unit 114. Registration operation determination means 11
5 is a means for registering a password.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the imaging device with a user recognition function according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 12, step 121 (S121)
Is a step of displaying a password registration screen. Step 122 (S122) is a step of displaying any of image quality information, zoom magnification, vertical position information, and horizontal position information. In step 123 (S123), specific image quality information, zoom magnification, vertical position information,
This is a step of displaying any of the horizontal position information. Step 124 (S124) is a step of performing a password registration determination operation while any one of the specific image quality information, zoom magnification, vertical position information, and horizontal position information is displayed. Step 125 (S125) is a step of determining whether there is still a password to be registered. Step 126 (S126) is a step of registering a password.

The operation of the imaging apparatus with a user recognition function according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention having the above configuration will be described. In step 121 (S121) of FIG.
When a password registration request operation is performed from the camera control device 105 of the composite camera device 104 shown in FIG.
The determination is made in step 7, and the password registration screen is displayed on the monitor device 103 by the main control means 109 and the display means 114.

At step 122 (S122), any one of the image quality information, zoom magnification, vertical position information, and horizontal position information, which is the camera status information, held by the main control means 109 of the composite camera device 104 is displayed on the display means. The information is displayed on the monitor device 106 via 114.

In step 123 (S123), the camera is operated by the camera control device 105 to determine the image quality of the camera.
When one of the zoom magnification, the vertical position, and the horizontal position is adjusted, the operation determining unit 108 determines that the adjustment operation is any one of the image quality, the zoom magnification, the vertical position, and the horizontal position. Any of image quality information, zoom magnification, vertical position information, and horizontal position information when the camera is controlled is displayed on the monitor device 106 via the main control unit 109 and the display unit 114 in accordance with an instruction from the operation determination unit 108. Is displayed.

In step 124 (S124), the camera controller 10 displays any one of the specific image quality information, zoom magnification, vertical position information, and horizontal position information.
When an operation of determining a password registration is performed from 5, the registration operation determining means 115 determines that the operation is a password registration operation. Any one of the displayed image quality information, zoom magnification, vertical position information, and horizontal position information is selected as a password, and the main control unit 109 executes a password registration process.

If it is determined in step 125 (S125) that an instruction to register a password has been further input, the process returns to step 121.

At step 126 (S126), the password storage means 111 stores the input data as a password.
Register with.

By registering a password by combining image quality, zoom, and position information, each image quality adjustment information, zoom magnification information, vertical position information, and more information amount than the vertical position information alone, so a complicated password is registered. It becomes possible to do. Note that it is also possible to more easily register the password registration using only the position information. In addition,
It is also possible to register a password for each function for registering and releasing a plurality of passwords.

It is not necessary to have numbers and characters to be input as a table, and it is possible to reduce the amount of programs, display image quality, position, and magnification information, which are information possessed by the camera, on a monitor and control those values by controlling the camera. And the password can be set and registered in a short time.

As described above, in the tenth embodiment of the present invention, the image pickup apparatus with the user recognition function is operated by operating the camera to obtain specific image quality information, zoom magnification, vertical position information, and horizontal position information. Is displayed, and the value is selected and registered as a password, so that a complicated password can be easily registered in a short time.

[0116]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, the imaging device with the user recognition function is operated by the operation judging means for judging the operation instruction signal to the camera, and the camera is operated by the instruction from the operation judging means. Display means for displaying the state information of the obtained result on the display device, input operation determining means for determining a password input operation, specific function driving means for driving the specific function means of the camera, and restricting the operation of the specific function driving means. And a password storage unit that stores the password, and compares the status information value displayed on the display unit with the password in the password storage unit in response to the input operation determination unit determining that the password input has occurred. A comparison control means for canceling the restriction of the function restricting means if they match, an operation determining means, an input determining means, a function restricting means and a table; Means and control means for controlling the comparison control means and holding the status information of the camera, so that the information possessed by the camera can be utilized without having the numbers and characters on the table. In addition, the amount of password setting programs can be reduced, and a password can be input easily and in a short time to obtain a permission to use the restricted camera function.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of an imaging device with a user recognition function according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a password input method based on image quality information of the imaging device with a user recognition function according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a password input method based on zoom magnification information of an imaging device with a user recognition function according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a password input method based on horizontal position information of an imaging device with a user recognition function according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a password input method based on zoom magnification information of an imaging device with a user recognition function according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a password input method based on image quality, horizontal, vertical, and zoom magnification information of an imaging device with a user recognition function according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a password input method based on any of image quality, horizontal, vertical, and zoom magnification information of the imaging device with a user recognition function according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a password input method based on a combination of image quality, horizontal, vertical, and zoom magnification information of an imaging device with a user recognition function according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of an input method of one of a plurality of passwords of image quality, horizontal, vertical, and zoom magnification information of the imaging device with a user recognition function according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a password input method based on the order of a plurality of pieces of information of image quality, horizontal, vertical, and zoom magnification of the imaging apparatus with a user recognition function according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram of an imaging device with a user recognition function according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a password registration method based on image quality, horizontal, vertical, and zoom magnification information of an imaging device with a user recognition function according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 101 compound camera device 102 camera control device 103 monitor device 104 compound camera device 105 camera control device 106 monitor device 107 input operation judgment means 108 operation judgment means 109 main control means 110 comparison control means 111 password storage means 112 function restriction means 113 specific functions Driving means 114 Display means 115 Registration operation determination means

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Yasuji Nakamura 4-3-1 Tsunashima Higashi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture F-term (reference) in Matsushita Communication Industrial Co., Ltd. 5C022 AA01 AB62 AB65 AB66 AC01 AC12 AC27 AC32 5C054 AA02 CC02 CG08 EA01 EA05 HA01

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. An operation determining means for determining an operation instruction signal to a camera, a display means for displaying state information as a result of operating the camera in accordance with an instruction from the operation determining means on a display device, and a password input operation. Input operation determining means for determining, specific function driving means for driving the specific function means of the camera, function restriction means for restricting or setting the operation of the specific function driving means, password storage means for storing a password, When the operation determining unit determines that the password input has occurred, the status information displayed on the display unit is compared with the password in the password storage unit, and if the password information matches, the restriction of the function restricting unit is released. Or the comparison control means to be set, the operation determination means, the input determination means, the function restriction means, the display means, and the comparison control means. And a main control means for controlling the steps and holding state information of the camera. 2. The imaging apparatus with a user recognition function according to claim 1, wherein image quality information is used as said status information. 3. The imaging device with a user recognition function according to claim 1, wherein zoom status information is used as the status information. 4. The imaging device with a user recognition function according to claim 1, wherein vertical position information is used as the state information. 5. The imaging device with a user recognition function according to claim 1, wherein horizontal position information is used as the status information. 6. The imaging device with a user recognition function according to claim 1, wherein a combination of image quality information, zoom magnification information, vertical position information, and horizontal position information is used as the state information. 7. The user recognition function according to claim 1, wherein a combination of image quality information, zoom magnification information, vertical position information, and horizontal position information is used as the state information in association with a specific function. With imaging device. 8. The comparison control means further comprising means for determining an input order, wherein a combination of image quality information, zoom magnification information, vertical position information, and horizontal position information is used as the state information. The imaging device with a user recognition function according to claim 1. 9. A registration operation judging means for judging a password registration operation, wherein the main control means displays the contents displayed on the display means in response to the registration operation judging means judging that the password registration has occurred. 2. The imaging device with a user recognition function according to claim 1, further comprising means for storing in the storage means.