JP2002142181A - Communication apparatus and communication system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a communication apparatus and a communication system which can automatically limit the function of allowing the user to utilize the communication system by specifying the user using the communication apparatus. SOLUTION: This system is equipped with a communication means 129 which can receive the playback conditions to limit the playback function of an image with wireless from other communication apparatus, and a playback means (information processing means 116, an indication means 132, etc.), which performs the playback of the image based on the above playback condition that it has received. Therefore, it becomes possible to limit usable functions by easily specifying the user using the communication apparatus (electronic camera 10, etc.).

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a communication device and a communication system, and more particularly to a communication device and a communication system capable of automatically recognizing a user of a communication device and setting reproduction conditions and photographing conditions.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known a method of obtaining permission to enter a controlled room using a key or an ID card when entering the room. In addition, as a device such as a cash dispenser, a device that can be used thereafter by inputting an ID card brought by a user and a personal identification number stored by the user is known. Also, there is known a method of identifying a user by transmitting an account on the slave side and a unique password to a device on the master side when connecting computers to each other via a network, and permitting or restricting subsequent use. ing. Also,
In the technology of wireless short-range communication, a function is provided for holding an access key in a communication connection device that makes a communication connection with each other and simply performing the communication again.

[0003] An authentication method for identifying an individual by photographing physical characteristics such as a retina and a fingerprint of an eye is also known.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-342333 discloses a personal authentication device capable of improving the accuracy of authentication even with a finger image having a low density.

Further, in order to prevent an image transmitted from a digital camera from being viewed by an unspecified person on the receiving side, when transmitting an image from the digital camera, a password or a code corresponding to the password is required for the image data to be transmitted. A digital camera and an image transmission system having an authentication information adding unit for adding information to be transmitted are disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-313237.

Further, it is possible to easily identify a user by using an authentication medium, to increase the confidentiality of image data depending on whether or not the user can be specified, and to limit the functions that can be used by the user. A processing apparatus is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-313237.

[0006]

However, since a camera generally does not have an authentication function for identifying a user, when a plurality of persons use the camera to take a picture, a specific individual takes a picture. Images can be viewed freely by other people. Therefore, there is a risk that another user may view the image shot by oneself.

Conventionally, a specifying method using a key, an ID card, a personal identification number, and an authentication medium for specifying an individual requires the user to perform some operation or input. Even when applied to a camera, there has been a problem that operability is complicated.

[0008] Also, in the method for identifying an individual using physical characteristics, the complexity of operability that it is necessary to present physical characteristics such as a fingerprint and a retina to an authentication device remains. It is necessary to provide the above-mentioned means exclusively for the camera, which causes a problem that the portability of the camera is deteriorated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and a communication device and a communication device for automatically specifying a user who uses a communication device or an electronic camera to automatically limit available functions. It is intended to provide a communication system.

[0010]

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication means capable of wirelessly receiving a reproduction condition for limiting an image reproduction function from another communication device. And a reproducing unit for reproducing an image based on the received reproduction condition.

According to the present invention, a communication device includes a communication unit capable of wirelessly receiving a reproduction condition for restricting an image reproduction function from another communication device, and reproducing an image based on the received reproduction condition. And a reproducing means for performing the above-mentioned processing, it is possible to limit the functions that can be used by easily specifying the user who uses the communication device.

[0012] In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 5 is a method for specifying a first user of a communication device.
Recording means for pre-recording the identification information of the communication device, and identification information for identifying a second user of the communication device, the identification information being identification information associated with a reproduction condition for restricting a reproduction function related to image reproduction. Communication means capable of wirelessly receiving from the user, collating means for collating identification information identifying the first user with identification information identifying the second user, And a reproducing unit for reproducing the image.

According to the present invention, recording means for prerecording first identification information for specifying a first user of a communication device,
The identification information associated with the reproduction condition for restricting the reproduction function related to the image reproduction and the second information of the communication device.
Communication means capable of wirelessly receiving second identification information for specifying the first user from another communication device, first identification information for specifying the first user, and the second user And a reproducing unit that reproduces an image based on the result of the collation, so that a user using the communication device can be easily specified. This makes it possible to limit the functions that can be used.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording apparatus for recording an image in association with a first reproduction condition for restricting a reproduction function of the image, and a function of reproducing the image. Receiving means for receiving, from another communication device, a second reproduction condition for restricting the first reproduction condition, collation means for collating the first reproduction condition with the second reproduction condition, and image collation based on the result of the collation. And a reproducing means for performing reproduction.

According to the present invention, the recording means for recording the image in association with the first reproduction condition for restricting the reproduction function of the image, and the second reproduction condition for restricting the reproduction function of the image, Receiving means for receiving from a communication device; collating means for collating the first reproduction condition with the second reproduction condition;
Since there is provided a reproducing unit for reproducing an image based on the result of the collation, it is possible to limit a function that can be used by easily specifying a user using the communication device.

[0016]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of a communication device and a communication system according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a communication system including an electronic camera according to the present invention and a communication device.

According to FIG. 1, a communication system is an electronic camera 10 (an embodiment of a communication device) provided with an image pickup unit and a wireless communication unit, and a mobile phone which is a communication device provided with a wireless communication unit and a recording unit. 40, and a server 90 which is a communication device including a recording unit for recording information, a wireless communication unit, and the like. The electronic camera 10 can transmit and receive information to and from the mobile phone 40 by short-range wireless communication means. The mobile phone 40 can transmit and receive information to and from the server 90 by communication means such as a public line.

For example, the user carries the mobile phone 40 owned by the user himself and takes a picture using the electronic camera 10. At that time, the electronic camera 10 automatically starts communication with the mobile phone 40, automatically obtains the first identification information unique to the owner of the mobile phone 40 from the mobile phone 40, and obtains the identification information together with a captured image. Record.

When reproducing images, the electronic camera 10
Automatically starts communication with the mobile phone 40, automatically obtains the second identification information unique to the owner of the mobile phone 40 from the mobile phone 40, and records the first identification information recorded together with the captured image. Perform processing to match with. As a result of the collation, for example, when it is determined that the first identification information recorded together with the image and the newly received second identification information are the same, and the photographer and the person who reproduces are the same person. In
For example, a state in which reproduction with a high-resolution image is possible is set.

If the first identification information and the second identification information are not the same as a result of the comparison, it is determined that the photographer and the reproducing person are different persons, and for example, Prohibit playback, or enable playback at low resolution only if necessary.

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a signal processing system of the electronic camera.

As shown in FIG. 1, an electronic camera 10 has an image pickup means (including a part of the function of the image pickup means) 110 for forming an image of a subject on a light receiving surface and photoelectrically converting the image to output image data.
And control of the entire electronic camera 10 and control of sampling timing of image data, recording control of image data, graphic recognition of image data, reading of model information of the electronic camera 10, communication control, display control, collation of identification information. And an input means 118 provided with a release button, a communication button, a transmission button, a function switch, a cross key, a decision switch, a mode switch, and the like.

The electronic camera 10 has an image processing means 120 for performing processing such as image size change, sharpness correction, gamma correction, contrast correction, and white balance correction, and a frame memory for temporarily storing image data. 121, a PROM in which a unique number such as a model name and a serial number of the electronic camera 10, identification information, an operation program, identification information for identifying the owner of the electronic camera 10 and a password, and constants are stored. And a memory 123 constituted by a RAM, which is a storage means serving as a work area for the time.

The electronic camera 10 includes a compression / decompression means 124 for performing compression control of information such as image data by a method typified by JPEG or motion JPEG and for performing expansion / decompression control of compressed data. Recording medium interface 127 for converting data in order to record or read the data on / from removable recording medium 126
(Recording means). The recording medium 126
It is a removable recording medium represented by a semiconductor such as a memory card or MO, magnetic recording, and optical recording.

The wireless communication means of the electronic camera 10 used for transmitting and receiving information such as image data to and from other communication equipment such as the cellular phone 40 by communication includes an antenna 128 for transmitting and receiving a carrier wave and data, and an information processing means 116. And a communication means 129 for transmitting or receiving the image data on a carrier wave in accordance with the instruction.

The electronic camera 10 includes a D / A converter 133 for displaying information on the communication connection device and image data on the display means 132 and identification information commanded by the information processing means 116 for displaying characters. And a character generator 134 for converting the data into message data.

The photographing process of the electronic camera 10 configured as described above will be described.

When the power of the electronic camera 10 is turned on to set a photographing mode, first, the information processing means 116 of the electronic camera 10 sets an "unauthenticated mode" which is a photographing mode for restricting an image photographing function. And information processing means 11
6 instructs the communication means 129 to start short-range wireless communication. Then, wireless communication is started to search for a communication device that can provide an “authentication code” corresponding to the shooting condition. If there is a mobile phone 40 or the like owned by the user of the electronic camera 10 that can provide shooting conditions near the electronic camera 10, wireless communication is established based on a response from the mobile phone 40. Then, a pairing process for continuing the subsequent communication with each other is started. Then, identification information such as an ID number, a serial number, a serial number, etc. unique to the electronic camera 10 recorded in the memory 123 or the like (recording unit) as recording means of the electronic camera 10 for the mobile phone 40 (use of the electronic camera 10 Including identifying information to identify the person)
The data is transmitted to a communication device such as the mobile phone 40 via the communication unit 129 which is a transmission unit.

In the next step, the electronic camera 10 sends an "authentication code" (a form of photographing condition for restricting the photographing function to the mobile phone 40, even if the identification information specifies a user or an owner). Or identification information associated with the imaging condition).
The information processing means 116 of the electronic camera 10 (which has a part of the photographing means and also has a function as a collation means) transmits the “authentication code” that the communication means 129 wirelessly receives from the mobile phone 40 to the electronic device. The collation is performed to determine whether the identification information matches the identification information recorded in the memory serving as the recording unit of the camera 10. As a result of the collation, if the “authentication code” and the identification information match, the information processing means 116 sets the shooting mode to “authentication mode” that does not limit the shooting function, and sets each shooting mode. The subsequent photographing is performed based on this.

On the other hand, the image captured by the electronic camera 10 is
The subject image formed on the light receiving surface of the imaging unit 110 is photoelectrically converted and output to the image processing unit 120. The image data obtained in this way is stored in the image processing unit 12.
At 0, amplification and noise reduction processing are performed and stored in the frame memory 121 for a while. The information processing means 116
The image data stored in the frame memory 121 is sequentially transmitted to the D / A converter 133 and displayed on the display unit 132.

When a release button provided on the input means 118 is pressed, a mode for photographing a subject is entered. Then, the information processing means 116 transfers the image data stored in the frame memory 121 to the compression / decompression means 124 and outputs a command to execute the compression processing of the image data under a predetermined photographing condition. Then, a process of sequentially recording the image data on the recording medium 126 is performed on the recording medium interface 127. At this time, identification information unique to the electronic camera 10 or identification information of the mobile phone 40 (information such as a telephone number of the mobile phone, a serial key, etc.) for identifying the photographer is also recorded in the authentication code storage unit of the image file.

The authentication code storage unit for recording the “authentication code” may be a header of an image file,
The watermark may be embedded in the image itself. Note that the shooting conditions in the “unauthenticated mode” may be, for example, conditions that enable recording only with a coarse image of VGA size or less, conditions that prohibit shooting with a predetermined number of pixels or more, A condition that permits recording with image data with a small amount of image information equal to or higher than the compression ratio may be used. In addition, the shooting condition in the “authentication mode” may be a shooting condition that enables shooting at the maximum resolution, or a condition that permits recording of image data with a low compression ratio and a large amount of information. Is also good.

The photographing conditions in the "unauthenticated mode" include a photographing condition for inhibiting all photographing, a condition for setting a time period for restricting photographing, a photographing condition for inhibiting flash emission, and a recording device of a specific model. Shooting conditions for prohibiting shooting with an electronic camera, etc., shooting conditions for inserting predetermined information such as a “watermark” for declaring a copyright to a shot image, conditions regarding the resolution of the shot image information, or a recording device after shooting. May be a condition such as a photographing condition for limiting a dial tone generated by the user.

When transferring the photographed image to another communication device, communication with another communication device to which the image is to be transferred is established, and the transmission button provided on the input means 118 is pressed. Then, the information processing means 116 sequentially reads the designated image data from the recording medium 126, converts the read image data into a predetermined data format conforming to predetermined photographing conditions, and then performs another communication via the communication means 129 and the antenna 128. Execute processing to transmit to the device.

The reproduction process of the electronic camera 10 configured as described above will be described.

When the processing mode of the electronic camera 10 is set to the reproduction mode, first, the information processing means 1 of the electronic camera 10
Reference numeral 16 designates a “non-authentication mode”, which is a playback mode for limiting the image playback function. Then, the information processing unit 116 instructs the communication unit 129 to start short-range wireless communication. Then, wireless communication is started to search for a communication device that can provide an “authentication code” corresponding to the reproduction condition.
If there is a mobile phone 40 or the like owned by the user of the electronic camera 10 that can provide playback conditions near the electronic camera 10, wireless communication is established based on a response from the mobile phone 40. Then, a pairing process for continuing the subsequent communication with each other is started. And mobile phone 40
The identification information such as an ID number, a serial number, and a serial number unique to the electronic camera 10 recorded in the memory 123 and the like of the electronic camera 10 is transmitted to a communication device such as the mobile phone 40.

In the next step, the electronic camera 10 sends an "authentication code" (a form of reproduction condition for restricting the image reproduction function to the mobile phone 40, and specifies a user or an owner who executes reproduction). Identification information or identification information associated with the reproduction condition). The electronic camera 10 is a mobile phone 40
The “authentication code” wirelessly received from the electronic camera 10
Then, it is checked whether it matches the identification information of the same form as the “authentication code” recorded in the memory 123 or the image file instructed to be reproduced. If the result of the comparison shows that the “authentication code” matches the identification information,
The information processing means 116 sets the reproduction mode to the “authentication mode” in which the reproduction function is not restricted, and performs the subsequent reproduction processing based on each reproduction mode. If the “authentication code”, which is the playback condition for limiting the playback function, is not recorded in the image file, it is determined that the image data does not need to be played back, and the “authentication mode” is set. The recorded main image may be reproduced and displayed as it is.

In the image reproduction mode, a list of image files recorded on the recording medium 126 is displayed on the display unit 132 of the electronic camera 10. The list display of the image files may be a list display using characters, or a reduced image (also called a thumbnail image) in which the size of the main image is reduced may be displayed to notify the user in an easy-to-understand manner. .

The user operates the input means 118 while referring to the list of image files displayed on the display means 132 to select an image desired to be reproduced. The file information of the image selected by the user is transmitted to the information processing means 116, and the information processing means 116 performs a process of reading the image file selected by the user from the recording medium 126. The read image data is converted into image data for display by the compression / decompression means 124 and transmitted to the information processing means 116. If the “authentication code” is embedded in the image data, the “authentication code” is read out by the compression / decompression means 124.

The information processing means 116 determines whether the current reproduction mode of the electronic camera 10 is an “unauthenticated mode” for restricting image reproduction or an “authentication mode” for restricting image reproduction. The image data is converted and stored in the frame memory 121.

The image data stored in the frame memory 121 is sequentially transmitted to the D / A converter 133 and displayed on the display means 132.

The reproduction condition in the “unauthenticated mode” may be a condition for enabling reproduction only with a coarse image of, for example, VGA size or less, a condition for displaying only a reduced image, or an authenticated image. The condition may be such that only an image taken in the absence of the image can be reproduced. The playback conditions in the “unauthenticated mode” include playback conditions for prohibiting all playback,
Reproduction conditions for prohibiting reproduction with a predetermined number of pixels or more, reproduction conditions for inserting predetermined information such as a "watermark" for declaring copyright to an image, compression conditions for outputting an image, or resolution of an image to be reproduced Condition may be related to the condition.

The reproduction condition in the "authentication mode" may be a condition for setting a reproduction time, a reproduction condition enabling reproduction at the maximum resolution, or an "authentication code" is not recorded. The condition for permitting the reproduction of the image may be used, or when the “authentication code” recorded in the image file and the “authentication code” received during reproduction from the mobile phone 40 are different, only the reduced image is permitted to be displayed. Condition.

FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of the signal processing section of the mobile phone.

According to the figure, the information transmitting / receiving section of the portable telephone 40 includes a communication means 141 for a public line for performing wireless communication with the public line, a transmitting / receiving means 143 for the public line, a public line and a short-distance communication. A transmission / reception buffer 144 for temporarily storing information to be transmitted / received in real time when performing communication.
And a communication unit 145 for performing wireless communication with a communication device existing near the mobile phone 40, an antenna 146, and a transmission / reception unit 147.

Further, the portable telephone 40 has a display means 150 for displaying information such as communication status, radio wave intensity, remaining battery capacity, telephone number, image, etc., and a telephone number, image selection, information for transmitting or receiving information. An input unit 152 for inputting information when making a selection or the like is provided.

Further, an information processing means (CPU) 160 for controlling the whole of the mobile phone 40, a program for operating the information processing means 160, various constants, a telephone number, unique identification information for identifying an owner, a communication destination PROM 161 in which the address and the like are written, and the RAM 16 of the storage means serving as a work area when the information processing means 160 executes processing.
2 and a D / A converter 1 for converting digital audio data into analog audio data to drive the speaker 166
67 and an A / D converter 169 for converting audio data input from the microphone 168 into digital data.

Information processing means 160 in mobile phone 40,
Transmitting / receiving means 143, transmitting / receiving means 147, display means 15
0, each peripheral circuit including the input means 152, the PROM 161, and the RAM 162 are connected by communication means such as a bus line and an I / O, and the information processing means 160 can control each peripheral circuit. I have.

The communication device 145 for the peripheral device transmits and receives information to and from other communication devices by using communication means using radio waves, ultrasonic waves, light such as infrared rays, and the like. When using radio waves,
It may be based on the communication specification of “Bluetooth” which has been attracting attention in recent years.
May be based on the specification.

Hereinafter, a series of processes for transmitting an “authentication code” indicating a photographing condition or a reproducing condition to the electronic camera 10 will be described.

Communication means 145 for short distance of mobile phone 40
When the wireless communication with the electronic camera 10 is established, the communication device notifies that the communication device can transmit an “authentication code” serving as a shooting condition or a playback condition. Then, a pairing process for continuing the subsequent communication with each other is started.

Next, the communication means 145 of the mobile phone 40 transmits a unique ID for identifying the electronic camera 10 from the electronic camera 10.
And identification information such as a serial number, a serial number, or the like, or identification information for identifying the owner of the electronic camera 10. Then, the information processing means 160 of the mobile phone 40 stores the PROM 161
From the mobile phone 40 and unique identification information for identifying the owner of the mobile phone 40, and the identification information received from the electronic camera 10 and identified via the communication means 141 for the public line. To a communication device such as the server 90 of the first embodiment. Further, the server 90 may be requested to issue an “authentication code” as necessary.

As described above, instead of the mobile phone 40 receiving and acquiring the device-specific identification information from the electronic camera 10, the user may use the mobile phone 40 in advance to identify the electronic camera 10 May be input and recorded in recording means such as the PROM 161 of the mobile phone 40. In that case, the information processing means 1 of the mobile phone 40
60 reads out the identification information unique to the mobile phone 40 and the identification information unique to the electronic camera 10 from the PROM 161,
A specific server 90 via the communication means 141 for the public line
Etc. to the communication device.

Based on the identification information between the electronic camera 10 and the mobile phone 40 transmitted by the mobile phone 40, the server 90
An “authentication code” serving as a shooting condition or a playback condition of the electronic camera 10 is issued to the mobile phone 40. The “authentication code”
May be information in which the reproduction condition or the photographing condition of the electronic camera 10 is associated with the identification information issued by the mobile phone 40 to identify the user of the electronic camera 10. Further, the identification information issued by the mobile phone 40 may be a telephone number of the mobile phone 40 or the like. The “authentication code”
The information processing unit 160 of the mobile phone 40 that has received the “authentication code” via the communication unit 141
161 and the like, and transmitted to the electronic camera 10 via the short-range communication means 145.

FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of the signal processing unit of the server.

According to the figure, the server 90 includes the server 90
A display unit 192 for displaying information such as an operation status, a communication status, and an image, a display controller 193 for sequentially outputting information to be displayed on the display unit 192, and selecting an image and selecting information to be transmitted or received. And input means 194 for the user to input information.

The information transmitting / receiving unit of the server 90 includes a communication unit 197 for performing communication with a communication line network 196 such as a public line.
And an antenna 198 for wirelessly communicating with another communication device.
And communication means 199 for performing wireless communication.

The server 90 includes an information processing means (CPU) 200 for controlling the entire operation of the server 90, a program for operating the information processing means 200, various constants, a telephone number, and a unique identification for identifying an owner. ROM storing information, address of communication destination, etc., and information processing means 200
RAM of storage means serving as a work area when executing a process
And display means 192 comprising
Memory 206 for temporarily storing images to be displayed on
And recording means 208 for recording reproduction or recording conditions of each electronic camera, identification information for identifying a user, and the like.

Information processing means 200 in server 90, display controller 193, input means 194, communication means 19
7, communication means 199, memory 204, frame memory 2
Each of the peripheral circuits including 06 is connected by communication means such as a bus line 210 and I / O, and the information processing means 200 can control each peripheral circuit.

The recording means 208 records the reproduction conditions restricting the reproduction functions of the plurality of electronic cameras in association with the identification information specifying the user of each electronic camera or the identification information specifying each electronic camera 10. In addition, it is possible to record shooting conditions that limit shooting functions of a plurality of electronic cameras in association with identification information that specifies a user of each electronic camera or identification information that specifies each electronic camera. .

The communication means 197 or 1 of the server 90
Reference numeral 99 denotes unique identification information for identifying each electronic camera, identification information for identifying the user of the electronic camera 10, and unique identification information for identifying the telephone number of the mobile phone 40 or the owner of the mobile phone 40. Can be received. The communication means 197 or 199 of the server 90
The user selects the reproduction condition and the photographing condition of the electronic camera recorded in the recording unit 208 in association with the user of each electronic camera or the identification information specifying each electronic camera based on the received identification information, and carries the portable terminal. It can be transmitted to the telephone 40 or the like.

FIG. 5 shows the electronic camera 10 or the mobile phone 40.
4 is a table showing identification information unique to a user of the electronic camera 10 issued by the user.

As shown in the figure, a telephone number of each mobile phone (described as a mobile number in FIG. 5) is issued according to the users of the plurality of electronic cameras 10.

FIG. 6 is a chart showing the “authentication basic code” recorded by the recording means 208 of the server 90.

As shown in the figure, in each of the electronic cameras A to E, for example, identification information unique to each camera and an “authentication basic code” are recorded in association with each other.

FIG. 7 is a chart showing information on the availability of each electronic camera recorded by the recording means of the server 90.

As shown in the figure, which user can use which electronic camera is recorded in association with each other. Note that a mark “○” indicates that the electronic camera 10 is set to be usable in the “authentication mode”, and a mark “x” indicates that the electronic camera 10 can be used only in the “unauthenticated mode”.

Hereinafter, a case where “user a” shoots or reproduces an image using “camera A” in a state where the information shown in the tables of FIGS. 5 to 7 is recorded in the server 90. Will be described.

First, the mobile phone 40 owned by the “user a”
a is the camera-specific serial number “1234”
5678 ". Note that “camera A” includes identification information “AAA” unique to a device for authentication in addition to the serial number.
A "is also stored. And then, the mobile phone 40a
Along with the received camera-specific serial number, a mobile phone number "09011112222", which is identification information of the mobile phone 40a for specifying "user a", is transmitted to the server 90, and the server 90 receives an "authentication code". Request issuance of

The server 90 that has received the mobile number and the serial number unique to the electronic camera 10 can use “camera A” in “authentication mode” by comparing “user a” with the chart shown in FIG. Get the information that is. The information processing unit 200 of the server 90 uses the information of “AAA09011112222”, which is a combination of the “authentication basic code” recorded in the recording unit and the mobile number identifying “user a”, as the “authentication code” as the communication unit 197. Or, it transmits to the mobile phone 40a via 199.

The cellular phone 40a that has received the “authentication code” via communication means such as a public line transmits the “authentication code” to “camera A” via short-range wireless communication means. “Camera A” receiving the “authentication code”
Collates the device-specific identification information recorded in the recording means of “camera A” with the device-specific identification information “AAAAA” included in the upper part of the received “authentication code”.
In addition, “09011112222” included under the “authentication code”
May be used for authentication for identifying a user.

As a result of the collation, when it is determined that the identification information recorded by “camera A” matches the identification information included in the “authentication code” received from the mobile phone 40a, “ The photographing or reproduction mode of "camera A" is set to "authentication mode", and the subsequent processing is performed. Further, as a result of the comparison, the identification information recorded by “Camera A”
If it is determined that the identification information included in the “authentication code” received from the mobile phone 40a does not match, the shooting or playback mode of “camera A” is set to “unauthenticated mode” and the subsequent processing is performed. Is carried out.

When an image is shot by “Camera A”, “Camera A” is stored in the authentication code storage unit of the image file.
And the identification information for identifying the photographer are also recorded. When reproducing an image recorded in this way, a reproduction mode is set based on an “authentication code” (information on reproduction conditions) recorded in the image file.

Hereinafter, a case where “user b” shoots or reproduces an image using “camera C” while the information shown in the charts of FIGS. 5 to 7 is recorded in the server 90. Will be described.

First, the mobile phone 40 owned by “user b”
b is the device-specific serial number “1234” from “Camera C”.
1234 ”. It should be noted that “camera C” includes, in addition to the serial number, identification information “CCC
C "is also stored. And then, the mobile phone 40b
Along with the received camera-specific serial number, a mobile phone number "09011113333", which is identification information of the mobile phone 40b that identifies "user b", is transmitted to the server 90, and the server 90 receives an "authentication code". Request issuance of

The server 90 that has received the mobile number and the serial number unique to the electronic camera 10 does not allow “User b” to use “Camera C” in the “authentication mode” in the table shown in FIG. Get information about what is possible. The information processing unit 200 of the server 90 transmits the information indicating that the use of “camera C” is unavailable to the mobile phone 40 b via the communication unit 197 or 199.

The mobile phone 40b, which has received the unusable information via communication means such as a public line, transmits the unusable information to "camera C" via short-range wireless communication means. The “camera C” that has received the unusable information sets the shooting or playback mode of the “camera C” to “unauthenticated mode”.
And perform the subsequent processing.

FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of a pairing process in which the electronic camera 10 and the mobile phone 40 specify a communication destination.

When the mobile phone 40 is set in a communicable state,
The processing program executed by the information processing means of each communication device is “start” (hereinafter referred to as S200) in step S200 shown in FIG.
(Abbreviated as 200, etc.). The power of the electronic camera 10 is turned on in S102 “power on”, and the process proceeds to the next S104 “Pairing selection in setup mode” in order to perform communication with another specific communication device.

In the next step S106 “input of electronic camera administrator password”, for example, a password for identifying the owner of the electronic camera 10 is input by operating the input means 118.
In the next determination of S108 "password?", The information processing means 116 of the electronic camera 10 compares the password input by the user with a password previously recorded in a recording means such as the memory 123. The password identifying the owner of the electronic camera 10 recorded in the memory 123 or the like is recorded in a nonvolatile memory when the electronic camera 10 is manufactured. Also, this password is stored in the electronic camera 10.
May be configured so that the owner of the can be changed as appropriate.

If the result of the comparison in S108 is that the two passwords do not match, the processing of the information processing means 116 proceeds to S110 "Authentication processing failure", and a setting is imposed to impose restrictions on the subsequent shooting or reproduction processing. To And S12
0 Proceed to “end” to end the password collation processing.

If the result of the comparison in S108 is that both passwords match, the processing of the information processing means 116 proceeds to S112 "search for mobile phone". In S112, the wireless communication is started and the cellular phone 4 is started.
A process is performed to search for a communication device (such as the mobile phone 40) that can provide shooting conditions or playback conditions of the electronic camera 10 such as 0 in the wireless communication area.

On the other hand, the mobile phone 40 is also set to the setup mode and S202 “Pairin in the setup mode”.
g Select ”and select another specific communication device (electronic camera 10
(Corresponding to the above) is set in a state where communication with the user can be performed, and a search for a communication partner is started. When the wireless communication between the communication devices of the mobile phone 40 and the electronic camera 10 is synchronized, the communication connection process is completed. At this time, the display unit 132 of the electronic camera 10 displays the communication connection process 1 completed.
Alternatively, a list of the names of a plurality of communication devices and the like may be displayed, and the user may select a communication device with which communication will be performed thereafter.

In the next step S114 “select mobile phone”, for example, the mobile phone 40 is selected as a communication target. When the communication connection destination is determined, the process proceeds to the next S116 “Generate Pin Code and Send to Mobile Phone”, and information processing means 116 of electronic camera 10 sets “Pin” code (Personal Identification Numeral).
mber). The user reads this pin code, and the user inputs the pin code via the input unit 152 of the mobile phone 40 in S204 “user inputs the received pin code”.

The mobile phone 40 compares the input PIN code with the PIN code received from the electronic camera 10 and
If they match, S206 "communicate with the electronic camera and link
Generate and save a key "and link to authenticate each other
A key is generated and recorded in recording means such as the PROM 161. Then, the process proceeds to the next S120, and the authentication processing ends.

Further, the processing program of the electronic camera 10 proceeds to S118 “Generate and save a Link Key by communicating with a mobile phone” to generate a Link Key for authenticating each other and record it in a recording means such as the memory 123. . Then, the process proceeds to the next S120, and the authentication processing ends.

In general, in wireless communication, there is a case where communication can be established with a plurality of communication devices. Therefore, a pairing process is performed between the communication devices so that communication connection by automatic authentication can be performed from the next communication. I have to. Store the "Link Key", which is a key required for each communication device when performing pairing, and identification information such as an ID unique to the other communication device, and read and use these identification information from the next connection Thereby, the authentication processing is automatically realized.

The electronic camera 10 and the mobile phone 4
The pairing operation is performed between 0 and the electronic camera 10
The function at the time of use of the electronic camera 10 may be limited based on whether or not communication by automatic authentication is possible between the mobile phone 40 and the mobile phone 40, and a “Link Key” used at the time of connection may be used as an authentication code.

When the cellular phone 40 paired with the electronic camera 10 is not in the hands of the photographer, the communication by automatic authentication is not realized, so that it is used in the “unauthenticated mode”.

FIG. 9 shows a flowchart when the electronic camera 10 and the mobile phone 40 start communication and execute user authentication processing.

When the mobile phone 40 is set in a communicable state,
The processing program executed by the information processing means of each communication device branches to "start" in step S140 shown in FIG. When the power of the electronic camera 10 is turned on, the processing program of the electronic camera 10 proceeds to S142 “start in power-on non-authentication mode”, and executes the next S144 “search for peripheral devices” to perform communication with another specific communication device. Proceed to.

In S144, a process of starting wireless communication and searching for a communication device such as the mobile phone 40 in the wireless communication area is performed. The mobile phone 40 that has received the search signal issued by the electronic camera 10 performs the process of synchronizing the wireless communication between the communication devices with each other in S242 “Respond to the electronic camera” and transmits a response to the electronic camera 10. I do.

The processing program of the electronic camera 10 that has received the response proceeds to “establish transmission path” in S146, recognizes the mobile phone 40, and continues the subsequent communication. On the other hand, the processing program of the mobile phone 40 also proceeds to S244 “transmission path establishment”, and recognizes the electronic camera 10. And the next S246
In “authentication code transmission”, the “authentication code” is transmitted to the electronic camera 10.

The electronic camera 10 that has received the “authentication code” proceeds to “authentication processing” in S 148, and stores the identification information unique to the electronic camera 10 included in the received “authentication code” and the recording means of the electronic camera 10. Performs collation with the recorded identification information. As a result of the collation, if the both information match, in the next S150 “switch to authentication mode”, the mode of reproduction or photographing of the electronic camera 10 is set to “authentication mode”. Also, as a result of the collation,
If the two information do not match, the electronic camera 10
Is set to the “unauthenticated mode” and the subsequent processing is performed. Then, the process proceeds to the next S152 “end” to end the authentication processing routine.

FIG. 10 shows a flowchart of a photographing process performed by the electronic camera 10.

According to the figure, when the release button provided on the input means 118 of the electronic camera 10 is operated by the user, the information processing means 116 of the electronic camera 10
The processing program executed by (1) branches to "Start" in S160 and proceeds to the next "Input image from imaging means" in S162.

In S162, the imaging means 110 acquires an image at a predetermined timing. In the next S164 “color and pixel conversion processing of the signal from the imaging unit”, the imaging unit 1
The image signal output from 10 is transmitted to the image processing means 120 to perform image processing such as signal amplification, noise reduction processing, and pixel number conversion.

In the next step S166 “Storing the processed image data in the frame memory”, the image data obtained from the image processing means 120 is temporarily recorded in the frame memory 121. Next, in S168 “Compress image data”,
The information processing means 160 reads out the image data recorded in the previous frame memory 121 and transmits it to the compression / decompression means 124 to compress the image by a compression method and a compression ratio according to the photographing conditions.

In the next step S170 “Add authentication code to image data”, information indicating a reproduction condition such as “authentication code” is added to the authentication code storage section of the image file to be recorded.
In the next S172 “Record image data on recording medium”, a process of recording the image file on recording medium 126 is performed. When the recording of the image file is completed, the processing program of the electronic camera 10 proceeds to “End” in S174, ends the processing routine of shooting, and returns to the original processing routine.

FIG. 11 shows a flowchart of a reproducing process performed by the electronic camera 10.

According to the figure, when the processing mode of the electronic camera 10 is set to the reproduction mode, the processing program of the information processing means 116 of the electronic camera 10 branches to S180 “Start”. Then, the process proceeds to the next S182 “input image from recording medium”, and the recording medium 12
A reading process of the image file recorded in No. 6 is performed.

The information processing means 116 determines whether or not an “authentication code” indicating a reproduction condition has been added to the authentication code recording section of the read image file. If the “authentication code” has not been assigned, it is determined that the file is an image file to which no restriction is imposed on reproduction, and the processing program branches to “decompress main image” in S186 to add the image file. The recorded main image is decompressed and developed as it is into image data for display, and the next S1
A process of displaying an image on the display unit 132 or the like in 94 “Display image on display unit” is performed.

If the image file contains an “authentication code”
If the authentication code is recorded, the process proceeds to the next step S188 “Read and confirm authentication code”, reads the “authentication code” from the image file, and determines in step S190 “authentication code match?” A process for collating with an “authentication code” received from another communication device such as the telephone 40 is performed. As a result of the collation, if it is determined that both “authentication codes” match, the processing program branches to S186,
The main image is decompressed in the same manner as in the case where the above-mentioned “authentication code” is not recorded, and the process of directly displaying it on the display unit 132 or the like in the next S194 is performed.

In S190, both "authentication codes"
If they do not match, it is determined that the image file is an image file whose free reproduction is restricted, and the information processing unit 116
Reads the reduced image (thumbnail image) recorded in the image file and expands it into image data for display in the next S192 “decompress thumbnail image”,
At 4, it is displayed on the display means 132. Further, by performing processing such as reading out image data of the main image and thinning out pixels, the resolution of the image to be displayed is reduced and the display means 1 is reduced.
32 may be displayed.

When the image display processing is completed in S194, the processing program of the information processing means proceeds to S196 "End".
And returns to the original processing routine.

In the above embodiment, the electronic camera 10 is used as an authentication device for specifying a user when the electronic camera 10 is used by using the mobile phone 40. However, the present invention is not limited to the mobile phone 40. In addition, as long as the communication device is provided with a communication unit, the object of the present invention can be achieved even with a PDA, a portable personal computer, or the like.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which one mobile phone 40 is used for one electronic camera 10 has been described. However, a communication device or an antenna in place of the mobile phone 40 may be installed in a certain area at regular intervals. , The electronic camera 10 may be used only in a specific area such as an amusement park or a theme park. Alternatively, the communication device or antenna may be installed in an art museum, a museum, or the like, and shooting conditions for limiting shooting may be set in a place where shooting is restricted.

In the above embodiment, the embodiment has been described in which the electronic camera 10 acquires the “authentication code” when establishing the wireless communication. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the electronic camera 10 is not limited to this. The authentication process may be performed upon receiving the “authentication code”.

In the above embodiment, the server 90
Has been described in the embodiment in which the information shown in FIG. 5 to FIG. 7 is recorded in advance and an “authentication code” for specifying the shooting or reproduction condition of the electronic camera 10 is output to the electronic camera 10. Is not limited to this, the mobile phone 40 records the information shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 in advance, and sends an “authentication code” specifying the shooting or playback conditions of the electronic camera 10 to the electronic camera 10. Alternatively, the information shown in FIGS. 5 to 7 may be recorded in the electronic camera 10 in advance, and identification information for identifying the user may be obtained from each mobile phone to determine the shooting or playback conditions. Even if it is set, the object of the present invention can be achieved.

[0111]

As described above, according to the communication device of the present invention, a communication means capable of wirelessly receiving a reproduction condition for limiting an image reproduction function from another communication device,
Since there is provided a reproducing unit that reproduces an image based on the received reproduction condition, it is possible to limit a function that can be used by easily specifying a user who uses the communication device.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a recording means for prerecording first identification information for specifying a first user of a communication device, a reproduction condition for restricting a reproduction function related to image reproduction, and Communication means capable of wirelessly receiving second identification information that is associated identification information and specifies a second user of the communication device from another communication device; Since there are provided matching means for matching the first identification information to be specified and second identification information to specify the second user, and playback means for playing back an image based on the result of the matching, The functions that can be used can be limited by easily specifying the user who uses the communication device.

According to another aspect of the present invention, an image and
Recording means for associating and recording a first reproduction condition for restricting the image reproduction function; receiving means for receiving a second reproduction condition for restricting the image reproduction function from another communication device; And a reproducing unit that reproduces an image based on the result of the collation, so that a user using the communication device can be easily operated. By specifying it, it becomes possible to limit the functions that can be used.

Further, since the electronic camera is provided with a function of automatically recognizing the user, the load for user authentication can be reduced without forcing the user to perform special authentication work. It is possible to specify a person and restrict shooting and reproduction. Also, by recording the authentication data in association with the image or embedding the authentication data in the image, it is possible to limit the persons who can view the image data.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a communication system including an electronic camera and a communication device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a signal processing system of the electronic camera.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a signal processing unit of the mobile phone.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a signal processing unit of the server.

FIG. 5 is a table showing identification information unique to a user of an electronic camera or an electronic camera issued by a mobile phone.

FIG. 6 is a table showing an “authentication basic code” recorded by a recording unit of the server.

FIG. 7 is a table showing information on availability of each electronic camera recorded by a recording unit of the server.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a pairing process performed by the electronic camera and the mobile phone.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart when the electronic camera and the mobile phone start communication and perform user authentication processing;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a shooting process performed by the electronic camera.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a reproduction process performed by the electronic camera.

[Explanation of symbols]

10: electronic camera, 40: mobile phone, 90: server, 1
Reference Signs List 10 imaging means 116 information processing means 118 input means 120 image processing means 121 frame memory 123 memory 124 compression decompression means 126
Recording medium, 127 ... recording medium interface, 128
... antenna, 129 ... communication means, 132 ... display means, 1
33 D / A converter, 134 character generator, 141 communication means, 142 antenna, 143 transmission / reception means, 144 transmission / reception buffer, 145 communication means, 146 antenna, 147 transmission / reception means, 150 ...
Display means, 152 input means, 160 information processing means,
161, PROM, 162, RAM, 166, speaker, 167, D / A converter, 168, microphone, 169
A / D converter, 192 display means, 193 display controller, 194 input means, 196 communication network, 19
7 communication means, 198 antenna, 199 communication means,
200: information processing means, 204: memory, 206: frame memory, 208: recording means, 210: bus line

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04N 5/907 H04B 7/26 109S 5K067 7/18 H04L 9/00 673A F-term (Reference) 5C022 AA13 AC01 AC32 AC42 5C052 AA17 CC11 DD02 DD10 GA02 GA06 GA08 GB01 GB06 GB09 GC05 GE08 5C053 FA08 GA11 GB36 JA30 LA01 LA14 LA20 5C054 AA05 DA09 EJ01 EJ04 FF03 GB04 GD07 5J104 AA07 AA14 KA01 KA02 KA15 MA03 AE03 FB03 EB03 AE05 FF31 HH22 HH23 HH24 KK15

Claims (21)

[Claims] 1. A communication unit capable of wirelessly receiving a reproduction condition for restricting an image reproduction function from another communication device, and a reproduction unit for reproducing an image based on the received reproduction condition. A communication device comprising: 2. The reproduction conditions include a reproduction condition for prohibiting all reproduction, a condition for setting a time for restricting reproduction, a reproduction condition for prohibiting reproduction with a predetermined number of pixels or more, and a copyright for an image. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the communication device is a reproduction condition for inserting predetermined information to be declared, a compression condition for outputting an image, or a condition related to the resolution of the reproduced image. 3. The communication unit includes: a photographing unit that wirelessly receives a photographing condition for restricting a photographing function from another communication device, and performs photographing based on the received photographing condition. 3. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein 4. The photographing condition includes a photographing condition for inhibiting all photographing, a condition for setting a time period for restricting photographing, a photographing condition for inhibiting flash emission, and a photographing for inhibiting photographing with a predetermined number of pixels or more. Conditions, shooting conditions for prohibiting shooting with a specific type of recording device, shooting conditions for inserting predetermined information declaring copyright to the shot image, compression conditions for the shot image, resolution of the shot image information 4. The communication device according to claim 3, wherein the communication device is a condition related to a condition related to the transmission of a recording device after the photographing. 5. A first method for specifying a first user of a communication device.
Recording means for pre-recording the identification information of the communication device, and identification information associated with a reproduction condition for restricting a reproduction function relating to reproduction of an image.
Communication means capable of wirelessly receiving second identification information for specifying the first user from another communication device; first identification information for specifying the first user;
A communication device, comprising: matching means for matching with second identification information for specifying a user of the above; and reproducing means for reproducing an image based on a result of the matching. 6. A first device for specifying a first user of a communication device.
Recording means for pre-recording the identification information of the communication device, and second identification information for identifying a second user of the communication device, which is identification information associated with a photographing condition for restricting a photographing function related to photographing. Communication means capable of receiving wirelessly from a communication device; collation means for collating identification information identifying the first user with identification information identifying the second user; and a result of the collation A communication device comprising: a photographing unit that performs photographing based on: 7. A recording means for recording an image in association with a first reproduction condition for restricting the reproduction function of the image, and receiving a second reproduction condition for restricting the reproduction function of the image from another communication device. Receiving means for comparing the first reproduction condition with the second reproduction condition; and reproducing means for reproducing an image based on a result of the comparison. Communication equipment. 8. An image capturing device for capturing an image of a subject to obtain an image, wherein the recording device records the image captured and associated with the received second reproduction condition, and records the image. 8. The communication device according to claim 7, wherein the reproducing unit reproduces an image based on a result of the comparison or the second reproduction condition. 9. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the first and second reproduction conditions include identification information unique to a communication device, identification information for specifying a photographer, or identification information for specifying a person to be reproduced. Or the communication device of 8. 10. A recording unit for recording identification information unique to its own communication device, and transmission means for reading the identification information recorded in the recording unit and transmitting the identification information to another communication device. Any one of claims 1 to 9
Communication equipment. 11. A recording means for recording a reproduction condition for restricting an image reproduction function of an electronic camera in association with first identification information for specifying a user of the electronic camera, and a recording means for recording a user of the electronic camera. Receiving means for receiving the second identification information; transmission for reading and transmitting the playback condition of the electronic camera recorded in the recording means in association with the first identification information based on the received second identification information A communication device comprising: means. 12. The recording device according to claim 1, wherein the recording unit records a photographing condition for restricting a photographing function of the electronic camera in association with the first identification information. 12. The communication device according to claim 11, wherein a photographing condition of the electronic camera recorded in association with the first identification information is transmitted to a recording unit. 13. A recording means for recording a reproduction condition for restricting a reproduction function of an image of an electronic camera in association with identification information for identifying a user of the electronic camera, and recording the information in the recording means in association with the identification information. A transmission unit for transmitting reproduction conditions of the electronic camera. 14. The recording means records the photographing condition for restricting the photographing function of the electronic camera in association with the identification information, and the transmitting means records the photographing condition of the electronic camera recorded in association with the identification information. 14. The communication device according to claim 13, wherein 15. The communication device according to claim 11, wherein the first or second identification information is a telephone number of a mobile phone. 16. A first communication unit capable of wirelessly receiving a reproduction condition for restricting an image reproduction function from another communication device, and a reproduction unit for reproducing an image based on the received reproduction condition. A first communication device comprising: a first communication device that records first identification information that specifies a user of the first communication device; and a first communication device that is stored in the first recording device. A second communication device including second communication means for transmitting the first identification information to another communication device; and a reproduction condition for limiting an image reproduction function of the first communication device. A second recording unit that records in association with second identification information that specifies a user of the communication device; a reception unit that receives first identification information that specifies a user of the first communication device; The second recording unit stores the second identification information based on the received first identification information. Communication system, wherein the third communication device having a transmission means for transmitting reads the reproduction condition of the first communication device of the image being recorded in association with another information, in that it consists of. 17. The first communication device of the first communication device wirelessly receives a photographing condition for restricting a photographing function from another communication device, wherein the first communication device communicates with the received photographing condition. The second recording means of the third communication device sets a photographing condition for restricting a photographing function of the first communication device to a user of the first communication device. The transmitting means of the third communication device associates the second identification information with the second identification information based on the received first identification information, and records the information in association with the second identification information to be specified. 17. The communication system according to claim 16, further comprising: reading and transmitting an image capturing condition of the image of the first communication device recorded in advance. 18. A recording means for pre-recording first identification information for specifying a first user of a first communication device, a reproduction condition for restricting a reproduction function of the first communication device for reproducing an image, and The associated identification information and the first
Communication means capable of wirelessly receiving, from the second communication device, second identification information for specifying a second user of the communication device, the first identification information and the second identification information A first communication device comprising: a matching unit that matches the first communication device; and a reproducing unit that reproduces an image based on the result of the matching; and a second device that specifies a second user of the first communication device. And a second communication device comprising transmission means for transmitting the identification information to the first communication device. 19. A recording means for pre-recording first identification information for specifying a first user of the electronic camera, and identification information associated with a photographing condition for restricting a photographing function relating to photographing of the electronic camera. Communication means capable of wirelessly receiving second identification information for specifying a second user of the electronic camera from another communication device; and communicating the first identification information and the second identification information with each other. An electronic camera including a collating unit for collating, and a photographing unit for photographing based on the result of the collation; and transmitting second identification information for specifying a second user of the electronic camera to the electronic camera. A communication device, comprising: a communication device provided with a transmission unit; 20. A first recording means for recording an image in association with a first reproduction condition for restricting the reproduction function of the image, and a second reproduction condition for restricting the reproduction function of the image by another communication. First communication means for receiving from a device, collation means for collating the first reproduction condition with the second reproduction condition,
A first communication device including reproduction means for reproducing an image based on the result of the collation, and a second recording means for recording first identification information for identifying a user of the first communication device A second communication device comprising: a first communication device configured to transmit first identification information recorded in the second recording device to another communication device; and A third recording unit that records the second reproduction condition of the image in association with second identification information that specifies a user of the first communication device; and a third recording unit that specifies a user of the first communication device. Receiving means for receiving the first identification information, and reading the second reproduction condition recorded in the third recording means in association with the second identification information based on the received first identification information A third communication device provided with a transmitting means for transmitting by means of Communication system to be. 21. The first communication device includes an imaging unit that captures an image of a subject to obtain an image, and the first recording unit of the first communication device includes an image capturing unit that captures the captured image and The reproduction condition of the first communication device is recorded in association with the received reproduction condition, and the reproduction device of the first communication device reproduces an image based on the result of the comparison or the second reproduction condition. Item 20. The communication system according to Item 20.