JP2002369054A - Electronic picture device and electronic picture system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the security of a picture to be transferred in an electronic picture device or an electronic picture system such as an electronic camera with a communicating function of transferring a picture with the outside. SOLUTION: In the case of transmitting a picture, a transmission side transmits a transmission picture with added transfer inhibition information for inhibiting the transfer of a transmission picture. In the case of transmitting a received picture to the outside, a reception side checks whether or not the received picture has the transfer inhibition information added, and when the received picture has the transfer inhibition information added, the reception side inhibits the transfer of the received picture to the outside.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electronic image device such as an electronic camera and an electronic image system using the same.
The present invention relates to an electronic image apparatus and an electronic image system for reproducing / erasing an electronic image transmitted / received from / to an external device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known an electronic camera that records an electronic image (digital image) captured via an image sensor on a recording medium such as a memory card. The electronic image converted into an electrical signal in this way is also suitable for electronic processing such as communication, and the captured electronic image can be converted to an electronic camera with a communication function or an image display function through a telephone line or the Internet. By transmitting / receiving, reproducing / erasing each other between portable electronic imaging devices such as mobile phones,
An electronic imaging system for communicating between users of a portable electronic imaging device is also known. Recently, with the increase in the speed and capacity of communication lines, images having a relatively large data capacity have been increasingly exchanged between individuals using mobile phones and the like.

[0003]

However, the above-mentioned conventional electronic image apparatus and electronic image system have the following disadvantages. -When images are frequently transmitted and received between individuals using a communication line, the storage capacity of the image storage memory is small in small portable electronic imaging devices such as PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) and mobile phones with image display function. Processing, such as extracting a desired image from the images once stored in the image storage memory and transmitting the necessary images to the outside in the future for backup or deleting unnecessary images. Although it must be performed frequently, such processing cannot be performed efficiently and in a short time in the conventional electronic image apparatus and electronic image system.・ If too many images are packed in the image storage memory of a small portable electronic imaging device for personal use, a desired image is selected and processing such as reproduction, transmission, and deletion is performed. It took a lot of operations and time, so it was not possible to easily enjoy communication using images. If all images are processed collectively to simplify processing such as playing, erasing, and transmitting images,
There is a risk that operations such as reproduction, deletion, transmission, etc. may be performed on images other than the desired image by mistake.・ Although small portable electronic imaging devices for personal use are often shared and used by multiple people, when exchanging images between individuals, storage, playback, deletion, transmission, reception of images on an individual basis Insufficient security for image operations such as
There was a risk that transmitted images would be transferred to strangers without seeing them, which hindered the development of communication via images.・ In addition, when exchanging images between individuals, the user interface information at the time of image transmission / reception was insufficient, and efficient (communication time, communication charge) image transmission / reception could not be performed. , It takes time to set various items such as image transmission / reception destination and image selection.
There was a waste of sending the same image twice to the same destination or incurring a high transmission fee. Also, when exchanging images between individuals in this way, it is not possible to efficiently and intuitively confirm the sender, photographer, or owner of the received image as necessary, and the sender or photographer It took time to verify the origin or ownership.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a portable electronic image device which can be described below and an electronic image system using the same.・ Effective (short-time, simple) extraction of images transmitted / received using the communication line according to the purpose of image backup and deletion, etc., as well as reproduction / deletion / transmission of unintended images by mistake To prevent accidents. -By improving the security of operations such as saving, playing, erasing, sending, and receiving images, it is possible to prevent images from being seen or circulated by an unspecified number of people.・ Efficient and timely image transmission / reception by enhancing user interface information when transmitting / receiving images using portable electronic imaging devices such as electronic cameras with communication functions and mobile phones with image display functions To provide a good communication environment using images.

[0005]

To achieve the above object, in an electronic image system according to the present invention, a first storage means for storing electronic image information, and a first storage means for storing electronic image information. A first communication unit for transmitting the electronic image information to the outside, and attaching control information for further restricting transmission of the electronic image information from the transmission destination to the outside to the electronic image information and transmitting the first communication unit; A first electronic image device comprising: a first electronic image device; a second storage device for storing electronic image information; and a device for receiving the electronic image information sent from the first communication device and the control information attached to the electronic image information. A second communication unit for storing the received electronic image information and control information in the second storage unit, and transmitting the electronic image information stored in the second storage unit to the outside, The receiver stored in the storage means When the electronic image information is transmitted to the outside by the second communication means, the received electronic image information is transmitted to the outside by the second communication means in accordance with the control information attached to the received electronic image information. And a second electronic image device having a control unit for restricting transmission.

In the electronic image system according to the second aspect of the present invention, in the electronic image system according to the first aspect, the control information is transfer prohibition information for prohibiting further transmission of the electronic image information from the transmission destination to the outside. Wherein the control means of the second electronic imaging device prohibits the transmission of the received electronic image information to which the transfer prohibition information is attached to the outside by the second communication means in accordance with the transfer prohibition information. It is characterized by doing.

In the electronic image system according to the third aspect of the present invention, in the electronic image system according to the first aspect, the control information limits the number of transmissions when the electronic image information is further transmitted from the transmission destination to the outside. The transmission number limitation information, wherein the control means of the second electronic imaging device determines the number of transmissions when transmitting the received electronic image information to which the transmission number limitation information is attached to the outside by the second communication means. The transmission frequency is limited according to the transmission frequency restriction information.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic image system according to the first aspect, the control information is transfer count restriction information for limiting a transfer count when electronic image information is transferred. The control means of the second electronic image device, when transmitting the received electronic image information attached with the transfer count restriction information to the outside by the second communication means, in the second storage means The transfer count included in the stored transfer count limit information is decremented to create transfer count limit information, and the transfer count limit information is attached to the received electronic image information to be transmitted and stored in the second storage unit. If the transfer count included in the transferred transfer count restriction information is 0, it is prohibited to transmit the received electronic image information with the transfer count information attached to the outside by the second communication means. Characterized in that it.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic image apparatus, comprising: storage means for storing electronic image information; receiving electronic image information sent from outside and control information attached to the electronic image information; Communication means for storing the received electronic image information and control information stored in the storage means, transmitting the received electronic image information stored in the storage means to the outside, and transmitting the received electronic image information stored in the storage means to the communication means. Control means for restricting transmission of the received electronic image information by the communication means in accordance with the control information attached to the received electronic image information when transmitting to the outside by means. .

In the electronic image apparatus according to the present invention, the control information is transfer prohibition information for inhibiting further transmission of the electronic image information from the destination to the outside. Wherein the control means comprises:
The transmission of the received electronic image information to which the transfer prohibition information is attached to the outside by the communication means is prohibited in accordance with the transfer prohibition information.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the electronic image apparatus according to the fifth aspect, the control information limits the number of transmissions when the electronic image information is further transmitted from the transmission destination to the outside. Transmission number limitation information, wherein the control means limits the number of times that the electronic means transmits the received electronic image information to which the transmission number limitation information is attached to the outside according to the transmission number limitation information. I do.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic image apparatus according to the fifth aspect, the control information is transfer count restriction information for limiting a transfer count when transferring the electronic image information. The control means decrements the transfer count included in the transfer count restriction information stored in the storage means when transmitting the received electronic image information attached with the transfer count restriction information to the outside by the communication means. Create transfer count restriction information, and attach the transfer count restriction information to the received electronic image information to be transmitted,
When the transfer count of the transfer count restriction information stored in the storage means is 0, transmission of the received electronic image information with the transfer count restriction information attached to the outside by the communication means is prohibited. And

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic imaging apparatus according to the fifth aspect, the control information includes time information or date and time information, and the control means is stored in the storage means. When transmitting the received electronic image information to the outside by the communication means, restricting the transmission of the received electronic image information with the control information to the outside by the communication means according to the time information or the date and time information. It is characterized by doing.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic imaging apparatus according to the ninth aspect, the control means attaches the control information to a period corresponding to the time information or the date and time information. The transmission of the received electronic image information to the outside by the communication means is prohibited.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the electronic imaging device according to the fifth aspect, the control information includes destination information, and the control unit controls the reception electronic information stored in the storage unit. When the image information is transmitted to the outside by the communication means, transmission of the received electronic image information to which the control information is attached to a destination corresponding to the destination information is prohibited.

In the electronic image system according to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the first storage means for storing the electronic image information, the electronic image information stored in the first storage means are transmitted to the outside, and A first electronic image apparatus comprising: a first communication unit that attaches control information for limiting processing of electronic image information at a transmission destination when transmitting image information to the electronic image information and transmits the control information. Receiving the electronic image information and control information attached to the electronic image information sent from the first communication means, and receiving the received electronic image information and control information. The second
Communication means for storing the received electronic image information stored in the storage means, processing means for performing predetermined processing on the received electronic image information stored in the storage means, and processing of the processing means for the received electronic image information attached with the control information. A second electronic image apparatus comprising: a control unit that controls according to the control information.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic image system according to the twelfth aspect, the processing means is a printing means for printing electronic image information stored in the second storage means. The control information is print prohibition information for prohibiting printing of the electronic image information to be transmitted at a destination, and the control unit prints the received electronic image information attached with the print prohibition information by the printing unit. Is prohibited in accordance with the print prohibition information.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic image system according to the twelfth aspect, the processing means is processing means for processing the electronic image information stored in the second storage means. The control information is processing prohibition information for prohibiting processing of electronic image information to be transmitted at a transmission destination, and the control means processes the received electronic image information attached with the processing prohibition information by the processing means. Is prohibited in accordance with the processing prohibition information.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic image system according to the twelfth aspect, the processing means is a display means for displaying electronic image information stored in the second storage means. The control information is display restriction information for restricting display of electronic image information to be transmitted at a transmission destination, and the control unit displays received electronic image information to which the display restriction information is attached by the display unit. Is restricted according to the display restriction information.

In the electronic image system according to the sixteenth aspect, in the electronic image system according to the twelfth aspect, the processing means is an erasing means for erasing the electronic image information stored in the second storage means. Yes, the control information is time information for erasing the electronic image information to be transmitted after a fixed time at the transmission destination, and the control means measures the elapsed time after receiving the received electronic image information, When the elapsed time reaches the time information stored in the second storage means, the received electronic image information attached with the time information is erased from the second storage means by the erasing means. Features.

In the electronic image system according to the seventeenth aspect, in the electronic image system according to the twelfth aspect, the processing means is an erasing means for erasing the electronic image information stored in the second storage means. The control information is date and time information for erasing electronic image information to be transmitted at a transmission destination at a specified date and time. When the stored date and time information is reached, the received electronic image information to which the date and time information is attached is deleted from the second storage unit by the deleting unit.

In the electronic image system according to the eighteenth aspect, in the electronic image system according to the twelfth aspect, the second electronic image device stores the electronic image information stored in the second storage means. Display means for reproducing and displaying, wherein the processing means is erasing means for erasing the electronic image information stored in the second storage means, and the control information reproduces the electronic image information to be transmitted at a destination a predetermined number of times. The control means counts the number of times each electronic image information has been reproduced by the display means, and the counted number of times has reached the number of times of reproduction information stored in the storage means. In this case, after the reproduction is completed, the received electronic image information to which the reproduction number information is attached is erased from the second storage means by the erasing means.

In the electronic image apparatus according to the nineteenth aspect of the present invention, the storage means for storing the electronic image information, the electronic image information sent from outside and the control information attached to the electronic image information are received and received. Communication means for storing the stored electronic image information and control information in the storage means, processing means for performing predetermined processing on the electronic image information stored in the storage means, and received electronic image information to which the control information is attached And control means for controlling the processing of the processing means in response to the control information.

According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic imaging apparatus according to the nineteenth aspect, the processing means is printing means for printing electronic image information stored in the storage means. The control information is print prohibition information that prohibits the transmitted electronic image information from being printed at the destination, and the control unit prints the received electronic image information to which the print prohibition information is attached by the printing unit. Is prohibited in accordance with the print prohibition information.

According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, in the electronic image apparatus according to the nineteenth aspect, the processing means is processing means for processing electronic image information stored in the storage means, The control information is processing prohibition information for prohibiting the transmitted electronic image information from being processed at the transmission destination, and the control means processes the received electronic image information attached with the processing prohibition information by the processing means. Is prohibited in accordance with the processing prohibition information.

In the electronic image apparatus according to the present invention, the processing means may be a display means for displaying electronic image information stored in the storage means. The control information is display restriction information for restricting the transmitted electronic image information from being displayed at the transmission destination, and the control unit displays the received electronic image information with the display restriction information attached by the display unit. Is restricted according to the display restriction information.

According to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, in the electronic imaging device according to the nineteenth aspect, the processing means is an erasing means for erasing electronic image information stored in the storage means. The control information is time information for erasing the transmitted electronic image information at a destination after a predetermined time, and the control means measures an elapsed time since receiving the received electronic image information, and When the time reaches the time information stored in the storage means, the received electronic image information attached with the time information is erased from the storage means by the erasing means.

According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic imaging apparatus according to the nineteenth aspect, the processing means is an erasing means for erasing electronic image information stored in the storage means. The control information is date and time information for erasing the transmitted electronic image information at a designated date and time at the transmission destination. When the date and time information reaches the received electronic image information, the received electronic image information attached with the date and time information is erased from the storage unit by the erasing unit.

According to a twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the electronic image apparatus according to the nineteenth aspect, further comprising a display unit for reproducing and displaying the electronic image information stored in the storage unit. An erasing unit for erasing the electronic image information stored in the storage unit, wherein the control information is reproduction number information for erasing the transmitted electronic image information after a predetermined number of reproductions at a transmission destination; Counts the number of times of reproduction of each electronic image information by the display means, and if the counted number of times of reproduction reaches the number of times of reproduction stored in the storage means, the number of times of reproduction is attached after the reproduction is completed. The received electronic image information is erased from the storage means by the erasing means.

[0030] In the electronic imaging apparatus according to the twenty-sixth aspect, in the electronic imaging apparatus according to the nineteenth aspect, the control information includes time information or date and time information, and the control means attaches the control information. A period in which the processing of the processing means for the received electronic image information is controlled according to the control information is limited according to the time information or the date and time information.

According to a twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention, in the electronic imaging device according to the nineteenth aspect, the control information is time information or date and time information, and the control means is configured to control the time information or the date and time. The processing of the processing unit with respect to the received electronic image information to which the control information is attached is prohibited during a period corresponding to the information.

In the electronic image system or the electronic image apparatus according to the twenty-eighth aspect of the present invention,
7. The electronic image system or the electronic image device according to 7, wherein the control information attached to the received electronic image information is prohibited from being rewritten by the electronic image device that has received the electronic image information. I do.

In the electronic image system according to the present invention, the first storage means for storing the electronic image information and the electronic image information stored in the first storage means are transmitted to an external destination. Along with the electronic image information, after transmitting the electronic image information to the outside, image identification information for identifying the electronic image information and command information for instructing a process at a destination of the electronic image information are the same as the electronic image information A first electronic image device having first communication means for transmitting to a destination, a second storage means for storing electronic image information, and receiving electronic image information sent from the first communication means. Storing the received electronic image information in the second storage means, detecting source information of the electronic image information, and associating the detected source information with the electronic image information, Remember in the means And a second communication unit for receiving the command information and the image identification information sent from the first communication unit after receiving the electronic image information, and an electronic image information stored in the second storage unit. Processing means for performing a predetermined process, and detecting the transmission source information of the command information received by the second communication means, the detected transmission source information corresponds to the received electronic image information specified by the image identification information Control means for executing processing according to the command information by the processing means on the received electronic image information when the received electronic image information matches the transmission source information stored in the second storage means. And an electronic image device.

In the electronic image system according to the present invention, the processing means is a printing means for printing the electronic image information stored in the second storage means. The command information is print prohibition information for prohibiting printing of the transmitted electronic image information at a transmission destination, and the control unit prints the received electronic image information specified by the image identification information by the printing unit. Is prohibited in accordance with the print prohibition information.

According to a thirty-first aspect of the present invention, in the electronic image system according to the thirty-ninth aspect, the processing means is processing means for processing electronic image information stored in the second storage means. The command information is processing prohibition information for prohibiting processing of transmitted electronic image information at a transmission destination, and the control unit processes the received electronic image information designated by the image identification information by the processing unit. Is prohibited in accordance with the processing prohibition information.

In the electronic image system according to the thirty-second aspect, in the electronic image system according to the thirty-ninth aspect, the processing means is a display means for displaying electronic image information stored in the second storage means. The command information is display restriction information for restricting display of transmitted electronic image information at a transmission destination, and the control unit displays received electronic image information designated by the image identification information on the display unit. Is restricted according to the display restriction information.

According to a thirty-third aspect of the present invention, in the electronic image system according to the thirty-ninth aspect, the processing means is an erasing means for erasing electronic image information stored in the second storage means. The command information is erasure command information for erasing transmitted electronic image information, and the control means stores the received electronic image information specified by the image identification information in the second storage in accordance with the erasure command information. And means for erasing from the means by the erasing means.

In the electronic image system according to the thirty-fourth aspect, in the electronic image system according to the twenty-ninth aspect, the processing means transmits the electronic image information stored in the second storage means to the second communication means. Means for transferring to the outside by means, the command information is transfer inhibition information for inhibiting further transmission of the transmitted electronic image information from the transmission destination, and the control means is specified by the image identification information. The transfer of the received electronic image information to the outside by the transfer means is prohibited in accordance with the transfer prohibition information.

In the electronic image apparatus according to the present invention, the storage means for storing the electronic image information, the electronic image information sent from the outside is received, and the received electronic image information is stored in the storage means. At the same time, detecting the transmission source information of the electronic image information, storing the transmission source information in the storage unit in association with the electronic image information, and processing the electronic image information after receiving the electronic image information Communication means for receiving command information sent from the outside and image identification information for identifying the electronic image information, processing means for performing predetermined processing on the electronic image information stored in the storage means, The communication unit detects source information of the command information received, and the detected source information corresponds to the received electronic image information specified by the image identification information, and the second storage unit If they match the stored source information is characterized in that to said receiving electronic image information and a control means for executing processing corresponding to the command information by the processing means.

According to a thirty-sixth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic image device according to the thirty-fifth aspect, the processing means is a printing means for printing electronic image information stored in the storage means, The command information is print prohibition information that prohibits the transmitted electronic image information from being printed at the transmission destination, and the control unit causes the received electronic image information specified by the image identification information to be printed by the printing unit. The printing is prohibited according to the print prohibition information.

According to a thirty-seventh aspect of the present invention, in the electronic imaging device according to the thirty-fifth aspect, the processing means is processing means for processing electronic image information stored in the storage means. The command information is processing prohibition information that prohibits processing of the transmitted electronic image information at the transmission destination, and the control unit performs processing of the received electronic image information specified by the image identification information by the processing unit. The prohibition is performed according to the processing prohibition information.

In the electronic image apparatus according to the present invention, the processing means is a display means for displaying electronic image information stored in the storage means. The command information is display restriction information for restricting display of the transmitted electronic image information at the transmission destination, and the control unit displays the received electronic image information specified by the image identification information on the display unit. The restriction is made according to the display restriction information.

According to a thirty-ninth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic image device of the thirty-fifth aspect, the processing means is an erasing means for erasing electronic image information stored in the storage means. The command information is erasure command information for erasing the transmitted electronic image information. It is characterized by erasing by means.

In the electronic image apparatus according to the invention, the processing means transfers the electronic image information stored in the storage means to the outside by the communication means. Transfer means, wherein the command information is transfer prohibition information for inhibiting further transmission of the transmitted electronic image information from a transmission destination, and the control means transmits the received electronic image information specified by the image identification information to the The transfer to the outside by the transfer means is prohibited in accordance with the transfer prohibition information.

In the electronic image apparatus according to the present invention, the command information includes time information or date and time information, and the control means designates the image information by the image identification information. A period during which the processing of the processing means on the received electronic image information is controlled in accordance with the command information is limited in accordance with the time information or the date and time information.

In the electronic imaging apparatus according to the present invention, the command information may be time information or date and time information, and the control means may control the time information or the date and time. The processing of the processing means for the received electronic image information specified by the image identification information is prohibited during a period corresponding to the information.

[0047]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of an electronic camera to which the present invention is applied and an electronic image transmission / reception system using the electronic camera. In FIG. 1, an electronic camera 100
Has a wireless communication function and communicates with the wireless base station 120 via the wireless mobile phone line 110. The wireless base station 120 is a wired or wireless general public telephone line or the Internet 1
A personal computer 140 and an image database 150 are connected by 30 and further connected to another electronic camera 170 via a wireless base station 160.

In such a configuration, the electronic camera 10
The electronic (digital) image data captured by the camera 0 is transmitted and stored in the personal computer 140 and the image database 150 via the wireless cellular phone line 110, the wireless base station 120, the general public telephone line or the Internet 130. Is transmitted and stored in the electronic camera 170 via the wireless base station 120. Conversely, the personal computer 140,
The image data stored in the image database 150 and the image data captured by the electronic camera 170 are transmitted to a general public telephone line or the Internet 130, the wireless base station 120,
160, received by the electronic camera 100 via the wireless mobile phone line 110 and stored.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the electronic image transmission / reception system to which the present invention shown in FIG. 1 is applied, and a communication medium for transmitting image data (the wireless portable telephone line 11 in FIG. 1).
0, the wireless base stations 120 and 160, the general public telephone line or the Internet 130) are omitted. FIG.
, The electronic camera 100 converts image data captured by the imaging circuit 101 via the control circuit 102 into electronic camera 1
Image file 1 in the memory card 104 attached to the
05 is stored. The control circuit 102 is a communication circuit 103 for transmitting and receiving an image file including image data.
It has. The electronic camera 170 is an electronic camera 100
The image data captured by the imaging circuit 171 via the control circuit 172 is stored as an image file 175 in a memory card 174 attached to the electronic camera 170. The control circuit 172 includes a communication circuit 173 for transmitting and receiving an image file including image data.

The personal computer 140 has a memory 141
To save the image file 142. Image database 1
50 stores the image file 152 in the memory 151. In the above configuration, image data captured by the electronic camera 100 is temporarily stored in the memory card 104, and then transmitted to the personal computer 140 via the communication circuit 103.
The image is transmitted to the image database 150 and the electronic camera 170 as an image file, and is stored in each memory.
The electronic camera 100 is connected to the personal computer 140, the image database 150, the electronic camera 170 via the communication circuit 103.
Receives the image file sent from the
04.

FIGS. 3 and 4 show the electronic camera 1 shown in FIG.
FIG. 2 is an external view (front view and rear view) of one embodiment of 00. As shown in FIG. 3, a photographing lens 10 for forming a subject image, a viewfinder 11 for checking a photographing screen, a strobe 12 for illuminating the subject at the time of photographing, and a brightness of the subject are provided on the front of the electronic camera 100. A photometric circuit 13 for detection, a speaker 14 for outputting recorded audio information, a microphone 15 for inputting audio information, a release button 16 for instructing start of photographing on the upper surface, a power supply for the electronic camera 100 A power switch 17 is provided for performing ON / OFF control of the audio information, and a recording switch 18 is provided on the side surface for performing ON / OFF control of recording of audio information.

As shown in FIG. 4, on the back of the electronic camera 100, an eyepiece of the finder 11, a speaker 14, a microphone 15, a mode dial 19 rotatable to select an operation mode of the electronic camera, and a mode dial. 1
9, a left LCD (left screen) 21 having a substantially rectangular screen for displaying text and images, and a right LCD (right) having a substantially rectangular screen for displaying text and images. Screen) 22 is arranged and the left LC
In the vicinity of the left side of D21, an up button 23 and a down button 2 for switching an image displayed on the left screen 21 and moving the position of a selection item displayed on the right screen 22 up and down.
4. Under the right LCD 22 and the left LCD 21, a switching button 25 used for switching display operations and the like during each operation mode of the camera, a transmission / deletion button 26 used for transmitting and erasing image data, An OK button 27 used for a determination operation or the like during each operation mode, a memory card 104 attached to the electronic camera 100 above the left LCD 21
LED 2 for indicating that there is an unplayed received image received from other than the electronic camera 100 to the camera user
8 and LE for displaying that the image displayed on the left screen 21 is a received image received from a device other than the camera 100.
D29 is arranged. Memory card 104 on the side
Is provided with a memory card slot 30 for mounting a memory card.

The release button 16 and the recording switch 1
8, operation mode dial 19, up button 23, down button 24, switch button 25, send / delete button 2
6. The OK button 27 is all operation keys operated by the user. The right LCD 22 and the left LCD 21
A so-called touch tablet 66 that outputs position data corresponding to a position designated by a finger touch operation is arranged on the surface of the device, and is used for selecting an item displayed on the screen and inputting text data. . The touch tablet 66 is made of a transparent material such as a glass resin, and a user can observe images and text formed inside the touch tablet 66 through the touch tablet 66.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of an electric configuration inside the electronic camera 100 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. Each component is a data / control for transmitting various information data and control data. They are connected to each other via a bus 51. The CPU 50 (central processing unit) is a unit that controls the entire electronic camera 100,
The operation of the electronic camera 100 is controlled according to the input information from the touch panel 5 and the input information from the touch tablet 66.

When the electronic camera 100 is set to the photographing mode, the light beam from the object is formed as an object image on the CCD 55 by the photographing lens 10 through the aperture 53 for adjusting the light amount. The image is taken. A CCD 55 (charge coupled device) having a plurality of pixels is a charge accumulation type image sensor for capturing a subject image, and outputs an electric image signal according to the intensity of the subject image formed on the CCD 55. . DSP59 (digital signal processor)
A horizontal drive pulse is supplied to the CD55, and the CCD 55
The drive circuit 56 is controlled to supply a CCD vertical drive pulse to the CCD 55.

The image processing unit 57 is controlled by the CPU 50 to
The image signal photoelectrically converted by the CD 55 is sampled at a predetermined timing, and the sampled signal is amplified to a predetermined level. The CPU 50 controls each unit according to a control program stored in a ROM 67 (read only memory). The A / D conversion circuit 58 (analog-to-digital conversion circuit) converts the image signal sampled by the image processing unit 57 into image data by digitizing the image signal.
This image data is supplied to the buffer memory 60 and temporarily stored therein. The CPU 50 converts the image data stored in the buffer memory 60 into display data, stores the display data in the frame memory 69, and displays the data on the left screen 21. Note that the buffer memory 60 and the frame memory 69 are configured by a volatile memory such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory). The above operation is repeated until the release button 15 is operated, and the through screen is continuously displayed on the left screen 21.

The photometric circuit 13 measures the luminance of the subject and outputs photometric data as the measurement result to the CPU 50.
The CPU 50 sets the exposure time and sensitivity of the CCD 55 by the CCD drive circuit 56 according to the photometric data, and controls the aperture value of the aperture 53 by the aperture control circuit 54.

In the photographing mode, the CPU 50 performs a photographing operation in response to the operation of the release button 15. CPU
Reference numeral 50 indicates that the strobe drive circuit 72 causes the strobe 12 to emit light when the subject is dark based on the photometric data. The CPU 50 transfers the image data sent from the CCD 55 to the buffer memory 60 and stored therein by the photographing operation to the memory card 104 for storage. CPU 50 is shooting information data at the time of shooting (aperture value, shutter speed, etc.)
Is attached to the image data and transferred to the memory card 104 for storage.

The microphone 15 inputs audio information from the subject side or the photographer side, and supplies the audio information to the A / D and D / A circuit 73 (digital analog circuit). The A / D and D / A circuit 73 digitizes the audio information into audio data and outputs it to the CPU 50. At the time of image capturing, the CPU 50 transfers the audio data to the memory card 104 together with the image data and stores the same.

The GPS circuit 61 (global positioning system circuit) detects the position information of the electronic camera 100 using information from a plurality of satellites orbiting the earth and supplies it to the CPU 50. When capturing an image,
The U50 can also transfer and store this position information or processed position information (location name, place name, etc.) to the memory card 104 together with the image data.

The posture detecting circuit 62 is composed of a known posture sensor and the like for detecting the posture of the electronic camera 100 at the time of photographing, and supplies posture information to the CPU 50. The posture information indicates which side of the screen is facing the sky at the time of shooting (top and bottom information). At the time of photographing an image, the CPU 50 can also transfer this posture information (vertical information) to the memory card 104 together with the image data and store it.

The personal identification circuit 75 is a circuit for specifying the user of the electronic camera 100, for example, a wireless communication circuit 71
The mobile terminal communicates with a mobile terminal equipped with a wireless communication function carried by the user via the PC, and obtains personal identification data stored and stored in the mobile terminal, thereby identifying the individual. The access area of the memory card 104 is restricted based on the personal identification data.

The timer 74 has a built-in clock circuit and supplies time information corresponding to the current time to the CPU 50. At the time of photographing an image, the CPU 50 can also transfer the time information at the time of photographing to the memory card 104 together with the image data and store it. Further, the CPU 50 causes the lens drive circuit 52 to automatically focus the photographing lens 10 in accordance with the focus adjustment state of the subject image detected from the contrast of the image data stored in the buffer memory 60.

The CPU 50 transmits the image file stored in the memory card 104 to the outside via the wireless communication circuit 71, receives the image file from the outside, and receives the image file together with the reception information data such as the source of the image. Is stored in the memory card 104.

In the case of the reproduction mode for reproducing and displaying the image data and a part of the erasing mode (individual erasing mode) and a part of the transmitting mode (individual transmitting mode), the CPU 50 reads the image data from the memory card 104, and The image data is processed into display data, set in the frame memory 69, and displayed on the left screen 21. Further, the CPU 50 switches the image data to be reproduced according to the operation of the operation key 65.

If the reproduced image data is received image data received from the outside, the CPU 50 turns on the LED 29 to indicate that the display image is a received image. In addition, the CPU 50 determines whether or not an unplayed received image file addressed to the camera user exists in the memory card 104 according to the personal identification data regardless of the operation mode. Indicates that an unplayed received image file exists, and prompts the user to play back and check the unplayed received image data.

When reproducing and displaying the image data, the CPU 50 displays the image data on the right LCD 22 or the left LCD 21 according to the posture information stored along with the image data and the posture information detected by the posture detection circuit 62. The image data is displayed such that the top direction of the image data matches the top direction of the electronic camera 100.

When reproducing and displaying image data, the CPU 50 displays photographing information data, transmission information data, reception information data, and the like, which are stored along with the image data, on the right screen 22 as necessary. When reproducing and displaying the image data, the CPU 50 converts the audio information stored along with the image data as necessary into an AD / DA conversion circuit 73.
To the speaker 14, and the speaker 14 outputs sound to the outside.

In the erasing mode, the CPU 50 erases the image file stored in the memory card 104 according to the operation of the operation key 65. In the transmission mode,
The CPU 50 transmits the image file stored in the memory card 104 to the wireless communication circuit 71 according to the operation of the operation key 65.
External computer 140, image database 15
0, transmitted to the electronic camera 170 and the like.

An EEPROM 68 (electrically erasable / writable ROM) is a non-volatile memory,
For example, transmission destination information and the like necessary for the operation of 00 are stored. CP
The U50 can also input a message / keyword related to image data, input a destination of image data, and the like based on text information input from the touch tablet 66, and the input text information is attached to the image data. And stored in the memory card 104 or the EEPROM 68.

When setting the operation of the electronic camera 100, the operation keys 6 are set in accordance with the items displayed on the right screen 22.
The CPU 50 performs an operation setting based on the information input from Step 5. The power switch 17 is an operation member operated by a user for power control, and operation information of this switch is supplied to the CPU 50. The power supply 63 is turned on / off. Also CP
A power supply 6 composed of a battery or the like is
3 can check the power supply capacity status.

FIGS. 6 to 12 show the hierarchical structure of the image file stored in the memory card 104 and the internal data structure of the image file. FIG. 6 shows the hierarchical structure of the image files stored in the memory card 104. The uppermost layer is a folder for each individual, and the second layer is a folder according to the attribute of the image for each individual folder. Folder (a folder for images captured by the electronic camera 100 and a folder for images received by the electronic camera 100 from outside). Individual image files are stored under each captured image folder and received image folder.

As shown in FIG. 7, each image file includes image data and additional information data (image attribute information data) attached to the image data. As shown in FIG. 8, the additional information data includes transmission information data when image data is transmitted to the outside, reception information data when image data is received, shooting information data when image data is shot, and file identification information. File name data set automatically or manually for the microphone 15 during or after shooting
Information data input from the GPS circuit 6 at the time of shooting
1, the position data detected by the posture detection circuit 62 at the time of photographing, the photographing time data output by the timer 74 at the time of photographing, and the message information data input by the photographer from the touch tablet 66 or the like after photographing. Keyword information data automatically or manually input to facilitate image search, personal identification data for identifying a photographer, attached image data for easily recognizing a transmission source, and the like.

As shown in FIG. 9, the transmission information data includes the image type (the image data indicates photographed image data or received image data), the presence / absence of transmission (indicates whether image data has been transmitted in the past), Prohibition of transmission (indicates whether image data is set to prohibition of transmission), deletion prohibition (indicates whether image data is set to prohibition of deletion), attachment setting (image data is attached when other image data is transmitted) This indicates whether or not the image data is set as image data), and transmission history (information such as a past transmission destination of the image data).

As shown in FIG. 10, the transmission history includes transmission time data indicating the date and time when the image data was transmitted, transmission destination data indicating the transmission destination, and transmission / reproduction of the transmission destination indicating whether the image transmitted at the transmission destination was reproduced. The transmission time data and the transmission destination data are recorded at the time of transmitting the image, and the reproduction time is set to "None" and the reproduction time is undecided. When a notification indicating that the image has been reproduced arrives from the destination, the reproduction time data is recorded, and the destination reproduction presence / absence data is rewritten to “Yes”.

The received information data is, as shown in FIG.
Presence or absence of attached image (indicates whether an image for identifying the sender is attached to the received image data), transfer prohibited (indicates whether the received image data is set to transfer prohibited, and this data cannot be rewritten Yes), presence / absence of playback (indicating whether or not received image data has been played back), date and time of reception,
Source data (data indicating the source of the received image data:
Phone number, IP address, URL: Uniform Resource L
ocator etc.).

The photographing information data is, as shown in FIG.
The individual identification data of the photographed electronic camera 100 and various setting information at the time of photographing are stored. The operation of the electronic camera 100 and the CPU 50 will be described below with reference to the drawings.

As shown in FIG. 13, the electronic camera 100 has four operation modes set by the mode dial 19 (photographing mode, reproducing mode, erasing mode, and transmitting mode). In the above four operation modes, individual folders shown in FIG. 6 are operated according to the individual identification result identified by the individual identification circuit 75.

In the photographing mode, photographing is performed in response to the operation of the release button 16, and the photographed image data is stored in the memory card 1 together with the additional information data as an image file.
04. In the reproduction mode, image data and additional information data stored in the memory card 104 are displayed on the left LCD 21 and the right LCD 22. The image data can be selected according to the operation of the direction buttons 23 and 24. Playback modes include a captured image playback mode (only image files captured by the camera are played back), a received image playback mode (only image files received by the camera are played back), and an all image playback mode ( (All image files are to be reproduced)).

In the erase mode, the memory card 10
4 are deleted by operating the send / delete button 26. Erasing mode includes individual erasing mode (selecting and erasing all image files individually), batch erasing mode: all images (erasing all image files at once), batch erasing mode: photographed image (captured image file Batch erase mode), batch erase mode: received images (batch erased received image files for each sender), batch erase mode: sent images (batch erase all sent image files) ), Batch erasing mode: sent photographic images (sent photographic image files are erased collectively for each destination), batch erasing mode: sent received images (sent received image files collectively for each destination) 7)
There are two modes.

In the transmission mode, the memory card 10
Among the image files stored in 4, an image file set to be permitted to be transmitted is transmitted to an external personal computer, an image database, an electronic camera, or the like, which is a destination selected by operating the transmission / delete button 26. Transmission mode includes individual transmission mode (select and transmit all image files individually), batch transmission mode: all images (transmit all image files at once), batch transmission mode: captured image (captured image file Batch transmission mode): Received image (transmits received image files collectively for each source), batch transmission mode: untransmitted images (transmits all untransmitted image files collectively) No.), batch transmission mode: 7 of untransmitted captured images (transmitted untransmitted captured image files collectively), batch transmission mode: untransmitted received images (transmit untransmitted received image files collectively) There are two modes. The data of the destination is input in advance to the electronic camera 100 by the touch tablet 66 or the like, and is stored in the EEPROM 68 as a destination list.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the main operation of the CPU 50. The operation starts when the power switch 17 is turned on in S0. In the personal identification subroutine of S10, personal identification is performed by the personal identification circuit 75. As shown in FIG. 6, the operation target of the following subroutine is limited to the image files in the personal folder according to the personal identification result. In S30, the operation mode set according to the set position of the mode dial 19 is detected, and the photographing mode subroutine of S100, the reproduction mode subroutine of S200, the erasing mode subroutine of S300, and the transmission mode subroutine of S400 are determined according to the detection result. Branch.

When the mode dial 19 is operated during each subroutine, the mode dial is interrupted in S20 and the process returns to S30. FIG. 15 shows a personal identification subroutine. When the personal identification subroutine is started in S10, communication is performed between the wireless communication terminal 71 storing the personal identification data carried by the user of the electronic camera 100 and the wireless communication circuit 71 in S11. The personal identification circuit 75 obtains personal identification data. In S12, the personal identification circuit 75 compares the obtained personal identification data with the personal identification data pre-registered and recorded in the EEPROM 68, and sets a folder corresponding to the obtained personal identification data when they match. If they do not match, set the default folder. Further, the personal identification data is written into the personal identification data of the image file which has been photographed thereafter. It returns in S13.

FIG. 16 shows a reception interruption process when the radio communication circuit 71 receives a request for information transmission from the outside.
If a reception interrupt occurs at 0, it is checked at S41 whether the transmission request is an image playback notification. If not, an image file is received at S42. Also, transmission information data (image type: received image, transmission presence / absence: not transmitted, transmission prohibited:
Permitted, but if the transfer prohibition data attached to the received image data is transfer prohibition, transmission prohibition, erasure prohibition: permission, attachment setting: non-setting, no transmission history), and reception information data (playback presence: none, reception Date / time data, source data, transfer prohibition: transfer prohibition data attached to the received image data, attached image: set according to the presence or absence of the attached image data), and attached to the image file together with the received image file Memory card 10 corresponding to the destination data
4 is stored in the received image folder under the individual folder. If the received image file is addressed to the current user of the electronic camera 100, the LED 28 is turned on to indicate that an unplayed image file exists. It returns in S43.

If the transmission request is an image reproduction notification in S41, the image file is transmitted based on the image file name data, the transmission source data of the image reproduction notification, and the reproduction time data included in the image reproduction notification in S44. The reproduction time data included in the history is recorded, and the presence / absence of reproduction of the transmission destination is rewritten to “Yes”. For example, in FIG. 10, when the transmission source of the image reproduction notification is the transmission destination data 1, the reproduction time data 1 is written, and the reproduction destination presence / absence 1 is rewritten to “Yes”.

FIG. 17 shows a switching interrupt when the switching button 25 is operated. When a switching interrupt occurs in S50,
The selection items are displayed on the right screen 22 in accordance with the operation mode set when the switching button 25 is switched at S51. If the switch button 25 is operated during the shooting mode, the process returns without updating the display on the right screen 22.

When the switching button 25 is operated during the playback mode, the selection items displayed on the right screen 22 as shown in FIG. Information display and sound reproduction. When the switching button 25 is operated during the erasing mode, FIG.
As shown in (2), the selection items displayed on the right screen 22 are erasing mode selection and detailed information display (only in the individual erasing mode).

When the switching button 25 is operated during the transmission mode, the selection items displayed on the right screen 22 are transmission mode selection and detailed information display (only in the individual transmission mode) as shown in FIG. . The items displayed on the right screen 22 are selected by operating the direction buttons 23 and 24 (FIG. 18, FIG. 1).
9, the item selected in FIG. 20 is displayed by enclosing it in squares, and the position of the square is moved up and down by operating the direction buttons 23 and 24. Then, the item selected by the operation of the OK button 27 is determined. Thereafter, the process branches to a process corresponding to the selected / determined item.

If the reproduction mode is selected, the process goes to S52.
To jump to S201 to select a reproduction mode. If the erase mode is selected, the process jumps to S301 for selecting the erase mode in S53. If the transmission mode is selected, the process goes to S54 to select the transmission mode in S54.
Jump to 01.

When the detailed information display is selected, FIG.
As shown in (5), detailed information (photographing data and the like) of the image displayed on the left screen 21 is displayed on the right screen 22 in S55.
In step S56, the operation returns from the switching interrupt by operating the OK button 27. When the erasure prohibition setting is selected, a setting item indicating whether to prohibit erasure is displayed on the right screen 22 for the image displayed on the left screen 21 in S57 as shown in FIG. S
At 58, the erasure inhibition is selected by the direction buttons 23 and 24, the setting selected in response to the operation of the OK button 27 is written in the transmission information data, and the process returns from the switching interrupt.

When the transmission prohibition setting is selected, FIG.
In step S59, a setting item indicating whether transmission is prohibited is displayed on the right screen 22 in step S59. In step S60, whether or not transmission is prohibited is selected by the direction buttons 23 and 24, the setting selected in response to the operation of the OK button 27 is written in the transmission information data, and the process returns from the switching interrupt. It should be noted that, for a received image file for which transfer prohibition is set, the setting cannot be changed to transmission permission by the transmission prohibition setting. Further, the transfer prohibition setting data itself cannot be rewritten.

When the attachment setting is selected, the setting items for setting the attached image are displayed on the right screen 22 in S61 as shown in FIG. At S62, setting / non-setting of the attached image is selected by the direction buttons 23 and 24, and the setting selected according to the operation of the OK button 27 is written in the transmission information data.
Return from switch interrupt. The setting of the attached image can be set only for one image data, and the image data set most recently for the attached image is valid.

When the sound reproduction is selected, the sound data attached to the image displayed on the left screen 21 is reproduced by the speaker 14 in S63, and after the sound reproduction is completed, the process returns from the switching interruption. FIG. 25 is a flowchart of a shooting mode subroutine. When the camera is started in S100, the process proceeds to S101, in which live image data captured by the CCD 55 is displayed on the left screen 21 as shown in FIG. Continue to display the set shooting data.

When the release button 16 is operated during the photographing mode, the release interrupt processing shown in FIG. 27 is performed. S
When the release interrupt is activated at 110, the operation mode is checked at S111, and if it is not the shooting mode, the process returns at S113. In the case of the shooting mode, the CCD
An imaging operation is performed by 55 to obtain image data. As additional information data, transmission information data (image type: photographed image, transmission presence / absence: not transmitted, transmission prohibition: permission, erasure prohibition: permission, attachment setting: non-setting, no transmission history) and reception information data (attachment image: none) , Transfer prohibition: permission, reproduction presence: yes, reception date / time data: none, source data: none), shooting information data and other data (image file name data, audio information data, position information data, attitude data, shooting time data) , Message information data, keyword information data, personal identification data) and the like, and stores them together with the image data in the photographed image folder under the individual folder of the memory card 104 as an image file. The stored image data is the left screen 21 and the photographing data is the right screen 2
After displaying for a certain period of time in 2 for confirmation, the process returns in S113.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart of the reproduction mode subroutine.
29, a list of reproduction modes is displayed on the right screen 22 for selection of the reproduction mode. The reproduction mode displayed on the right screen 22 is selected by operating the direction buttons 23 and 24 (the selected item in FIG. 29 is displayed by enclosing it in squares, and the position of the square is moved up and down by operating the direction buttons 23 and 24). Then, the playback mode selected by operating the OK button 27 is determined. If the photographed image reproduction mode is selected, the flow branches to a photographed image reproduction mode subroutine of S210. S when the received image playback mode is selected
The flow branches to a received image reproduction mode subroutine of 220.
If the all image reproduction mode is selected, the flow branches to the all image reproduction mode subroutine of S230.

FIG. 30 shows a photographed image reproduction mode subroutine. When activated in S210, in S211 the image data stored in the photographed image folder under the individual folder of the memory card 104 is shown in FIG. 31 one image at a time. Is displayed on the left screen 21 as shown in FIG. Also, the right screen 22 displays the photographing data corresponding to the photographed image data displayed on the left screen 21, the state of the erasure prohibition setting, and the state of the transmission prohibition setting. The display order of the image data is as follows. First, the image data of the latest shooting date and time is displayed, and then the direction buttons 23 and 24 are operated to move the image data toward the past image data or the latest image data according to the order of the shooting date and time. Switches and displays data.

FIG. 32 shows a received image reproduction mode subroutine. When activated in S220, the image data stored in the received image folder under the individual folder of the memory card 104 is shown in FIG. 33 in S221 one by one. Is displayed on the left screen 21 as follows. Also, attached image data (such as a face image) and a message corresponding to the received image data displayed on the left screen 21 are displayed on the right screen 22. If there is no attached image data, data indicating the source of the image or personal identification data is displayed. The display order of the image data is as follows. First, the image data of the latest reception date and time is displayed, and then the direction buttons 23 and 24 are operated to move the image data toward the past image data or toward the latest image data in the order of the reception date and time. Switches and displays data. When displaying the received image data on the left screen 21, the LED 29
Lights up to indicate that the image data is a received image. If there is unplayed received image data addressed to the user in the electronic camera 100, the unplayed received image data is displayed with priority over the order according to the reception date and time. When the unplayed received image data is played back, the presence or absence of the received information data attached to the image data is changed to “Yes” and the received image is played back to the source of the received image. Notify that The image playback notification includes:
It includes image file name data, notification source data, and playback time data. If there is no unplayed received image data addressed to the user due to image playback, LED2
8 is turned off to indicate that there is no unplayed received image data. The unreproduced image file is determined based on the setting state of the presence or absence of reproduction of the transmission information data shown in FIG.

FIG. 34 shows an all image reproduction mode subroutine. When activated in S230, in S231, all the image data (captured image and received image) stored in the individual folder of the memory card 104 are displayed on the left screen one image at a time. 21. In addition, corresponding to the type of the captured image data (captured image / received image) displayed on the left screen 21, in the case of the captured image data, the status of the captured data, the erasure inhibition setting, the transmission inhibition setting, and the reception image data In the case of, the attached image data and the message are displayed on the right screen 22. If there is no attached image data, data indicating the source of the image or personal identification data is displayed. The display order of the image data is time-series. First, the image data of the latest shooting date and time or the reception date and time is displayed, and then the direction buttons 23 and 24 are operated toward the past image data in the time-series order or The image data is switched and displayed toward the latest image data. When displaying the received image data on the left screen 21, the LED 29 is turned on to indicate that the image data is a received image. If there is unplayed received image data addressed to the user, the unplayed received image data is displayed with priority over the order according to the shooting date and time and the receiving date and time. Also, when unplayed received image data is played back,
The presence / absence of reproduction of the reception information data attached to the image data is changed to “Yes” and the transmission source of the reception image is notified that the reproduction of the received image has been performed. The image reproduction notification includes image file name data, data of the transmission source of the notification, and data of the reproduction time. Further, when there is no unplayed received image data addressed to the user due to the image playback, the LED 28 is turned off to indicate that there is no unplayed received image data. The unreproduced image file is determined based on the setting state of the presence or absence of reproduction of the transmission information data shown in FIG.

If there is no image file that can be reproduced in each of the above-mentioned reproduction modes, this is indicated on the right screen 2
Indicated by 2. FIG. 35 is a flowchart of the erase mode subroutine.
In FIG. 36, a list of erase modes is displayed on the right screen 22 for selecting the erase mode as shown in FIG. The erasing mode displayed on the right screen 22 is selected by operating the direction buttons 23 and 24 (the selected item in FIG. 36 is displayed by enclosing it in squares, and the position of the square is moved up and down by operating the direction buttons 23 and 24). Then, the erase mode selected by operating the OK button 27 is determined. If the individual erase mode is selected, the flow branches to the individual erase mode subroutine of S310. Batch erase mode: S3 when all images are selected
Batch erase mode of 20: branches to all image subroutine. Batch erase mode: S when a captured image is selected
Batch erase mode 330: branches to a captured image subroutine. Batch delete mode: When a received image is selected, the process branches to a batch delete mode: received image subroutine in S340. Batch delete mode: When a transmitted image is selected, the flow branches to a batch delete mode: transmitted image subroutine of S350. Batch delete mode: When the transmitted photographed image is selected, the process branches to a batch delete mode: transmitted photographed image subroutine in S360. Batch delete mode: When the transmitted received image is selected, the flow branches to a batch delete mode: transmitted received image subroutine of S370.

FIG. 37 shows an individual erasing mode subroutine. When activated in S310, in S311 all the image data (only the image files for which erasing permission is set) stored in the individual folder of the memory card 104 are processed into one image. Each is displayed on the left screen 21 as shown in FIG. The right screen 22 displays the data capacity of the image displayed on the left screen 21 and a description of the image erasing operation in the individual erasing mode. The display order of the image data is time-series. First, the image data of the latest shooting date and time or the reception date and time is displayed, and then the direction buttons 23 and 24 are operated toward the past image data in the time-series order or The image data is switched and displayed toward the latest image data. When displaying the received image data on the left screen 21, the LED
29 is lit to indicate that the image data is a received image. When the unplayed received image data is played back and displayed, the presence / absence of playback of the received information data accompanying the image data is changed to “Yes” and the playback of the received image is performed with respect to the transmission source of the received image. Notify that it went. The image reproduction notification includes image file name data, data of the transmission source of the notification, and data of the reproduction time. If there is no unplayed received image data addressed to the user due to image playback for selecting an erased image, the LED 28 is turned off to indicate that there is no unplayed received image data. The image file currently displayed on the left screen 21 is deleted from the memory card 104 according to the operation of the transmission / deletion button 26. Whether the image file is erase-permitted or erase-prohibited is determined based on the transmission information data erase-prohibition setting state shown in FIG.

FIG. 39 shows a batch erasing mode: all image subroutine. When started in S320, in S321, the image data is not displayed on the left screen 21 as shown in FIG. Total data capacity and batch erasure mode: An explanation of the image erasure operation in the all image mode is displayed. In response to the operation of the send / delete button 26, all image files (image files to which deletion permission is set, except for unplayed received image files) stored in the personal folder are deleted from the memory card 104. , Returning to the erase mode selection of S301. When the OK button 27 is operated, the batch erasing mode: all images are canceled, and S30
The process returns to the erase mode selection of 1.

FIG. 41 shows a collective erasing mode: photographed image subroutine. When activated in S330, in S331, image data is not displayed on the left screen 21 as shown in FIG. Total data capacity and batch erase mode: Displays an explanation of the image erase operation in the photographed image mode. In response to the operation of the send / delete button 26, all the photographed image files (image files for which erasure permission is set) stored in the photographed image folder under the personal folder are deleted from the memory card 104, and S301 is performed. Return to erase mode selection. When the OK button 27 is operated, the batch erasing mode: the photographed image is canceled, and S3
It returns to the erase mode selection of 01.

FIG. 43 shows a batch erasing mode: received image subroutine. When activated in S340, in S341, the image data is not displayed on the left screen 21 as shown in FIG. A source list for selecting a source and the total data capacity of the received image file sent from the source are displayed. The source displayed on the right screen 22 is selected by operating the direction buttons 23 and 24 (the source selected in FIG. 36 is displayed enclosed by squares, and the position of the square is moved up and down by operating the direction buttons 23 and 24). .), And the process proceeds to S342 by operating the OK button 27. In S342, the image data is not displayed on the left screen 21 as shown in FIG. 45, but the data of the selected source and the total data capacity of the image to be deleted and the collective deletion mode: Displays a description of the delete operation.
In response to the operation of the send / delete button 26, all the received image files (received image files for which deletion permission is set, However, the received image file which has not been reproduced is deleted from the memory card 104, and S
The process returns to the erase mode selection of 301. When the OK button 27 is operated, the batch erasing mode: the received image is canceled, and the process returns to the erasing mode selection in S301.

FIG. 46 shows a subroutine for the transmitted image in the batch erasing mode. When activated in S350, the image data to be deleted is displayed on the right screen 22 without displaying the image data on the left screen 21 in S351 as shown in FIG. 47 in S351. Total data capacity and batch erasure mode: An explanation of the image erasure operation in the transmitted image mode is displayed. According to the operation of the send / delete button 26,
All transmitted image files (image files for which erasing permission is set, except for unplayed received image files) stored in the personal folder are erased from the memory card 104, and the process returns to the erasing mode selection in S301. . When the OK button 27 is operated, the batch erasing mode: the transmitted image is canceled, and the process returns to the erasing mode selection in S301. It should be noted that the transmitted image file is determined based on the setting state of the transmission information data transmission status shown in FIG.

FIG. 48 shows a collective erasing mode: transmitted transmitted image subroutine.
In 61, the image data is not displayed on the left screen 21 as shown in FIG. 49, and a destination list for allowing the user to select the destination of the captured image is displayed on the right screen 22. Displays the total data capacity. The destination displayed on the right screen 22 is selected by operating the direction buttons 23 and 24 (the destination selected in FIG. 49 is displayed in squares, and the position of the square is moved up and down by operating the direction buttons 23 and 24). .), And the operation proceeds to S362 by operating the OK button 27. In S362, the image data is not displayed on the left screen 21 as shown in FIG. 50, but the data of the destination selected on the right screen 22, the total data capacity of the image to be erased, and the batch erasing mode are: Is displayed. In response to the operation of the send / delete button 26, all the photographed image files sent to the selected destination stored in the photographed image folder under the personal folder (the photographed image files to which the deletion permission is set) Memory card 1
04 and then returns to the erase mode selection of S301.
When the OK button 27 is operated, the batch erasing mode: the transmitted captured image is canceled, and the process returns to the erasing mode selection in S301.

FIG. 51 shows a collective erasing mode: transmitted transmitted image subroutine.
At 71, the image data is not displayed on the left screen 21 as shown in FIG. 52, and a list of destinations for allowing the right screen 22 to select the destination of the received image, Displays the total data capacity. The destination displayed on the right screen 22 is selected by operating the direction buttons 23 and 24 (the destination selected in FIG. 52 is displayed by enclosing it in squares, and the position of the square is moved up and down by operating the direction buttons 23 and 24). .), And the operation of the OK button 27 advances to S372. In S372, the image data is not displayed on the left screen 21 as shown in FIG. 53, but the data of the destination selected, the total data capacity of the image to be erased, and the batch erasing mode: the transmitted received image mode Is displayed. In response to the operation of the send / delete button 26, all the received image files (captured image files to which deletion permission is set, However, the received image file which has not been reproduced is deleted from the memory card 104, and the process returns to the deletion mode selection of S301. OK button 27
Is operated, the batch erase mode: the transmitted received image is canceled, and the process returns to the erase mode selection of S301.

If there is no or no erasable image file in each of the transmission modes, a message to that effect is displayed on the right screen 22. FIG. 54 is a flowchart of the transmission mode subroutine.
In step S401, the right screen 2 is displayed as shown in FIG.
2 shows a list of transmission modes for selecting a transmission mode. Set the transmission mode displayed on the right screen 22 to the direction button 2
The item is selected by operating the buttons 3 and 24 (the item selected in FIG. 55 is displayed by enclosing it in squares, and the position of the square is moved up and down by operating the direction buttons 23 and 24) and selected by operating the OK button 27. The transmission mode is determined. If the individual transmission mode is selected, the flow branches to an individual erasure mode subroutine of S410. Batch transmission mode: when all images are selected, the flow branches to a batch transmission mode: all images subroutine of S420. Batch transmission mode: When a photographed image is selected, the flow branches to a batch transmission mode: photographed image subroutine of S430. Batch transmission mode: When a received image is selected, the flow branches to a batch transmission mode: received image subroutine of S440. Batch transmission mode: when an untransmitted image is selected, the flow branches to a batch transmission mode: untransmitted image subroutine in S450. Batch transmission mode: when an untransmitted captured image is selected, the process branches to a batch transmission mode: untransmitted captured image subroutine in S460. Batch transmission mode: when an untransmitted received image is selected, S470
Batch transmission mode: branches to an untransmitted received image subroutine.

FIG. 56 shows an individual transmission mode subroutine. When activated in step S410, in step S411, the image data is not displayed on the left screen 21 and the destination of the image is selected on the right screen 22 as shown in FIG. Display a list of recipients for The destination displayed on the right screen 22 is selected by operating the direction buttons 23 and 24 (the destination selected in FIG. 57 is displayed by enclosing it in squares, and the position of the square is moved up and down by operating the direction buttons 23 and 24). .), And the operation of the OK button 27 advances to S412. The transmission destination is basically set not in the unit of the device but in the unit of the individual.

In S412, all image data (only image files for which transmission permission is set) stored in the individual folder of the memory card 104 are displayed one by one on the left screen 21 as shown in FIG. At this time, the image file already transmitted to the selected destination is not displayed. The right screen 22 displays the selected transmission destination, transmission history, estimated transmission charge, estimated transmission time, shooting date and time, and an explanation of the operation.

Note that the estimated transmission fee and estimated transmission time are based on the positional relationship and distance relationship between the electronic camera 100 and the destination, the data transmission speed (data transfer speed) of the communication line used, the congestion status of the line, and the total of transmission images. The electronic camera 100 calculates based on information such as a data capacity, a usage fee per unit time of a communication line according to a destination of an image, and a time zone. The position information data detected by the GPS circuit 61 and the position information data obtained by the wireless communication circuit 71 communicating with the wireless base station 120 are used to calculate the positional relationship and the distance relationship between the electronic camera 100 and the transmission destination. Can be Information such as the data transmission speed of the used line, the congestion state of the line, and the usage fee of the communication line per unit time is obtained by communication between the wireless communication circuit 71 and the wireless base station 120. The time zone information is obtained by the timer 74.

The display order of the image data is chronological. First, the image data of the latest photographing date and time or the reception date and time is displayed. Or switch the image data to the latest image data for display. When displaying the received image data on the left screen 21, the LED 29 is turned on to indicate that the image data is a received image. When the unplayed received image data is played back and displayed, the presence / absence of playback of the received information data accompanying the image data is changed to “Yes” and the playback of the received image is performed with respect to the transmission source of the received image. Notify that it went.
The image reproduction notification includes image file name data, data of the transmission source of the notification, and data of the reproduction time. If there is no unplayed received image data addressed to the user due to image playback for selecting a transmission image, the LED 28 is turned off to display that there is no unplayed received image data. O
In response to the operation of the K button 27, the image file currently displayed on the left screen 21 is determined as the image file to be transmitted, and the process proceeds to S413.

In S413, the image data to be transmitted is displayed on the left screen 21 as shown in FIG.
In order to select whether or not to attach image data at the time of transmission, a setting item indicating whether or not to attach an image is displayed on the right screen 22. The presence or absence of image attachment is selected by the direction buttons 23 and 24, and the process proceeds to S414 in response to the operation of the OK button 27. S
At 414, the image data to be transmitted is displayed on the left screen 21 as shown in FIG. 60, and the right screen 22
The setting items of transfer permission / prohibition are displayed in. Direction button 2
Select transfer permission / prohibition by 3 and 24, and press the OK button 2
The operation proceeds to S415 in response to the operation of Step 7.

In S415, the image data to be transmitted is displayed on the left screen 21 as shown in FIG.
The right screen 22 displays the destination data, the data capacity of the transmission target image, and the description of the image transmission operation in the individual transmission mode.
In response to the operation of the send / delete button 26, the left screen 2
The image file displayed in 1 is transmitted to the selected destination. When the image file to be transmitted is selected to have an attached image, the attached image already set as the attached image is attached, and the selected transfer permission / prohibition data and the transmission source data are attached. After the transmission of the image file, the presence / absence of transmission of the transmission information data of the transmitted image file is set to transmitted, the transmission destination and the transmission date and time are added to the transmission history, and the process returns to the selection of the transmission destination in S411.
When the OK button 27 is operated, transmission of the image file displayed on the left screen 21 is canceled and
The process returns to step 411 for selecting a transmission destination. At the time of image file transmission, additional information data excluding the transmission information data and the reception information data among the additional information data, the set transfer prohibition / permission data, and the presence of the attached image are used to identify the attached image data and the transmission source. Source data is attached to the image information.

FIG. 62 shows a batch transmission mode: all image subroutine. When activated in S420, image data is not displayed on the left screen 21 and transmitted to the right screen 22 in S421 as shown in FIG. 63 in S421. Display a list of recipients to select a destination. The destination displayed on the right screen 22 is selected by operating the direction buttons 23 and 24 (the destination selected in FIG.
By the operations of 3, 24, the position of □ moves up and down. Then, the operation proceeds to S422 by operating the OK button 27.

In S422, as shown in FIG.
1, the image data is not displayed, the destination selected on the right screen 22, the estimated transmission fee, the estimated transmission time, the total data capacity of the image to be transmitted, and the batch transmission mode: explanation of image transmission operation in all image mode Is displayed. In response to the operation of the transmission / deletion button 26, all image files (image files for which transmission permission is set) stored in the personal folder are transmitted to the transmission destination. After the transmission of the image file, the transmission status of the transmission information data of the transmitted image file is set to transmitted, and the transmission destination and the transmission date and time are added to the transmission history.
It returns to transmission mode selection of 401. When the OK button 27 is operated, the batch transmission mode: all images are canceled, and the process returns to the transmission mode selection in S401. Whether transmission of the image file is permitted or prohibited is determined based on the transmission information data transmission prohibited setting state shown in FIG. At the time of transmitting the image file, the additional information data except the transmission information data and the reception information data in the additional information data and the transmission source data for identifying the transmission source are attached to the image information.

FIG. 65 shows a batch transmission mode: a photographed image subroutine. When activated in S430, in S431, the image data is not displayed on the left screen 21 and the image data is selected on the right screen 22 in S431. Display the destination list. The destination button displayed on the right screen 22 is a direction button 23,
The selection is made by the operation of 24, and the process proceeds to S432 by the operation of the OK button 27.

In step S432, the image data is not displayed on the left screen 21, and the destination selected, the estimated transmission charge, the estimated transmission time, the total data capacity of the transmission target image, and the batch transmission mode are selected on the right screen 22. Displays a description of the mode image transmission operation. In response to the operation of the transmission / deletion button 26, all the captured image files (the captured image files for which transmission permission is set) stored in the captured image folder under the personal folder are transmitted to the transmission destination. After the transmission of the image file, the presence / absence of transmission of the transmission information data of the transmitted image file is set to transmitted, the transmission destination and the transmission date and time are added to the transmission history, and the process returns to the transmission mode selection of S401.
When the OK button 27 is operated, the batch transmission mode: the captured image is canceled, and the process returns to the transmission mode selection in S401. At the time of transmitting the image file, the additional information data except the transmission information data and the reception information data in the additional information data and the transmission source data for identifying the transmission source are attached to the image information.

FIG. 66 shows a batch transmission mode: received image subroutine. When activated in step S440, in step S441, the image data is not displayed on the left screen 21 and the destination of the image is selected on the right screen 22. Display the destination list. The destination button displayed on the right screen 22 is a direction button 23,
The selection is made by the operation of 24, and the process proceeds to S442 by the operation of the OK button 27.

In S442, as shown in FIG.
1 displays a list of transmission sources for selecting a transmission source of a reception image and a total data capacity of a reception image file transmitted from the transmission source on the right screen 22 without displaying image data. Direction button 2 for the source displayed on right screen 22
3 and 24 are selected (in FIG. 67, the transmission source selected is enclosed in squares and displayed, and the operation of the direction buttons 23 and 24 raises and lowers the position of the squares). move on.

In S443, as shown in FIG.
1 does not display the image data, the destination, the source, the estimated transmission charge, the estimated transmission time, the total data capacity of the image to be transmitted, and the batch transmission mode selected in the right screen 22: image transmission in the reception image mode Displays a description of the operation. In response to the operation of the send / delete button 26, a received image file sent from a selected transmission source among the image files stored in the received image folder under the personal folder (reception with transmission permission set) Image file) to the selected destination. After the transmission of the image file, the transmission information of the transmitted image file is set to be transmitted or not, and the transmission destination and the transmission date and time are added to the transmission history.
It returns to the transmission mode selection of 01. When the OK button 27 is operated, the batch transmission mode: the received image is canceled, and the process returns to the transmission mode selection in S401. At the time of transmitting the image file, the additional information data except the transmission information data and the reception information data in the additional information data and the transmission source data for identifying the transmission source are attached to the image information.

FIG. 69 shows a batch transmission mode: untransmitted image subroutine. When activated in S450, the image data is not displayed on the left screen 21 and the right screen 22 is displayed in S451.
A list of destinations is displayed to allow the user to select the destination of the image. The destination button displayed on the right screen 22 is a direction button 23,
The selection is made by the operation of 24, and the process proceeds to S452 by the operation of the OK button 27.

In S452, as shown in FIG.
1, the image data is not displayed, the destination selected on the right screen 22, the estimated transmission fee, the estimated transmission time, the total data capacity of the image to be transmitted, and the batch transmission mode: the image transmission operation in the untransmitted image mode Display a description. Send / Delete button 26
In response to the above operation, all untransmitted image files (image files for which transmission permission is set) stored in the personal folder are transmitted to the selected transmission destination. After the transmission of the image file, the presence / absence of transmission of the transmission information data of the transmitted image file is set to transmitted, the transmission destination and the transmission date and time are added to the transmission history, and the process returns to the transmission mode selection of S401. When the OK button 27 is operated, the batch transmission mode: the untransmitted images are canceled, and the process returns to the transmission mode selection in S401. It should be noted that the unsent image file is determined based on the setting state of the presence or absence of transmission of the transmission information data shown in FIG. At the time of transmitting the image file, the additional information data except the transmission information data and the reception information data in the additional information data and the transmission source data for identifying the transmission source are attached to the image information.

FIG. 71 shows the batch transmission mode: untransmitted photographed image subroutine.
In 1, the image data is not displayed on the left screen 21, but a list of transmission destinations is displayed on the right screen 22 to select the transmission destination of the image. Direction button 2 for destination displayed on right screen 22
The selection is made by the operations of 3, 24, and the operation proceeds to S462 by the operation of the OK button 27.

In S462, the left screen 2 is displayed as shown in FIG.
1, the image data is not displayed, the destination selected on the right screen 22, the estimated transmission fee, the estimated transmission time, the total data capacity of the image to be transmitted, and the batch transmission mode: the image transmission operation in the untransmitted image mode Display a description. Send / Delete button 26
In response to the above operation, send unsent captured image files (image files to which transmission permission is set) to the selected destination stored in the captured image folder under the personal folder, to the selected destination I do. After the transmission of the image file, the presence / absence of transmission of the transmission information data of the transmitted image file is set to transmitted, the transmission destination and the transmission date and time are added to the transmission history, and the process returns to the transmission mode selection of S401. When the OK button 27 is operated, the batch transmission mode: the captured image is canceled, and the process returns to the transmission mode selection in S401.
It should be noted that the photographed image file that has not been transmitted to the selected transmission destination is determined based on the transmission history of the transmission information data shown in FIG. At the time of transmitting the image file, the additional information data except the transmission information data and the reception information data in the additional information data and the transmission source data for identifying the transmission source are attached to the image information.

FIG. 73 shows a batch transmission mode: untransmitted received image subroutine.
In 1, the image data is not displayed on the left screen 21, but a list of transmission destinations is displayed on the right screen 22 to select the transmission destination of the image. Direction button 2 for destination displayed on right screen 22
The selection is made by the operations of 3, 24, and the operation proceeds to S472 by the operation of the OK button 27.

In step S472, the image data is not displayed on the left screen 21, but the destination selected on the right screen 22, the estimated transmission charge, the estimated transmission time, the total data capacity of the image to be transmitted, and the batch transmission mode: not received The description of the image transmission operation in the image mode is displayed. In response to the operation of the send / delete button 26, an unsent received image file (image file for which transmission permission is set) to the selected destination stored in the received image folder under the personal folder is selected. To the destination. After transmitting the image file, the transmission information data of the transmitted image file is set to be transmitted or not, and the transmission destination and the transmission date and time are added to the transmission history.
It returns to transmission mode selection of No. 1. When the OK button 27 is operated, the batch transmission mode: the received image is canceled,
It returns to the transmission mode selection of S401. It should be noted that the untransmitted received image file to the selected destination is determined based on the transmission history of the transmission information data shown in FIG. At the time of transmitting the image file, the additional information data except the transmission information data and the reception information data in the additional information data and the transmission source data for identifying the transmission source are attached to the image information.

If there is no or no image file that can be transmitted in each of the transmission modes, a message to that effect is displayed on the right screen 22. In the embodiment described above, the electronic camera 1 is
00, a personalized folder is created according to the personal identification result, and the captured and received images are stored in the personalized folder for each individual,
Since operations such as deletion and transmission are restricted to images in the personal folder, there are the following advantages when a plurality of people share and use the electronic camera 100. -When playing back images, you can protect your privacy by preventing others from seeing your images.・ Easy to play / delete / send images without having to search all image files for their own image files when playing / deleting / sending images.・ It is possible to prevent accidental deletion / transmission of another person's image when deleting / transmitting the image.

In the above embodiment, the electronic camera 10
0 and the image received from the outside by the electronic camera 100 are stored in separate folders, and the mode of reproduction / deletion / transmission is set for all images / photographed images / received images. There are such advantages.・ Easy playback, deletion, and transmission of the captured image and received image during image playback, deletion, and transmission. it can.・ For example, by sending only the images that you have shot yourself to the outside, you can easily back up the shot images. Also, by reproducing only the received image, it is possible to easily check the received image.

In the above embodiment, when there is an unplayed received image addressed to the user of the camera, the LED 28 is turned on to indicate the fact, and therefore, there are the following merits.・ Camera users can also take pictures, play, delete, and send
It is possible to immediately recognize the reception of an image addressed to the user from outside, and to immediately reproduce and display the received image as needed. -It is possible to prevent the user from forgetting to play the unplayed received image.

In the above embodiment, the received image that has not been reproduced is preferentially reproduced and displayed in the received image reproduction mode and the all image reproduction mode. -It is possible to prevent the user from forgetting to play the unplayed received image. -An unplayed received image that needs to be confirmed can be efficiently played back.

In the above embodiment, in the photographed image reproduction mode, the photographed image and the photographed data are displayed on the left screen 21 and the right screen 2.
2 are displayed simultaneously, there are the following merits.・ The causal relationship between shooting data and shooting results can be grasped at a glance, and efficient acquisition of shooting techniques becomes possible.

In the above embodiment, when the received image is reproduced in the all image reproduction mode / individual erasing mode / individual transmission mode, the LED 29 is turned on to indicate that the image to be reproduced is the received image. There are advantages as follows. -The user can instantly determine whether the reproduced image is a captured image or a received image, and can immediately execute measures such as screen advance, deletion, and transmission according to the determination result.

In the above embodiment, when a received image is reproduced in the received image reproduction mode / all image reproduction mode, an attached image or a message related to the transmission source of the image is displayed on the right screen 22. There are advantages as follows. -By displaying the sender with an attached image that can visually identify the sender's features such as face images and icons, compared to displaying the sender with text data, etc.
Recipients can intuitively identify the sender or sender. -By displaying face images, icons, etc. as attached images, the degree of familiarity can be increased as a means of communication.

In the above embodiment, in the erase / transmit mode, before the erase / transmit operation is executed, the total data capacity of the image to be erased or transmitted is displayed on the right screen 22. There are benefits. -Before the erasure / transmission operation, the user can grasp in advance how much space is left in the storage capacity of the memory card 104 as a result of the execution of the image erasure or how much the data capacity of the image transmission becomes. It is possible to determine whether or not to execute deletion / transmission according to the grasp result and the current situation, and whether or not additional execution of deletion / transmission is necessary. -For example, if the increase in storage capacity due to image erasure is small compared to the data capacity of the image to be captured, further image erasure can be additionally executed. If the data capacity of the image to be transmitted is large and it is highly likely that the next image must be taken during transmission, measures such as canceling the transmission of the image can be taken.

In the above-described embodiment, in the individual erasing mode, the image for which erasing is prohibited is not displayed on the left screen 21 and is excluded from the erasing target from the beginning. Only images for which erasure permission has been set are displayed on the left screen 21 and can be selected by the direction buttons 23 and 24, so that the images can be efficiently selected and erased.

In the above-described embodiment, in the collective erasing mode: all images, received images, transmitted images, and transmitted received images, unreproduced received images are excluded from the erasure target. -It is possible to prevent an unplayed received image from being accidentally deleted. -Reproduced images can be deleted in a batch without having to select unreproduced received images.

In the above embodiment, the source is selected in the collective erasing mode: received image or the collective transmission mode: received image, and the received image can be sorted and erased and transmitted collectively for each source. There are many advantages.・ By batch erasing the received images for each sender, it is possible to efficiently and finely organize the received images.・ For example, if there are work-related sources that send work-related images and personal-related sources that send private images, they are received from less important personal-related sources. It is possible to erase only images at once. -Also, for example, it is possible to easily transmit only a received image sent from a specific source to an external image database and back it up.

In the above embodiment, the total data capacity of the received image for each source is displayed when the source is selected in the batch erasing mode: the received image or the batch transmission mode: the received image. There is. -Before executing the erasing / transmitting operation by separating the received images for each transmission source, the user determines in advance how much free space is left in the storage capacity of the memory card 104 as a result of executing the reception image deletion for each transmission source, or Since it is possible to determine the amount of data to be transmitted, it is possible to determine whether or not erasure / transmission should be performed and whether additional erasure / transmission should be performed in a detailed and efficient manner based on the result of the determination and the current situation. Can be. -For example, if the increase in storage capacity due to erasure of a received image from a specific source is small compared to the data capacity of the image to be captured, further erasure of the received image can be additionally executed. . Also, if the data volume of the image received from the specific source to be transmitted is large and it is highly likely that the next image must be taken during transmission, take measures such as canceling the transmission of the image. be able to.

In the above-described embodiment, in the batch erasing mode: transmitted images, transmitted photographed images, and transmitted received images, only transmitted images can be separated and deleted, and thus the following advantages are provided.・ Since transmitted images can be automatically and collectively erased without having to manually select them, it is possible to efficiently delete transmitted images after backing them up by sending them to an external computer etc. It is. -It is possible to prevent accidental deletion of unsent images without backing them up.

In the above-described embodiment, in the collective erasing mode: the transmitted photographed image and the transmitted received image, the transmitted image can be sorted and deleted for each transmission destination, so that the following advantages are provided. -By erasing transmitted images collectively for each destination, it is possible to efficiently and finely organize transmitted images.・ For example, when building an image database by transmitting images to one main external device, it is possible to delete only the images transmitted to the external device and incorrectly transmit images transmitted to other external devices. Erasure can be prevented.

In the above embodiment, in the collective erasing mode: transmitted photographed image and transmitted received image, when selecting a transmission destination, the total data capacity of the transmitted image for each transmission destination is displayed. There are such advantages. -The user grasps in advance how much space is left in the storage capacity of the memory card 104 as a result of execution of transmitted image erasure for each destination before sorting and erasing transmitted images for each destination. Because it is possible, it is possible to judge finely and efficiently whether erasure should be executed or not and whether additional erasure needs to be executed, based on the grasp result and the current situation. For example, if the increase in storage capacity due to erasure of transmitted images to a specific destination is small compared to the data capacity of the image to be captured, additional erasure can be performed. .

In the above embodiment, the transmission mode prohibits the transmission of a received image for which transfer prohibition is set, and therefore has the following advantages. -If the received image is set to prohibit transfer, the electronic camera 100 automatically sets prohibition of transmission and prohibits rewriting of the prohibition of transmission. The transmitted received image can be prevented from being transmitted to the outside.・ Thus, for images that you do not want to be distributed to an unspecified number of people, you can send them safely by setting transfer prohibition. -The transfer prohibition setting attached to the received image cannot be rewritten on the electronic camera that has received it, further improving security.

In the above embodiment, in the transmission mode, the estimated transmission charge and the estimated transmission time are displayed according to the total data capacity of the image file to be transmitted. -The user can automatically grasp the transmission time and transmission fee required for image transmission in advance without having to calculate it by taking into account various situations. It is possible to make a detailed and efficient decision. -For example, if the transmission fee is high, it is possible to take measures such as stopping the image transmission at that time and transmitting it at a different time (for example, at night when the communication fee decreases).・ If the transmission time is longer than expected and it is necessary to start the next shooting before the communication ends, take measures such as stopping the image transmission at that time and transmitting the image at another time. Can take. -In the individual transmission mode, the image, the estimated transmission time and the estimated transmission fee are displayed at the same time and can be checked at a glance, so that whether or not to transmit the image can be instantaneously determined.

In the above embodiment, in the individual transmission mode, the image for which transmission is set to be prohibited is not displayed on the left screen 21 and is excluded from the transmission target from the beginning. Only images for which transmission permission is set are displayed on the left screen 21 and can be selected with the direction buttons 23 and 24, so that images can be selected and transmitted efficiently in a shorter time.

In the above embodiment, in the individual transmission mode, the image already transmitted to the selected destination is displayed on the left screen 2
1
There are the following merits. -Only images that have not been transmitted to the selected destination are displayed on the left screen 21 and can be selected with the direction buttons 23 and 24, so that images can be selected and transmitted efficiently. For example, when an image is transmitted to a specific destination and an image database is constructed, it is possible to prevent an image already transmitted to the destination from being retransmitted by mistake.

In the above-described embodiment, since the transmission history of the image to be transmitted is displayed before the transmission in the individual transmission mode, the following advantages are provided. -It is possible to prevent an image that has already been sent to a specific destination and backed up to be erroneously sent to another destination and backed up again.・ Since the transmission history is automatically displayed at the same time as the image data, the transmission destination, the transmission date and time and the image data can be easily confirmed, and the operation and operation members for confirming the transmission history are not required.

In the above embodiment, in the individual transmission mode, the setting of the transfer inhibition and the setting of the presence / absence of the attached image are performed immediately before the image transmission to the selected transmission destination. -It is possible to fine-tune the setting to prohibit the transfer of transmitted images and the presence or absence of attached images for each destination.・ For example, when transferring an image to a destination of a close friend, there is no danger of transferring the image to an unspecified number of people.
It is OK to transfer to the person's friendship, so you can remove the transfer prohibition and attach an attached image to indicate the degree of closeness.・ When transferring an image to a destination whose identity is not clear, setting the transfer prohibition prevents the danger of transfer to an unspecified number of people, and setting it without an attached image is business-like. The relationship can be maintained.

In the above embodiment, in the batch transmission mode, images to be transmitted are collectively transmitted to the selected transmission destination, so that there are the following merits.・ Compared to transmitting images individually, it is not necessary to set the destination individually, so it is possible to set the transmission in a short period of time, and to communicate with each destination before and after image transmission. Is unnecessary, and the entire image transmission time can be shortened, so that the transmission fee can be kept low.

In the above-described embodiment, in the batch transmission mode: the untransmitted image, the untransmitted photographed image, and the untransmitted received image, only the untransmitted image can be separated and transmitted.・ Since unsent images can be automatically sent in batches without the need for manual selection, images can be sent to an external personal computer or other device for backup, or image data can be efficiently sent in a short time when building an image database Images can be transmitted. -It is possible to eliminate the waste of transmission time and transmission charges that occur when batch transmission is performed including images that have already been transmitted.

In the above-described embodiment, in the batch transmission mode: the untransmitted photographed image and the untransmitted received image, the untransmitted images can be separated and transmitted for each transmission destination.・ By sending unsent images collectively for each destination,
It is possible to efficiently and finely transmit untransmitted images. -For example, when building an image database by transmitting images to one main external device, transmit untransmitted images efficiently in a short time by transmitting only untransmitted images to the external device. Is possible. -It is possible to eliminate waste of transmission time and transmission charges caused when batch transmission including images already transmitted to a specific destination is performed. -Eliminates the need to manually search for images that have not been sent to a specific destination, and enables efficient image transmission in a short time.

(Explanation of Modifications) The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and changes are possible. In the above embodiment, the electronic camera 100 has a built-in wireless communication circuit 71, and transmits an image captured by wireless communication directly with the wireless base station 120 via the wireless communication circuit 71, or transmits an image from the outside. The electronic camera 100 does not include the wireless communication circuit 71 but is connected to an external wireless communication device such as a mobile phone by wire, and the wireless base station 12 is connected via the external wireless communication device such as the mobile phone.
It is also possible to transmit an image captured by wireless communication with 0 to the outside or to receive an image from the outside. This eliminates the need for the wireless communication circuit 71 in the electronic camera 100, so that the electronic camera 100 can be made compact and the cost can be kept low. Alternatively, the electronic camera 100 may have a built-in short-range wireless means such as Bluetooth, and transmit and receive an image directly with an external device. With this configuration, product information such as a product image can be directly received from a short-range wireless transmission device such as Bluetooth installed in a shopping mall or the like, so that free image communication can be performed in a short time.

In the above embodiment, the electronic camera 100
It is a system that sends and receives images between the device and external PCs, image databases, and electronic cameras.
A system in which the electronic camera 100 is replaced with a portable device capable of displaying, transmitting, and receiving an image may be used.
For example, transmission / reception of images between mobile phones capable of displaying images, transmission / reception of images between portable digital terminals (PDAs), transmission / reception of images between small portable electronic albums for viewing digital images, etc. The above-described embodiment can be applied to the present invention. In such an embodiment, since transmission and reception of an image with security can be performed, the characteristics as a portable device can be further improved by applying to a portable device mainly used outdoors or on the road. It is possible to enrich the content of communication using portable devices. Also, in exchanging product images in e-commerce using a portable device that has become more frequent recently, highly secure and efficient image operations can be performed.

Particularly, in a portable device such as an electronic camera or a camera-equipped mobile phone having an image capturing function, the captured image can be transmitted to the outside efficiently with high security immediately. And highly secure communication can be promoted.

The present invention is effective for an electronic camera used by ordinary people and a portable image device such as a mobile phone or a portable terminal. Of course, it is also effective. In the above embodiment, the electronic camera 100 is connected to an external personal computer, an image database, and the like using a wired or wireless general public telephone line or the Internet.
Although the system transmits and receives images to and from an electronic camera, the IP addresses of all the devices used are set for each individual, and all the transmission and reception of images are performed via the Internet network based on the IP addresses. It may be a system. In this way, compared to a case where some or all of the images are transmitted and received using a telephone line,
Since the information transfer speed is dramatically improved,
Reception can be performed in a short time without stress. In addition, since advanced security technology on the Internet such as encryption can be used, the security of image transmission / reception is improved, and the communication cost can be kept lower than that of image transmission / reception using a telephone line. For transmitting and receiving images, a dedicated line or a LAN line such as Ethernet (registered trademark) can be used in addition to the telephone line and the Internet.

In the above embodiment, the electronic camera 100
Transmits a still image to the outside, but a moving image may be transmitted to the outside. Further, since the attached image only needs to be able to identify the transmission destination, it may be an image in a recording mode having a higher compression ratio and a lower resolution than the image information (main image). When the attached image is a moving image, the frame may be thinned out to make the image have a coarse motion in order to reduce the data capacity.

In the above embodiment, the photographed image and the received image are stored in the portable memory card 104 detachable from the electronic camera 100. However, the nonvolatile built-in memory ( The image may be stored in a flash memory or the like.
This eliminates the need for a mounting mechanism for the memory card 104, so that the electronic camera 100 can be made more compact and portable.

In the above embodiment, the received image is stored in the received image folder under the individual folder.
A folder for each transmission source may be further provided below the reception image folder, and the reception image files may be sorted for each transmission source and stored in the folder for each transmission source. In this case, in the case of the batch erasing mode: the received image or the batch transmission mode: the received image, the operation of deleting and transmitting the received image for each transmission source can be facilitated.

In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the image data and the additional information data are stored in the same image file. The management may be performed using a list that associates the stored file with the file storing the additional information data. With this configuration, since only the image data can be independently operated, the exchange of image data between image systems having different image file structures is simplified.

In the above embodiment, the left screen 21 and the right screen 22 are constituted by LCDs. However, other display devices such as a self-luminous organic EL (electroluminescent) display device can be used. In the above embodiment, the position of the electronic camera 100 at the time of shooting is
Although the detection is performed by the circuit 61, the position information of the electronic camera 100 may be obtained by communicating with the wireless base station 120 by using the wireless communication circuit 71 as the position detecting means. In this case, the detection accuracy is lower than that of the position detection using the GPS, but the GPS circuit 71 is not required, so that the electronic camera 100 can be made compact and inexpensive.

In the above embodiment, the image information is displayed on the left screen 21 and the data information is displayed on the right screen 22. It may be displayed (superimposed display). For example, when superimposing data information on the image information displayed on the left screen 21, the size of the data information display is made smaller than the size of the main image (to ensure the visibility of the main image, the size of the first / 4 or less is desirable), and the data information display is displayed around the screen (to ensure the visibility of the main image,
One of the four corners of the substantially square screen is desirable).

The CPU 50 performs image analysis of the displayed image information to select an optimum position for displaying the data information (a position that does not hinder viewing of the main image), and stores the data at the selected position. The information may be superimposed and displayed. For example, by selecting an area having a relatively small change in luminance (contrast change) in the image information (an area having a high background frequency such as the sky), the visibility of the main image is reduced by superimposing the data information. Can be prevented. Also, in order to make the data information to be superimposed stand out, if the selected area is a relatively high brightness area, the data information is displayed in black text, and the selected area is a relatively low brightness area. If there is, the data information may be displayed in white text. Alternatively, the hue of the selected area may be detected, and the data information may be superimposed and displayed in a hue that stands out with respect to the hue. Also, in order to clarify the identification of data information for the main image, when the main image is color, the data information is displayed in black and white,
The display part of the data information may be displayed by being surrounded by a frame. Further, a person or face portion (a portion likely to be a main subject) in the image information is extracted by image analysis, and the data information is superimposed and displayed in an area other than the person or face portion. Good.

Further, the superimposed display of the data information may be turned off within a predetermined time (within about 5 seconds) after the display of the data information is started so as not to disturb the appreciation of the main image. . Further, the data information does not necessarily need to be superimposed on the main image, and may be displayed at a position smaller than the main image and at the periphery of the screen simultaneously with the main image in the same screen.

In this manner, the data information can be superimposed and displayed with good visibility in a region of low importance of the main image without significantly impairing the appreciation of the main image. Also, since the LCD (liquid crystal display screen) can be unified into one, the electronic camera 100 can be made compact,
The price can be kept low.

In the above embodiment, when a new image file addressed to the user of the camera is received from the outside in the received image reproduction mode and the all image reproduction mode, the image file displayed on the screen at that time is replaced. Alternatively, the received image may be immediately displayed on the screen.
In this way, it is possible to perform a corresponding action (reply or the like) on the received image without time delay.

In the above-described embodiment, in the shooting mode, the reproduction mode, the erasure mode, and the transmission mode, the LED 28 is turned on to indicate that there is an unreproduced received image addressed to the user. Is superimposed on the main image during playback to display the source of the unplayed received image in text or display the face image attached to the unplayed received image to use the presence of the unplayed received image. May be notified.

For example, as shown in FIG. 74, when superimposing a face image or the like attached to an unplayed received image on the main image displayed on the left screen 21, the size of the face image or the text display of the sender is superimposed. Is smaller than the size of the main image (preferably a size of about 1/4 or less of the screen to ensure the visibility of the main image), and the face image and the text display of the transmission source are In order to ensure visibility, one of the four corners of a substantially square screen is desirable).

The CPU 50 analyzes the displayed image information to select an optimal position for displaying the face image or the text display of the transmission source (a position that does not hinder the viewing of the main image). A superimposed display of the face image or the text display of the transmission source may be performed at the selected position. For example, by selecting an area having a relatively small change in luminance (contrast change) in image information (an area having a high background frequency such as the sky), a book based on a superimposed display of a face image or a text display of a transmission source is selected. It is possible to prevent the visibility of the image from lowering and to improve the visibility of the face image and the text display of the transmission source. Also, in order to make the text display of the source to be superimposed stand out, if the selected area is an area with relatively high brightness, the text display of the source is displayed in black and the selected area is relatively low. In the case of the luminance area, the text display of the transmission source may be displayed in white. Alternatively, the hue of the selected area may be detected, and the face image or the text display of the transmission source may be superimposed and displayed in a hue that stands out with respect to the hue. Also, in order to clarify the identification of the face image and the sender's text display for the main image, if the main image is color, the face image and the sender's text display are displayed in black and white, The original text display may be displayed with a frame. In addition, a person or a face part (a part likely to be a main subject) in the image information is extracted by image analysis,
A superimposed display of the face image or the text display of the transmission source may be performed in an area other than the person or the face.

In order not to disturb the appreciation of the main image, the superimposed display of the face image and the text display of the transmission source is performed for a predetermined time (~) after the display of the face image and the text display of the transmission source is started. (Within about 5 seconds). The timing of displaying the face image and the text display of the transmission source may be at regular intervals, or may be the case where the operation with the operation keys 65 is performed.

It is not always necessary to superimpose the face image or the text of the transmission source on the main image, and it is sufficient to display the main image and the main image in the same screen at a position smaller than the main image at the periphery of the screen. . In this way, the user can know the presence of the unplayed received image without the LED 28, and can display the face image and the text display of the transmission source without significantly impairing the appreciation of the main image. Superimposed display can be performed with good visibility in an area where the degree is low. Since the information of the transmission source of the unreproduced received image can be known, it is possible to immediately determine whether it is better to reproduce the image immediately or whether to reproduce it later.

In the above embodiment, for example, the iris image pattern of the photographer captured by the iris detecting means incorporated in the eyepiece of the finder 11 via a half mirror is compared with the iris image pattern of the individual registered in advance. In this case, personal identification may be performed. By doing so, the viewfinder 1 of the electronic camera 100
1 makes it possible to compactly incorporate the iris detection means. In addition, personal identification can be performed by fingerprint recognition, face image recognition, voice recognition, or the like.

In the above embodiment, the personal identification is the power supply O
Although performed at the time of N, personal identification may be performed at regular time intervals, or may be performed when operating an operation member (operation key) of the electronic camera 100. This makes it possible to cope with a case where the user is changed while the power is on. For example, if the release button 16 is configured to be two-stage pressed (half-pressed and fully-pressed), personal identification is performed by half-pressing, and shooting is performed by full-pressing, the shooting is always performed by half-pressing. It is possible to reliably identify who the image was taken from.

In the above embodiment, the folder for storing images is switched according to the result of personal identification. However, the destination of the image may be automatically determined according to the result of personal identification. In this way, for example, when the destination of an image captured by the electronic camera 100 is always a personal computer at home, there is no need to set the destination, and efficient image transmission becomes possible. .

When personal identification is performed by analyzing a face image, the photographed face image is analyzed and personally identified, and the photographed image is automatically transmitted to the photographed person according to the personal identification result. You may do so. When personal identification can be performed by wireless communication or the like between the portable terminal carried by the subject person and the electronic camera 100, personal identification data is transmitted from the portable terminal carried by the subject person at the time of shooting. The acquired image may be automatically transmitted to the person who has captured the image according to the personal identification data.

In the above embodiment, the images are stored in individual folders according to the personal identification results. However, the correspondence between the images and the individuals is not determined by the folders, but the additional information data of FIG. The correspondence between the image and the individual may be determined based on the stored personal identification data. For example, according to the personal identification result at the time of shooting,
The personal identification data in the additional information data is recorded. Also, personal identification data is provided in the received information data, and the received image data is personally identified according to the destination of the image, and is recorded in the personal identification data in the received information data according to the identification result. By doing so, it is possible to save the trouble of managing individual folders.

In the above embodiment, the LED 29 is turned on to indicate that the image displayed on the left screen 21 is a received image. However, the edge of the received image displayed on the left screen 21 is displayed in a specific color. Alternatively, identification may be performed by displaying a pattern. In this way, by making the display mode of the received image different from the display mode of the captured image, it is possible to eliminate the need for the LED for displaying the received image identification display. Otherwise, the received image may be identified by voice or text display.

In the above embodiment, when a received image is reproduced, a face image and an icon attached to the received image are displayed at the same time, so that the source of the received image is intuitively recognized. In the electronic camera on the image receiving side, an icon or a face image for each transmission source is stored in advance in a memory in association with the transmission source, and when an image is received from outside, the information of the transmission source of the image is received. When the received image is reproduced and displayed together with the received image, the face image and the icon corresponding to the transmission source information of the received image to be reproduced and displayed may be reproduced and displayed simultaneously with the received image. This makes it possible to effectively utilize the data storage capacity of the memory, reduce the image transmission time, and reduce the transmission fee, as compared with the case where a face image or the like is attached to each image.

In the above embodiment, the image attached to the transmission image is limited to one image in which the transmission information data attachment setting shown in FIG. 9 is set. When the setting is enabled and an image attachment is selected at the time of image transmission, one or more attached images may be selected from a plurality of attached image candidates. This makes it possible to easily select and attach an optimal attached image according to the type of image to be transmitted (business / private). A moving image may be attached as the attached image. By doing so, the ability to identify the sender on the image receiving side can be further improved.

The photographer or sender is identified based on the personal identification data recorded at the time of photographing or the personal identification result obtained by the personal identification circuit 75 at the time of image transmission. An icon image or face image corresponding to the photographer or sender of the transmission image is selected from the icon images or face images registered in advance according to the identification result, and the selected icon image or face image is automatically displayed. May be attached. The icon image may be downloaded from the icon image site via the Internet as needed. In this way, it is possible to save time and effort in selecting an attached image and to efficiently transmit an image.

The icon image or the face image can be used to indicate not only the photographer or sender of the image, but also the owner, copyright holder, etc. of the image. If the icon image or face image attached to the image indicates the photographer, owner, or copyright owner of the image, the receiving side of the image should delete the attached image or update it with a new attached image Is prohibited and even if the received image is further transferred to the outside,
Attach the attached image that was attached when the image was received. In this way, the recipient of the image can easily identify the information of the photographer, the owner, and the copyright holder of the received image, so that troubles related to the copyright of the image can be prevented.

In the above embodiment, when an image is transmitted to the outside, a face image is attached so that the sender can be visually and intuitively recognized. Only the face portion excluding the background by the processing may be extracted and transmitted as an attached image. This eliminates the background, so that the recognition rate can be further increased. Further, the CPU 50 may combine a background image set in advance with the extracted face portion by image combining processing and transmit the combined image as an attached image. By doing so, it is possible to attach a face image by selecting an easy-to-view background that matches the taste of the sender, regardless of the background of the original face image.

In the above embodiment, the attached image is simultaneously displayed on the right screen 22 when the received image is reproduced on the left screen 21 in the received image reproduction mode or the all image reproduction mode. When reproducing an image received from the outside in the mode / individual deletion mode / individual transmission mode, the received image displayed on the left screen 21 may be superimposed with information such as an attached image and a shooting place.

For example, as shown in FIGS. 74 and 75, when superimposing a face image attached to the received image, information on the shooting location of the received image, and the like to the received image displayed on the left screen 21, In addition, the size of the text display of the face image and the shooting location is made smaller than the size of the main image (preferably a size of about 1/4 or less of the screen to ensure the visibility of the main image), Are arranged around the screen (preferably one of the four corners of the substantially square screen in order to ensure the visibility of the main image).

The CPU 50 analyzes the displayed image information to select an optimal position for displaying the face image and the text display of the shooting location (a position that does not hinder the viewing of the main image). A superimposed display of the face image and the text display of the shooting location may be displayed at the selected position. For example, by selecting an area having a relatively small change in luminance (contrast change) in image information (an area such as the sky, which is a frequent background), a book with a superimposed display of a face image and a text display of a shooting location is provided. It is possible to prevent a decrease in the visibility of the image,
The visibility of the face image and the text display of the shooting location can be improved. Also, in order to make the text display of the shooting location to be superimposed stand out, if the selected area is a relatively high brightness area, the text display of the shooting location is displayed in black and the selected area is relatively low. In the case of the brightness area, the text display of the shooting location may be displayed in white. Alternatively, the hue of the selected area may be detected, and the face image or the text display of the shooting location may be superimposed and displayed in a hue that stands out with respect to the hue. Also, in order to clarify the identification of the face image and the shooting location text display for the main image, if the main image is color, the face image and the shooting location text display are displayed in black and white, The text display of the place may be displayed by surrounding it with a frame. Also, a person or a face part (a part that is likely to be a main subject) in the image information is extracted by image analysis, and a text display of a face image or a shooting location is superimposed on an area other than the person or the face part. It may be displayed.

It is not always necessary to superimpose the face image or the text of the photographing place on the main image, and it is sufficient to display the main image and the main image in the same screen at a position smaller than the main image at the periphery of the screen. . In addition, the superimposed display of the face image and the text display of the shooting location are displayed for a predetermined time (about 5 seconds) after the display of the face image and the text display of the shooting location are started so as not to disturb the appreciation of the main image. ). The timing of displaying the face image and the text display of the shooting location may be at regular intervals, or may be the case where the operation with the operation keys 65 is performed. In addition, superimposition of the face image and the text display of the shooting location may not be performed on the received image that has been reproduced and displayed once, since this hinders the appreciation of the received image. Also, instead of superimposing the attached image, the information of the shooting location, and the like on the received image displayed on the left screen 21, the information of the transmission source of the received image may be superimposed on the received image in text display. . Further, the information of the shooting location may be superimposed and displayed as a representative symbol image representing the shooting location.

In this way, the receiver can intuitively recognize the transmission destination and the photographing place of the received image when reproducing the received image without having two screens.
Also, since the sender and the photographing place can be confirmed simultaneously with the received image, the confirmation can be performed in a short time without the trouble of confirmation, and the LCD for screen display can be integrated into one. Therefore, the electronic camera 100 can be made compact and inexpensive. In addition, the face image and the text display of the shooting location can be superimposed and displayed in an area where the importance of the main image is low, without significantly impairing the user's appreciation of the main image.

If a message or the like is displayed in a balloon arranged near the face image as shown in FIG. 76 and displayed, it is possible to produce an interestingness and to further enhance the sense of intimacy. In addition, the message may be attached to the image information by voice information, and the message may be output by voice through the speaker 14 when the face image is displayed. Alternatively, the mouth portion of the face image may be determined by image recognition, and the image of the mouth portion of the face image may be deformed in conjunction with the generation of sound, thereby displaying the image as if talking. In this way, information can be transmitted from various angles through visual and auditory senses, so that the communication density can be further increased.

Only when an unplayed received image is reproduced, the attached image attached to the received image is automatically superimposed and displayed. When the reproduced received image is reproduced, the attached image is displayed. The superimpose display may be performed by operating the operation member. In this way, when the unplayed received image is reproduced for the first time, the superimposed display of the attached image indicating the destination of the image is automatically performed, so that it is possible to easily confirm the destination, In the reproduction of the received image after the first time, the image can be carefully viewed without any obstructive attached image, and the transmission destination can be confirmed if necessary.

In the above embodiment, the CPU 50 may recognize and analyze voice information input from the microphone 15 to convert it into text information, and store the text information in the memory card 104 as message information data. . This makes it possible to easily input the message information.

In the above embodiment, when the received image is reproduced in the received image reproduction mode or the all image reproduction mode, face image information for identifying the source of the image is displayed on the right screen 22 as shown in FIG. Although the message information is displayed, face image information, shooting location information, and shooting date and time information may be displayed on the right screen 22 as shown in FIG.
The shooting location information and the shooting date and time information are created based on the position information data and the shooting time data included in the additional information data of the received image file. The shooting location data may be displayed as icon information or image information indicating the shooting location so as to be more easily understood. For example, if the shooting location is New York, an image of the Statue of Liberty can be used. In this way, since the photographing place and the photographing date and time can be confirmed at the same time as the transmission source, it is easy to search for a desired image when there are many similar received images. In addition, since information displayed for identifying a transmission source and a shooting location does not depend on a language, communication using images can be promoted worldwide. Further, other information such as photographing information data may be displayed on the right screen 22.

In the above embodiment, one image is displayed on one screen in the reproduction mode, the individual deletion mode, and the individual transmission mode, and the image is switched and selected by operating the direction buttons 23 and 24. You may make it select by performing thumbnail image display which displays many screens. In this case, selection of an image is performed by the touch tablet 66 or the like. In this way, image selection can be performed more easily and in a shorter time than when selecting images while sequentially sending images using the direction buttons 23 and 24.

In the above embodiment, the erasure prohibition / permission and the transmission prohibition / permission are manually set for each image in the reproduction mode. However, the erasure prohibition / permission is automatically set according to the operation of the image.
Transmission prohibition / permission can be set. For example, FIG.
In S42 of the reception interrupt processing subroutine shown in FIG.
Erasing the received image or prohibiting the transmission of the received image uniformly, changing the image transmitted when transmitting the image in the transmission mode to the erasure prohibition, changing the image to the erasure permission, or reproducing the image in the reproduction mode / erasure mode / transmission mode If the image reproduced at this time is prohibited from being erased, the image is changed to permission for erasure, the image taken at the time of shooting in the shooting mode is uniformly prohibited from being erased, and the image is played back in the playback mode / erasing mode / transmission mode. It is also possible to prohibit erasure of all unreproduced images and to automatically change the reproduced images to erasure permission. This eliminates the need to manually select individual images to set erasure prohibition and transmission prohibition, thereby saving the trouble of setting and preventing forgetting to set. Also, it is possible to prevent the received image from being transmitted to the outside or to be erased by mistake, so that security can be improved.
When the CPU 50 automatically deletes an image from the memory card 104 at a set time interval or at a set time based on the timing information of the timer 74, the CPU 50 responds to the image operation as described above. Automatically prohibit / permit deletion,
Transmission Prohibition / Permission By performing the above setting, it is possible to prevent unnecessary images from being deleted carelessly and to delete unnecessary images without hassle.

In the above embodiment, erasure prohibition and transmission prohibition are set for each image in the reproduction mode. However, image printing may be prohibited, image processing may be prohibited, and image display may be prohibited. By doing so, the security of the image can be further improved. In the above embodiment, erasure prohibition and transmission prohibition are set for each image in the reproduction mode. However, erasure prohibition and transmission prohibition may be set for a plurality of images at once. For example, by prohibiting transmission and erasure of all the received images collectively, it is possible to prevent erasure of the received image and forgetting to set transmission prohibition.

In the above embodiment, the individual erase mode,
In the batch erasing mode, images to which erasing permission is set are manually deleted, but images to which erasing permission is set may be automatically deleted. For example, the CPU 50 deletes the image stored in the memory card 104 by the wireless communication circuit 71 at predetermined time intervals, at a specified date and time, or deletes the last reproduced date and time based on the time measurement information of the timer 74. , An image having a predetermined time elapsed from the date and time stored in the memory card 104, or an image having a low reproduction frequency (the number of times of reproduction per unit time) may be deleted. Good. Further, the target of the image to be automatically deleted may be limited to a received image to which deletion is permitted or a transmitted image to which deletion is permitted, instead of the image to which deletion is permitted. In this way, it is possible to save time and effort for erasing an image, prevent forgetting to erase the image, and effectively use the memory. Also, forgetting to delete an unnecessary image can be prevented, so that security can be improved.

In the above embodiment, the batch erase mode,
In the batch transmission mode, no image is displayed on the left screen 21. However, as shown in FIG. 78, thumbnail images of images to be deleted or transmitted are arranged and displayed, or as shown in FIG. An image (the latest photographed image or received image) representative of the image to be transmitted is displayed on the left screen 2
1 may be displayed. This makes it possible to roughly confirm an image to be erased or transmitted at the time of batch erasure or batch transmission, thereby preventing erroneous erasure and transmission of an image that is not a desired image.

In the above embodiment, the individual transmission mode,
In the batch transmission mode, images for which transmission permission is manually set are transmitted, but images for which transmission permission is set may be automatically transmitted. For example, the CPU 50 may transmit the image stored in the memory card 104 to the outside at predetermined intervals by the wireless communication circuit 71 based on the timing information of the timer 74, or may make the image to the outside at a designated date and time. . Also, the target of the image to be automatically transmitted may be limited to a received image for which transmission is permitted or an untransmitted image for which transmission is permitted, instead of an image for which transmission is permitted. By doing so, it is possible to save the trouble of transmitting the image and also to prevent forgetting to transmit.

In the above embodiment, in the batch transmission mode, image attachment and transfer prohibition are not set, but image attachment and transfer prohibition may be set collectively. This makes it possible for the recipient of the image to easily identify the source of the image and prevent the image from leaking to an unspecified number of people, even when the images are transmitted collectively.

In the above embodiment, in the individual transmission mode, the transmission image is selected after selecting the transmission destination of the image, but the transmission destination may be selected after selecting the transmission image. In this way, by selecting an image while viewing the transmission history, it is possible to prevent the same image from being sent to the same destination.

In the above embodiment, one image is transmitted to one destination in the individual transmission mode. However, one image may be selected and transmitted to a plurality of selected destinations, or one image may be transmitted. A destination may be selected and a plurality of images may be selected and transmitted, or a plurality of images may be selected and transmitted to a plurality of selected destinations.

In the above embodiment, in the individual transmission mode, transfer prohibition is set for each image to be transmitted. However, transfer prohibition may be set for images to be transmitted uniformly. By doing so, it is possible to save the trouble of setting the transfer prohibition, and to prevent the setting from being forgotten or the setting error, so that the security can be further improved.

In the above-described embodiment, in the individual transmission mode, the transfer prohibited is set to prevent the image transmitted from the transmission destination from being transferred to the outside. The copying or moving of the image file may be prohibited. Further, for example, a system may be set in which printing is prohibited for an image to be transmitted, and an image for which printing is prohibited cannot be printed on the receiving side of the image. In this way, it is possible to prevent the image from leaking out of the print medium. Further, for example, a system may be provided in which image processing prohibition is set for an image to be transmitted, and processing of the image transmitted at the transmission destination is prohibited. In this way, it is possible to prevent the image from being processed against the intention of the photographer at the image transmission destination, and to prevent copyright infringement. Further, for example, a system may be provided in which display prohibition is set for an image to be transmitted and display of the image transmitted at the transmission destination is prohibited. The display prohibition of the image can be released only by the sender of the image. Alternatively, a display restriction is set for the image to be transmitted so that only the user specified as the destination of the image transmission can display the image, or the details of the received image cannot be understood by anyone other than the user specified as the destination of the image transmission. Display images with low resolution (such as mosaic images) so that they do not appear. The user may be identified by the personal identification circuit 75 or by a password set by the image sender and the image receiver. This prevents the image transmitted to the image transmission destination from being viewed by others.

In the above embodiment, in the individual transmission mode, by setting the transfer prohibition, it is possible to prevent the image transmission destination from further transmitting the image, but to set the self-deletion for the image to be transmitted. In this case, it may be possible to automatically delete itself when a certain period of time has passed since the transmitted image was received. For example, when the image X is transmitted from the camera A to the camera B as shown in FIG. This erasing program detects the elapse of a certain time, and detects the image X received by the camera B.
To delete. In this way, the risk that the transmitted image is distributed to an unspecified number of destinations can be reduced, and the image receiving side can reduce the importance of the image (news This has the advantage of eliminating the need for manually erasing images (images) and images that play a strong role as a means of communication (images transmitted and received between camera-equipped mobile phones) after a lapse of time. The same effect can be obtained by attaching the time data up to the erasure, instead of attaching the erasure program, and erasing the image X by the program incorporated in the camera B side. Regardless of the setting for self-erasing of received images,
The image may be automatically deleted when a certain period of time has elapsed after receiving the image received from the outside. In this way, the memory can be used effectively without the need for erasing. In addition, when automatically deleting received images, the image to be deleted is automatically displayed on the screen, the user can confirm the image to be deleted, and the execution of deletion can be canceled based on user operation You may make it. In this way, it is possible to prevent the received image that is not intended by the user from being automatically deleted.

Also, instead of erasing the image after a certain period of time, camera A automatically deletes image X received at the specified date and time by camera B by attaching information on the specified erasure date to image X. May be. Alternatively, if the camera A attaches the information on the number of times of reproduction to the image X and the camera B reproduces the image X received at the specified date and time by the specified number of times, the image X is automatically deleted after the reproduction is completed. You may do so.

When the camera A stores the camera B to which the image X is transmitted and does not want to delete the image X from the camera A after the transmission, the camera A Calls the destination of the image X from the stored destination, specifies the image X, and transmits an erasure command to the camera B. When the camera B receives the erasing command of the image X from the camera A, and confirms that the erasing command is the erasing command from the camera A that is the transmission source of the image X, the erasing program starts in the camera B, The image X may be automatically deleted. The designation of the image X is performed by the image file name. In this way, the user of the camera A can delete the image transmitted to the camera B at any time, so that if the transmitted image needs to be deleted due to a change in the situation after the image transmission, It is valid. The erasing program may be incorporated in the camera B in advance. Also, the command issued by camera A is other than the erase command,
Transfer prohibition, printing prohibition, display prohibition, display restriction, processing prohibition,
It may be a command for restricting image operations such as copy prohibition.

Instead of the image transfer prohibition setting in the above embodiment, the number of times of transmission or the number of times of transfer may be limited. For example, in FIG. 81, when transmitting the image X from the camera A to the camera B, the image X is transmitted with a transmission number restriction program in which the transmission number restriction is set to two. Camera B
Under the control of the transmission number limiting program, the received image X can be transmitted only twice. In FIG. 81, the image X is transmitted to the cameras C and D. However, when the image X is transmitted from the camera B, the image is transmitted with the transfer prohibition setting. For example, in FIG. 82, when the image X is transmitted from the camera A to the camera B, the image is transmitted with a transfer number restriction program in which the transfer number restriction is set to one. The camera B can transmit the received image X under the control of the transfer count restriction program. In FIG. 82, the image X is transmitted to the camera C. However, when transmitting the image X from the camera B, the transfer count restriction is reduced by 1 and a transfer count restriction program is attached. In this example, the transfer count limit of the image X sent to the camera C is 0, that is, transfer is prohibited. A transmission count restriction program and a transfer count restriction program may be pre-installed in the camera B, and the transmission count restriction data and the transfer count restriction data may be attached from the camera A to the camera B.

In the above embodiment, the transfer inhibition setting is performed on the transmission image to prevent the transmission image from leaking to an unspecified large number. For example, as shown in FIG. , An encryption request is attached to the image X. The camera B that has received the image X and the encryption request stores the image obtained by encrypting the image X using the password b in the memory. When displaying the encrypted image X, the password b is input to release the encryption, and the image X is displayed. However, the image X attached with the encryption request cannot be stored as a raw image. In this way, it is possible to avoid a risk that another person other than the owner operates the device that has received the image, so that the received image can be seen by another person.

For example, as shown in FIG. 84, when camera A sends image X to camera B, camera A obtains password b of camera B in advance, encrypts image X with password b, and sends it to camera B. Camera B has encrypted image X
Is canceled with the password b to obtain the image X. In this way, it is possible to avoid a risk that the image X is intercepted by others on the communication path from the camera A to the camera B.

In the above embodiment, the electronic camera 100
Receives all images sent from outside,
Specific transmission source data is registered in the EEPROM 68 of the electronic camera 100 in advance, and when the wireless communication circuit 71 receives an image transmission request from the external transmission source to the electronic camera 100, the CPU 50 performs the image transmission request. The data of the transmission source is compared with the transmission source data registered in the EEPROM 68, and the image transmitted from the transmission source is received by the wireless communication circuit 71 and stored in the memory card 104 only when they match. Good. If they do not match (a transmission source other than the specific transmission source), the electronic camera 100 displays only the transmission source data, and notifies the user that there is an image transmission request from a source other than the specific transmission source. In this way, since images from a source other than the registered source are not accepted, the data storage capacity of the memory card 104 is not squeezed by receiving an image sent from an unknown source. . Further, prior to image reception, the total data capacity of the received image (when the other party has transmitted the images collectively) may be confirmed, and if the total data capacity of the received image is larger than a predetermined amount, it may not be accepted. . In this way, it is possible to reject only an image having a large data capacity that presses the data storage capacity of the memory card 104.

In the above embodiment, the electronic camera 100
Receives all images sent from outside,
The upper limit of the total data storage capacity of the received image folder of the memory card 104 is fixed, and if the total data storage capacity exceeds the total data storage capacity due to image reception, the CPU 50 prevents the wireless communication circuit 71 from receiving an image sent from an external source. You may. Alternatively, when the wireless communication circuit 71 receives a request for image transmission from outside, the CPU 50 first checks the data capacity of the received image, and when the received image is received, the CPU 50 exceeds the total data storage capacity of the received image folder. Alternatively, among the received images stored in the received image folder, an area for storing a new received image file may be secured by erasing the received images in chronological order. In this way, a memory area for areas other than the received image can always be secured on the memory card 104, so that even when a large number of received images are received from the outside, functions such as storing captured images are impaired. Never be. In addition, by limiting the target of the received image to be deleted to the transmitted received image or the reproduced received image,
It is possible to prevent a received image that has not been backed up or a received image that has not been confirmed by reproduction from being accidentally erased.

In the above embodiment, as additional information data attached to the transmitted image, environmental data (temperature, humidity, brightness, wind speed) at the time of capturing the image and sensory data (odor, Taste, feel) may be attached. These data may be detected by a sensor built in the electronic camera 100, or may be transmitted from a detection device other than the electronic camera 100 to the electronic camera 100. For example, a personal computer that receives an image to which such additional information data is attached transmits the additional information data to an external device such as an air conditioner, a scent generator, a taste generator, or a lighting device when reproducing the received image.
The external device controls the temperature, humidity, wind speed, illumination brightness, scent characteristics, and taste characteristics according to the additional information data. Also, if the additional information data is scent or odor data, when printing an image with this additional information attached,
A plurality of types of fragrances may be prepared, and the fragrances may be selected or prepared according to the scent data, and mixed with the printing ink for printing. By doing so, it is possible to appreciate the received image while enjoying the same sense of realism as when shooting.

In the above-described embodiment, in the transmission mode, the transmission destination is specified by text data on the right screen 22 as shown in FIG.
85, the destination is displayed on the left screen 21 by a face image or an icon capable of visually identifying the destination as shown in FIG. 85, and the desired destination is displayed by the touch tablet 66 or the like. You may make it select. With this configuration, the destination can be visually and intuitively selected, so that the destination can be efficiently selected in a short time, and the erroneous selection of the destination can be prevented. The face image and the icon for identifying the transmission destination may be created by the sender, or the attached image attached to the received image may be used. Further, the icon of the transmission destination may be superimposed on the image to be transmitted and displayed. The icon of the transmission destination does not necessarily need to be superimposed on the main image, and may be displayed at the same time as the main image in the same screen at a position around the screen with a smaller size than the main image.

In the above embodiment, in the individual transmission mode, the transmission history is displayed on the right screen 22 in the form of text data as shown in FIG. 58. However, as shown in FIG. You may make it display on the right screen 22 by a possible icon. In this way, the history of the destination can be visually and intuitively recognized, so that the history of the destination can be efficiently confirmed in a short time. The face image and the icon for identifying the transmission destination may be created by the sender, or may be created by using an attached image attached to the received image. For example, a face image sent from a destination can be subjected to image processing to create a portrait image or a cartoon-like face image, and can be used as an icon image for identification of a transmission destination or a transmission source.

In the above-described embodiment, in the transmission mode, the estimated transmission time and the estimated transmission charge are displayed as numerical data on the right screen 22. May be displayed. For example, in the individual transmission mode, as shown in FIG. 87, the image displayed on the left screen 21 is superimposed to display an icon 32 (clock icon) of the estimated transmission time and an icon 31 (yen mark) of the estimated transmission fee. The size of the clock icon 32 is increased as the estimated transmission time is longer, and the size of the circle mark icon 31 is increased as the estimated transmission fee is higher. When displaying the icon image of the estimated transmission time or the icon image of the estimated transmission charge in superimposed display, the size of the icon image is smaller than the size of the main image (in order to ensure the visibility of the main image, the size of the screen is reduced to 1/100 of the screen). The size of the icon image is preferably about four or less, and the icon image is placed around the screen (preferably, one of the four corners of the substantially square screen in order to ensure the visibility of the main image).
To place.

The CPU 50 analyzes the displayed image information to select an optimal position for displaying the icon image (a position that does not hinder the viewing of the main image), and places the icon at the selected position. The image may be superimposed and displayed. For example, by selecting an area in the image information where the luminance change (contrast change) is relatively small (a high-frequency background area such as the sky), the visibility of the main image is reduced by the superimposed display of the icon image. Can be prevented, and the visibility of the icon image can be improved. Also, in order to make the icon image to be superimposed stand out, if the selected area was a relatively high luminance area, the icon image was displayed in black, and the selected area was a relatively low luminance area. In this case, the icon image may be displayed in white. Alternatively, the hue of the selected area may be detected, and the icon image may be superimposed and displayed in a hue that stands out from the hue. Further, in order to clarify the identification of the icon image with respect to the main image, if the main image is color, the icon image may be displayed in black and white, or the icon image may be displayed with a frame. Also, a person or face portion (a portion likely to be the main subject) in the image information is extracted by image analysis, and an icon image is superimposed and displayed in an area other than the person or face portion. Good.

Further, the superimposed display of the icon image may be erased within a predetermined time (up to about 5 seconds) after the display of the icon image is started so as not to hinder the appreciation of the main image. . The timing of displaying the icon image may be at regular intervals, or the operation keys 65
May be performed.

The icon image does not necessarily have to be superimposed on the main image, and may be displayed at the same time as the main image in the same screen at a position smaller than the main image at the periphery of the screen. In this way, the transmission time and the transmission fee can be intuitively grasped without having two screens, so that even a beginner can use the screen easily. Also, since the transmission time and transmission fee can be checked at the same time as the actual image,
The confirmation can be performed in a short time without the trouble of confirmation, and the LCD for screen display can be integrated into one, so that the electronic camera 100 can be made compact and inexpensive. In addition, the icon image can be superimposed and displayed with good visibility in an area where the importance of the main image is low without significantly impairing the user's appreciation of the main image.

In the above embodiment, in the reproduction mode, the individual erasure mode, and the individual transmission mode, the image data displayed on the left screen 21 as shown in FIG. The detailed information (photographing data etc.) is displayed on the right screen 22,
Based on the transmission history information shown in FIG. 10, the transmission history information regarding the image data displayed on the left screen 21 may be displayed on the right screen 22 as shown in FIG. In this way, it is possible to confirm the transmission destination and the transmission date and time of the image transmitted to the outside, and to confirm whether or not the transmitted image has been reproduced at the transmission destination and the reproduction time. It is possible to perform a measure on an image. For example, if the transmitted image is not played back at the other party, a notification to prompt playback is given, and the transmitted image is prohibited from being erased in case that it is accidentally erased without being played back at the other party, When a notification is received that the transmitted image has been played back at the other party, the memory can be used effectively by automatically allowing the transmitted image to be deleted or automatically deleting the transmitted image. Can be.

In the reproduction mode, the individual erasure mode, and the individual transmission mode, if the displayed image information is information of a transmitted image, the image switching button 25 and the direction buttons 23 and 24 are operated without being operated. As shown in FIG. 89, the transmission destination may be displayed as an icon image by superimposing on the display of the selected image, and the presence or absence of reproduction at the transmission destination and the reproduction time may be displayed. When displaying the text of the icon image of the destination, the presence or absence of playback at the destination, and the playback time, the size of the icon image of the destination, presence or absence of playback at the destination, and the size of the text display of the playback time Is smaller than the size of the main image (preferably a size of about 1/4 or less of the screen in order to ensure the visibility of the main image). Are arranged around the screen (preferably one of the four corners of the substantially square screen in order to ensure the visibility of the main image).

The CPU 50 performs image analysis of the displayed image information to determine the optimal position for displaying the text image of the icon image of the transmission destination, the presence or absence of reproduction at the transmission destination, and the reproduction time (for viewing the main image. (A position that does not hinder the transmission) may be selected, and the icon image of the transmission destination, the presence / absence of reproduction at the transmission destination, and the text display of the reproduction time may be superimposed at the selected position. For example, by selecting an area having a relatively small luminance change (contrast change) in the image information (an area with a high frequency, such as the background of the sky), the presence / absence of reproduction at the icon image of the transmission destination or the transmission destination, It is possible to prevent the visibility of the main image from deteriorating due to the superimposed display of the text display of the time, and to improve the visibility of the text image of the playback time and the presence / absence of playback at the destination icon image or the destination. can do. If the selected area is a relatively high-brightness area to make the text image of the icon image of the destination to be superimposed, the presence or absence of playback at the destination, and the playback time stand out, the icon of the destination is displayed. The text of the image, the presence or absence of playback at the destination and the playback time are displayed in black,
If the selected area is an area having a relatively low luminance, the icon image of the transmission destination, the presence or absence of reproduction at the transmission destination, and the text display of the reproduction time may be displayed in white. Alternatively, the hue of the selected area may be detected, and the icon image of the transmission destination, the presence or absence of reproduction at the transmission destination, and the text display of the reproduction time may be displayed in a superimposed manner with a hue that stands out from the selected hue. In addition, in order to clarify the identification of the destination icon image for the main image, the presence / absence of reproduction at the destination, and the text display of the reproduction time, if the main image is in color, the destination icon image or the destination The text display of the presence / absence of playback and the playback time may be displayed in black and white, or the icon image of the destination, the presence / absence of playback at the destination, and the text display of the playback time may be displayed in a frame. In addition, a person or a face portion (a portion likely to be a main subject) in the image information is extracted by image analysis, and an icon image of a transmission destination or reproduction of the transmission at the transmission destination is stored in an area other than the person or the face portion. The text display of the presence / absence and the reproduction time may be superimposed.

In order not to disturb the appreciation of the main image, the icon image of the transmission destination, the superimposed display of the text display of the presence / absence of reproduction at the transmission destination, and the reproduction time are displayed. The display may be turned off within a predetermined time (within about 5 seconds) after the start of the text display of the presence or absence of reproduction and the reproduction time. The timing of displaying the text image of the icon image of the transmission destination, the presence / absence of reproduction at the transmission destination, and the reproduction time may be at regular intervals, or may be the case where the operation with the operation key 65 is performed.
Also, when playing back the transmitted image played back at the destination so as not to hinder the appreciation of the original image, the icon image of the destination or the transmitted image can only be displayed at the first playback after the playback notification from the destination arrives. The text display of the presence / absence of playback and the playback time may be superimposed.

The text display of the icon image of the transmission destination, the presence or absence of reproduction at the transmission destination, and the reproduction time does not necessarily have to be superimposed on the main image. May be displayed at the position. In this way, it is possible to check whether or not the image is transmitted at the destination without any troublesome operation.
After the confirmation, the image information can be carefully viewed without disturbing superimpose display. Also, since it is possible to intuitively grasp whether or not the image has been reproduced at the transmission destination and the reproduction time at the same time as the main image, it is possible to check the image in a short time without the trouble of confirmation, Since one display LCD can be used, the electronic camera 100 can be made compact and inexpensive. The icon image of the destination, the presence or absence of reproduction at the destination, and the text display of the reproduction time are superimposed with high visibility in the area of low importance of the main image without significantly impairing the user's appreciation of the main image. Can be displayed.

In the above embodiment, the image file is transmitted as it is to the destination at the time of image transmission. However, the image file format (JPEG, TIFF, bit pattern, etc.) is adjusted according to the characteristics and specifications of the electronic image device of the destination. The image recording characteristics such as the compression rate and the compression ratio may be changed before transmission. Also, the data of the file format and compression ratio at the time of image transmission is written in the transmission history, and when the same image is transmitted next time, it is added to the display of the transmission history shown in FIG. Is displayed, it is possible to refer to how to set the file format and the compression ratio of the image to be transmitted, and the setting can be performed in a short time.

In the above embodiment, when the image file is transmitted, the audio information is also attached. However, the audio information may be analyzed and converted into text data and transmitted. By doing so, the transmission data capacity can be reduced, the transmission time can be shortened, and the transmission fee can be reduced, as compared with the case where the voice information is transmitted as it is.

In the above embodiment, the image file is transmitted without receiving information data.
The reception information data may be attached to the image file and sent to the transmission destination, and the transmission destination may take over the reception information data and newly create the reception information data at the transmission destination.
In this way, by tracing the reception information data, the transmission path of the image information and the source of the image information can be confirmed, and it is possible to easily investigate the case where the image is illegally distributed.

In the above embodiment, the transmission mode displays the estimated transmission time and the estimated transmission fee as shown in FIG. 58 to support the determination whether or not to execute the image transmission. Estimate the transmission time and transmission fee for each of the multiple transmission conditions that affect the transmission fee, and select the optimal transmission condition from multiple transmission conditions based on the estimated transmission time and transmission fee. You may.

For example, if the compression ratio of the image data at the time of image transmission can be changed, the transmission time and the transmission fee are displayed on the screen 22 for each compression ratio as shown in FIG. It may be. In this case, the CPU 50 calculates the data capacity for each compression rate in accordance with the data capacity of the image to be transmitted, and based on the calculated data capacity, the data transmission speed of the communication line, and the usage fee per unit time of the communication line, calculates each compression rate. The expected transmission time when the image information is transmitted at the rate and the estimated transmission fee are calculated. In this way, the user can select an optimal compression ratio and transmit an image in consideration of the application at the destination of the image and the transmission time or transmission fee, so that the transmission time can be reduced. The transmission fee can be reduced.

The file format or recording format (eg, JPEG, TI)
If it is possible to change (FF, GIF, BMP: bit pattern, etc.) at the time of transmission, a transmission time and a transmission fee are displayed for each format format on the screen 22, as shown in FIG. You may. In this case, CPU5
0 is calculated based on the data capacity of the image to be transmitted and the data capacity when converted into each format. Based on the calculated data capacity, the data transmission speed of the communication line, and the usage fee per unit time of the communication line, each An estimated transmission time when image information is transmitted in the format format and an estimated transmission fee are calculated. In this way, the user can select the most appropriate file format and transmit the image in consideration of the use (format format) at the destination of the image and the transmission time or transmission fee. Can be shortened and the transmission fee can be reduced.

In addition to the above, since the data capacity differs depending on the size (resolution differs according to the size), resolution, color (color, black and white), and characteristics (moving image, still image) of the display screen of the image transmission destination, The estimated transmission time and estimated transmission fee are displayed separately for the size of the display screen of the image destination (the resolution varies depending on the size), resolution, color (color, black and white), and characteristics (video, still image), You may make a user select.

As described above, in accordance with the compression rate, the recording format (encoding format), the size of the display screen, the resolution, the color / black and white, and the data format of the image information such as the moving image / still image, the data format is used. By displaying the estimated transmission time and the estimated transmission fee, the user can transmit the image information in a data format of image information that balances the characteristics of the image to be transmitted with the transmission time or the transmission fee.

When the communication line at the time of transmitting an image can be selected, the transmission time and the transmission fee are displayed on the screen 22 for each communication line as shown in FIG. Good. In this case, based on the data capacity of the image to be transmitted, the data transmission speed for each line, and the usage fee per unit time for each line, the CPU 50 calculates the estimated transmission time when image information is transmitted using each line, Calculate the transmission fee. In this way, the user can select an optimal communication line and transmit an image in consideration of the type of communication line and the transmission time or transmission fee, so that the transmission time can be reduced and the transmission fee can be reduced. Reduction can be achieved.

[0230] If the transmission destination at the time of image transmission can be selected, the transmission time and transmission fee may be displayed for each transmission destination, and the user may select it. In this case, the CPU 50
Is the estimated transmission time when image information is transmitted to each destination, based on the data capacity of the image to be transmitted, the data transmission speed for each destination, and the usage fee per unit time of the communication line to each destination, Calculate the estimated transmission fee. In this way, even if the location for transmitting the image changes, the user can select the most suitable destination and transmit the image in consideration of the destination and the transmission time or the transmission fee. The transmission time can be shortened and the transmission fee can be reduced.

If the image transmission need not be performed immediately, the transmission time and the transmission fee are displayed on the screen 22 for each communication time zone as shown in FIG. Is also good. In this case, based on the data capacity of the image to be transmitted, the data transmission speed of the line in each time zone, and the usage fee per unit time of the line, the CPU 50 calculates the estimated transmission time when image information is transmitted in each time zone, Calculate the transmission fee. Alternatively, the CPU 50 stores the selected time zone, measures the time by means of a timer such as a timer 74, detects that the selected time zone has been reached, and automatically transmits the designated image information to the outside. Execute Information on the line data transmission speed and the line usage fee per unit time in each time zone can be downloaded from the communication line management department through the wireless communication circuit 71, or the past actual image transmission values can be monitored. It can be obtained by recording. In this way, the user can select the most suitable time zone and perform image transmission in consideration of the communication time zone (delay time from the present time to the start of communication) and the transmission time or transmission fee. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the transmission time and the transmission fee.

If the image transmission need not be performed immediately, the transmission time and the transmission fee are displayed on the screen 22 for each communication mode (transmission fee priority mode, transmission time priority mode) as shown in FIG. Thus, the communication mode may be selected by the user. In the transmission fee priority mode, the transmission conditions (image compression ratio / image resolution /
Image format / image color / communication line / destination / time zone) is automatically selected by the electronic camera 100, and image transmission is performed based on the selected transmission conditions. In the transmission time priority mode, the electronic camera 100 automatically selects transmission conditions (image compression ratio / image resolution / image format / image color / communication line / destination / time zone, etc.) which provide the shortest transmission time. Then, image transmission is performed based on the selected transmission condition. With this configuration, the user can select the most suitable communication mode according to the purpose of image transmission and perform image transmission, so that transmission fees can be saved and communication time can be reduced.

Also, the transmission time priority mode or the transmission charge priority mode is not set each time an image is transmitted, and once set, the same priority mode is maintained until the setting is changed. The transmission conditions may be automatically selected based on the image data and the image may be transmitted. With this configuration, it is possible to save the trouble of selecting the image transmission conditions each time the image is transmitted, and to always perform the image transmission under the optimal transmission conditions.

When an image is automatically transmitted to an external device at a predetermined time interval or at a predetermined time, an expected transmission time and an expected transmission time are obtained according to the data capacity of the image to be transmitted at the time of transmission and various transmission conditions. An optimum transmission condition may be automatically selected based on the estimated transmission time or the estimated transmission time, and image transmission may be automatically performed under the selected transmission condition. At this time, if the estimated transmission time under the optimal transmission conditions or the estimated transmission time exceeds a predetermined reference transmission time or reference transmission fee, the estimated transmission time or the estimated transmission time is displayed and notified to the user. Alternatively, the user may determine whether to execute image transmission. In this way, the image can be automatically transmitted under the optimal conditions without bothering the user of the electronic camera 100,
If the transmission time or the transmission fee exceeds the standard, the user can determine whether or not to execute the transmission, so that the transmission time becomes longer or the transmission fee becomes higher. Can be prevented.

In the case where image transmission is performed by automatically selecting the optimum transmission condition as described above, the user may be able to specify the lowest line in advance for a desired item of the transmission condition. For example, if the image resolution or image compression ratio is too coarse, use of the image at the destination will be hindered.Therefore, the minimum value of the image resolution or image compression ratio is specified. It is possible to specify the number of hours within the transmission time zone from now.
In this way, the user can always transmit an image under good transmission conditions, and can also reduce transmission time and transmission fee.

It is also possible to calculate the expected transmission time or the estimated transmission time by combining the transmission conditions and select one combination of the transmission conditions. For example, an estimated transmission time and an estimated transmission time can be calculated for transmission conditions of a matrix of a plurality of communication lines and a plurality of time zones.

In the above description, if the data transmission speed of the communication line or the communication fee per unit time changes according to the image transmission destination or the distance and the positional relationship between the image transmission destination and the image transmission source, the CPU 50 Using the data transmission speed of the communication line and the communication charge per unit time according to the distance and the positional relationship between the image transmission destination and the image transmission destination and the image transmission source, calculate the estimated transmission time and the estimated transmission charge. .

The user of the electronic camera 100 specifies a transmission time or a transmission charge, and the CPU 50 estimates the transmission time or the transmission charge for a plurality of transmission conditions, and the transmission time or the transmission charge for which the estimated transmission time or the transmission charge is specified. A transmission condition with the best image quality may be selected from among transmission conditions that fall within the time or the transmission fee, and the image may be transmitted to the outside under the transmission condition. For example, if the transmission fee is specified, the transmission fee for transmitting the image at each resolution or each compression ratio is expected, and among the estimated transmission fees, select the highest estimated transmission fee below the specified transmission fee Then, by transmitting an image at a resolution or a compression ratio corresponding to the estimated transmission fee, an image having the highest image quality within the designated transmission fee can be transmitted. This saves the user from having to select the transmission conditions, and can transmit an image of good quality.

When the electronic camera 100 has only one display screen, an image may be superimposed on the display of the estimated transmission time and the estimated transmission fee for each transmission condition. For example, in the individual transmission mode, the estimated transmission time and the estimated transmission fee for the image compression ratio are displayed on the substantially square screen 22 as shown in FIG. 95, and the image to be transmitted is displayed around the screen 22 (estimated transmission). In order to ensure the visibility of the display of the time and the estimated transmission fee, one of the four corners of the substantially rectangular screen is desirable.
It is displayed in a size smaller than 2 (preferably a size of about 1/4 or less of the screen in order to ensure visibility of the display of the estimated transmission time and the estimated transmission fee).

The image to be transmitted does not necessarily have to be superimposed on the display of the estimated transmission time and the estimated transmission charge. What is necessary is just to display at a position around the screen in a size smaller than the display of the fee.

In this way, even when the number of screens is one, the display of the estimated transmission time and the estimated transmission charge and the image to be transmitted can be simultaneously checked. It can be compact. In the above embodiment, in the transmission mode, when a transmission command is issued, image transmission is uniformly performed,
The CPU 50 checks the status of the power supply 63 by the power supply control circuit 64, compares the estimated transmission time length with the current power supply capability of the power supply 63, and determines that the power supply 63 may be down during the transmission time. In this case, a warning message may be displayed on the screen or blinking of the LED. In this manner, in a portable electronic imaging apparatus using a battery or the like as a power supply, it is possible to prevent an accident in which image transmission is interrupted due to a battery going down during image transmission.

In the above embodiment, the power switch 17
Is OFF, the electronic camera 100 cannot receive an image transmitted from outside, but the electronic camera 100 controls the power control circuit 64 when the power switch 17 is OFF,
Power may be supplied to the CPU 50 and the wireless communication circuit 71 even while the power switch 17 is OFF. Upon receiving an image transmission request from outside, the wireless communication circuit 71
The CPU 50 controls the power supply control circuit 64 to supply power to circuits (such as the memory card 104) necessary for image reception,
The image received from the outside through the wireless communication circuit 71 is stored in the memory card 104. After storing the received image, the CPU 50 controls the power control circuit 64 to stop supplying power to the memory card 104 and the like, and the CPU 50 enters a sleep mode with low power consumption. By doing so, it is possible to save power of a power source such as a battery,
Images can be automatically received from outside even during F.

In the above embodiment, in the reproduction mode, the images to be reproduced are all images, captured images, and received images. However, the images to be reproduced may be classified more finely. For example, unplayed images, unplayed received images, sent images, sent shot images, sent received images, unsent images, unsent shot images, unsent received images, erase-permitted images,
It is possible to set a reproduction mode in which an erasure prohibited image, a transmission permitted image, a transmission prohibited image, a transfer permitted image, a transfer prohibited image, a print permitted image, a print prohibited image, and the like are to be reproduced.
The settings of the additional information data attached to the image data include the status of unreproduced / reproduced images, unsent / sent, erasure / prohibition, transmission / prohibition, transmission / prohibition, and printing / prohibition. Is determined based on By doing so, it is possible to efficiently perform image reproduction for a desired image without the need for complicated image retrieval simply by selecting a desired reproduction mode.

In the above embodiment, the erase mode includes:
Individual deletion mode (select and delete all image files individually), batch deletion mode: all images (delete all image files at once), batch deletion mode: shot images (delete shot image files at once) Yes), batch erasing mode: received images (batch erasing of received image files for each sender), batch erasing mode: sent images (batch erasing of all sent image files), batch erasing mode : Sent photographed images (Sent photographed image files are erased collectively for each destination), Batch erase mode: Sent received images (Sent received image files are erased collectively for each destination) There are seven modes, however, images to be erased may be further classified. For example, unplayed image, unplayed received image, played image, played received image, unsent image, unsent shot image, unsent received image, send allowed image, send prohibited image, transfer allowed image, transfer prohibited image, print It is possible to set an erasing mode in which a permitted image, a print prohibited image, and the like are to be erased. In addition, unplayed / played, unsent / sent, erasing permission / prohibition, transmission permission / prohibition, transfer permission / prohibition, printing permission / prohibition, etc.
The determination is made based on the setting state of the additional information data attached to the image data. In this way, by simply selecting a desired erasing mode, it is possible to efficiently perform image erasing on a desired image without complicated image retrieval.

In the above embodiment, the transmission mode includes:
Individual transmission mode (select and transmit all image files individually), batch transmission mode: all images (transmit all image files at once), batch transmission mode: captured image (transmit captured image files at once) Yes), batch transmission mode: received images (transmits received image files collectively for each source), batch transmission mode: untransmitted images (transmits all untransmitted image files collectively), batch transmission Mode: There are seven modes: untransmitted captured images (transmit untransmitted captured image files collectively), batch transmission mode: untransmitted received images (transmit untransmitted received image files collectively) The images to be transmitted may be further classified. For example, it is possible to set a playback mode in which an unplayed image, a played image, an unplayed received image, a played received image, an erasure permitted image, an erasure prohibited image, a print permitted image, a print prohibited image, and the like are to be reproduced. In addition, unplayed / played, unsent / sent, erasing permission / prohibition, transmission permission / prohibition, transfer permission / prohibition, printing permission / prohibition, etc.
The determination is made based on the setting state of the additional information data attached to the image data. In this way, by simply selecting a desired erasing mode, it is possible to efficiently perform image erasing on a desired image without complicated image retrieval.

In the above embodiment, the image transmitting side attaches the transfer prohibition information to the transmitted image at the time of transmitting the image, or instructs the image identification information and the transfer prohibition information after transmitting the image, so that the image receiving side can further transmit the image. Although the transfer of a specific image to the outside is prohibited, the image sending side receives the image by attaching destination information to the transfer prohibition information at the time of image transmission or after image transmission and sending it to the image transmission destination. The transmitting side may prohibit the transfer of the specific image to the destination according to the destination information, or may prohibit the transfer of the specific image to a destination other than the destination according to the destination information. In addition, the image sending side attaches time information or date and time information to the transfer prohibition information at the time of image transmission or after image transmission and transmits it to the image transmission destination, so that the image receiving side receives a specific image or prohibits transfer After receiving the information, the transfer of the specific image after or before the time according to the time information may be prohibited, or the transfer of the specific image after or before the date and time according to the date and time information may be prohibited. . By doing so, it is possible to control the transfer of the transmission image more finely, so that the security of the image can be improved.

Similarly to the transfer prohibition information, by attaching personal identification information to the display prohibition information, the image receiving side can prohibit the display of a specific image to an individual corresponding to the personal identification information, Display of a specific image other than the individual according to the identification information may be prohibited.

Similarly to the transfer prohibition information, the print prohibition information, the processing prohibition information, and the display prohibition information are attached to the time information or the date and time information and transmitted to the image transmission destination, so that the image receiving side receives the specific image. After the printing prohibition information, the processing prohibition information, and the display prohibition information are received, the printing, processing, and display of the specific image after or before the time according to the time information are prohibited, or Printing, processing, and display of a specific image after or before the corresponding date and time may be prohibited. Also, if the content of the processing is agreed in advance, by transmitting only the time information or the date and time information to the image transmission destination, the image receiving side receives the specific image or receives the time information or the date and time information. From printing, processing, displaying, erasing, transmitting, etc. of a specific image after or before the time according to the time information, or printing of a specific image after or before the date and time according to the date and time information , Processing, display, deletion, transmission, etc. may be prohibited.

In the above embodiment, the image transmitting side instructs the image receiving side to delete a specific transmission image after transmitting the image, so that the image receiving side deletes the specific image. At the time of image transmission or after image transmission, by attaching time information or date and time information to the delete command and transmitting it to the image transmission destination, the image receiving side receives the specific image or after receiving the delete instruction, The image may be deleted after a lapse of time according to the time information, or the image may be deleted at a time and date according to the date and time information. By doing so, it is possible to control the transfer of the transmission image more finely, so that the security of the image can be improved.

In the above embodiment, after the image transmission, the image transmission side instructs the image reception side to prohibit transmission, transfer prohibition, deletion, printing prohibition, processing prohibition, and display restriction of the specific transmission image. Before or after the image transmission, the side may instruct transmission prohibition, transfer prohibition, erasure, printing prohibition, processing prohibition, and display restriction for all images sent from a predetermined transmission source without specifying the image. .

In the above embodiment, the image receiving side receives a processing command (transmission prohibition, transfer prohibition, erasure, printing prohibition, processing prohibition, display restriction) designating a specific image sent from the image transmitting side after image reception. However, if the sender of the processing instruction is the sender of the specified image, the processing instruction is accepted, but even if the image sender and the sender of the processing instruction are different, The processing instruction may be received unconditionally, or when a predetermined condition is satisfied (for example, a password), the processing instruction may be received. For example, when sending a picture with a password and sending it with the same password when sending the processing command, the image receiving side can send a message if the password attached to the image matches the password attached to the processing command. The processing command may be received, or the processing command may be unconditionally received if the sender of the processing command is a sender registered in advance on the receiving side. In this way, for an image once transmitted, an image processing command can be given to the image receiving side by an image other than the image sender (such as an administrator of the image database).

In the above embodiment, information such as the name of the icon image or face image, company name, various addresses, etc. is included in the attached image such as the icon image or face image attached when transmitting the image. These information may be made available as needed. For example, by designating the destination of the reply mail to the received image by using the touch tablet 66 to designate the icon image or the face image that is superimposed when the received image is displayed, the icon image or the face image is included. The mail address information is read and the destination of the reply mail is automatically set.

In this way, even if the user wants to use the received image for commercial purposes, he can immediately contact the photographer, owner, copyright holder, etc. of the image, which is very convenient.

[0254]

As described above, in the electronic image apparatus and the electronic image system according to the present invention, when an image is exchanged between a plurality of electronic image apparatuses, the electronic image apparatus that transmits the image transmits the image. Since the processing of transmitted images at the destination can be controlled easily and efficiently, images can be transferred to unspecified large numbers, images can be distributed to unspecified large numbers in printed matter, images can be controlled to unspecified large numbers. It is possible to prevent the image from being reproduced and displayed, thereby improving the security of the image and activating communication through the image.

Further, in the electronic image apparatus and the electronic image system according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the transmitted image from being transmitted to the outside without permission at the destination and to be processed without permission at the destination. It is possible to prevent the occurrence of a copyright problem related to this.

As described above, in the electronic image apparatus and the electronic image system according to the present invention, it is possible to transmit an image efficiently and without errors in a high security environment.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a system configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a system configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an external view (front view) of an embodiment of the electronic camera according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an external view (rear view) of an embodiment of the electronic camera according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an electric configuration of an embodiment of the electronic camera according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a folder configuration in a memory card.

FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of an image file.

FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of additional information data.

FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram of transmission information data.

FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of a transmission history.

FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram of received information data.

FIG. 12 is a configuration diagram of photographing information data.

FIG. 13 is a configuration diagram of an operation mode.

FIG. 14 is a main operation flowchart.

FIG. 15 is an operation flowchart of an individual identification subroutine.

FIG. 16 is an operation flowchart of a reception interruption process.

FIG. 17 is an operation flowchart of a switching interruption process.

FIG. 18 is a screen display example of a switching interruption.

FIG. 19 is a screen display example of a switching interruption.

FIG. 20 is a screen display example of a switching interruption.

FIG. 21 is a screen display example of a switching interruption.

FIG. 22 is a screen display example of a switching interruption.

FIG. 23 is a screen display example of a switching interruption.

FIG. 24 is a screen display example of a switching interruption.

FIG. 25 is an operation flowchart of a shooting mode subroutine.

FIG. 26 is a screen display example of a shooting mode.

FIG. 27 is an operation flowchart of a release interrupt process.

FIG. 28 is an operation flowchart of a reproduction mode subroutine.

FIG. 29 is a screen display example of a reproduction mode.

FIG. 30 is an operation flowchart of a captured image reproduction mode subroutine.

FIG. 31 is a screen display example of a captured image reproduction mode.

FIG. 32 is an operation flowchart of a received image reproduction mode subroutine.

FIG. 33 is a screen display example of a received image reproduction mode.

FIG. 34 is an operation flowchart of an all image reproduction mode subroutine.

FIG. 35 is an operation flowchart of an erase mode subroutine.

FIG. 36 is a screen display example of an erasing mode.

FIG. 37 is an operation flowchart of an individual erase mode subroutine.

FIG. 38 is a screen display example of an individual deletion mode.

FIG. 39 is an operation flowchart of a batch erasing mode: all image subroutine.

FIG. 40 is an example of screen display of all images: batch erasing mode.

FIG. 41 is an operation flowchart of a collective erasing mode: photographed image subroutine.

FIG. 42 is an example of screen display of a shot image: collective erasing mode.

FIG. 43 is an operation flowchart of a batch erasing mode: received image subroutine.

FIG. 44 is an example of a screen display of a received image: batch erasing mode.

FIG. 45 is an example of screen display of a received image: batch erasing mode.

FIG. 46 is an operation flowchart of a batch erasure mode: transmitted image subroutine.

FIG. 47 is an example of a screen display of transmitted images: batch erasure mode.

FIG. 48 is an operational flowchart of a collective erasing mode: transmitted photographed image subroutine.

FIG. 49 is a screen display example of a batch erasing mode: a transmitted captured image.

FIG. 50 is a screen display example of a batch erasing mode: a transmitted captured image.

FIG. 51 is an operation flowchart of a collective deletion mode: transmitted received image subroutine.

FIG. 52 is a screen display example of a batch erase mode: a transmitted received image.

FIG. 53 is an example of a screen display of a batch erase mode: a transmitted received image.

FIG. 54 is an operation flowchart of a transmission mode subroutine.

FIG. 55 is a screen display example of a transmission mode.

FIG. 56 is an operation flowchart of an individual transmission mode subroutine.

FIG. 57 is a screen display example of an individual transmission mode.

FIG. 58 is a screen display example of an individual transmission mode.

FIG. 59 is a screen display example of an individual transmission mode.

FIG. 60 is a screen display example of an individual transmission mode.

FIG. 61 is a screen display example of an individual transmission mode.

FIG. 62 is an operation flowchart of a collective transmission mode: all image subroutine.

FIG. 63 is a collective transmission mode: a screen display example of all images.

FIG. 64 is an example of screen display of all images: batch transmission mode.

FIG. 65 is an operation flowchart of a batch transmission mode: photographed image subroutine.

FIG. 66 is an operation flowchart of a batch transmission mode: received image subroutine.

FIG. 67 is a screen display example of a batch transmission mode: a received image.

FIG. 68 is a screen display example of a collective transmission mode: a received image.

FIG. 69 is an operation flowchart of a batch transmission mode: untransmitted image subroutine.

FIG. 70 is a screen display example of an untransmitted image in a batch transmission mode.

FIG. 71 is an operation flowchart of a batch transmission mode: untransmitted photographed image subroutine.

FIG. 72 is a screen display example of a batch transmission mode: an untransmitted captured image.

FIG. 73 is an operation flowchart of a batch transmission mode: untransmitted received image subroutine.

FIG. 74 is a screen display example of a face image.

FIG. 75 is a screen display example of a face image.

FIG. 76 is a screen display example of a face image.

FIG. 77 is a screen display example of a face image.

FIG. 78 is a screen display example of a thumbnail image.

FIG. 79 is a screen display example of a representative image.

FIG. 80 is an explanatory diagram of another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 81 is an explanatory view of another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 82 is an explanatory diagram of another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 83 is an explanatory view of another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 84 is an explanatory view of another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 85 is a screen display example of a transmission destination.

FIG. 86 is a screen display example of a transmission history.

FIG. 87 is a screen display example of an estimated transmission time and an estimated transmission fee.

FIG. 88 is a screen display example of a transmission history.

FIG. 89 is a screen display example of a transmission history.

FIG. 90 is a screen display example of a compression ratio selection in a transmission mode.

FIG. 91 is a screen display example of a file format selection in a transmission mode.

FIG. 92 is a screen display example of communication line selection in the transmission mode.

FIG. 93 is a screen display example of communication time zone selection in the transmission mode.

FIG. 94 is a screen display example of communication mode selection of a transmission mode.

FIG. 95 is a screen display example of selection of a compression ratio in a transmission mode.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10 Shooting Lens 19 Mode Dial 21 Left LCD (Left Screen) 22 Right LCD (Right Screen) 23 Up Button 24 Down Button 25 Switch Button 26 Send / Delete Button 27 OK Button 28 LED 29 LED 50 CPU 55 CCD 61 GPS Circuit 62 posture detection circuit 68 EEPROM 71 wireless communication circuit 75 personal identification circuit 104 memory card 100 electronic camera 120 wireless base station 140 personal computer 150 image database 170 electronic camera

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04N 5/76 H04N 5/76 Z 5C076 5/91 7/14 7/14 101: 00 // H04N 101: 00 5/91 PHF term (reference) 5C022 AA12 AA13 AB15 AB22 AB40 AB67 AC03 AC13 AC22 AC32 AC42 AC71 AC72 AC73 5C052 AA11 AA17 AB04 AC08 CC11 DD02 DD04 DD06 EE02 EE03 EE08 5C053 FA04 FA06 FA08 FA10 FA13 FA15 FA27 JA36 GB JA21 KA04 KA24 KA25 LA01 LA03 LA11 LA14 5C062 AA02 AB42 AC23 AC41 AC42 AC43 AF00 BA04 5C064 BA04 BB05 BB10 BC01 BC18 BC23 BC25 BD01 BD08 5C076 AA14 AA19 BA06

Claims (42)

[Claims] A first storage unit for storing the electronic image information; transmitting the electronic image information stored in the first storage unit to the outside; A first electronic image device comprising: first communication means for attaching control information for restricting transmission to the electronic image information and transmitting the electronic information; a second storage means for storing electronic image information; Receiving the electronic image information sent from the first communication means and the control information attached to the electronic image information,
A second communication unit configured to store the received electronic image information and control information in the second storage unit, and to transmit the electronic image information stored in the second storage unit to the outside, and the second storage unit When the received electronic image information stored in the means is transmitted to the outside by the second communication means, the received electronic image information is transmitted by the second communication means in accordance with the control information attached to the received electronic image information. A second electronic image apparatus comprising: a control unit for restricting transmission of image information to the outside; 2. The electronic image system according to claim 1, wherein the control information is transfer prohibition information for prohibiting further transmission of the electronic image information from a transmission destination to the outside. The electronic image system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit prohibits transmission of the received electronic image information to which the transfer prohibition information is attached to the outside by the second communication unit in accordance with the transfer prohibition information. 3. The electronic image system according to claim 1, wherein the control information is transmission number restriction information for restricting the number of transmissions when electronic image information is further transmitted from a transmission destination to the outside. The control unit of the electronic imaging apparatus may limit the number of transmissions when transmitting the received electronic image information to which the transmission number restriction information is attached by the second communication unit, according to the transmission number restriction information. An electronic imaging system characterized by the following. 4. The electronic image system according to claim 1, wherein the control information is transfer count restriction information for restricting a transfer count when electronic image information is transferred, and the control information of the second electronic imaging apparatus is provided. The control unit, when transmitting the received electronic image information to which the transfer count restriction information is attached by the second communication unit to the outside, the transfer unit included in the transfer count restriction information stored in the second storage unit. Create transfer number limitation information by decrementing the number, and attach it to the received electronic image information to transmit the transfer number limitation information,
When the transfer count included in the transfer count restriction information stored in the second storage means is 0, the received electronic image information attached with the transfer count information is transmitted to the outside by the second communication means. An electronic imaging system characterized by prohibiting the operation. 5. A storage unit for storing electronic image information, receiving electronic image information sent from outside and control information attached to the electronic image information, and storing the received electronic image information and control information in the storage unit. Communication means for transmitting the received electronic image information stored in the storage means to the outside, and transmitting the received electronic image information stored in the storage means to the outside by the communication means, An electronic image apparatus, comprising: control means for restricting transmission of the received electronic image information by the communication means according to the control information attached to the electronic image information. 6. The electronic image apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the control information is transfer prohibition information for prohibiting further transmission of the electronic image information from a transmission destination to the outside, and the control unit is configured to control the transfer prohibition. An electronic image apparatus, wherein transmission of the received electronic image information to which information is attached to the outside by the communication means is prohibited in accordance with the transfer prohibition information. 7. The electronic image apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the control information is transmission number restriction information for restricting the number of transmissions when electronic image information is further transmitted from a transmission destination to the outside. An electronic image apparatus, wherein the number of times that the received electronic image information to which the transmission count restriction information is attached is transmitted to the outside by the communication means is limited according to the transmission count restriction information. 8. The electronic image apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the control information is transfer count restriction information for restricting the transfer count when transferring the electronic image information, and the control unit is configured to control the transfer count restriction information. When the received electronic image information attached is transmitted to the outside by the communication unit, the transfer count included in the transfer count limit information stored in the storage unit is decremented to create transfer count limit information, When the transfer count restriction information is attached to the received electronic image information for transmitting the count restriction information and the transfer count of the transfer count restriction information stored in the storage unit is 0, the reception electronic image information to which the transfer count restriction information is attached is attached. An electronic image device that prohibits the communication means from being transmitted to the outside. 9. The electronic imaging apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the control information includes time information or date and time information, and the control unit externally receives the received electronic image information stored in the storage unit by the communication unit. An electronic image apparatus for restricting transmission of the received electronic image information to which the control information is attached to the outside by the communication means when transmitting the electronic information to the external device in accordance with the time information or the date and time information. 10. The electronic imaging apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the control unit externally receives the received electronic image information to which the control information is attached during a period according to the time information or the date and time information by the communication unit. An electronic imaging apparatus for prohibiting transmission to a personal computer. 11. The electronic imaging device according to claim 5, wherein the control information includes destination information, and the control unit includes:
When transmitting the received electronic image information stored in the storage unit to the outside by the communication unit, prohibiting transmission of the received electronic image information with the control information attached thereto to a destination corresponding to the destination information. An electronic imaging device characterized by the above-mentioned. 12. A first storage means for storing electronic image information, wherein the electronic image information stored in the first storage means is transmitted to the outside, and at the time of transmission of the electronic image information, A first electronic imaging device including first communication means for attaching control information for restricting processing of the electronic image information to the electronic image information and transmitting the information, and a second storage for storing the electronic image information Means for receiving electronic image information sent from the first communication means and control information attached to the electronic image information, and storing the received electronic image information and control information in the second storage means Means, processing means for performing predetermined processing on the received electronic image information stored in the storage means, and control of the processing means for the received electronic image information to which the control information is attached, according to the control information Control means An electronic imaging system comprising: a second electronic imaging device provided with the electronic imaging device. 13. The electronic image system according to claim 12, wherein said processing means is printing means for printing electronic image information stored in said second storage means, and said control information is electronic image information to be transmitted. Is print prohibition information for prohibiting printing at the transmission destination, and the control unit prohibits printing of the received electronic image information to which the print prohibition information is attached by the printing unit in accordance with the print prohibition information. An electronic imaging system, comprising: 14. The electronic image system according to claim 12, wherein said processing means is processing means for processing electronic image information stored in said second storage means, and said control information is electronic image information to be transmitted. Is processing prohibition information that prohibits processing at the transmission destination, and the control unit prohibits processing of the received electronic image information to which the processing prohibition information is attached by the processing unit in accordance with the processing prohibition information. An electronic imaging system, comprising: 15. The electronic image system according to claim 12, wherein said processing means is display means for displaying electronic image information stored in said second storage means, and said control information is electronic image information to be transmitted. Is display restriction information for restricting the display of the received electronic image information to which the display restriction information is attached, in accordance with the display restriction information. An electronic imaging system, comprising: 16. The electronic image system according to claim 12, wherein said processing means is erasing means for erasing electronic image information stored in said second storage means, and said control information is electronic image information to be transmitted. Is the time information for erasing after a fixed time at the transmission destination, and the control means measures the elapsed time since receiving the received electronic image information, and the elapsed time is stored in the second storage means. When the stored time information is reached, the received electronic image information to which the time information is attached is erased from the second storage means by the erasing means. 17. The electronic image system according to claim 12, wherein said processing means is erasing means for erasing electronic image information stored in said second storage means, and said control information is electronic image information to be transmitted. Is the date and time information for erasing at the destination at the designated date and time, and the control means detects the current date and time by measuring the time, and when the detected date and time reaches the date and time information stored in the storage means, An electronic image system wherein the received electronic image information to which the date and time information is attached is erased from the second storage means by the erasing means. 18. The electronic image system according to claim 12, wherein said second electronic image device includes a display unit for reproducing and displaying electronic image information stored in said second storage unit, and said processing unit. Is erasing means for erasing the electronic image information stored in the second storage means, the control information is reproduction number information for erasing the electronic image information to be transmitted after a predetermined number of reproduction at the transmission destination, The control means counts the number of times of reproduction of each electronic image information by the display means, and when the counted number of times of reproduction reaches the number of times of reproduction stored in the storage means, the reproduction number information after the end of reproduction. The electronic image system according to claim 1, wherein the received electronic image information to which is attached is erased from said second storage means by said erasing means. 19. storage means for storing electronic image information;
A communication unit that receives electronic image information sent from outside and control information attached to the electronic image information, and stores the received electronic image information and control information in the storage unit; and an electronic device stored in the storage unit. An electronic device comprising: a processing unit that performs predetermined processing on image information; and a control unit that controls processing of the processing unit on received electronic image information to which the control information is attached, according to the control information. Imaging device. 20. An electronic image apparatus according to claim 19, wherein said processing means is printing means for printing electronic image information stored in said storage means, and said control information is transmitted when said electronic image information is transmitted. The print prohibition information for prohibiting printing in advance, and the control unit prohibits the printing unit from printing the received electronic image information to which the print prohibition information is attached, according to the print prohibition information. An electronic imaging device characterized by the above-mentioned. 21. An electronic image apparatus according to claim 19, wherein said processing means is processing means for processing electronic image information stored in said storage means, and said control information is transmitted when said electronic image information is transmitted. Processing prohibition information for prohibiting processing beforehand, wherein the control means prohibits processing of the received electronic image information to which the processing prohibition information is attached by the processing means in accordance with the processing prohibition information. An electronic imaging system, characterized in that: 22. An electronic image apparatus according to claim 19, wherein said processing means is display means for displaying electronic image information stored in said storage means, and said control information is transmitted when said electronic image information is transmitted. Display restriction information for restricting the display of the received electronic image information with the display restriction information attached thereto in accordance with the display restriction information. An electronic imaging device characterized by the above-mentioned. 23. An electronic image apparatus according to claim 19, wherein said processing means is an erasing means for erasing electronic image information stored in said storage means, and said control information transmits the transmitted electronic image information. The time information for erasing after a predetermined time, the control means measures the elapsed time after receiving the received electronic image information, and the time information stored in the storage means. The electronic image apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the number of times has reached, the received electronic image information to which the time information is attached is erased from the storage means by the erasing means. 24. An electronic image apparatus according to claim 19, wherein said processing means is an erasing means for erasing electronic image information stored in said storage means, and said control information transmits the transmitted electronic image information. The date and time information for erasing at the specified date and time, the control means detects the current date and time by measuring the time, and when the detected date and time reaches the date and time information stored in the storage means, An electronic image apparatus, wherein received electronic image information to which date and time information is attached is erased from said storage means by said erasing means. 25. The electronic image apparatus according to claim 19, further comprising a display unit for reproducing and displaying the electronic image information stored in said storage unit, wherein said processing unit displays the electronic image information stored in said storage unit. Erasing means for erasing, wherein the control information is reproduction number information for erasing the transmitted electronic image information after a predetermined number of reproductions at a transmission destination, and the control means is provided for each electronic image information by the display means. While counting the number of times of reproduction, when the counted number of times of reproduction reaches the number of times of reproduction stored in the storage means, the received electronic image information with the number of times of reproduction attached after the end of the reproduction from the storage means. An electronic image device characterized by being erased by an erasing means. 26. The electronic imaging device according to claim 19, wherein the control information includes time information or date and time information,
The control unit is characterized in that a period during which the processing of the processing unit with respect to the received electronic image information to which the control information is attached is controlled according to the control information is limited according to the time information or the date and time information. Electronic imaging device. 27. The electronic imaging device according to claim 19, wherein the control information is time information or date and time information,
The electronic image apparatus, wherein the control unit prohibits the processing unit from processing the received electronic image information to which the control information is attached during a period according to the time information or the date and time information. 28. The electronic image system or the electronic image device according to claim 1, wherein the control information attached to the received electronic image information is rewritten by the electronic image device that has received the electronic image information. An electronic imaging system or an electronic imaging device, which is prohibited from being performed. 29. A first storage means for storing electronic image information, and transmitting the electronic image information stored in the first storage means to an external destination, and transmitting the electronic image information to the outside A first communication unit for transmitting image identification information for identifying the electronic image information and command information for instructing processing at a destination of the electronic image information to the same destination as the electronic image information; A first electronic image device comprising: a first storage device for storing electronic image information; a second storage device for receiving electronic image information sent from the first communication device; At the same time as storing the electronic image information in the storage unit, the transmission source information of the electronic image information is detected, and the detected transmission source information is stored in the second storage unit in association with the electronic image information. After receiving A second communication unit for receiving the command information and the image identification information sent from the first communication unit;
Processing means for performing predetermined processing on the electronic image information stored in the storage means, and transmission source information of the command information received by the second communication means, and the detected transmission source information is used as the image identification information. When the received electronic image information matches the transmission source information stored in the second storage means in accordance with the received electronic image information specified in the step (a), the received electronic image information is processed by the processing means in accordance with the command information. And a control means for performing the following. 30. The electronic image system according to claim 29, wherein said processing means is printing means for printing electronic image information stored in said second storage means, and said command information is transmitted electronic image information. Is print prohibition information for prohibiting printing at the destination, and the control unit prohibits printing of the received electronic image information specified by the image identification information by the printing unit in accordance with the print prohibition information. An electronic imaging system, comprising: 31. An electronic image system according to claim 29, wherein said processing means is processing means for processing electronic image information stored in said second storage means, and said command information is transmitted electronic image information. Is processing prohibition information that prohibits processing at the transmission destination, and the control unit prohibits processing of the received electronic image information specified by the image identification information by the processing unit in accordance with the processing prohibition information. An electronic imaging system, comprising: 32. An electronic image system according to claim 29, wherein said processing means is display means for displaying electronic image information stored in said second storage means, and said command information is transmitted electronic image information. Is display restriction information for restricting display at the transmission destination, and the control unit restricts display of the received electronic image information specified by the image identification information on the display unit in accordance with the display restriction information. An electronic imaging system, comprising: 33. The electronic image system according to claim 29, wherein said processing means is erasing means for erasing electronic image information stored in said second storage means, and said command information is transmitted electronic image information. Command information for erasing the received electronic image information specified by the image identification information according to the second instruction command.
An electronic image system for erasing data from the storage means by the erasing means. 34. The electronic image system according to claim 29, wherein said processing means is transfer means for transferring the electronic image information stored in said second storage means to the outside by said second communication means. The command information is transfer prohibition information that prohibits further transmission of the transmitted electronic image information from a transmission destination, and the control unit transmits the received electronic image information specified by the image identification information to the outside by the transfer unit. An electronic image system wherein transfer is prohibited in accordance with the transfer prohibition information. 35. A storage means for storing electronic image information;
Receiving electronic image information sent from the outside, storing the received electronic image information in the storage unit, detecting source information of the electronic image information, and corresponding the source information to the electronic image information. Communication for receiving the electronic image information after receiving the electronic image information and receiving command information sent from outside to process the electronic image information and image identification information for identifying the electronic image information Means, processing means for performing predetermined processing on the electronic image information stored in the storage means, and source information of the command information received by the communication means is detected, and the detected source information is the image identification information. If the received electronic image information matches the transmission source information stored in the second storage means in correspondence with the received electronic image information designated by Electronic imaging device, characterized in that it comprises a control means for executing processing corresponding to the information. 36. The electronic image apparatus according to claim 35, wherein the processing unit is a printing unit that prints the electronic image information stored in the storage unit, and the command information is a destination of the transmitted electronic image information. Print prohibition information that prohibits printing by the control unit, wherein the control unit prohibits printing of the reception electronic image information specified by the image identification information by the printing unit in accordance with the print prohibition information. An electronic imaging device characterized by the following. 37. The electronic image apparatus according to claim 35, wherein the processing means is processing means for processing electronic image information stored in the storage means, and the command information is a destination of the transmitted electronic image information. Processing prohibition information that prohibits processing in the control means, wherein the control means prohibits processing of the received electronic image information specified by the image identification information by the processing means in accordance with the processing prohibition information. An electronic imaging device characterized by the following. 38. An electronic image apparatus according to claim 35, wherein said processing means is display means for displaying electronic image information stored in said storage means, and said command information is a destination of transmitted electronic image information. Is display restriction information that restricts display in the control means, wherein the control means restricts display of the received electronic image information specified by the image identification information on the display means in accordance with the display restriction information. An electronic imaging device characterized by the following. 39. An electronic image apparatus according to claim 35, wherein said processing means is an erasing means for erasing electronic image information stored in said storage means, and said command information erases transmitted electronic image information. Electronic command information for erasing the received electronic image information specified by the image identification information from the storage means by the erasing means in accordance with the erasure command information. apparatus. 40. The electronic image apparatus according to claim 35, wherein the processing unit is a transfer unit that transfers the electronic image information stored in the storage unit to the outside by the communication unit, and the command information is transmitted. Transfer prohibition information for prohibiting further transfer of electronic image information from a transmission destination, wherein the control unit transmits the external electronic image information specified by the image identification information to the outside by the transfer unit; An electronic imaging device for prohibiting according to prohibition information. 41. The electronic imaging device according to claim 35, wherein the command information includes time information or date and time information,
The control unit limits a period during which the processing of the processing unit with respect to the received electronic image information specified by the image identification information is controlled according to the command information, according to the time information or the date and time information. Electronic imaging device. 42. The electronic imaging device according to claim 35, wherein the command information is time information or date and time information,
The electronic image apparatus, wherein the control unit prohibits the processing unit from performing processing on the received electronic image information specified by the image identification information during a period corresponding to the time information or the date and time information.