JP2003271437A - Data structure, image handling system, program and image sort method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image handling system for restricting simply the various access right to images for prepared image files. <P>SOLUTION: The image handling systems 10, 20 are equipped with password information setting means for setting password information for the image files, password information recording means for recording the set password information in incidental information of the image files, setting means of access right information for setting the access right information for each of processes of playbacks, deletion, duplication of the image files, and recording means of the access right information for recording the set access right information in the incidental information of the image files. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a data structure, an image handling system, a program and an image classification method applied to, for example, a digital camera for recording and reproducing still images.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, there have been many image handling devices such as digital cameras capable of recording input images in the form of digital data. Digital image data obtained by such an image handling device can be recorded as an image file on a recording medium such as a memory card, and can be easily processed, erased, and reproduced, and can be easily recorded on another recording medium. Since it can be duplicated, it is extremely convenient.

[0003]

However, in the above-mentioned image handling apparatus, since the handling of the image file is simple, it may be reproduced / browsed, erased or duplicated without the intention of the creator. There is a problem of getting.

As a means for solving the above-mentioned problem, an encryption key
A method of adding a decryption key to image data, a technique of adding a digital watermark to an image, and the like are known, and these are useful methods for increasing the security of image data. However, this is a complicated and over-specification technique for use by most general users who enjoy casually captured images, not only for highly confidential image data.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems of the related art and to easily limit various access rights to the created image file to the image, a data structure, an image handling system, and a program. And an image classification method.

[0006]

In order to solve the above problems, the invention according to claim 1 is a data structure of an image file having image data and incidental information about the image data. Is included as the additional information.

Here, the image file is an image capturing device such as a digital camera or a digital video camera,
Alternatively, it refers to a still image created by a personal digital assistant (PDA) having an image capturing function, a mobile phone, a moving image file, or an image file created by an image reading device such as a scanner.
The supplementary information is information included in the image file together with the image data, and refers to information about the image (image data). The information about the image includes, for example, a theme title, a shooting date, a shooting frame number, a camera name, a photographer name,
It refers to all kinds of information related to images, such as shooting location information obtained from GPS information. In recent years, it has been used as a format (file format) when recording photographic image data captured by an image capturing apparatus in a recording unit. Exif
This corresponds to tag information of an image file format called (Exchangeable image file format). The supplementary information is recorded as tag information of the image file, for example, in the header portion of the file. For the password information, for example, 4-digit alphanumeric characters are used, but there is no particular limitation. Also, the same password may be provided for a plurality of image files. "Including password information" means that an area for recording password information is secured. That is, the password recording location is "empty"
Even in the state of, it means that there is no password.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, by analyzing the image file, it is possible to easily refer to whether the password information for the image file exists. Further, since the password information can be set for each image file, if the password information is changed depending on the image file, the image files that can be accessed with one password information can be different, and the image file is highly convenient. be able to. Furthermore, by including the password information in the supplementary information of the image file,
When copying or transferring an image file, the password information is always moved together with it, which makes the security excellent.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the data structure according to the first aspect, input person information for identifying an input person of the password information is included as the additional information.

Here, the input person information may be any information as long as it identifies the input person such as an individual name and a company name. Also,
Regarding this input person information, if photographer information, photographing copyright holder information, editorial copyright holder information, etc. are recorded as supplementary information, they may be substituted, or the input person information may be used as a default. It may be recorded in the information.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, by inputting the name of the person who entered the password together with the password information and recording it in the supplementary information, it is possible to easily refer to the person who entered the password information. Further, since the input person information can be set for each image file, if the input person information is changed depending on the image file, the image files that can be accessed by one input person information can be different, which is more convenient. It can be an image file. Further, since the input information is included in the supplementary information of the image file, when the image file is duplicated or transferred,
Since the input person information is always moved together, the security can be further improved.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the data structure according to the first or second aspect, access right information for each process of reproduction, deletion, and copying of the image file is included as the supplementary information. .

According to the third aspect of the invention, by analyzing the image file, it is possible to easily refer to the access right information for the image file. Further, since the access right information can be set for each image file, if the content of the access right information is changed depending on the image file, the contents of the processing that can be performed in each image file can be different, which is more convenient. It can be an image file. Further, when the accessory information of the image file includes the access right information, if the image file can be duplicated or transferred, the access right information must be moved together. The security can be further improved.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the data structure according to the third aspect, duplication number information indicating the number of times the image file has been duplicated and duplication number upper limit value information indicating the upper limit of the number of duplications of the image file. And are included as the additional information.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, by analyzing the image file, the upper limit of the number of times the image file is duplicated and the number of times the image file is duplicated can be obtained with respect to the access right information for the duplication process. It can be easily referenced. Further, since the upper limit value of the number of times of duplication can be set for each image file, if the upper limit value of the number of times of duplication information is changed depending on the image file, the number of times of duplication possible in each image file can be different, which is more convenient. It can be a high image file. Further, since the supplementary information of the image file includes the duplication number information and the duplication number upper limit value information, the duplication number information and the duplication number upper limit value information must be included together when the image file is duplicated or transferred. Will be moved to, which can improve security.

An image handling system according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is an image handling system that handles an image file having image data and incidental information about the image data, and sets password information for the image file. It is characterized by comprising a password information setting means and a password information recording means for recording the set password information in the incidental information of the image file.

According to the invention described in claim 5, in the image handling system, the password information can be set for the image file and the password information can be recorded as the supplementary information. Further, since the password information can be set for each image file, if the password information is changed depending on the image file, the image files that can be accessed with one password information can be different, which makes the image handling system highly convenient. can do. Furthermore, by recording password information in the supplementary information of the image file, when copying or transferring the image file,
Since password information is always moved with it, it is possible to improve security.

As the password information, the user may set arbitrary password information, or the system may automatically give it to the image file. Further, the same password information may be set for all image files, or different password information may be set for each classified group of image files. Further, it is possible to set different password information for every image file.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention, in the image handling system according to the fifth aspect, input person information setting means for setting input person information for identifying the person who entered the password information, and the set input person. And input person information recording means for recording information in the incidental information of the image file.

According to the invention described in claim 6, in the image handling system, the information of the person who inputs the password information to the image file can be set, and it can be recorded as the supplementary information. Further, since the input person information can be set for each image file, if the input person information is changed depending on the image file, the image files that can be accessed by one input person information can be different, which is more convenient. It can be an image handling system. Further, by recording the input person information in the supplementary information of the image file, the input person information is always moved together when the image file is duplicated or transferred.
It can be excellent in security.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image handling system according to the fifth or sixth aspect, access right information setting means for setting access right information for each processing of reproduction, deletion and copying of the image file, and setting. Access right information recording means for recording the obtained access right information in the incidental information of the image file.

According to the seventh aspect of the invention, in the image handling system, the access right information for the image file can be set and it can be recorded as the supplementary information. Further, since the access right information can be set for each image file, if the content of the access right information is changed depending on the image file, the contents of the processing that can be performed in each image file can be different, which is more convenient. It can be an image handling system.
Further, by recording the access right information in the supplementary information of the image file, if the image file can be duplicated or transferred, the access right information must be moved together, which is a security measure. Can be even better.

According to an eighth aspect of the invention, in the image handling system according to the seventh aspect, a duplication number upper limit value information setting means for setting the upper limit value information of the duplication number of the image file, and the set duplication number upper limit value. And a duplication number upper limit value information recording means for recording information in the incidental information of the image file.

According to the eighth aspect of the invention, in the image handling system, as one of the access right information setting methods for the copying process, the upper limit value information of the number of times of the copying process can be set, and it can be set. It can be recorded as supplementary information. Further, since the upper limit value of the number of times of duplication can be set for each image file, if the upper limit value of the number of times of duplication information is changed depending on the image file, the number of times of duplication possible in each image file can be different, which is more convenient. It can be a high image handling system. Further, by recording the upper limit value of the number of times of copying in the additional information of the image file, the upper limit value of the number of times of copying is always moved together when the image file is copied or transferred. It can be made even more excellent.

A ninth aspect of the present invention is an image handling system for handling an image file having the data structure according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the image file is reproduced, erased, or duplicated. And a password information acquisition unit that analyzes the incidental information of the image file and acquires password information for the image file, wherein the control unit has password information for the image file. In this case, at least one of the reproduction, deletion and duplication of the image file is restricted.

Here, the reproduction means displaying the image data in the image file on the display means, and when the thumbnail is included in the image file, it is also included. That is,
If playback is not allowed, thumbnails will not be played either.

According to the ninth aspect of the invention, in the image handling system, when the password information is set in the image file, the access right for each process of reproduction, deletion and duplication in the image file is controlled. It becomes possible to do.

According to a tenth aspect of the invention, in the image handling system according to the ninth aspect, reproduction of the image file,
It is supposed that an image file having a data structure including access right information for each process of erasing and copying as auxiliary information is handled, and the additional information of the image file is analyzed,
An access right information acquisition unit that acquires access right information for the image file is provided, and the control unit reproduces the image file according to the acquired access right information.
It is characterized in that at least one of erasing and copying is restricted.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, for the image file in which the password information is set, the access right restriction is exercised based on the access right information recorded as the incidental information of the image file. It becomes possible to do.

According to a tenth aspect of the invention, in the image handling system according to the tenth aspect, duplication number information indicating the number of times the image file has been duplicated, and duplication number upper limit value information indicating the upper limit of the number of times the image file is duplicated. , An image file having a data structure including as supplementary information is analyzed, the supplementary information of the image file is analyzed, the duplication number information obtaining means for obtaining duplication number information, and the supplementary information of the image file are analyzed. A copy number upper limit value information acquiring unit that acquires the copy number upper limit value information, and a copy number information recording unit that records the copy number upper limit value information of the image file,
The duplication number information recording unit reflects the duplication process to the duplication number information acquired by the duplication number information acquisition unit when the duplication process of the image file is performed, and the duplication value is set to a value after the reflection. Rewriting the copy number information, the control means limits the subsequent copy processing of the image file when the value of the copy number upper limit value information and the value of the copy number information after rewriting match. There is.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, it is possible to limit the duplication process by comparing the duplication number upper limit set in the image file with the duplication number of the image file.

When rewriting the copy count information,
It is rewritten before copying, and if the value is less than or equal to the upper limit value, the copying process is performed, and if it is over, the copying process is limited.

The invention according to claim 12 is the invention as claimed in claims 9 to 11.
In the image handling system described in any one of 1 to 3, the password information input means for inputting the password information is compared with the password information acquired by the password information acquisition means to identify whether they match. And a password information identifying means, wherein the password information identifying means releases the restriction of processing when the input password information and the acquired password information match.

Here, as the password input means, an input interface of an apparatus having an image handling system is used, and a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel,
Refers to a microphone, cross key, numeric keypad, controller, etc.
As an apparatus having an image handling system, an image capturing apparatus such as a digital camera or a digital video camera, a personal computer, a workstation, a game machine, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile communication body such as a mobile phone, an image of a scanner or the like. A reading device and the like are included.

According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, when the password information input from the password input means coincides with the password information recorded in the supplementary information of the image file, the restriction on the processing in the image file is released. Can be made.

The invention according to claim 13 is the invention as claimed in claims 9 to 12.
In the image handling system described in any one of 1) to 4), an image file having a data structure including, as incidental information, the input person information for identifying the person who entered the password information is handled, and the image file is classified. A recording means capable of recording information, an input person information acquisition means for analyzing incidental information of the image file and acquiring input person information, and a folder name capable of analogizing the input person information based on the acquired input person information. If the folder name creating means to create and the folder having the created folder name do not exist in the recording means, the folder creating means to newly create the folder and the folder having the folder name in the recording means An image file transfer means for transferring an image file, into a folder having a folder name capable of inferring the input person information. Transfer of the image file is characterized to be performed when the password information is present in the supplementary information of the image file.

Here, the recording means is a hard disk (HD), removable media such as MO / CD / DVD, memory cards such as compact flash (registered trademark) / smart media / memory stick / SD card, image input device, etc. Non-volatile memory, image server, etc. The recording means in which the image file is recorded and the recording means of the classification destination may be the same or different. As a method of creating a folder name by the folder name creating means, the input person's name may be directly used as the folder name, or for example, DCF (Design rule for Camera Fil
It is also preferable that the folder name conforms to the DCF directory nomenclature of the e system) standard. The folder name conforming to the DCF standard is a character string of 8 characters in total, and the first 3 characters are defined as a serial number of 101 to 999.
The remaining 5 characters are free characters, and a name by which the input person can be inferred is given by using the 5 characters.
In this case, there is a limitation that the characters used are half-width alphanumeric capital letters. As the folder name conforming to the DCF standard, for example, when the input person is "mayumi", "10
1 # MAYU ”and the like. It should be noted that, when classifying into folders with a folder name conforming to the DCF standard, further classifying according to the method conforming to the DCF standard, that is, if the directory structure, the image format and extension, the image file name, etc. are conformed, the DCF standard With the image reproducing apparatus conforming to (4), it becomes possible to browse and search the image files classified in the recording means, which is preferable.

According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the image files for which the password information is set can be classified by the folder name based on the input person information.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the invention, image data and
To realize a function of setting password information for the image file and a function of recording the set password information in the incidental information of the image file in a computer that handles the image file having the incidental information about the image data. Relates to a program characterized by.

According to the invention of claim 14, claim 5
The same effects as the described invention can be obtained.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the program according to the fourteenth aspect, a function of setting input person information for identifying an input person of the password information and the set input person information are set in the computer. It is characterized by realizing the function of recording the incidental information of the image file.

According to the invention of claim 15, claim 6
The same effects as the described invention can be obtained.

The invention according to claim 16 is the program according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that:
The present invention is characterized by realizing a function of setting access right information for each processing of reproduction, deletion, and copying of the image file and a function of recording the set access right information in the incidental information of the image file.

According to the invention of claim 16, claim 7
The same effects as the described invention can be obtained.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the program according to the sixteenth aspect, a function of setting upper limit value information of the number of times of duplication of the image file in the computer, and the set upper limit value information of the number of duplication times of the image file are set. It is characterized by realizing the function of recording in the incidental information of.

According to the invention of claim 17, claim 8
The same effects as the described invention can be obtained.

According to the eighteenth aspect of the present invention, a computer that handles the image file having the data structure according to any one of the first to fourth aspects reproduces the image file,
A function of controlling each process of erasing and copying, a function of analyzing additional information of the image file and acquiring password information for the image file, and controlling each process of reproducing, erasing and copying of the image file. And a function of restricting at least one of reproduction, deletion, and duplication of the image file when password information for the image file is present.

According to the invention of claim 18, claim 9 is provided.
The same effects as the described invention can be obtained.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, in the program according to the eighteenth aspect, the computer has an image file having a data structure including access right information for each process of reproduction, deletion and copying of the image file as additional information. And a function for analyzing the incidental information of the image file to obtain access right information for the image file, and an access right acquired when controlling each process of reproduction, deletion, and duplication of the image file. According to the information, a function of limiting at least one of the reproduction, deletion, and duplication of the image file is realized.

According to the invention of claim 19, claim 1
The same effect as that of the invention described in 0 can be obtained.

According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, in the program according to the nineteenth aspect, duplication number information indicating the number of times an image file is duplicated in the computer, and a duplication number upper limit value indicating an upper limit of the number of duplications of the image file. Information, a function of handling an image file having a data structure including as supplementary information, a function of analyzing supplementary information of the image file, and acquiring duplication number information, and analyzing the supplementary information of the image file to determine the number of duplications. A function of acquiring upper limit value information, a function of recording the number of times of duplication of the image file, and a process of duplicating the image file, analyzing the incidental information of the image file to obtain the number of times of duplication. , A function of reflecting the copy process on the acquired copy number information and rewriting the copy number information to a value after the reflection, When controlling the raw, erasing, and duplication processes, if the value of the duplication number upper limit value information and the value of the duplication number information after rewriting match, a function of limiting the duplication process of the image file thereafter. The feature is that

According to the invention of claim 20, claim 1
The same effects as those of the invention described in 1 can be obtained.

The invention according to claim 21 is the invention according to claims 18 to 2.
In the program described in any one of 0, a function of inputting password information into the computer, a function of comparing the input password information with the acquired password information, and identifying whether they match or not are input. When the password information obtained and the acquired password information match, the function of releasing the restriction of processing is realized.

According to the invention of claim 21, claim 1
The same effects as those of the invention described in 2 can be obtained.

The invention according to claim 22 is the invention according to claims 18 to 2.
In the program according to any one of 1, a function of handling an image file having a data structure including, as additional information, input person information for identifying an input person of password information in the computer, and the image file A function of classifying and recording, a function of analyzing incidental information of the image file and acquiring input person information, and a function of creating a folder name capable of analogizing the input person information based on the acquired input person information. If the folder having the created folder name does not exist in the recording means, the function of newly creating the folder and the input in the recording means when the password information exists in the supplementary information of the image file It is characterized by realizing the function of transferring the image file into a folder having a folder name that can infer the user information. .

According to the invention of claim 22, claim 1
The same effects as those of the invention described in 3 can be obtained.

The invention described in claim 23 is an image classification method for classifying an image file having a data structure including password information and input person information for identifying an input person of the password information as additional information. The image files are classified into a folder having a name with which the input person information can be inferred.

According to the twenty-third aspect of the invention, it is possible to classify the image files for which the password information is set by the folder name based on the input person information.

[0059]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

First, the data structure of the image file according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. This image file is composed of image data and incidental information about the image data. Here, the image file has only to be stored in an appropriate file format in which additional information can be recorded, and examples thereof include the TIFF and Exif formats. Here, the file format of the image file is T
IFF Rev. 6.0 is used and the TIF
F Rev. It has a tag (tag relating to security of image data) in which password information and the like are recorded as incidental information of 6.0. The data format of the image data may be an appropriate format.

In this embodiment, the tags relating to security included in the supplementary information have the structure shown in Table 1 shown in FIG. That is, the incidental information includes
It includes information about each item of password information, input person information (password input person information), access right information, duplication number upper limit value information, and duplication number information.

Here, the password information and the input person information for identifying the password input person are 1
One (1 count) information can be recorded, and can be input in ASCII format. Although the password information and the input person information are “none (empty)” by default here, some password information and the input person information may be set by default. In addition, as for the password input user information, if the author's name, photographing copyright holder, editing copyright holder, etc. are set, they may be substituted, or the same value is input as the default. Is also good.

As the access right information for restricting and permitting access to the image file, three pieces (three counts) of information (reproduction right, duplication right, and erasure right information) can be recorded. It is like this. These three counts indicate the reproduction right, the duplication right, and the erasure right in order from the left side of the table. Further, “0” indicates that there is an access right, and “1” indicates that there is no access right. Therefore, the default value “000” in the table is in a state where all of the reproduction right, the duplication right and the erasure right are possessed (access right is present). Note that some kind of access right is restricted by default (at least one access right information is "1")
It may be set.

Furthermore, the copy number upper limit value information indicating the upper limit of the number of times the image file can be copied and the copy number information indicating the number of times the image file is copied are one (1
Count) information can be recorded. Here, by default, the copy count upper limit value information is “none”, that is, there is no limit on the copy count, and since it is not necessary to count the copy count, the copy count information is also “none”. By default, some value (for example, "1") is set in the copy count upper limit value information.
If is set, the default of the copy number information is “0”, and the copy number information is incremented by 1 every time it is copied.

The access right information, the copy count upper limit value information, and the copy count information can be set and recorded in the SHORT format (composed of 2-byte unsigned integer data).

Further, the structure and the default value of the incidental information are not limited to this, and other patterns may be used as long as the same effect can be obtained. For example, when the copy count upper limit value information is set, the default value of the copy right in the access right information may be set to 1. Further, the access right information may be divided into tags for reproduction, duplication and deletion. When the password information is set, the access right information may be set to 1 by default. In this embodiment, the information of the present invention is recorded in the format according to the specification of the supplementary information of TIFF as described above,
Can be easily referenced in the image handling system,
Has the advantage. However, the type (data format), count (number of information), and the like are not limited to these, and other formats and patterns may be used.

The image handling system according to the embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described below. here,
As an example, password settings and access right settings are made for image files that have been taken with a digital camera or have already been recorded, and the image files are transferred (reproduced) to the hard disk (large-capacity recording medium) of the personal computer for storage. The case is shown. The present invention is of course not limited to this embodiment.

<First Embodiment> The configuration shown in FIG.
1 is a digital camera 10 equipped with an image handling system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

The digital camera 10 has a display means 11 including a liquid crystal display screen, a cross key 12 as an input interface, a control means 13 having a microcomputer including a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and the like.
A memory card 14 as a recording means is provided. The ROM of the control means 13 stores a program for performing various controls described later.

The digital camera 10 has a password setting mode in addition to the normal mode for performing normal processing. When this password setting mode is selected, password information setting means (in this case, an input interface, etc.) is provided. And a password information recording means (here, a microcomputer or the like) is operated. When the password information is set for the image file, the display, deletion, and duplication processing of the image file is restricted by default. In the normal mode where this mode is not selected, the password information is not set. That is, the photographed image file can be viewed, copied, and deleted by a third party.

If the password information is set for each photographing, there is a possibility that the photo opportunity may be missed.
For example, an automatic password setting mode is provided, and after setting password information in advance before shooting, password information is automatically recorded as supplementary information for image files taken until the power is turned off or the mode is released. It may be done.

In the password setting mode, for example, when the user A takes an image (for example, before taking an image) or selects an image file from the already recorded images, the image is displayed on the display means 11 such as a liquid crystal display screen (or A screen (FIG. 4) appears requesting the input of password information for the (selected) image file. Input the password information using the input interface such as the cross key 12 (that is,
When the password information is set by the password information setting means), the password information is recorded as additional information of the image file by the password information recording means. For confirmation, input may be prompted again.

After this password information is set, even if another user uses this digital camera 10, the image information is analyzed by the password information acquisition means (here, a microcomputer or the like), and as a result, When it is found that the password information exists in the image file, the image file for which the password information has been set cannot be viewed or deleted unless the correct password information is entered. , Control means 13 for controlling each process of duplication
The access right is limited by (in this case, a microcomputer including a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, etc.). Incidentally, reference numeral 14 is a recording means such as a memory card for recording the image file.

User A who has set the password information
However, for example, a personal computer 20 having an image handling system as shown in FIG. 3 and a digital camera 10 are connected,
As another recording medium (recording means), a hard disk 21
If you want to save this image file to
On the 0 side, input the password information set by the input interface (password input means) such as the cross key 12 or by using the input interface (password input means) such as the keyboard 22 and the mouse 23 from the personal computer 20 side. Information is input and the information is transmitted to the digital camera 10 side. Then, it is determined whether or not the input password information matches the password information in the supplementary information acquired by the password information acquisition means (here, a microcomputer or the like), and the password information identification means (here, (A microcomputer or the like) identifies and verifies that the password is correct, and then the password information identifying means releases the restriction of the access right, and then the transfer processing is performed.

Since the password information is also set in the supplementary information of the image file transferred to the hard disk 21, other users may try to open the image file even if the other user tries to open the image file. Then C
The display as shown in FIG. 4 appears on the display means 24 such as a display of a personal computer under the control of a microcomputer including a PU, a RAM, a ROM and the like), and unless the correct password information is input therein, the browsing is performed. If you can't do it, you can't erase or duplicate it. The ROM of the control means (microcomputer) 25 stores programs for performing various controls.

The password may not be set on the digital camera 10 side, but may be set after transferring to the HD (hard disk) 21. In this way, the access right to the image file is not restricted on the digital camera 10, but there is an advantage that the password input work for transferring to the HD 21 can be omitted.

<Second Embodiment> The following embodiments, including this second embodiment, are the same as the first embodiment except for the points to be described again, and therefore, the same configuration is adopted. The same symbols are attached to the elements and the description thereof is omitted.

In the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, when the password information is set in the digital camera 10, the display means 11 such as a liquid crystal display screen is displayed as shown in FIG. A screen is displayed prompting you to enter the password user information. When the input person information is input through the input interface such as the cross key 12 (that is, the input person information is set by the input person information setting means (here, an input interface or the like)), the input person information is input. It is recorded as supplementary information of the image file by a person information recording means (here, it is composed of a microcomputer or the like). You may be prompted to input again for confirmation. Further, the input person information may be set before the password setting.

If the input person information is set and the author name, the photographing copyright holder, the editing copyright holder information, etc. are set in advance or after the input person information is set, the two match. When the user is present, the input person himself / herself may automatically cancel the restricted processing without inputting the password information.

Next, the hard disk 21 of the personal computer 20
When saving an image file with this password information set and an image file that was previously shot without setting the password information, first obtain the input user information for the image file with the password information set. A means (here, a microcomputer or the like) analyzes the incidental information and acquires the input person information.
Next, based on the acquired input person information, a folder name capable of analogizing the input person information is created by a folder name creating means (here, it is composed of a microcomputer or the like). Then, a folder with the folder name is searched from the HD (recording means) 21, or if it does not exist, a new folder is created in the HD 21 by the folder creating means (here, a microcomputer or the like), and an image file is created there. , Image file transfer means (here, a microcomputer or the like is used). For example, as shown in FIG. 6, when classifying an image file having password information and an image file not having password information, if “HANAKO” is input as the former input user information, for example, a name of “HANAKO” is input. Only image files for which password information is set in the folder name are transferred, and image files for which password information is not set are transferred outside the folder. As a result, it becomes possible to save the image file for which the access right is to be restricted, distinguishing it from other files, and to facilitate later classification.

When classifying image files according to whether or not password information is set as described above,
Further, when different input person information exists between image files, in addition to the setting of password information, classification may be performed for each input person information. For example, in the input person information of multiple image files with password information set,
If "HANAKO" and "TARO" exist, folders with these two names (or "HANA", "TARO")
The image files may be classified by creating a folder having a name such as “R” that allows the inputter information to be inferred.

If the personal computer 20 has an image handling system, the password information and the input person information may not be set on the digital camera 10 side, but may be set after transferring to the HD 21. In this way, the access right to the image file is not restricted on the digital camera 10, but there is an advantage that the password input work for transferring to the HD 21 can be omitted. Further, if the digital camera 10 is equipped with an image handling system, it becomes possible to perform the above classification in the recording means (built-in memory, memory card, etc.) of the digital camera 10.

<Third Embodiment> In the third embodiment, when password information is set in the digital camera 10 as in the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. A screen prompting the input of access right information is displayed on the display means 11 such as a display screen. Here, settings are made by radio buttons, and as an initial value (default), all are OK, that is, all are set to allow access. Here, the desired access right information is set with the input interface such as the cross key 12 (that is, the access right information is set by the access right information setting means (here, an input interface or the like)). Then, the access right information is recorded as additional information of the image file by the access right information recording means (here, it is composed of a microcomputer or the like). FIG. 8 shows an example in which deletion is permitted but reproduction and copying are not permitted.

When these are set, this setting information is recorded in the image file as supplementary information. After that, if correct password information is not input, for example, even if this image file is selected, possible processing will be limited. For example, after the password information and the access right information are set, even if another user uses the digital camera 10, the image file photographed by the user A is processed by the control unit unless the password information is input. Restrictions are in place. The content of the restricted processing is determined in accordance with the content recorded in the incidental information by the access right information recording means by the access right information acquisition means (here, a microcomputer or the like).

In order to handle this image file freely (to release the access right), the photographer's information (namely, name, password for the photographer, etc.)
Instead, it is only necessary to give the password information for the image file, so personal information does not flow and security can be set and released easily.

The user A who has set the password information uses, for example, the personal computer 20 as another recording medium (recording means).
Even when this image file is stored in the hard disk 21 of the above, since the access right restriction information for reproduction and copying is still recorded in the incidental information of the image file transferred to the hard disk 21, unless the password information is input, other Users cannot view or duplicate this image file.

If the personal computer 20 has an image handling system, the password information and access right information may not be set on the digital camera 10 side, but may be set after transferring to the HD 21. Access rights to image files are not restricted on the digital camera 10, but HD21
It is possible to omit the password input work when transferring to.

<Fourth Embodiment> In the fourth embodiment, for example, as in the third embodiment, after the password information is set in the digital camera 10, as shown in FIG. A screen prompting the user to input the upper limit copy number information is displayed on the display means 11 such as a liquid crystal display screen. When the duplication number upper limit value information is input through the input interface such as the cross key 12 (that is, the duplication number upper limit value information is set by the duplication number upper limit value information setting means (here, the input interface or the like) is set), The copy number upper limit value information is recorded as additional information of the image file by the copy number upper limit value information recording means (here, it includes a microcomputer or the like). When the copy count upper limit information is input, the copy count of the image file is also recorded in the supplementary information at the same time. Immediately after the setting, the number of times of copying is “0”. Also, if the copy count upper limit value information is “none”, that is, no input,
It is set that there is no limit on the number of copies.

When copying the image file, first, the copy number information acquiring means (here, a microcomputer or the like) and the copy number upper limit value information acquiring means (here, a microcomputer or the like) are used. Thus, the copy number information and the copy number upper limit value information recorded in the supplementary information of the image file are acquired. Further, the copy number information recording means (here, a microcomputer or the like) reflects the current copy processing amount on the copy number information acquired by the copy number information acquisition means, increments the value by 1, and after reflection. Rewrite the copy count information to the value of. Then, the control means compares the copy number upper limit value information and the copy number information after rewriting, and as a result, if the value of the copy number upper limit value information and the value of the copy number information after rewriting match, The subsequent copy processing of the image file is restricted (the copy processing this time is performed). If the value of the copy count information after rewriting is smaller than the value of the copy count upper limit value information (the value of the copy count information after rewriting is less than the value of the copy count upper limit value information), With respect to the image file after the rewriting of information, it is possible to perform the duplication processing thereafter.

For example, when the copy count upper limit value information is set to 1, this image file is displayed on the personal computer 20 shown in FIG.
When the image file is transferred to the hard disk 21, the number of times that the image file is copied becomes 1, that is, the upper limit value. Therefore, even if an attempt is made to copy the image file, the copying process cannot be performed unless the password information is input. In other words, this setting can be used when the duplication is not completely restricted but the endless duplication is not desired.

When the upper limit value is set to 1, it is possible to transfer the data to another recording means, but after that, the access right is lost. Therefore, the password input operation is required when transferring to another recording medium. No longer needed. That is, if another person wants to use the digital camera but does not have enough storage capacity, even a user other than the user A can transfer it to another recording means.

It should be understood that the embodiments disclosed this time are exemplifications in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above description but by the claims, and is intended to include meanings equivalent to the claims and all modifications within the scope.

[0093]

According to the invention described in claim 1, by analyzing the image file, it is possible to easily refer to whether or not the password information for the image file exists. Further, since the password information can be set for each image file, if the password information is changed depending on the image file, the image files that can be accessed with one password information can be different, and the image file is highly convenient. be able to. Furthermore, because the password information is included in the incidental information of the image file, the password information is always moved together when the image file is duplicated or transferred, which is also excellent in security. You can

According to the second aspect of the present invention, by inputting the name of the person who entered the password together with the password information and recording it in the supplementary information, it is possible to easily refer to the person who entered the password information. Further, since the input person information can be set for each image file, if the input person information is changed depending on the image file, the image files that can be accessed by one input person information can be different, which is more convenient. It can be an image file. Further, since the input information is included in the supplementary information of the image file, when the image file is duplicated or transferred,
Since the input person information is always moved together, the security can be further improved.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, by analyzing the image file, it is possible to easily refer to the access right information for the image file. Further, since the access right information can be set for each image file, if the content of the access right information is changed depending on the image file, the contents of the processing that can be performed in each image file can be different, which is more convenient. It can be an image file. Further, when the accessory information of the image file includes the access right information, if the image file can be duplicated or transferred, the access right information must be moved together. The security can be further improved.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, by analyzing the image file, the upper limit of the number of times the image file is copied and the number of times the image file is copied can be determined with respect to the access right information for the copying process. It can be easily referenced. Further, since the upper limit value of the number of times of duplication can be set for each image file, if the upper limit value of the number of times of duplication information is changed depending on the image file, the number of times of duplication possible in each image file can be different, which is more convenient. It can be a high image file. Further, since the supplementary information of the image file includes the duplication number information and the duplication number upper limit value information, the duplication number information and the duplication number upper limit value information must be included together when the image file is duplicated or transferred. Will be moved to, which can improve security.

According to the invention described in claims 5 and 14,
In an image handling system, password information can be set for an image file and it can be recorded as supplementary information. Further, since the password information can be set for each image file, if the password information is changed depending on the image file, the image files that can be accessed with one password information can be different, which makes the image handling system highly convenient. can do. Furthermore, by recording the password information in the supplementary information of the image file, the password information is always moved together when the image file is duplicated or transferred.
It can be excellent in security.

According to the invention described in claims 6 and 15,
In the image handling system, it is possible to set the information of the input person who inputs the password information to the image file and record it as the supplementary information. Further, since the input person information can be set for each image file, if the input person information is changed depending on the image file, the image files that can be accessed by one input person information can be different, which is more convenient. It can be an image handling system. Furthermore, by recording the input person information in the supplementary information of the image file, the input person information is always moved together when the image file is duplicated or transferred, which is also excellent in security. You can

According to the invention described in claims 7 and 16,
In the image handling system, access right information for an image file can be set and it can be recorded as supplementary information. Further, since the access right information can be set for each image file, if the content of the access right information is changed depending on the image file, the contents of the processing that can be performed in each image file can be different, which is more convenient. It can be an image handling system. Further, by recording the access right information in the supplementary information of the image file, if the image file can be duplicated or transferred, the access right information must be moved together, which is a security measure. Can be even better.

According to the invention described in claims 8 and 17,
In the image handling system, as one of the access right information setting methods for duplication processing, the upper limit value information of the number of duplication processing can be set and it can be recorded as supplementary information. Further, since the upper limit value of the number of times of duplication can be set for each image file, if the upper limit value of the number of times of duplication information is changed depending on the image file, the number of times of duplication possible in each image file can be different, which is more convenient. It can be a high image handling system. Further, by recording the upper limit value of the number of times of copying in the additional information of the image file, the upper limit value of the number of times of copying is always moved together when the image file is copied or transferred. It can be made even more excellent.

According to the invention described in claims 9 and 18,
In the image handling system, when the password information is set in the image file, it becomes possible to control the access right for each process of reproduction, deletion, and copying in the image file.

According to the tenth and nineteenth aspects of the present invention, the access right of the image file for which the password information is set is determined based on the access right information recorded as the supplementary information of the image file. It becomes possible to enforce the restrictions.

According to the eleventh and twentieth aspects of the present invention, the duplication processing can be limited by comparing the duplication number upper limit value set in the image file with the duplication number of the image file.

According to the twelfth and twenty-first aspects of the invention, when the password information input from the password input means coincides with the password information recorded in the supplementary information of the image file, the processing in the image file is processed. The restrictions can be lifted.

According to the thirteenth, twenty-second and twenty-third aspects of the invention, it is possible to classify the image files for which the password information is set by the folder name based on the input person information.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a table showing a part of tags included in incidental information of an image file according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear view showing a digital camera including the image handling system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a personal computer including an image handling system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

4 is a diagram showing a password information input screen on the display means of the digital camera of FIG.

5 is a diagram showing an input person information input screen on the display means of the digital camera of FIG.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an image classification method based on the presence / absence of password information.

7 is a diagram showing an access right information input screen on the display means of the digital camera of FIG.

8 is a diagram showing an example of setting access right information on the access right information input screen of FIG.

9 is a view showing a copy number upper limit value information input screen on the display means of the digital camera of FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 Digital camera (image handling system) 12 Four-way controller (password input method) 13,25 Control means 14 Memory card (recording means) 20 PC (image handling system) 21 Hard disk (recording means) 22 Keyboard (password input method) 23 Mouse (password input method)

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) G06F 17/30 120 G06F 17/30 120B 5D044 170 170B 5J104 G06T 1/00 200 G06T 1/00 200A G11B 20 / 10 G11B 20/10 H H04L 9/32 H04L 9/00 673A H04N 5/91 H04N 5/91 P F Term (reference) 5B017 AA01 AA06 BA05 BA06 BA09 CA07 CA14 CA16 5B050 AA09 BA10 BA15 FA02 FA19 GA07 5B075 KK43 KK54 KK63 KK KK67 KK68 ND08 UU40 5B082 AA13 EA11 EA12 5C053 FA08 FA13 FA23 JA30 KA24 LA01 LA11 5D044 AB08 BC01 CC05 CC08 DE45 DE50 GK12 HL08 5J104 AA12 PA14

Claims (23)

[Claims] 1. A data structure of an image file having image data and supplementary information relating to the image data, wherein the password information for the image file is included as the supplementary information. 2. The data structure according to claim 1, further comprising, as the additional information, input person information for identifying an input person of the password information. 3. The data structure according to claim 1, further comprising access right information for each processing of reproduction, deletion and copying of the image file as the additional information. 4. The copy number information indicating the number of times the image file has been copied, and the copy number upper limit value information indicating the upper limit of the copy number of the image file, as the additional information. The data structure described in 3. 5. An image handling system for handling an image file having image data and incidental information relating to the image data, the password information setting means for setting password information for the image file, and the set password information. An image handling system, comprising: a password information recording unit for recording the password in the incidental information of the image file. 6. An input person information setting means for setting input person information for identifying an input person of the password information, and an input person information recording means for recording the set input person information in incidental information of an image file. The image handling system according to claim 5, further comprising: 7. An access right information setting means for setting access right information for each processing of reproduction, deletion and copying of the image file, and an access right information recording for recording the set access right information in the incidental information of the image file. An image handling system according to claim 5 or 6, further comprising: 8. A copy number upper limit value information setting means for setting the upper limit value information of the copy number of the image file, and a copy number upper limit value information record for recording the set copy number upper limit value information in the incidental information of the image file. The image handling system according to claim 7, further comprising: 9. An image handling system for handling an image file having the data structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control means controls each processing of reproduction, deletion and duplication of the image file. And a password information acquisition unit that analyzes the incidental information of the image file and acquires password information for the image file, the control unit, if the password information for the image file exists, Play, erase,
An image handling system characterized by limiting processing of at least one of reproductions. 10. An image file having a data structure including access right information for each process of reproduction, deletion, and duplication of an image file as incidental information is handled, and the incidental information of the image file is analyzed to obtain the image. An access right information acquisition unit that acquires access right information to the file is provided, and the control unit is at least one of reproduction, deletion, and duplication of the image file according to the acquired access right information.
10. The image handling system according to claim 9, wherein the processing of (1) is restricted. 11. An image file having a data structure including, as incidental information, copy number information indicating the number of times the image file has been copied, and copy number upper limit value information indicating the upper limit of the copy number of the image file. A duplication number information acquisition unit that analyzes the incidental information of the image file and acquires duplication number information, and a duplication number upper limit value information acquisition unit that analyzes the incidental information of the image file and obtains the duplication number upper limit value information And a duplication number information recording unit for recording duplication number information of the image file, wherein the duplication number information recording unit is acquired by the duplication number information acquisition unit when a duplication process of the image file is performed. The copy process is reflected in the copied copy number information, the copy number information is rewritten to a value after the reflection, and the control unit sets the copy number upper limit value information. Values and, if the value of copy count information after rewriting match, image handling system according to claim 10, wherein to limit the duplication processing of subsequent said image file. 12. A password information input means for inputting password information, and a password information identification means for comparing the input password information with the password information acquired by the password information acquisition means to identify whether or not they match. The image handling system according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the password information identification means releases the processing restriction when the input password information and the acquired password information match. . 13. An image file having a data structure including, as incidental information, input person information for identifying an input person of password information, and recording means capable of classifying and recording the image file, An input person information acquisition unit that analyzes the incidental information of the image file and acquires the input person information; and a folder name creation unit that creates a folder name that can infer the input person information based on the acquired input person information, If a folder having the created folder name does not exist in the recording means, a folder creating means for newly creating the folder and an image file transfer for transferring the image file in the folder having the folder name in the recording means Means for transferring the image file into a folder having a folder name capable of analogizing the input person information, Image handling system according to any one of claims 9-12, characterized in that it is performed when the password information is present in the supplementary information of the file. 14. A function for setting password information for an image file in a computer that handles an image file having image data and additional information about the image data, and the set password information as additional information for the image file. A program characterized by realizing the function of recording. 15. The computer is made to realize a function of setting input person information for identifying an input person of the password information and a function of recording the set input person information in incidental information of an image file. 15. The method according to claim 14, wherein
The listed program. 16. The computer has a function of setting access right information for each process of reproduction, deletion, and copying of the image file, and a function of recording the set access right information in the incidental information of the image file. 16. The program according to claim 14, which is realized. 17. The computer is provided with a function of setting upper limit value information on the number of times of duplication of the image file and a function of recording the set upper limit value information on the number of times of duplication in additional information of the image file. The program according to claim 16, which is characterized in that. 18. A computer that handles an image file having the data structure according to claim 1, a function of controlling each process of reproduction, deletion, and duplication of the image file, and the image file. A function of analyzing the supplementary information of the image file and acquiring password information for the image file, and when controlling the processes of reproduction, deletion, and duplication of the image file, if the password information for the image file exists, the image A program that realizes a function of limiting at least one process of file reproduction, deletion, and copying. 19. A function for handling an image file having a data structure including access right information for each processing of reproduction, deletion and duplication of an image file as supplementary information in the computer, and analyzing the supplementary information of the image file. , A function of acquiring access right information to the image file, and when controlling each process of reproduction, deletion, and duplication of the image file, among the reproduction, deletion, and duplication of the image file according to the acquired access right information. The program according to claim 18, which realizes at least one function of limiting processing. 20. An image file having a data structure in the computer, which includes, as incidental information, copy count information indicating the number of times the image file has been copied, and copy count upper limit value information indicating the upper limit of the copy count of the image file And a function of analyzing the incidental information of the image file and acquiring the copy number information, a function of analyzing the incidental information of the image file and acquiring the copy number upper limit value information, and a duplication of the image file. A function of recording the number of times information, when the image file duplication process is performed, the incidental information of the image file is analyzed to obtain duplication number information,
A function to reflect the copy process in the acquired copy number information and rewrite the copy number information to a value after the reflection, and the copy number upper limit when controlling each process of reproduction, deletion, and copy of the image file. 20. The program according to claim 19, which realizes a function of restricting subsequent copying processing of the image file when a value of the value information and a value of the number of times of copying after rewriting match. 21. A function of inputting password information to the computer, a function of comparing the input password information with the acquired password information to identify whether they match, and the input password information and the acquired password. 21. The program according to any one of claims 18 to 20, which realizes a function of releasing processing restriction when the information matches. 22. A function of handling, in the computer, an image file having a data structure including input person information for identifying an input person of password information as additional information, and a function of classifying and recording the image file. , A function of analyzing the incidental information of the image file and acquiring the input person information, a function of creating a folder name that can analogize the input person information based on the acquired input person information, and a created folder name A function to create a new folder when the folder that it has does not exist in the recording means, and a folder name that can infer the input person information in the recording means when password information exists in the supplementary information of the image file 2. The function of transferring the image file into a folder having a file is realized.
The program according to any one of 8 to 21. 23. An image classification method for classifying an image file having a data structure including password information and input person information for identifying an input person of the password information as incidental information, wherein the input person information is An image classification method, characterized in that the image files are classified in a folder having a name that can be inferred.